My heart was filled with sadness this morning when I heard of the death of David Wilkerson in a traffic accident in Texas. His wife, Gwen, was seriously hurt and is in hospital. As a teenager in the 1960s I avidly read “The Cross and the Switchblade” and all of the books that resulted from the ministry of David Wilkerson. They had a great impact on me, a baby Christian, and inspired in me a desire to follow Jesus wherever he led me. I can honestly say that his ministry, together with Nate Saint and Jim Elliot, inspired me as no other, outside of Scripture, had done.

David Wilkerson was a real man of God who had great integrity. He was the sort of person you could trust 100%. He listened to God and was not afraid to speak out what God had told him. He was known in New York as someone who headed up a church that could be relied upon to help in times of trouble. On the day of the attack on the twin towers Mayor Giuliani contacted David and his fellowship immediately responded to the call for help in financial and practical ways.

David constantly put God first and trusted Him to meet all of his needs and those of his church. When money was needed he did not appeal for it, he and his congregation prayed that Father would release the funds that were necessary. Time after time their prayers were answered and the finances were provided. What a contrast to the many TV evangelists who constantly appeal for money and live luxurious lifestyles with private jets, mansions and hefty bodyguards!!

Through David’s ministry countless numbers of folk have been brought to a saving faith in Yeshua, many of them folk who were addicts, gang members, murderers and thieves. Their lives were totally transformed as they surrendered to the perfect Passover Lamb and became new creations. They, in turn, went on to witness about Yeshua’s saving grace and saw folk born again. David’s spiritual children, grandchildren and great grandchildren must be beyond counting.

David was a staunch supporter of Israel. He once said “God warned me when I first established Times Square Church that we must always remain faithful to Israel. And I always have.” He believed God’s word concerning Israel and wouldn’t allow anyone to deter him from standing with her.

He was no stranger to prophecy, believing the Scriptures as the Word of God and seeing their fulfilment, past, present and future. He was also a man who listened to God and faithfully passed on what God had shown him even if that did not make him popular.

A few years ago I was privileged to meet him in Cardiff. I thanked him for his ministry and told him of the huge, positive impact he had had on my life. He was very gracious and humble, happy to talk and sign a book for me. I shall never forget it.

From the bottom of my heart I thank God for raising up such a faithful man who was so bold and fearless in speaking the truth and who never became puffed up with self importance and love of self. The world has lost a truly great man of God as he has taken up his new life with Yeshua.

Please pray for Gwen’s healing and for comfort and strength for the family. May they know His presence around them at this time.

Pam