Evangelist and Author David Wilkerson ("The Cross and the Switchblade") 1931-2011

[Zoneboy]

Link (http://www.gtowntimes.com/local/Teen-Challenge-founder-killed-in-traffic-accident2011-04-27T18-30-09)

David Wilkerson — founder of Teen Challenge which has its South Carolina headquarters in Georgetown County — has passed away.

Charisma Online reports Wilkerson died today in an automobile accident in Texas.

Wilkerson founded Times Square Church in New York City and was the focus of the book and movie The Cross and the Switchblade.

Wilkerson founded Teen Challenge in 1960. The goal of Teen Challenge is to help troubled youth and adults, particularly those with life-controlling problems due to drugs or alcohol.

Over five decades, the Christ-centered Teen Challenge program has consistently shown one of the world's highest success rates, according to the organization’s website.

The organization’s only facility in South Carolina is on a 45 acre tract in the Yauhannah area of Georgetown County.

It has a dorm that houses up to 20 men which opened last year.

The first building, used as an office and counseling facility was dedicated in 2005. There is also a classroom building.

S.C. Teen Challenge Director Wayne Powell said he has “so many memories” of Wilkerson and “so many lives” have been changed through his ministry. “

We will move on from here because there is a cause that is bigger than us and that is the way he would have it,” Powell said.


http://assets.mediaspanonline.com/prod/6233675/david-wilkerson-avatar-3108_w400.jpg

[catlover79]

:rip: I own one of his books!!!! He did so much for God's Kingdom. May God be with his loved ones.

[Marvo301]

:rip: David Wilkerson. He made a positive impact on many lives and I'm sure the organization he founded (Teen Challenge) will continue to impact lives!

[catlover79]

http://blog.christianitytoday.com/ctliveblog/archives/2011/04/david_wilkerson.html

April 27, 2011 8:48PM
David Wilkerson Killed in Car Crash

Sarah Pulliam Bailey

David Wilkerson, author of The Cross and the Switchblade and founder of World Challenge Ministries, died in a car crash today, Charisma and CBN are reporting.

CBN reports that Wilkerson was 79. The church that he founded, Times Square Church in New York City, has more than 8,000 members. His wife Gwen, was also involved in the crash and was rushed to the hospital where she is said to be in critical condition.

In 2009, Wilkerson posted a message warning of riots, fires, and economic collapse in New York City. CT wrote at the time about why Wilkerson's message received so much attention.

Wilkerson has more credibility and name recognition than many other online prophets. He is the author of The Cross and the Switchblade, one of the most popular books in evangelical history. (It ranked #32 in Christianity Today's list of "Top 50 Books That Have Shaped Evangelicals.") His Teen Challenge ministry is very prominent in discussions of drug treatment and social service partnerships between church and government. And Times Square Church, which he founded, reportedly draws 8,000 people weekly and is known for its many social service ministries.

Wilkerson continued to write blog posts until his death.

Update: Details about Wilkerson's memorial service will be posted on Times Square's website, which states that it will be streamed live.

http://www.tscnyc.org/pastor_david_wilkerson.php

Rev. David Wilkerson
May 19, 1931 - April 27, 2011

It is with deepest of sadness that we have to inform you of the sudden passing of Reverend David Wilkerson, our founding pastor.

As the details of the family’s wishes are made known we will relay them to you on this website.

There will be a memorial service at Times Square Church at a date yet to be determined. It will be streamed live to give an opportunity for all to participate.

Pastor David Wilkerson’s was a life fully given for the glory of God and souls of men. He was greatly loved and he will be greatly missed.

Our prayers are with the family and we as a church body are committed to standing with them at this time of sorrow.

Pastor Carter Conlon

P.S. Please do not call the church as we will be inundated with calls. For more information, please refer back to this website.

[Brad]

Teen Challenge helped my best friend kick heroin. Mr. Wilkerson leaves behind an amazing legacy. God bless him and his family.

[catlover79]

What an amazing legacy indeed!! :cool: :D

[70s show watcher]

i remember seenig the movie the cross and the switchblade many years ago r i p mr wilkerson

[catlover79]

Here's an interesting bit of trivia - the director of The Cross and the Switchblade was none other than Don Murray (Knots Landing)!!

[old grouch]

David Wilkerson did a lot of good for a lot of people, and is now in a better place. RIP