My familiarity with David Wilkerson comes primarily from The Cross and the Switchblade and receiving his newsletter for a short period of time in the late 1980's. This created an image in my mind of a man who seemed cutting edge but also at times quite legalistic. I knew almost nothing else about him.
When Zondervan announced a new biography about David Wilkerson, written by his son Gary, I was intrigued and also a little curious how open his son would be about his dads life.
Having now finished the book, I am impressed.
Gary Wilkerson has crafted both a loving tribute and an unvarnished look at his father's life. This book gives you a clear picture of his dad's spiritual life and corresponding struggles. You see both his highs and lows of a lifetime of service to the Lord. The behind the scene looks at his book The Cross and the Switchblade and the movie of the same name were quite interesting. The fallout among his own staff when he released The Vision was a bit surprising.
David Wilkerson's ministry is still changing lives today. I saw firsthand the work of Teen Challenge while living in Croatia and can attest that it does change lives.
What develops over the course of this book is a story of a man who was passionate for God and who still struggled with his own faith walk. I found myself encouraged by this clearer picture of David Wilkerson. I found myself relating to some of his spiritual struggles and his final acceptance of the grace of God.
I highly recommend this book.
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