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A Highlight From 2007
By Jennifer McClure | January 5, 2008
When he called, he simply introduced himself as “Dave.” He had recently returned from a trip to Africa with a dream for a new ministry. I enjoyed listening to him talk about his desire to make a difference in Africa, but the purpose of our phone call was to discuss the makings of his book, The Cross and the Switchblade.
Rev. David Wilkerson, founder of Teen Challenge, is a hero of the faith for many Christians and for me personally. Reading The Cross and the Switchblade when I was 12 or 13 challenged and encouraged me in my faith. The crazy things Wilkerson did in obedience to God, the miraculous transformations that took place in the lives of gang members in New York, the way God started the ministry of Teen Challenge — it was all so wonderful to read. Knowing some of the characters in the book are still alive, it validated the stories and made the power of the gospel become real for me.
Needless to say, I count it an honor to have spoken with “Dave.” To read my interview with him and Elizabeth Sherrill (who with her husband, John, co-authored many bestsellers, including The Hiding Place and The Cross and the Switchblade) visit the June 10, 2007 issue of Today’s Pentecostal Evangel and open the PDF under “The Cross and the Switchblade.”
On a side note, this year marks the 50th anniversary of Teen Challenge, an event which will be celebrated in June in New York City. Look for a news item in TPE closer to date.
Topics: TPE Interviews |
