The Cross and the Switchblade: The True Story of One Man's Fearless Faith - Paperback

by David Wilkerson (Author), John Sherrill (Author), Elizabeth Sherrill (Author)

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"Go to New York City and help those boys."

David Wilkerson was taken aback when he heard God speak those words to him late one night as he stared at a picture of seven young gang members on trial for murder. He was simply a country preacher at a small church in Pennsylvania. What impact could he possibly make--especially in New York City?

But God continued to lay those boys on his heart, and he sensed this was his calling. So he uprooted himself from his comfortable life to pursue the dangerous mission God was calling him to. Not long after, he was moving among the most violent gangs and drug users in New York, sharing the Gospel.

This captivating story describes the founding of Teen Challenge--an inner-city ministry that today maintains residential and crisis counseling centers around the globe--and the man who obeyed God's summons to reach out to the least of these. It is also the story of how God can use anyone to save those we may think are beyond saving.

Back Jacket

"Go to New York City and help those boys."

David Wilkerson was taken aback when he heard God speak those words to him late one night as he stared at a picture of seven young gang members on trial for murder. He was simply a country preacher at a small church in Pennsylvania. What impact could he possibly make--especially in New York City?

But God continued to lay those boys on his heart, and he sensed this was his calling. So he uprooted himself from his comfortable life to pursue the dangerous mission God was calling him to. Not long after, he was moving among the most violent gangs and drug users in New York, sharing the Gospel.

This captivating story describes the founding of Teen Challenge--an inner-city ministry that today maintains residential and crisis counseling centers around the globe--and the man who obeyed God's summons to reach out to the least of these. It is also the story of how God can use anyone to save those we may think are beyond saving.

Author Biography

David Wilkerson (1931-2011) founded Teen Challenge and World Challenge and was the founding pastor of Times Square Church in New York City. The author of more than 40 books, he traveled the globe encouraging pastors and sharing the gospel. On the day of his death, he was still ministering.

John and Elizabeth Sherrill have coauthored numerous bestsellers--classics such as The Hiding Place, The Cross and the Switchblade, and God's Smuggler--and have traveled the world researching and writing articles and books. They cofounded Chosen Books, along with Leonard and Catherine Marshall LeSourd. John passed away in December 2017 after a lifetime of dedicated ministry.