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David Wilkerson

David Wilkerson (1931 - 2011). American Pentecostal pastor, evangelist, and author born in Hammond, Indiana. Raised in a family of preachers, he was baptized with the Holy Spirit at eight and began preaching at 14. Ordained in 1952 after studying at Central Bible College, he pastored small churches in Pennsylvania. In 1958, moved by a Life Magazine article about New York gang violence, he started a street ministry, founding Teen Challenge to help addicts and troubled youth. His book "The Cross and the Switchblade," co-authored in 1962, became a bestseller, chronicling his work with gang members like Nicky Cruz. In 1987, he founded Times Square Church in New York City, serving a diverse congregation until his death. Wilkerson wrote over 30 books, including "The Vision," and was known for bold prophecies and a focus on holiness. Married to Gwen since 1953, they had four children. He died in a car accident in Texas. His ministry emphasized compassion for the lost and reliance on God. Wilkerson’s work transformed countless lives globally. His legacy endures through Teen Challenge and Times Square Church.
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David Wilkerson emphasizes that Jesus exemplified God's compassion during His earthly ministry, often moved by the suffering of the people around Him. He reflects on the grief in Christ's heart today due to the ongoing suffering in the world, asserting that God is not indifferent but deeply cares for His children. Wilkerson highlights the miraculous healings Jesus performed, showcasing His willingness to help those in need, and encourages believers to embody this compassion in their own lives. He urges that by presenting ourselves to God, we can be instruments of His compassion and witness the needs around us.
Jesus and Compassion
During His time on earth, Jesus was the embodiment of God’s compassion. Scripture frequently tells us that Christ was “moved with compassion” by the suffering of the people (see Mark 6:34, 8:2). If that was the case in the first century, what grief must be in our Lord’s heart now. I believe it is all God can do to restrain Himself from moving in before the end of time and putting an end to it all. I will never believe He is just some benign spirit who sits in heaven, unmoved by the horrible spirits loose in this world. No — He is a compassionate Father who agonizes over His suffering children. The Bible tells us: “His compassions fail not” (Lamentations 3:22). “Thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth” (Psalm 86:15). We read of an incredible scene: "Great multitudes came unto him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus' feet; and he healed them" (Matthew 15:30). Can you imagine this scene? All around Jesus, hundreds of afflicted people were sitting and lying on the ground — little children too sick to sit up, people crying aloud for help, groaning in pain, fevered, demon-possessed, diseased, despairing. Jesus did not turn them away. He performed miracles of healing and deliverance. The dumb spoke, the crippled leaped, the blind saw, the sick and diseased suddenly were made whole. And with every healing, the people pressed in even closer. I imagine the people picking up their sick children and pushing forward — as the disciples struggled to keep order. These people had been out in the wilderness for three days without food and they were fainting from hunger. That's when Jesus said, "I have compassion on the multitude . . . and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way" (Matthew 15:32). God wants every one of us to be a part of His compassionate heart to the world. If you are willing to do that, He will send the needs to your doorstep. Present yourself to the Lord to be used and He will open doors to you. Then you will truly know His heart of compassion.
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David Wilkerson (1931 - 2011). American Pentecostal pastor, evangelist, and author born in Hammond, Indiana. Raised in a family of preachers, he was baptized with the Holy Spirit at eight and began preaching at 14. Ordained in 1952 after studying at Central Bible College, he pastored small churches in Pennsylvania. In 1958, moved by a Life Magazine article about New York gang violence, he started a street ministry, founding Teen Challenge to help addicts and troubled youth. His book "The Cross and the Switchblade," co-authored in 1962, became a bestseller, chronicling his work with gang members like Nicky Cruz. In 1987, he founded Times Square Church in New York City, serving a diverse congregation until his death. Wilkerson wrote over 30 books, including "The Vision," and was known for bold prophecies and a focus on holiness. Married to Gwen since 1953, they had four children. He died in a car accident in Texas. His ministry emphasized compassion for the lost and reliance on God. Wilkerson’s work transformed countless lives globally. His legacy endures through Teen Challenge and Times Square Church.