The Cross And The Switchblade By David Wilkerson

In his book, The Cross and the Switchblade, David Wilkerson explains how his ministry started. Over 15 million people have read his book which was published in 1962 through The Berkley Publishing Group, and in 1969, his book became a Hollywood motion picture that reached over 50 million people. Wilkerson did not stop at this book. In fact, he continued to write over 30 more books. (Worldchallenge.org, 2014, pg. 1) With that said, The Cross and the Switchblade 's thesis statement is that the Holy Spirit is in charge. David Wilkerson, a country preacher from Pennsylvania, is the founder of Teen Challenge. This organization started in 1958 and still runs today as a ministry to save those with habits that are life controlling. Teen Challenge has become one of the most effective ways to reach out to teenagers and young adults who are dealing with issues related to gangs, drugs, and alcohol. However, the road to success was very challenging for Wilkerson and his team. (Worldchallenge.org, 2014, pg. 1) Anyone who picks up The Cross and the Switchblade is Wilkerson 's potential audience. He wrote this book in order to share his journey of starting the ministry that we now call Teen Challenge. Most likely, Pentecostals will read this story. Even so, this book can also be an instrument in salvation for others. I believe that Wilkerson understood both of these statements and, thus, wrote his book in such a way to minister to all peoples. An emphasis is placed on the Holy Spirit