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The Cross and The Switchblade
A young preacher from the Pennsylvania hills comes to New York City and influences troubled teenagers with his inspirational message.
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First published January 1, 1963
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,101 reviews
December 6, 2018
Another book I read many, many years ago, and like many people I picked it up at a time of crisis in my own life. After reading this book I went so far as to contact Nicky Cruz who was starting his own ministry.
As to the rating, the book isn't what might be called "great writing" but it is intense and in most places compelling. Told from a first person point of view Mr. Wilkerson relates the story and opens many of it's implications and inspirations to us.
That being said, and in the spirit of full disclosure I'm a Christian. So, let me go to the other end of the spectrum. If you're "anti-Christian" you more than likely won't like this book. It's frankly Christian and views that way of life as positive and looks at some of the best parts of Christianity. It's true that many Christians have done terrible things, some they have actually claimed they did in Christ's name. If that's the part of Christianity you want to look at, while it exists that's not what this book is about.
If you are honestly agnostic you might find this book interesting. I can't say for sure of course how it will hit you, but as I said, "might".
If you are on the fence, take a look and consider.
If you are a Christian, you may like this book. Let me suggest you look at it for what it is and not get too caught up in theological debate. Mr. Wilkerson is, I believe, a Baptist. Some will of course then disagree with theological details but that's not the point here. The story is inspirational and full of hope. I like it.
*********** Update 5/20/2011 ***********
It's actually difficult to track down a lot of information on David Wilkerson's denomination. He emphasized that Christians should NOT divide themselves up and split away from each other. So my statement above about his denomination may be off or outdated. He was with Assembly of God, I'm not sure who ordained him and his Texas organization was under an interdenominational group so... Wilkerson deemphasized denominations and emphasized oneness concentrating on God's holiness and love for humanity.
He was killed in a traffic accident April 24, 2011, he will be missed.
As to the rating, the book isn't what might be called "great writing" but it is intense and in most places compelling. Told from a first person point of view Mr. Wilkerson relates the story and opens many of it's implications and inspirations to us.
That being said, and in the spirit of full disclosure I'm a Christian. So, let me go to the other end of the spectrum. If you're "anti-Christian" you more than likely won't like this book. It's frankly Christian and views that way of life as positive and looks at some of the best parts of Christianity. It's true that many Christians have done terrible things, some they have actually claimed they did in Christ's name. If that's the part of Christianity you want to look at, while it exists that's not what this book is about.
If you are honestly agnostic you might find this book interesting. I can't say for sure of course how it will hit you, but as I said, "might".
If you are on the fence, take a look and consider.
If you are a Christian, you may like this book. Let me suggest you look at it for what it is and not get too caught up in theological debate. Mr. Wilkerson is, I believe, a Baptist. Some will of course then disagree with theological details but that's not the point here. The story is inspirational and full of hope. I like it.
*********** Update 5/20/2011 ***********
It's actually difficult to track down a lot of information on David Wilkerson's denomination. He emphasized that Christians should NOT divide themselves up and split away from each other. So my statement above about his denomination may be off or outdated. He was with Assembly of God, I'm not sure who ordained him and his Texas organization was under an interdenominational group so... Wilkerson deemphasized denominations and emphasized oneness concentrating on God's holiness and love for humanity.
He was killed in a traffic accident April 24, 2011, he will be missed.
March 27, 2013
As a non-Christian who dislikes being lectured about the supposed life-enriching joys of letting Jesus into your heart, I could logically be expected to loathe this book. To be fair, though, Wilkerson's work about his activities among street-kids and criminals is both entertaining and moving. He presents his case openly, with an obvious pride in his achievements and yet totally modestly, and pulls off the rare trick of telling a pro-Christian story that doesn't make the non-religious squirm with boredom or embarrassment.
Committed Christians will totally love this work - and I say that without any attempt at sarcasm or insult. To those with a more secular bent, I'd advise don't write this man's stuff off entirely. A good story is a good story, after all.
Committed Christians will totally love this work - and I say that without any attempt at sarcasm or insult. To those with a more secular bent, I'd advise don't write this man's stuff off entirely. A good story is a good story, after all.
August 31, 2018
I read this when I was ten and I still remember every detail!! It is one of the coolest and most GOD POWERFUL stories ever. And you wanna know what the best part is!? It's all true!!
July 7, 2013
I decided to read this book, because of the controversial religion in this book. Previously going to a religious school, i found this book would be a good read to experience a main male character, going through adventures other men i have read about have not. As i have not read a lot of this genre, i felt it would be good to expand my knowledge. Learning about other problems in this world, beside the ones occurring in my part of the world is important in exploring what the world has to offer.
On the bingo board, this book fits into the category of a main male character. David Wilkerson, a pastor for his small town's church, embarks on a wild chase into New York to spread the word of his religion to the less fortunate. The situations, many life and death, leave him battered and bruised, and we watch as he fights to bring justice and faith into a community in ruins. This makes him a strong male character, as many wish to have the will power to not give up.
My favorite quote from this book is 'Yeah, you could do that. You could cut me up into a thousand pieces and lay them in the street, and every piece will still love you.' This line moved me a great amount because it bluntly shows the unconditional love this man has. He has no hatred or energy to be horrid. Even though Nikki, the boy David is speaking to in the book, has done things David's religion despises, this quote brings us back to the reality of how much David cares. All he wants is to prove to Nikki that someone is willing to die for him, and still love him unconditionally. I think this is something that all humans in this world yearn for. The sense of belonging to someone, and having them utterly love them. To understand what David is trying to say, we must read between the lines and understand the deeper meaning behind it. This is why it is my favourite quote from this book.
I learnt from this book, that no matter where you live, or what you do, someone will always love you. You might not even realize it when you should, but in this world, the most unexpected people can be the ones you rely on the most. This made me open my eyes in my life, and look at my relationships from another perspective. When girl you walk past everyday silently smiles has effects your day, by making me smile back. She does't know you, but she is sharing something that people lack, but is what they need most. Love and happiness, even through a smile this can be seen. I learnt from this book, that love comes in different forms, and even when you think you are alone, there is always that one person willing to go the extra mile for you.
A setting that i found interesting was the city of New York. When we see it presented, it looks bright and exhilarating, a big, extravagant, perfect city. All my life, reading books and watching movies it has been a place i desperately wanted to visit because i thought of it as an utterly clean, healthy city. But reading this book, shattered my dreams of this pumping city. The prostitutes, gang streets, murders and the types of societies that cover the basis of most of the city shocked me. As much as i did not enjoy finding this out, it was fascinating to see how much of this cities flaws had been hidden from tourists. I learnt that nothing is quite what it seems, especially to a inexperienced child. That is why i found the city of New York an interesting setting.
On the bingo board, this book fits into the category of a main male character. David Wilkerson, a pastor for his small town's church, embarks on a wild chase into New York to spread the word of his religion to the less fortunate. The situations, many life and death, leave him battered and bruised, and we watch as he fights to bring justice and faith into a community in ruins. This makes him a strong male character, as many wish to have the will power to not give up.
My favorite quote from this book is 'Yeah, you could do that. You could cut me up into a thousand pieces and lay them in the street, and every piece will still love you.' This line moved me a great amount because it bluntly shows the unconditional love this man has. He has no hatred or energy to be horrid. Even though Nikki, the boy David is speaking to in the book, has done things David's religion despises, this quote brings us back to the reality of how much David cares. All he wants is to prove to Nikki that someone is willing to die for him, and still love him unconditionally. I think this is something that all humans in this world yearn for. The sense of belonging to someone, and having them utterly love them. To understand what David is trying to say, we must read between the lines and understand the deeper meaning behind it. This is why it is my favourite quote from this book.
I learnt from this book, that no matter where you live, or what you do, someone will always love you. You might not even realize it when you should, but in this world, the most unexpected people can be the ones you rely on the most. This made me open my eyes in my life, and look at my relationships from another perspective. When girl you walk past everyday silently smiles has effects your day, by making me smile back. She does't know you, but she is sharing something that people lack, but is what they need most. Love and happiness, even through a smile this can be seen. I learnt from this book, that love comes in different forms, and even when you think you are alone, there is always that one person willing to go the extra mile for you.
A setting that i found interesting was the city of New York. When we see it presented, it looks bright and exhilarating, a big, extravagant, perfect city. All my life, reading books and watching movies it has been a place i desperately wanted to visit because i thought of it as an utterly clean, healthy city. But reading this book, shattered my dreams of this pumping city. The prostitutes, gang streets, murders and the types of societies that cover the basis of most of the city shocked me. As much as i did not enjoy finding this out, it was fascinating to see how much of this cities flaws had been hidden from tourists. I learnt that nothing is quite what it seems, especially to a inexperienced child. That is why i found the city of New York an interesting setting.
August 24, 2011
CAREFUL in reading this book. It will trap you. This book is not about men. Instead, it's a book about the Holy Spirit in journeys of men. Firstly, the Spirit powerfully changed a journey of a preacher's life, David Wilkerson's. Then through this man's journey, a lot of other people's journeys are changed. From gangsters to ministers. From fighters to soldiers. From being lonesome to being loved. This is a story how God uses David Wilkerson to change teenagers in New York slums that were trapped in crimes, violence, drugs, and sex. This is a book that you need to read so you would know and want God's guidance in your life, so you would be a blessing towards other people's lives. You will be trapped in His awesome plan.
November 27, 2018
This was a Christian classic; a book to be found in any church library and one I owned and read as a teenager.
I was both shocked and feeling old when I was drawn to this 60th anniversary edition of the Teen Challenge. However, I am happy to report that there is nothing wrong with my comprehension or quickening spirit as I read of the special work David Wilkerson was called to so many years ago. A man of prayer, used to feeling God's direction his initial response to leave his country parish and forge a new work in New York ended in dismay and despondency. He had to share his vision and trust God to use his feeble human responses to give him an in with the Gangs of New York.
Yet This is closer to a later film - West Side Story - Sharks and Jets you can read of the Maus Maus and the Bishops; defined by immigration and poverty, the neighbourhoods they 'lived' in.
What is heartening to read even if the language has changed is that the power of the cross and the work of the Holy Spirit is clearly effective, and that God was in at the very start of this ministry. It has mushroomed and become a global mission addressing gang culture wherever it is significant and traps young people in crime, drug addiction, prostitution and violence. Switchblade is now referred to as just knife and into the violent mix guns are more freely available and used.
The dangers however faced by this faithful disciple of Christ were real; he goes into areas of New York the police were often scared to venture without backup. Their work was achieved through prayer, a shared vision across denominations and the response of God to the young people who put their trust in God's promises of New Life and Baptism in the Holy Spirit.
The work goes on as this special addition brings into focus. With updates on the Wilkinson family and the characters the original book introduced. Plus, the remarkable global response needed in this missionary work into a new century. Drug addiction continues to be a real concern and the problems of late 50's New York have still not been addressed by society other than spending vast amounts of money an imprisonment in the US penitentiary system.
This book will rekindle your faith.
Show that God is still at work around these issues.
That some books capture the hearts and minds of others, the is certainly one everyone should read.
John Sherrill and Elizabeth Sherrill should also get a mention for how they contributed to bring a life of faith into production in a readable form. This book reminds us they also worked to bring us the story of Brother Andrew, God's Smuggler and Corrie Ten Boom.
If you have never read this incredible story hunt out a copy; if you have how ever long ago, seek out this anniversary edition and rejoice with me that some of God's plans remain active and just need the labourers to bring in the harvest.
I was both shocked and feeling old when I was drawn to this 60th anniversary edition of the Teen Challenge. However, I am happy to report that there is nothing wrong with my comprehension or quickening spirit as I read of the special work David Wilkerson was called to so many years ago. A man of prayer, used to feeling God's direction his initial response to leave his country parish and forge a new work in New York ended in dismay and despondency. He had to share his vision and trust God to use his feeble human responses to give him an in with the Gangs of New York.
Yet This is closer to a later film - West Side Story - Sharks and Jets you can read of the Maus Maus and the Bishops; defined by immigration and poverty, the neighbourhoods they 'lived' in.
What is heartening to read even if the language has changed is that the power of the cross and the work of the Holy Spirit is clearly effective, and that God was in at the very start of this ministry. It has mushroomed and become a global mission addressing gang culture wherever it is significant and traps young people in crime, drug addiction, prostitution and violence. Switchblade is now referred to as just knife and into the violent mix guns are more freely available and used.
The dangers however faced by this faithful disciple of Christ were real; he goes into areas of New York the police were often scared to venture without backup. Their work was achieved through prayer, a shared vision across denominations and the response of God to the young people who put their trust in God's promises of New Life and Baptism in the Holy Spirit.
The work goes on as this special addition brings into focus. With updates on the Wilkinson family and the characters the original book introduced. Plus, the remarkable global response needed in this missionary work into a new century. Drug addiction continues to be a real concern and the problems of late 50's New York have still not been addressed by society other than spending vast amounts of money an imprisonment in the US penitentiary system.
This book will rekindle your faith.
Show that God is still at work around these issues.
That some books capture the hearts and minds of others, the is certainly one everyone should read.
John Sherrill and Elizabeth Sherrill should also get a mention for how they contributed to bring a life of faith into production in a readable form. This book reminds us they also worked to bring us the story of Brother Andrew, God's Smuggler and Corrie Ten Boom.
If you have never read this incredible story hunt out a copy; if you have how ever long ago, seek out this anniversary edition and rejoice with me that some of God's plans remain active and just need the labourers to bring in the harvest.
March 23, 2017
Although the book seems interesting for teenagers and brainwashed people, but I've never believed what the clergy ever say about anything.
September 15, 2008
When I was in college, I had a class on urbanization where we broke up into small groups. Each group was then assigned an inner-city neighborhood in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. My group was assigned the Powderhorn/Central neighborhoods of Minneapolis, and we spent the next few weeks getting to know the area. (On the first day we saw the cops chase down a teenager on foot)
One of the stops we made was to a church that was home to a local TeenChallenge ministry, so we sat in on one of their daily worship services. We were surrounded by a ton of local youth, guys on one side of the room, gals on the other. It was quite the experience to see the service get going and watch these folks with such rough backgrounds become filled with the Holy Spirit.
This is the experience that David Wilkerson talks about in his book, The Cross and The Switchblade. He talks about his initial calling to the streets of New York City in the early 60's, and the ministry he started that targeted troubled youth, often heavily involved in gangs and drugs. There is a heavy reliance on the power of the Holy Spirit, which they discover has amazing power to overcome often deadly addictions such as heroin.
If there's one thing I'm left with after reading this book, it's an amazing sense of boldness on the part of Wilkerson and those around him. For a random small town pastor to go to the streets of NYC on a whim and risk his life for thugs and killers is an incredible testament of boldness through Christ and the Holy Spirit.
One of the stops we made was to a church that was home to a local TeenChallenge ministry, so we sat in on one of their daily worship services. We were surrounded by a ton of local youth, guys on one side of the room, gals on the other. It was quite the experience to see the service get going and watch these folks with such rough backgrounds become filled with the Holy Spirit.
This is the experience that David Wilkerson talks about in his book, The Cross and The Switchblade. He talks about his initial calling to the streets of New York City in the early 60's, and the ministry he started that targeted troubled youth, often heavily involved in gangs and drugs. There is a heavy reliance on the power of the Holy Spirit, which they discover has amazing power to overcome often deadly addictions such as heroin.
If there's one thing I'm left with after reading this book, it's an amazing sense of boldness on the part of Wilkerson and those around him. For a random small town pastor to go to the streets of NYC on a whim and risk his life for thugs and killers is an incredible testament of boldness through Christ and the Holy Spirit.
December 31, 2016
I have read this book several times since it was published and reread it again today.
This book documents a walk of life probably closest to that of the early church that I have ever read. It is a story of being led by the Holy Spirit in every detail of life, in order to reach into the hearts of the lost boys and girls of the slums of New York City and to show them powerful deliverance from drug addictions, violence, street gangs, broken homes, poverty, etc. For example, twice he needed to find someone in New York City, had no idea where they lived, but drove up to their homes, this done in a city with a population larger than that of Canada.
It is a story of bravery, but bravery caused by the infilling of the Holy Spirit, to lead and guide them, to trust Him for protection, using only love against knives and other weapons. It is a story of trusting God for provision, running a home with a budget of thousands of dollars per year with never more than $100 in the bank. It is a story of wisdom, knowing how to reach the hearts of desperate, lonely people in a drug culture with which David Wilkerson had no experience, but only the compassion of God in his heart for these people.
It is a story that inspires people to realize that the book of Acts can still be alive today.
It is also humbling when we realize how short we come of what we could be in Christ if we allowed His love to be our driving force.
I never fail to be encouraged in my faith when I read this book.
This book documents a walk of life probably closest to that of the early church that I have ever read. It is a story of being led by the Holy Spirit in every detail of life, in order to reach into the hearts of the lost boys and girls of the slums of New York City and to show them powerful deliverance from drug addictions, violence, street gangs, broken homes, poverty, etc. For example, twice he needed to find someone in New York City, had no idea where they lived, but drove up to their homes, this done in a city with a population larger than that of Canada.
It is a story of bravery, but bravery caused by the infilling of the Holy Spirit, to lead and guide them, to trust Him for protection, using only love against knives and other weapons. It is a story of trusting God for provision, running a home with a budget of thousands of dollars per year with never more than $100 in the bank. It is a story of wisdom, knowing how to reach the hearts of desperate, lonely people in a drug culture with which David Wilkerson had no experience, but only the compassion of God in his heart for these people.
It is a story that inspires people to realize that the book of Acts can still be alive today.
It is also humbling when we realize how short we come of what we could be in Christ if we allowed His love to be our driving force.
I never fail to be encouraged in my faith when I read this book.
November 4, 2024
God really blows my mind. He took a country preacher who knew nothing about gangs, and brought him to the middle of New York to minister to the troubled teens there. It's almost comical the people that God chooses to do his work. So often he takes people and puts them in situations that we would say were utterly foolish. Then God works miracles and changes lives.
August 20, 2012
I have wanted to read this one for a long time but never seemed to be able to find it at book sales. After finally being able to read it I understand why some consider it a Christian classic. You may not agree with Wilkerson's theology but while men stand around and argue theology Wilkerson's work still lives on. He was willing to go into the worst places and reach out to the meanest people and God rewarded him for that. This is a great book to read, it was an easy read and the authors kept it short and sweet. The fact that Nicky Cruz is still preaching today rather than being in prison for murder is testimony enough to the change that took place in him. David Wilkerson's ministry has lasted longer than he did because it was bigger than he was. This was a great uplifting book and if you are a christian you should read this one.
December 4, 2021
A profoundly moving and beautiful book. David Wilkerson was a sheltered country pastor with a charismatic background who was called by God to minister to troubled inner-city youth, who were often violent and addicted to drugs.
This book is interesting to me because it is the third major work of John and Elizabeth Sherrill, a pair of chaismatics who helped write The Hiding Place and God's Smuggler. This book is the darkest of the bunch in many ways, though Corrie ten Boom is a more convicting writer. However, if someone wanted to know how amazing Evangelicalism was before Big Eva came and turned it into a mass-produced product, these would be the books I would give them.
The reason for that is because all of these books are about heart-gospel, trusting God, and loving one's neighbor (including one's enemies). As charismatic writers, the Sherrills obviously had some blind spots: they had seen miracles and so there's very little of the mundane in their work. What separates them from a certain type of narcissism is that they talked about the most gut-wrenching topics and they recognize that sometimes God does not answer right away. For instance, this book talks about a lot of truly remarkable miracles. I probably cried a few times in this book about how these lonely street kids were saved and brought from darkness to light. At the same time, at the end of this book, Wilkerson explains that many kids would relapse, even after receiving baptism in the Holy Spirit (Wilkerson was uniquely ecumenical in that he did not think Christians who did not have this baptism were unsaved). The relapsing is the thing that prevents me from dismissing Wilkierson as someone who only selected the stories that were remarkable and left out the failure stories.
Wilkerson thought that the only way for people to break a drug addiction was for them to be baptized by the Holy Spirit. There is an interesting parallel that I see in Wurmbrand's Tortured for Christ: there he says that it is possible through the mind to survive torture. Wilkerson observes that boys could go cold-turkey pretty well, but they had nothing to live for after they left withdrawal and so they would return to drugs for solace. Something like a baptism of the Holy Spirit, invoking God, I think made these teenage boys come into the presence of God in a more real way than we are used to and that did something that all our burnt-out revivalism often does not do for normal people. This is where the charismatics are really great, it seems to me: they know that God does real things for us and, if they overhype the quick-fix, they know that only a fix will do for those really broken; that is, only absolute trust and confidence in God planning every moment and care for us can break deep darkness.
Now of course, there's you and me who do not see miracles like this, who do not experience miracles or feelings of ecstascy all the time, and who have a lot of normal life ups and downs. I still think we can learn from this, since the God of Wilkerson and Moses and Jesus is the same God that has planned every second of our lives and every thought, feeling, and experience we have had. In that case, such books like this are moving reminders of God's grace and mercy.
This book is interesting to me because it is the third major work of John and Elizabeth Sherrill, a pair of chaismatics who helped write The Hiding Place and God's Smuggler. This book is the darkest of the bunch in many ways, though Corrie ten Boom is a more convicting writer. However, if someone wanted to know how amazing Evangelicalism was before Big Eva came and turned it into a mass-produced product, these would be the books I would give them.
The reason for that is because all of these books are about heart-gospel, trusting God, and loving one's neighbor (including one's enemies). As charismatic writers, the Sherrills obviously had some blind spots: they had seen miracles and so there's very little of the mundane in their work. What separates them from a certain type of narcissism is that they talked about the most gut-wrenching topics and they recognize that sometimes God does not answer right away. For instance, this book talks about a lot of truly remarkable miracles. I probably cried a few times in this book about how these lonely street kids were saved and brought from darkness to light. At the same time, at the end of this book, Wilkerson explains that many kids would relapse, even after receiving baptism in the Holy Spirit (Wilkerson was uniquely ecumenical in that he did not think Christians who did not have this baptism were unsaved). The relapsing is the thing that prevents me from dismissing Wilkierson as someone who only selected the stories that were remarkable and left out the failure stories.
Wilkerson thought that the only way for people to break a drug addiction was for them to be baptized by the Holy Spirit. There is an interesting parallel that I see in Wurmbrand's Tortured for Christ: there he says that it is possible through the mind to survive torture. Wilkerson observes that boys could go cold-turkey pretty well, but they had nothing to live for after they left withdrawal and so they would return to drugs for solace. Something like a baptism of the Holy Spirit, invoking God, I think made these teenage boys come into the presence of God in a more real way than we are used to and that did something that all our burnt-out revivalism often does not do for normal people. This is where the charismatics are really great, it seems to me: they know that God does real things for us and, if they overhype the quick-fix, they know that only a fix will do for those really broken; that is, only absolute trust and confidence in God planning every moment and care for us can break deep darkness.
Now of course, there's you and me who do not see miracles like this, who do not experience miracles or feelings of ecstascy all the time, and who have a lot of normal life ups and downs. I still think we can learn from this, since the God of Wilkerson and Moses and Jesus is the same God that has planned every second of our lives and every thought, feeling, and experience we have had. In that case, such books like this are moving reminders of God's grace and mercy.
July 2, 2020
Christelijk verhaal over bekering. Jaren geleden gelezen.
July 15, 2022
Well, it was interesting.
November 4, 2019
Wow! I know I've read bits and pieces of this story before, but never the full account. It was amazing to see how God worked through so many unexplainable impulses, seeming accidents, and even what appeared to be mistakes to begin a powerful ministry that's touched more lives than anyone could have imagined. I also loved the reminders of how very weak we are without God's strength and how we can never judge what God can do in someone's heart by their outside appearance. Such a powerful, powerful testimony all the way around!
A note on the content: the details about gang/street life in a big city are not overly described but not glossed over. There are mentions of fights, murders, drug use, witchcraft, pornography, various sexual sins, etc. There are a few instances of profanity, only quoted when the exact words are important to a specific scene. In one instance, we see a close-up view of drug use. All of it is written to make the enormity of the problem very real to the readers, but none of it is ever glorified. There was only one part of one chapter, where the details of the challenges they were facing were gone into in some depth, where I seriously considered skipping. Overall, the focus is on the deliverance, not the darkness, but I don't recommend the book for young readers without close parental oversight.
A note on the content: the details about gang/street life in a big city are not overly described but not glossed over. There are mentions of fights, murders, drug use, witchcraft, pornography, various sexual sins, etc. There are a few instances of profanity, only quoted when the exact words are important to a specific scene. In one instance, we see a close-up view of drug use. All of it is written to make the enormity of the problem very real to the readers, but none of it is ever glorified. There was only one part of one chapter, where the details of the challenges they were facing were gone into in some depth, where I seriously considered skipping. Overall, the focus is on the deliverance, not the darkness, but I don't recommend the book for young readers without close parental oversight.
June 24, 2024
A wonderful book describing the challenges of a missonary to the gangs of New York. It really opened my eyes to the suffering, that happens in those cities, and the death that comes from drugs, and no God.
November 23, 2021
This is an awesome book about a gangster, Nickie Cruz, conversion from street thug to a strong man with Christian charictor.
I recommend this book to all who need some inspiration.
I recommend this book to all who need some inspiration.
September 8, 2025
Wow, what an amazing story!! This story was filled with tons of beautiful testimonies along with David’s story! A good reminder that we serve an all powerful God who is continually moving among us and stirring the hearts of men! The love of Jesus will always be stronger than the switchblade.
I also just loved this book cause helping teens is something near and dear to my heart.
⚠️ Content wise: would definitely caution younger readers. The book talks about different sinful activities that go on in gangs.
I also just loved this book cause helping teens is something near and dear to my heart.
⚠️ Content wise: would definitely caution younger readers. The book talks about different sinful activities that go on in gangs.
February 12, 2024
I would say I enjoyed this book. The author did a good job at conveying his thoughts and hopes for the gangs of New York. He had a lot of detail. I definitely think he could have left some of it out.
Although I don't completely agree with everything that he says, I do agree with his belief that prayer can change anything.
I recommend that this book is read with caution. Some topics are more geared towards adults.
Although I don't completely agree with everything that he says, I do agree with his belief that prayer can change anything.
I recommend that this book is read with caution. Some topics are more geared towards adults.
March 13, 2023
Amazing narration of how David started up and built his ministry.
This story teaches a lot of Christian lessons through the Minister's life that you'll be able to pick up if your mind is open to noticing them and learning.
I would recommend it to any Christian especially those who are in any form of ministry
This story teaches a lot of Christian lessons through the Minister's life that you'll be able to pick up if your mind is open to noticing them and learning.
I would recommend it to any Christian especially those who are in any form of ministry
November 24, 2024
My grandma had lots of books while growing up and living with her I would read a lot. Many of weekends was spent reading, she had this book and I read it in my teens. I don’t remember everything I read verbatim but I do remember the ending. That stuck with me. This book is about a preacher who comes to New York and helps troubled teenagers.
August 27, 2020
Am observat că în ultima vreme vorbesc despre cărți pornind nu de la povestea în sine, ci de cum a ajuns aceasta la mine. Iar când cine vorba de cartea asta, chiar nu pot să fac altfel.
O carte despre speranță și lipsa ei. Despre singurătatea ce pare imposibilă într-un oraș atât de mare. Despre partea întunecată a unei metropole. Despre ceva ce sună atât de mult a distopie încât îți vine să recitești descrierea de pe copertă ca să îți bagi în minte că, de fapt, e totul adevărat.
Prea adevărat. Și prea crud.
Dar în toate e o mână albă ce scoate acele gata să bage o nouă doză de heroină, ce protejează de pumnale și ce arată iar și iar ce putere are credința. În toate, e Dumnezeu ce abia așteaptă să lucreze.
Iar mie...mie îmi aprinde acele beculețe ce n-au fost niciodată stinse, dar n-au fost niciodată destul de puternice. Încă.
O carte despre speranță și lipsa ei. Despre singurătatea ce pare imposibilă într-un oraș atât de mare. Despre partea întunecată a unei metropole. Despre ceva ce sună atât de mult a distopie încât îți vine să recitești descrierea de pe copertă ca să îți bagi în minte că, de fapt, e totul adevărat.
Prea adevărat. Și prea crud.
Dar în toate e o mână albă ce scoate acele gata să bage o nouă doză de heroină, ce protejează de pumnale și ce arată iar și iar ce putere are credința. În toate, e Dumnezeu ce abia așteaptă să lucreze.
Iar mie...mie îmi aprinde acele beculețe ce n-au fost niciodată stinse, dar n-au fost niciodată destul de puternice. Încă.
July 25, 2020
This is another book I am just not sure how to rate - I was more like 12 or 13 when I read this and to be honest, it scared the beejeezus out of me. I had nightmares for weeks [and when my Mom found out that I had read this and that I had gotten it from the christian school I attended, she was livid. Good thing she never found all those John Benton books. WHEW!!] and even now, I get the willies thinking of this book and the story. Which I guess was the point - scare them straight while they are young. Well, it worked [up to a point - I was still a rebellious mouthy teen, just not into crime or drugs], so I guess bonus points? ;-)
And since I can still remember it all these years later, I am going with a 4 star rating. To have read this so young and still remember it when you are old, that is saying something about the book.
And since I can still remember it all these years later, I am going with a 4 star rating. To have read this so young and still remember it when you are old, that is saying something about the book.
January 17, 2011
This is a very powerful book! I wept tears of joy after almost every chapter just watching how God was directing this man's steps toward what God was calling him to do. I remember I found it because someone from Teen Challenge suggested it when I was researching info about Teen Challenge for a screenplay I wanted to do. After reading it I felt that this book would make a powerful movie. Then I found out it was. Unfortunately the movie didn't do it justice I think because of the low budget it probably had. But the story is still very relevent today and a big budget feature of it would bring the story and its outreach program some huge exposure. God willing, I would love to write that screenplay.
April 30, 2011
True Story of a small town Pastor who, through a commitment to replace watching T.V with prayer, is led by the Spirit to Harlem to minister to 13-16 year old gang members responsible for the murder of a special needs boy.
The story recounts the conversation of gang members, Rev.Wilkenson's faith to follow and trust the Holy Spirit's leading and provision, and provides a great reminder of the powerful God I serve....His heart for the lost and exhorts me to trust his power more.
The story recounts the conversation of gang members, Rev.Wilkenson's faith to follow and trust the Holy Spirit's leading and provision, and provides a great reminder of the powerful God I serve....His heart for the lost and exhorts me to trust his power more.
August 30, 2011
Wow! What an amazing faith-building story! Highly recommended for teens and beyond (some of the content is a bit too mature for little ears, although I do plan on reading this aloud to my family with some editing as I go).
If you are looking for a book that will build your faith, read this book.
If you are looking for a good resource for teens that would deter them from desiring to experiment with drugs, have them read this book.
If you are looking for a book that will build your faith, read this book.
If you are looking for a good resource for teens that would deter them from desiring to experiment with drugs, have them read this book.
November 9, 2015
I finished this book today and it's all I have been thinking about. I am always blown away when I read about how God has worked in others lives, Holy Spirit stories, faith, how God comes through when we put all our trust in him, I learned so much about drug addiction and the hard areas of New York City. I truly admire David Wilkerson and all that he has done there and his faithfulness in God and truly doing God's will , wow. I can go on and on about this one, highly recommend it !
May 27, 2016
Noting on my Goodreads newsfeed that this book is being re-published, I was reminded that I read it long, long ago. (I was about 13 years old, and it was available in our church library.) I clearly remember one scene that has stuck with me all these years; if an author can write with that kind of staying power, his book probably deserves 4 stars. (-:
June 23, 2016
This is an amazing true story. It was easy to read and follow. It didn't hold anything back about the reality of gangs, violence, drug abuse and the power of the Holy Spirit. I think all Christians would be encouraged by this story!
March 1, 2017
A great story of the Gospel being spread to the darkest regions of society...and all the more impressive because it's true.
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