David Wilkerson

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It's late on Wednesday night.  I just saw a facebook post announcing the death of David Wilkerson today due to a car accident.  I pay tribute in this blog...to a giant of a minister...one we hold in high esteem. 

Karen Steverson says it well...and I hope she won't mind if I add her post to this blog:
“The term LEGEND is often used to describe a person of extreme influence but what about a man that supersedes superlatives..David Wilkerson”

Let me give you just a hint of the magnitude of his ministry ...cbn.com/cbnnews lists some of the information...

Wilkerson founded Teen Challenge, and Christian outreach program for troubled young people.

Founder of World Challenge, Inc., David Wilkerson is perhaps best known for his early days of ministry to young drug addicts and gang members in New York City, as published in the best-selling book The Cross and the Switchblade.

David Wilkerson is the Founding Pastor of Times Square Church in New York City. He was called to New York in 1958 to minister to gang members and drug addicts, as told in the best-selling book, The Cross and the Switchblade.  In 1987, David Wilkerson returned to "the crossroads of the world" to establish Times Square Church. Since then, he has faithfully led this congregation, delivering powerful biblical messages that encourage righteous living and complete reliance on God.

Wilkerson posted a blog dated April 27 - davidwilkersontoday.blogspot.com - the day of his death. In the post, titled "When All Means Fail," he encouraged those facing difficulty to "hold fast" and stand strong in faith. 

 "To those going through the valley and shadow of death, hear this word: Weeping will last through some dark, awful nights, and in that darkness you will soon hear the Father whisper, "I am with you,'" Wilkerson wrote. "Beloved, God has never failed to act but in goodness and love. When all means fail-his love prevails. Hold fast to your faith. Stand fast in his Word. There is no other hope in this world."

I remember David Wilkerson from years back...I am thinking of a service in our home church in Russellville, AR (many, many years ago) - we were in the choir -  he was the guest preacher.  I was so impressed that David Wilkerson was there!

I didn't know him personally, but I feel the loss along with everyone who knew of him.  When you hear of a persons accomplishments and know the admiration and respect one has earned through the years ... you feel as though he was a part of your life, as well.  

Well done, thou good and faithful servant, David Wilkerson.  Well done!
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