A personal reflection by Eddie Soto with response by Outlook Editor Jack Haberer
Dear Christian friend,
This morning I read the news that the Rev. David Wilkerson, founder of Teen Challenge and author of the best selling book, The Cross and the Switchblade, died in an automobile accident in Texas.
His book was the first Christian book I ever read as a new Christian in 1965 when I gave my life to Christ at the age of 15. When I discovered that his recovery center for drug addicts was in Brooklyn, New York (where I was raised and lived at the time) I visited it, was impressed with the testimonies of lives changed by the power of the Christian Gospel and went there often to participate in ministry opportunities.
Two years later, in 1967, Rev. Wilkerson was preaching every Saturday evening at a local movie theater in the lower east side and I had the privilege of being invited to translate his messages into the Spanish language since many Hispanics lived in the area. As a result many came to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
I am very much saddened with his death but testify to the fact of his sincere love for Christ and for the many whose lives were eventually changed through his dynamic ministry. He was not perfect (as none of us are) but he was always the first to recognize his shortcomings and very sincere in his efforts to take the Gospel to those ignored or shunned by society.
I pray for the recovery of his wife from this tragic accident, for his family and the many people whose lives now have meaning because of his answer to God’s call to reach out to the needy. Below is his last message on the web (the day of his death) which can have special meaning to those of us who are struggling in some area of our life. God bless you all!
In Christ,
Rev. Eddie Soto
Associate for Latin American Ministries
Charleston-Atlantic Presbytery
