Nicky Cruz (1938–) is a Puerto Rican-American preacher, evangelist, and author whose dramatic conversion from gang leader to Christian minister has inspired millions through his ministry and writings. Born on December 6, 1938, in Las Piedras, Puerto Rico, he was raised in a tumultuous household as one of 18 children of Francisco Cruz and Julia Concepción, practitioners of Santería who subjected him to abuse and abandonment. Sent to New York City at age 15 in 1954 to live with his brother Frank, Cruz joined the Mau Maus street gang, rising to its presidency by 17, known for his volatile temper and violent leadership. His life changed in 1958 when he encountered David Wilkerson, a Pennsylvania preacher, whose fearless evangelism in Brooklyn led Cruz to a conversion experience at a revival meeting, prompting him to leave gang life. Cruz’s preaching career began after studying at a Latin American Bible School in California from 1959 to 1962, where he met and married Gloria in 1961; they have four daughters. Initially working with Wilkerson’s Teen Challenge ministry to reach urban youth, he later founded Nicky Cruz Outreach in 1976 to evangelize globally, focusing on troubled teens and gang members. His bestselling autobiography, Run Baby Run (1968), co-authored with Jamie Buckingham, has sold over 12 million copies in 40 languages, detailing his transformation and becoming a cornerstone of his preaching. Cruz has preached in over 40 countries, appearing on platforms like The 700 Club and at Billy Graham Crusades, and continues his ministry from Colorado Springs, Colorado, leaving a legacy as a preacher of redemption and hope rooted in his own radical life change.