The Cross and the Switchblade - Abridged by David Wilkerson & John Sherrill & Elizabeth Sherrill (Paperback)

About the Book

With over 15 million sold, this modern-day classic is now available in a new edition for young readers ages 9 to 12, complete with illustrations that bring the story to life. Inspire the young people in your life with this the real-life tale of a young country preacher who risks his life to bring the Good News to the most dangerous street gangs in New York.

Book Synopsis

The True Story of a Man Who Risked It All for God

With over 15 million sold, this modern-day classic is now available in a new edition especially for young readers ages 9 to 12, complete with 30 illustrations that bring the story to life. This riveting story follows the young David Wilkerson--then a simple country preacher--as he risks everything, including his life, to go to the heart of New York City to bring the gospel to the violent gangs and drug users who were taking over the streets. The courage, resilience, and faith of this young preacher will inspire a new generation of readers as they see how God's love can pierce the darkest of circumstances and save those who we think are beyond saving.

Let this powerful story show the young people in your life how God can use anyone with faith to do the impossible.

From the Back Cover

The True Story of a Man Who Risked It All for God

The streets of New York in 1958 are a perilous place. Gangs, drugs and violence hold the city hostage. It's about as far as you can get from the country church where Pastor David Wilkerson preaches.

But one night, God speaks to David through the pages of a news story--a story that will change his life forever. As he stares at a pen drawing of seven teenage gang members on trial for murder, David knows that God is telling him to go to those wounded and angry boys. To help them. And despite the danger and darkness of the world he will have to enter, David obeys.

This is the incredible story of how God used one man's faith, despite his fear, to start a seemingly impossible movement of grace among the violent gangs of New York.

About the Author

David Wilkerson (1931-2011) founded Teen Challenge and World Challenge and was the founding pastor of Times Square Church in New York City. He authored more than forty books and ministered around the globe. On the day of his death, he was still ministering.

John and Elizabeth Sherrill, coauthors of numerous classics and two of the cofounders of Chosen Books, have traveled the world in search of stories that reveal the power of God.