The Cross and the Switchblade

Written by David Wilkerson, John Sherrill and Elizabeth Sherrill

Narrated by Raymond Todd

David Wilkerson, a man on a mission, stepped onto some of the world's most dangerous streets armed only with the simple message of God's love and the promise of the Holy Spirit's power. Then the miracles began to happen.

Led by incredible faith, Wilkerson left his country pulpit in 1958 for the streets of New York City, where a murder trial of seven teenaged boys churned society’s antipathy toward them. Even Wilkerson was bewildered by his sense of compassion, but in spite of doubt, he followed the Spirit’s prompting to help the boys. This is the amazing story of his journey, and of the mighty power of God to accomplish the impossible. One of the most inspiring and challenging true stories of all time, it has sold millions of copies throughout the world and has been made into a feature film.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Blackstone Audio
• Release date: Oct 30, 2008
• ISBN: 9780786121656

David Wilkerson

David Wilkerson is a Black American illustrator who was born in Denver, CO and is currently based in Maryland. He believes that there is healing in storytelling, and that it is the job of creatives to contribute to that cause. His career began in the animation industry, working as a character designer, prop designer, and background designer. David developed a love for illustration during his time at the Savannah College of Art and Design. David believes that creation itself is what we live in, and he’s spent the last 20+ years creating the most authentic version of himself as possible.

Reviews for The Cross and the Switchblade

[jenniferrobb · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I read this in the past and a friend gifted me with a copy so I could reread it. As I read, I wondered "where are the David Wilkersons of today?" I'm not sure if there aren't any or if we just don't hear about them in the anti-Christian mentality of the day.

[elizajane_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is the inspiring autobiographical story of an evangelical minister's crusade to open a home for street, gang and drug involved teenagers of the late fifties and early sixties. His ministry succeeded and became Teen Challenge which still exists today. Wilkerson's story is touching and interesting especially from an historical view as to how these societal problems were first dealt with during this time period. The language is dated with the overuse of the words "dope" and "addict" also "Negro", the n-word and women's place in society but of course this all reflects the time period. I also found Wilkerson's ability to pray to God at a moment's notice and receive immediate answers, within minutes, often in a room full of people to be quite, shall we say, over enthusiastic. However, upon looking the man up, he also claimed later in life to have received prophetic visions ... so who am I to judge. But I really did find laughable one chapter near the end where he spends the entire time explaining to a Jesuit priest what the Holy Spirit is. I'm Catholic, and know the Jesuits have had their naysayers in recent decades, but really! How anyone cannot know how important the Holy Spirit is to the Catholic faith, Confirmation anyone?, especially a priest is beyond ridiculous. While I did not agree with much of the theology in the book, I appreciated the heart felt spirit and love of Christ behind it and did very much enjoy hearing the success story of the organization and many youths who have been helped because of the unending commitment of the author. Interestingly my used copy contains a small slip of paper with a note hoping the recipient "enjoyed the Outreach Team that most recently visited your Church". Signed "The Teen Challenge Farm" which my research shows would have been located in London, Ontario. Also, as a side note, Wilkerson only died a couple of years ago tragically, in a car accident, at the age of 80.

[krista.rutherford · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

True story about a small-town minister called to serve inner-city youth struggling with gang violence and drug abuse. Witnessing people languish in heroine addiction, he states that he had "never felt so close to hell," but unflinchingly reaches out in love. Awesome story of faith and hope.

[lostinmyownlibrary · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The story of one man's mission to the gangs of New York, Mr. Wilkerson describes the hardships involved in reaching the teens. From being threatened with death, thrown from a courtroom, and laughed at by the kids he was trying to reach, the hand of God was always at work. An encouraging read to any Christian and an interesting one none the less, I was blessed by this book.

[stsmurphy · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

CAREFUL in reading this book. It will trap you. This book is not about men. Instead, it's a book about the Holy Spirit in journeys of men. Firstly, the Spirit powerfully changed a journey of a preacher's life, David Wilkerson's. Then through this man's journey, a lot of other people's journeys are changed. From gangsters to ministers. From fighters to soldiers. From being lonesome to being loved. This is a story how God uses David Wilkerson to change teenagers in New York slums that were trapped in crimes, violence, drugs, and sex. This is a book that you need to read so you would know and want God's guidance in your life, so you would be a blessing towards other people's lives. You will be trapped in His awesome plan

[laholmes_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is an amazing account of the life of a man who turned himself over to God no matter what the cost. It is a quick read and a great story.

[t_wide · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The story of one man's mission to the gangs of New York, Mr. Wilkerson describes the hardships involved in reaching the teens. From being threatened with death, thrown from a courtroom, and laughed at by the kids he was trying to reach, the hand of God was always at work. An encouraging read to any Christian and an interesting one none the less, I was blessed by this book.

[thc_luver6 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A very good Christian book. A bit mature but all in all it is inspiring and I really liked it. Makes me feel like going out on the mission field!

[hiddeninchrist · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is one book I will never tire of reading.

[dinadansfriend · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Apparently it has become a classic for those American Evangelicals who like a certain amount of violence porn and police procedural in their tales of missionary efforts in the inner city. It was not to my taste, as at the age of 18 my memories of a working class neighborhood clashed with the mindset displayed. i read my Bantam paperback copy in April 1963, so this site has only reprints listed.