Cross And The Switchblade (Wilkerson)

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Description: Cross And The Switchblade (Wilkerson)

Genre: Language Arts & Disciplines; Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy; Language; General; Language Arts & Disciplines / Phonetics & Phonics; Phonetics & Phonics;

Average Review: 4.5 stars

Review: The Cross and the Switchblade "Dear God, I'm the dirtiest sinner in New York. I don't know if You want me. If You do want me, you can have me..." This was what one of the toughest, meanest, and hardest gang leaders in New York said one night at an alter call at one of David Wilkerson's youth rallies. Nicky later became a preacher. This book was not only a good read, but a good experience. It takes you from David Wilkerson's small town to the slums of New York City, where there are kids with many problems. Some are homeless, some have homes but would rather stay out in the streets, and some are drug addicts, just to name a few of their problems. David Wilkerson was drawn to New York City from seeing a picture in LIFE magazine of kids who were on trial for murder. He wanted to try to help these kids, but wasn't allowed to speak to them, and was thrown out of their court when he tried to speak to the judge. This actually influenced how he was accepted on the streets by the gangs, because he was fighting the law too, like them, or so they thought. David started off just meeting kids from different gangs, and soon was known all around New York City by these kids and their parents. He called it "street evangelism" and that's exactly what it was like. He was getting new "disciples" every day, and changing lives. He was changing kids from drug addicts, to preachers. Some of the gang members who "got religion" were beaten up, because they didn't fight back because of their faith. This is how it was for many of these new converts. After four years of driving to New York City on his days off, David and his family moved to New York, so he could work with the kids every day. He had many supporters around the city to help him financially and spiritually. Some were preachers, and some were just regular people who sent in money as a tithe, or just felt the need to send money. After about a year David started on his idea of a center for the kids who were homeless, or had a drug addiction, or other problems. This could be where they could stay for help, or just a place to feel loved. They could learn about GOD and go to church in their chapel in the center. The center was run by volunteers mostly, but some were paid ten dollars a week. They had nurses, preachers and street preachers working there, helping these kids recover from the harsh city of New York. All in all this was a really good book...very eye opening. I'd recommend it for ages 15 and older.