The Cross and the Switchblade

David Wilkerson listened to the voice of God and obeyed. When he did, the Lord grew a holy unction into an international ministry which has now touched millions of lives around the world. From Teen Challenge Centers around the world to Times Square Church, now representing a congregation from 135 countries, to European Crusdaes and worldwide missions, this ministry is centered on Jesus Christ.
It is the unique focus on the personality and power of the Holy Spirit which separates this work from so many others.
The call to action was spoken into his life, and into the lives of a New York City street gang, headed by Nicky Cruz, in the late sixties. The Cross and the Switchblade is a modern day classic of God's power and grace infusing the most dangerous and difficult layer of society; the violent gangs.
The message is life changing, then and now.

I purchased this book after Teen Challenge came to our town and I heard about how this amazing group began. The Cross and The Switchblade is the true story of David Wilkerson's vision to create a safe place for teens who are endangered due to home situations and substance abuse.

This book was a good read that lead me as the reader through the ssituations that brought Teen Challenge to life.

A mind blowing account of David Wilkerson's (founder of Teen Challenge) calling to minister to the youth on the streets in New York City. Thrilling book, a huge encouragement to those wondering if God can provide for their calling.

I could not put this book down. If you have ever struggled with addiction or know someone who has this book is a must read. It gives you an inside view of the miracle working power of God.This book will touch everyone's heart no matter how you feel about God or religion.

This book is based on a true story. A true testimony to the power of God. The kind of transforming power still available today. The impact of this true story has continued to touch and change lives forever. The movie is also very powerful if you get the chance to view it. Thank God for men and women who continue to listen to God's voice in a time that many naysayers say the sitution is hopeless.

Just saw that there is an old movie, with Pat Boone, made from this book.
Don't know how the movie will be yet. However, I like to give good reviews for books that deserve them and many years after having read this one - which I had virtually forgotten til today - I still see it as one of the most profound witnesses to what a life in Messiah should reflect. Amazing story. It will bless you and humble you.

The Cross and the Switchblade

"Dear God, I'm the dirtiest sinner in New York. I don't know if You want me. If You do want me, you can have me..." This was what one of the toughest, meanest, and hardest gang leaders in New York said one night at an alter call at one of David Wilkerson's youth rallies. Nicky later became a preacher.

This book was not only a good read, but a good experience. It takes you from David Wilkerson's small town to the slums of New York City, where there are kids with many problems. Some are homeless, some have homes but would rather stay out in the streets, and some are drug addicts, just to name a few of their problems.

David Wilkerson was drawn to New York City from seeing a picture in LIFE magazine of kids who were on trial for murder. He wanted to try to help these kids, but wasn't allowed to speak to them, and was thrown out of their court when he tried to speak to the judge. This actually influenced how he was accepted on the streets by the gangs, because he was fighting the law too, like them, or so they thought.

David started off just meeting kids from different gangs, and soon was known all around New York City by these kids and their parents. He called it "street evangelism" and that's exactly what it was like. He was getting new "disciples" every day, and changing lives. He was changing kids from drug addicts, to preachers. Some of the gang members who "got religion" were beaten up, because they didn't fight back because of their faith. This is how it was for many of these new converts.

After four years of driving to New York City on his days off, David and his family moved to New York, so he could work with the kids every day. He had many supporters around the city to help him financially and spiritually. Some were preachers, and some were just regular people who sent in money as a tithe, or just felt the need to send money. After about a year David started on his idea of a center for the kids who were homeless, or had a drug addiction, or other problems. This could be where they could stay for help, or just a place to feel loved. They could learn about GOD and go to church in their chapel in the center. The center was run by volunteers mostly, but some were paid ten dollars a week. They had nurses, preachers and street preachers working there, helping these kids recover from the harsh city of New York.

All in all this was a really good book...very eye opening. I'd recommend it for ages 15 and older.

This is one book that I highly recommend to anyone who is planning to do home mission work with youth. The story tells of God's power in the life of a country preacher who lived a life sheltered from much of the world, and enters the streets of New York City with a message of God's love to gangs, drug addicts, and prostitutes.

I recently went on a mission trip to South Padre Island, TX on spring break. To those who don't know, South Padre is among the worst places to be on spring break--lots of partying, stripping, sex, bing drinking. I can truely relate to what Rev. Wilerson saw in the gangsters of New York--lost and dying souls. Having been sheltered myself, I was taken with a great fear of what I would see on the island, but just as my team arrived, the fear was gone, and I was gripped with the power of the Holy Ghost. This is the same Holy Ghost that empowered David Wilkerson in New York City when he brough the Cross in contact with the switchblade.

If you are looking for a profound theological treatise you may want to pass on this. If you want an inspiring real life story, dig in.
This is a simple true story of a country preacher who obeyed God and went way outside his comfort zone to rescue drug addicts and gang members in the streets of New York.
He dared to believe that the same power that launched the early Christian church could penetrate the shells of hardened substance abusers. As the story chronicles, God still is in the business of rescuing the flotsam and jetsam of modern society.
His faith in stepping out launched a movement that is still with us today, Teen Challenge. This movement has seen an unparalled recovery rate amongst addicts. It is still based on the premise that faith in a living God can transform anyone's life.
Relatively recently I spoke with a friend of mine from 1974 who was a male prostitute junkie and a mess when I first met him at Teen Challenge. He is still clean. Another friend from the same era who was an acid head (abuser of LSD) today pastors a church.

Terrible.