The Legacy of David Wilkerson

CBN reported yesterday that David Wilkerson, founder of Teen Challenge, passed away in a tragic car accident. See part of their article below.

Our team at 95.3 Praise FM spent the morning of April 28th remembering David Wilkerson's legacy and faithfulness to the Lord.

Morning announcer and station manager PK talks with Minnesota Teen Challenge director Rich Scherber:

Recording of Nicky Cruz, the young gang member converted in the story told in The Cross and the Switchblade.

"Rev. David Wilkerson, founding pastor of Times Square Church in New York City and author of the well-known book The Cross and the Switchblade, was killed Wednesday in a head-on collision in Texas. He was 79.

Wilkerson posted [his last] blog dated April 27 - the day of his death. In the post, titled "When All Means Fail," he encouraged those facing difficulty to "hold fast" and stand strong in faith.

Rev. Wilkerson spent the early part of his ministry reaching out to gang members and drug addicts in New York, as told in his bestselling bookThe Cross and the Switchblade.

In 1971, he started World Challenge, Inc. as an umbrella for his crusades, conferences, evangelism and other ministry. The Times Square Church was founded under the group in 1987. The church is now led by Pastor Carter Conlon and has more than 8,000 members.

Wilkerson also founded Teen Challenge, a Christian outreach program for troubled young people.

"Please remember the Wilkerson family in your prayers as our founder, Rev. David Wilkerson, went to be with the Lord this evening," Teen Challenge told Twitter followers.

He is survived by his wife, four children and 11 grandchildren."