The Cross and the Switchblade

This is on my required reading list for my kids ... but not until High School. This story is tough, heart-wrenching, heart-changing and most importantly, true. I recommend it to everyone - especially those who think they are too tough, or dirty for God.

I'm a volunteer prison minister and ordered this book along with Nicki Cruz's book, Run Baby Run, for one of the inmates who reminded me of Nicki Cruz before and after. The book came in a timely manner and the inmate loved reading it and the other book, and said it gave him hope. The inmate who received this loves Jesus with his whole heart and loves to preach to other inmates when he can.

This book was fantastic... true story... quick read - Sat in on a snowed in sick day and read the whole thing. Was written in the 60s and is yet so relevant. The author has an easy way of conveying his life-changing story.

One of the most captivating stories of faith, love and hope I've ever read. The gifts of the Spirit, and the just time answers to prayers, particularly when it wasn't the answer they prayed for was captivating. The personal relationships that developed with the kids, and their growth in the Lord brought non-steep tears from cover to cover.

Never being involved with drugs, I had no idea of how difficult it was to get off them. This book was very inspirational because it writes about real people who had this problem, and how God helped them solve it. I'm sure if God would help these undeserving teenagers with their problems, he would definitively help anyone who turned towards him with their problems also. Gave me a great deal of hope.

David Wilkerson listened to the voice of God and obeyed. When he did, the Lord grew a holy unction into an international ministry which has now touched millions of lives around the world. From Teen Challenge Centers around the world to Times Square Church, now representing a congregation from 135 countries, to European Crusdaes and worldwide missions, this ministry is centered on Jesus Christ.
It is the unique focus on the personality and power of the Holy Spirit which separates this work from so many others.
The call to action was spoken into his life, and into the lives of a New York City street gang, headed by Nicky Cruz, in the late sixties. The Cross and the Switchblade is a modern day classic of God's power and grace infusing the most dangerous and difficult layer of society; the violent gangs.
The message is life changing, then and now.

Great classic. I read this book fifty years ago and loved the re-read just as much as the first time I read it. Drugs and alcohol are rampant today and this book gives a real understanding of what many under their influence suffer. There IS help for any addict who really wants to change.

I loved this book. We need more people like David in this world. Unfortunately he died too young. I truly believe that the world is a better place because of him and his outreach to young people. He makes one a believer. Each time I read it, I get more out of it.

Just like in the Bible, God comes through in such a way to let us know He won the victory - not us! I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to see how the Holy Spirit moves or someone who needs their faith renewed.

As an Emergency Room doctor and evangelist, I can attest to the need for Christ in the lives of the addicts who I've led to the Lord at work. They so want to have people not look down on them, they know they are sinners. What they want is love. They are hungry for the Way, Truth and Life. Pray and lead; God will give the increase!

My son recently entered the program that is a result of the story in this book. What an amazing story about helping troubled youth and supplying avenues by which they can get out of situations that are damaging to their lives. If you want some inspiration, I recommend you read this book.