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Loading... The Cross and the Switchblade (1962)by David Wilkerson, Elizabeth Sherrill, John Sherrill
None. A bit dated but still a good read ( )This is an amazing account of the life of a man who turned himself over to God no matter what the cost. It is a quick read and a great story. I admit it, I picked up the book because the cover of my copy features Pat Boone and Erick Estrada from the movie version. I bought it to fill in the gaps that I miss when the film is on tv. Instead I got so much more. The hero in this story is not Dave but his wife Gwen. Who steadfastly supported him through his ups and downs. She could have walked away from him but she stayed put, believing in his vision. She is the usnsung hero in this book. While reading it, I also thought about Shane Claborne (sp) one of the "new monastics" in the Christian social justice movement. This could have been him if he was born earlier. Overall, this is a really good book. Read this and skip the movie. The movie is good but does not do the book or Dave's work justice. 4.5* I usually find books about christians and their mission work a bit self-righteous and self serving. I did not find that same type of arrogance in David Wilkerson's book. Certainly, there were some parts that were difficult for me: 1 1. the speaking in tongues that is prevalent in penticostal churches 2. the fact that his wife and children did not accompany him: where was his faith that God would shield them from NY gangs But, his story was quite moving and I believe mostly authentic. It also kept my interest and I was excited to read what would happen next. Wilkerson's sincerity and genuinness seemed to be what put the book over the top. The story of one man's mission to the gangs of New York, Mr. Wilkerson describes the hardships involved in reaching the teens. From being threatened with death, thrown from a courtroom, and laughed at by the kids he was trying to reach, the hand of God was always at work. An encouraging read to any Christian and an interesting one none the less, I was blessed by this book. no reviews | add a review
Amazon.com Product Description (ISBN 0515090255, Paperback)The astonishing true story of Wilkerson's outreach to New York teens trapped by drugs and gangs. Over 14 million copies in print!(retrieved from Amazon Wed, 20 Apr 2011 19:13:04 -0400) "Go to New York City and help those boys." When David Wilkerson heard those words in his heart late one night as he glanced at a picture in Life magazine, he was dumbfounded. The boys in question were members of a violent gang and on trial for murder. He was a country preacher settled comfortably in a little mountain church in Pennsylvania. What could God possibly expect him to accomplish--in New York City, of all places? But the thought would not let him go--and his life and the lives of countless despairing teens were changed forever on account of it. This is the story of the founding of Teen Challenge, an inner-city ministry that today maintains residential and crisis counseling centers around the globe. But even more, it is a story of how the most unlikely people can hear--and follow--God's call to do the impossible.--From publisher description.… (more) |
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