A Twisted Crown of Thorns ®

David Wilkerson

David Wilkerson (May 19, 1931 – April 27, 2011) came to the attention of most people after his book ‘The Cross and the Switchblade’ was published. It chronicled his passion to reach inner city gangs of New York with the gospel. He was also the founder of World Challenge Ministries and the non denominational church,Times Square Church in New York. On April 27, 2011 David died in a tragic car accident. One of his best sermons was ‘A Call to Anguish’.

His last message was a blog post (on the day he died) titled ‘When All Means Fail’. Here is an excerpt:

Someone has come to the place of hopelessness—the end of hope—the end of all means. A loved one is facing death and doctors give no hope. Death seems inevitable. Hope is gone. The miracle prayed for is not happening. 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. I cannot tell you why right now, but one day it will all make sense. You will see it was all part of my plan. It was no accident. It was no failure on your part. Hold fast. Let me embrace you in your hour of pain.”

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.

A clip from ‘A Call to Anguish’:

 
May his passion for evangelism and his admonition to prayer and perseverance in faith in a post-modern world be a memorable encouragement to all Christians.

R.I.P David Wilkerson.