Rev. David Wilkerson, Times Square Church Founder, Dies in Texas Crash
- Posted on April 28, 2011 at 1:52am by
Scott Baker
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TYLER, Texas (AP) — Rev. David Wilkerson, founding pastor of Times Square Church in New York City and author of the best-selling book, “The Cross and the Switchblade,” has died. He was 79.
Texas Department of Public Safety spokeswoman Tela Mange says Wilkerson died Wednesday in a car accident in East Texas. Mange says Wilkerson’s car smashed head-on into a tractor-trailer rig after veering into another lane.
Wilkerson’s World Challenge Inc. ministries confirmed on its website that he “went to be with Jesus.”
Wilkerson founded the non-denominational Protestant church in 1987 in an area of Manhattan that was then riddled with X-rated movie houses, strip clubs, prostitution and drugs.
Wilkerson also founded Teen Challenge, which uses a biblically based recovery program for drug addicts.
His wife, Gwendolyn, was injured in the car accident.
Read more here.
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Comments (81)
kentuckywonder69
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 9:32amOnly Heaven knows the number of people whose lives were touched and turned around by his devotion to his calling.
Report Post »Bronco II
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 9:28amVery sorry to hear this sad news my thoughts and prayers with his family and all that were Blessed by his love of people and GOD WORD.He is in GODS ARMS NOW and being told JOB WELL DONE THY GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT.
Report Post »TRONINTHEMORNING
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:20amI’m sorry to hear he has left this earth. I had the honor of chatting with him over the years along with Nicky Cruz back in the 90′s. Yep, he was a good teacher and meant what he said; he helped alot of of youth.
Report Post »BelindaB
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:17amGod bless his family. This world has lost a wonderful, loving man, that gave so much of himself to help others…BUT, heaven has gained an angel. His work on earth, in body, is done, but his work on earth will forever be remembered….He left this world, to be with the heavenly father, but pray his teachings about God will last forever. God Bless Him, for all he has done, for so very many people.Go rest high on That mountain, for thy work, on earth is done.
Report Post »Swordfisch
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 7:54amIt is funny how the media never looks at Christians who are honorable…this man was very righteous and lived before God honorably. Can you imagine the wake of this mans legacy. I am a pastor and it was a large part of his weekly news letters that challenged my soul to be the man of God I am today.
Report Post »This was truly one of the last great American preachers, watch the Anguish video and let it break your heart, especially to the Emergent crowd, the hirelings who play games with God‘s word and God’s reputation, this man proclaimed God’s Glory!
Rational Man
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 11:03amAmen Pastor!!
Report Post »dk_ship
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 7:52amI am so sad for his family for their loss but know he is with our Lord and Savior
Report Post »Inlandmar2
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 7:51amAnother Angel is called home.
Report Post »FREEDOMFIGHTERFORLIBERTY
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 7:44amWHEN I WAS A YOUNG MAN DAVID WILKERSON AND HIS BOOK THE CROSS AND THE SWITCHBLADE CHANGED MY LIFE. THE STORY OF NICKY CRUSE A CONVERTED GANG MEMBER AND STREET THUG WAS DRAMATIC TO SAY THE LEAST. REST IN PEACE DAVID I LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE, I’LL BE THE ONE WITH a SMILE STANDING BY THE CRYSTAL SEA.
Report Post »Nobamazone
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 7:35amPrayers are with his family and ministry.
Report Post »I had the pleasure of seeing one of the Teen Challenge groups perform at a National Conference for the organization I work for. They were FANTASTIC! What a blessing that program has been for thousands of teens and their families.
BellaMia7
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 7:31amJesus conquered death. We are immortals. Come unto Christ and let Him make us whole. Just like Jesus Lives, Rev. David Wilkerson lives on, not just in word, and in memory, but in spirit, and one day, body and soul will reunite. Blessings and prayers to his suffering wife.
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 7:10amRejoice! He is with the Lord!
Report Post »2bluestarmom
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 7:14amAmen
Report Post »Islesfordian
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 6:32amA true man of God.
Report Post »Grandmadar
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 6:26amA giant prayer warrior. May God comfort his family and church!
Report Post »BBTX
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 6:26amThis is what it looked like when a man would live for God. Daily, his messages changed my life and changed my heart. Hundreds of his sermons are available for free on the following site, listen as you feel led.
http://www.sermonindex.net/modules/mydownloads/
Report Post »JokerWatcher
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 4:32amI met products of his Teen Challenge.
Report Post »Many went on to lead others to Christ.
David Wilkerson’s legacy will live on and on through his human successes, and those they influence.
ILM_Patriot
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 4:24amGod bless him and his family.
Report Post »SilentReader
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 4:05amMay Rev. Dave Wilkerson rest in peace. My condolences go out to his wife, and family and friends.
That was a powerful sermon.
Report Post »douglassoileau
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 2:39amLove his newsletters and books…very inspirational and a blessing………pray for his ministry to continue and prosper. will miss him
Report Post »douglassoileau
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 2:37amcc
Report Post »EZDOZIT
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 2:32amTeen challenge works. God bless you sir.
Report Post »Swordfisch
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 7:49amTeen Challenge has the highest rating of recovery of any plan through out history. About an 86% recovery from anything and many many many go on to live powerful and productive lives.
If anyone in your family or if you yourself are having trouble with drugs, or alcohol go to http://teenchallengeusa.com and get information for your loved ones…this works and you will have your child/husband/wife back saved from their addictions.
Sword
Report Post »Arc
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 2:27amIn the late 60′s a group at Ft Bragg,NC followed the Teen Challenge Program. I was one of the parents who supported this group for a year. I appreciated Rev Wilkerson’s support then and know that his strength helped many teens on Ft Bragg, as well as Fayetteville and Spring Lake.
Report Post »“Go rest high on that mountain”..
magismom
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 2:21amWe were blessed by a man who knelt in prayer before the Lord, may all of us do the same. May our hearts cry in anguish at the ruin around us with contrite heart and cast ourselves at the feet of Jesus. It would be a befitting memorial to this brother’s call, if we would humble ourselves at the very feet of the Lord that he knelt, let us take his words and message to heart and pull out our Bibles and pray.
Report Post »Jediusetheforce
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 2:16amPeace be with his family. This is a man who is doing Gods will not his own will.
Report Post »kryptonite
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 3:14amHe was a humble servant. Enter into the joy of thy Lord.
Report Post »annie brown
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 2:11amHeaven must be rejoicing.. but he will be missed here.
Report Post »banjarmon
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 2:04amGod be with his family.
Report Post »Showtime
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 3:16amThat is such a shame. That is really heartbreaking.
Report Post »What a loss, yet look at how much the put into people’s lives!
Rational Man
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 4:28amI am just sick! I have been recieving Pastor Wilkerson’s messages in the mail and email for about 17yrs. He is a wonderful man of God who has blessed people all over the world. God bless Gwen his wife! She has been through so much in this life. She has had over 20 surgerys for cancer and they lost their grandaughter of 12 a few years ago to cancer. Please pray for Gwen and the family. Pastor David is one of the greatest men of God I have ever known of. Very humble and stronger in the spirit than I could ever hope to be. I’m a little stunned. It will take me a while to get used to it, but I’m so glad his race is run and he has recieved his reward. Which I know is great. He finished as well as any man could ever hope to. The world’s loss is his, well deserved, great gain and his presence will make even heaven a brighter place. Goodbye Pastor David, see you soon……………….
Report Post »Rational Man
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 4:55amThis is the devotion from Pastor David’s daily email for today.
WHEN ALL MEANS FAIL
To believe when all means fail is exceedingly pleasing to God and is most acceptable. Jesus said to Thomas, “You have believed because you have seen, but blessed are those that do believe and have not seen” (John 20:29).
Blessed are those who believe when there is no evidence of an answer to prayer—who trust beyond hope when all means have failed.
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.
That is when Satan’s hordes come to attack your mind with fear, anger, overwhelming questions: “Where is your God now? You prayed until you had no tears left. You fasted. You stood on promises. You trusted.”
Blasphemous thoughts will be injected into your mind: “Prayer failed. Faith failed. Don’t quit on God—just do not trust him anymore. It doesn’t pay!”
Even questioning God’s existence will be injected into your mind. These have been the devices of Satan for centuries. Some of the godliest men and women who ever lived were under such demonic attacks.
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.
Report Post »grandmaof5
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 6:43amRATIONAL MAN, that was beautiful. There is another mentor in Heaven.
Report Post »SlimnRanger
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 7:23amRev, David Wilkerson will have many stars in his crown,he is home now with Jesus, and Dear Lord comfort his family,He did some amazing work here on earth
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 7:39amGod comfort his family, and keep his soul safe unto the judgment to come when all of your kin are reunited into the true family of God forevermore.
Report Post »Gold Coin & Economic News
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 7:44amWhat a blessing this man has been and he’s partying with Jesus now. Praise the Lord!
Report Post »PA PATRIOT
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:11am“That’s all the devil wants to do is get the fight out of you. And kill it.”
Report Post »Sad but true.
Does this support “Devine Providence”?
My Hero-Allen West-click my name
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 8:38amBro Wilkerson will be missed on this side but he has finished his work and the LORD JESUS has called him home. My GOD what a fitting message on the video for the times we all face.
In every direction we turn we see the very things he spoke of. I too have been guilty of “just wanting to be happy”. We as children of the LORD can make a real difference if we will turn back to the days of fasting, prayer and seeking GODS heart with everything we do. If we can manage to do this American will have a chance, if we do not we will be destroyed.
May the LORD JESUS Bless and keep Gwen restoring her to fullness until he is ready for her too.
Report Post »G.W. Dobbs
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 3:18pmWilkerson is in Heaven with Christ Jesus. God Rest his Soul. We will miss you, Brother, but to be absent from the body is to be present with the LORD for the Obedient, Righteous, Born Again. God Bless and Keep your family.
Report Post »vivrobbins
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 4:33pmRev. Wilkerson has special place in my heart, he played a big part in my own conversion to Christ many years ago, when we were both young. I mourn his passing, but rejoice with him being with Jesus. God Bless his soul, and his wife have peace.
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