David Wilkerson

Reverend David Wilkerson started out as pastor in small churches in Pennsylvania, until he saw a photograph in 'Life Magazine' in 1957 of several New York City teenagers charged with murder. He felt the Holy Ghost moved him with compassion, and he was drawn to go to New York in February 1958. It was then that he began his street ministry to underprivileged inner-city youth. He is best known for the dramatic conversion of most of the notorious 'MauMau' gang, including 'Nicky Cruz'. In 1962, he co-authored the book 'The Cross and the Switchblade' which was later made into a film starring 'Pat Boone'. Wilkerson and his wife split their time between New York and Texas.