Posted on 04/27/2011 7:38:19 PM PDT by jeepers creepers
CBNNews.com
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Rev. David Wilkerson, founding pastor of Times Square Church in New York City and author of the well-known book The Cross and the Switchblade, was killed Wednesday in a car accident, according to a source close to CBN News. He was 79.
Wilkerson's wife Gwen was also involved in the Texas highway crash and rushed to the hospital. Details of the crash are still developing. Stay with CBNNews.com for an update.
Wilkerson posted a blog dated April 27 -- the day of his death. In the post, titled "When All Means Fail," he encouraged those facing difficulty to "hold fast" and stand strong in faith.
"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,'" Wilkerson wrote. "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."
Read all of Wilkerson's final blog here.
Word of the accident began to spread Wednesday night on social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. Christians urged prayer for Mrs. Wilkerson who's in critical condition.
Wilkerson's cousin Rich confirmed the death on Twitter.
"It is confirmed my dear cousin David Wilkerson lost his life in a tragic car accident this afternoon..Prayers r needed at this time," he tweeted.
Rev. Wilkerson spent the early part of his ministry reaching out to gang members and drug addicts in New York, as told in the best-selling book The Cross and the Switchblade.
In 1971, he started World Challenge, Inc. as an umbrella for his crusades, conferences, evangelism and other ministry. Times Square Church was founded under the group in 1987.
The church is now led by Pastor Carter Conlon and has more than 8,000 members.
Wilkerson also founded Teen Challenge, and Christian outreach program for troubled young people.
"Please remember the Wilkerson family in your prayers as our founder, Rev. David Wilkerson, went to be with the Lord this evening," Teen Challenge told Twitter followers.
He is survived by his wife, four children and 11 grandchildren.
I am totally stunned by news of the death of David Wilkerson today. His last blog was powerful confirmation for me today as I was at a hospice in MD today 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!
Prayers up! Pastor Wilkerson has been an inspiration to me for years. I feel this loss deeply but know he is now with our Savior.
I think it apropos to borrow a Jewish custom here and praise the Lord for his life. He’s not the one with problems now.
He was a good, godly man. If you all remember, he warned people about Hussein.
I think it apropos to borrow a Jewish custom here and praise the Lord for his life. He’s not the one with problems now.
A custom we would all do well to adopt as standard.
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