David Wilkerson, an evangelical pastor, played a crucial role in helping Nicky Cruz, a young gang leader in New York City, by reaching out to him with compassion and understanding. Through his persistent outreach, Wilkerson offered Cruz hope and a sense of belonging, ultimately leading him to a life-changing spiritual transformation. Their relationship was pivotal, as Cruz eventually left his gang life and became an evangelist, sharing his story of redemption. Wilkerson's influence demonstrated the power of love and faith in transforming lives.
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David Wilber died on April 1, 1890 at the age of 69.
David Wilkerson, the founder of the Teen Challenge program and author of "The Cross and the Switchblade," passed away in April 2011. He lived in Texas at the time of his death. Therefore, he does not currently live anywhere.
Shortly after Cruz's ascension to leader of the gang, David Wilkerson was preaching in the neighbourhood when Cruz encountered him. The preacher told Cruz that Jesus loved him and would never stop loving him. A shocked Cruz responded by slapping Wilkerson and threatening to kill him. Wilkerson looked Cruz in the face and said that he could cut Wilkerson into a thousand pieces, but every piece would still say Jesus loves him. Wilkerson said that no one can kill love, and that God is love. That afternoon the preacher showed up at the Mau-Mau's headquarters to repeat his message, and was slapped again by Cruz. Wilkerson just smiled, and then prayed for Nicky. Two weeks later, Wilkerson had an evangelistic meeting in the neighbourhood. When Cruz heard about it, he decided to go and teach the preacher a "lesson" and, with some of the members of his gang, he headed for the boxing arena where the rally was being held, on a bus sent specially by Wilkerson. According to Cruz, when he arrived at the arena, he felt guilty about the things that he had done and started to pray. Wilkerson preached, and then asked the Mau-Mauls to take up a collection. Nicky sprang to his feet and led a group of the gang through the crowd insisting on people giving money. Going backstage, he saw an exit, but was struck by the fact that someone had actually trusted him. He gave the money to Wilkerson on stage. Later, Wilkerson gave an altar call, and many gang members responded. Wilkerson prayed with Cruz, and Cruz asked God to forgive him. The following day Cruz and some of the gang members who converted went to the police and turned in all of their bricks, handguns and knives, shocking the police officers in the station. They said that if they had seen the group approaching, they probably would have shot them down. Cruz began to study the Bible and went to Bible College. He became a preacher and returned to his old neighborhood where he preached and persuaded some of the Mau-Mauls to accept Jesus, including the gang's new leader, Israel Narvaez. By- Hannah Year- 7
God revealed Himself to Nicky Cruz through a profound encounter during a violent and troubled period in his life as a gang member in New York City. After being confronted by evangelist David Wilkerson, who expressed love and concern for him, Cruz experienced a transformative moment during a church service where he felt God's presence and love. This pivotal experience led to his conversion, ultimately inspiring him to share his story and faith with others.
In david wilkerson's church
Nicky was 16. Nicky's personal story of his life is called "Run Baby Run". David Wilkerson's story is much better known, and is called "The Cross and the Switchblade". Both are wonderful stories of God's redemptive work, and what love can do.
The film was The Cross and the Switchblade, but Nicky Cruz wasn't in it. It was a movie about him. Eric Estrada of C.H.I.P.s fame played Nicky. The part of David Wilkerson was played by Pat Boone. Click on Sources and related links:, below for more information about the movie.
He preaches to the world about his beliefs and his life changing experience.
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David Wilkerson is best known for being the founder of the addiction recovery program Teen Challenge. Wilkerson was born in 1931 on May 19th in Hammond, Indiana.
Nicky Cruz became a Christian in 1958 after attending a David Wilkerson rally in New York City. He was a former gang member and encountered a life-changing encounter with God, which led to his conversion.
David Wilber died on April 1, 1890 at the age of 69.
Nicky Cruz and David Wilkerson. "The Cross and the Switchblade" tells the true story of Rev. David Wilkerson leaving Pennsylvania to minister to the youth involved in the street gangs of New York in the late 1950's and 1960's. One of those members of the street gangs was Nicky Cruz, who became a Christian and has his own evangelistic outreach ministry, Nicky Cruz Outreach.
David Wilkerson. His live was forever touched by the words of Wilkerson after Nicky Cruz threatened to kill the preacher. David told Nicky "You can cut me up in a million pieces and lay them in the street," Wilkerson replied. "Every piece would still say I love you."
a street preacher called david wilkinson came to him and tried to help but nicky wouldn't accept his help. nicky cruz beat him up, spat on him and treatened him but he wouldn't go away. from this nicky became repentant for he had never known anyone be like this and he turned to the church there's more on this website... http://nickycruz.org/about/nicky_story/