David Wilkerson Killed in Car Crash

David Wilkerson, author of The Cross and the Switchblade and founder of World Challenge Ministries, died in a car crash today, Charisma and CBN are reporting. CBN reports that Wilkerson, 79, was driving and was pronounced dead at the scene. Wilkerson was driving east on U.S. 175 in Texas Wednesday afternoon, and moved into the opposite lane where a tractor trailer was driving westbound. The truck driver saw the car and tried to move out of the way, but still collided with the pastor's car head on, according to Public Safety Trooper Eric Long. It's unclear what caused Wilkerson to veer into the other lane. His wife Gwen was also involved in the crash and rushed to the hospital, along with the truck driver. The church that he founded, Times Square Church in New York City, has more than 8,000 members. In 2009, Wilkerson posted a message warning of riots, fires, and economic collapse in New York City. CT wrote at the time about why Wilkerson's message received so much attention. Wilkerson has more credibility and name recognition than many other online prophets. He is the author of The Cross and the Switchblade, one of the most popular books in evangelical history. (It ranked #32 in Christianity Today's list of "Top 50 Books That Have Shaped Evangelicals.") His Teen Challenge ministry is very prominent in discussions of drug treatment and social service partnerships between church and government. And Times Square Church, which he founded, reportedly draws 8,000 people weekly and is known for its many social service ministries. Wilkerson continued to write blog posts until his death.

I am totally stunned by news of the death of David Wilkerson which I heard about late last night. His last blog was powerful confirmation for me as I was at a hospice in MD yesterday visting one of my best friends who is on his deathbed. The devotional is as follows:

“WHEN ALL MEANS FAIL
by David Wilkerson | April 27, 2011

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.”

This is so powerful for me because as I was in the room with my friend who was in the last days/hours/minutes of his life and whose body was shutting down I read the 23rd Psalm and I was greatly comforted by verse 4:

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,* I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me. All I can say is wow!

Yout post helps because I could not answer some questions last night about why, if we stand on the promises, we have prayed, we fasted, we trusted...our loved ones died anyway. Your post and something that God reminded me of in Hebrews 13:5,6 helped. Jesus prayed that He would not have to face the cross, and God heard Him...but said no. Jesus accomplished OUR salvation through His sacrifice. If Jesus had not, we would still be in our sins and we would die without Jesus.
So, thanks for your post!! And, Jesus, thank YOU for your answer to me through Darth and David Wilkerson! May we ever be faithful to our Lord to our deaths!

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