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Summary: The humble beginnings of a story still being written.
Review: The Cross and the Switchblade, by David Wilkerson is an amazing book. Though written decades ago, the story is still being written. God has shown one humble man how to rely on Him, and what a wonderful harvest and hope there is for His kingdom. In the millenium we now face, in which churches are dead, religion is dead, and hate is rapant as much in homes as on the streets, this reading offers solid evidence that Christ is still a great miracle worker. David Wilkerson is not a skilled writer, but the work that Christ has written in him has proved a masterpiece. To see what God is still doing in the ministry founded in The Cross and the Switchblade, visit teenchallenge.com.
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Summary: The reality of recovery ministry
Review: The story of how David Wilkerson came to found Teen Challenge should be a must read for anyone who follows Jesus Christ. The Cross and the Switchblade describes how Wilkerson put feet on his faith that took him from rural Pennsylvania to the streets of New York City. It's the story of how a pastor followed the leading of the Holy Spirit and reached out to minister to people with whom the churches would not associate.Wilkerson describes in his book how essential it is to meet the unloved where they are, rather than waiting for them to show up in church all dressed up and ready to worship within the ranks of the clean and respectable. He also rightly emphasizes the importance of follow up, how one can't just expect to go out and distribute tracts or preach from street corners without also developing real, loving relationships with people and ministering to their needs, both spiritually and physically. Now that Teen Challenge International has grown to over 200 centers around the world, it is interesting to note that the struggle in recovery ministry continues to be much the same: It's extremely difficult to get people to reach out in love to those who have never been loved, and it's nearly impossible to get church members to venture outside their doors to love their neighbors as they love themselves. I praise God for Rev. Wilkerson and the way that he listened to God and ventured out in faith. I thank him for sharing the story of his work.
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Summary: Excellent book!
Review: The story of how God moved in David Wilkerson's life to start Teen Challenge - I currently volunteer with incarcerated teen boys by providing Bible study and fellowship and this book really opened my eyes and gave me much insight on how to let the Holy Spirit lead. A must read for anyone reaching out with the Gospel to teens.
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Summary: Can be life-changing
Review: This book brought tears to my eyes at God's love and mercy, and made me want to dance for joy at His provision and greatness. David Wilkerson started out as a preacher in a country church -- where he is a good Christian, and doing God's work. But one day, he feels as if God is leading him to New York to minister to a few thugs who have killed a boy. He follows the still small voice of the Holy Spirit and goes, and what follows is an amazing ride. God comes through again and again -- often at the 11th hour, when all seems lost. Isn't that just like God?
I highly recommend this book because it is a great testimony to what untold miracles can happen in the lives of Christians when we step out of our comfort zones and go out on a limb for God. And the way He comes through will take your breath away. If I wasn't a Christian, I would think the story was pure fiction because it sounds too amazing to be true. But because I am one, and I have caught glimpses of what God can do for His children, I can say of the miracle upon miracle in Cross and the Switchblade: "Yes, God is totally capable of that!''
To my mind, most of us don't enjoy this exhilerating journey with God because we don't trust Him enough to take risks for Him. David Wilkerson did, and God displayed all his wonders. Read this and be challenged. I certainly was.
Rating:
Summary: Can be life-changing
Review: This book brought tears to my eyes at God's love and mercy, and made me want to dance for joy at His provision and greatness. David Wilkerson started out as a preacher in a country church -- where he is a good Christian, and doing God's work. But one day, he feels as if God is leading him to New York to minister to a few thugs who have killed a boy. He follows the still small voice of the Holy Spirit and goes, and what follows is an amazing ride. God comes through again and again -- often at the 11th hour, when all seems lost. Isn't that just like God?
I highly recommend this book because it is a great testimony to what untold miracles can happen in the lives of Christians when we step out of our comfort zones and go out on a limb for God. And the way He comes through will take your breath away. If I wasn't a Christian, I would think the story was pure fiction because it sounds too amazing to be true. But because I am one, and I have caught glimpses of what God can do for His children, I can say of the miracle upon miracle in Cross and the Switchblade: "Yes, God is totally capable of that!''
To my mind, most of us don't enjoy this exhilerating journey with God because we don't trust Him enough to take risks for Him. David Wilkerson did, and God displayed all his wonders. Read this and be challenged. I certainly was.
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Summary: It's all about the Holy Spirit!
Review: This book is the amazing story of what the Holy Spirit can do if you surrender your life to Him. Just read and be encouraged. Your life will never be the same.
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Summary: This Book will leave you changed.
Review: This book outlines the story of how David Wilkerson came to begin Teen Challenge, possibly the most successful drug and alcohol rehabilitation program in the world. But it's so much more than just that. It's a story of faith and passion and carrying out what God has asked you to do, even when it appears ludicrous and even crazy to those around you. It's a story of a God who can take people who appear to be beyond hope, and radically change them forever. It's the story that clearly displays the heart of Gospel of Jesus Christ: life-changing transformation. This is the kind of book you can read over and over; I've read it 3 times! It's a quick read & you won't be able to put down.
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Summary: This book is Awesome!!!!
Review: This book really is awesome. It is one of those books that you just don't want to put down. Moreover, it has reinspired me to pray diligently and stedfastly. Read it. It is worth your time.
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Summary: pwerful look at gangs and the man who would redeem them
Review: This book tells the story of David Wilerson the reverend who ventured into unfamiliar territory of new york slum gangs with the hope of saving their soles. He succeeded with one namely Nicky Cruz. The book is powerful, engrossing and often a strak revealing look at the sordid and violent culture of teenage gnaga. this cannont be said d of the lame movie adaption starring Pat boone who can't act to save his life
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Summary: Awesome book; not just for believers
Review: This is a fascinating book. I read it in one sitting. Even though I am sceptical about "spiritual" things, especially regarding organized religion, the book was interesting above and beyond that angle of it. It was just interesting and heartening to read about anyone who was SO passionate about what he wanted to do. It is just fascinating to read about someone wanting to help others so much. It might make you take a second look at your career and wonder why you aren't doing something to which you can feel so committed. No one should avoid this book because it so "christian-oriented." It is an interesting story about an incredible man in any context.
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