David Wilkerson, founder of Times Square Church in New York City and author of "The Vision" and "The Cross and the Switchblade" was killed yesterday in an automobile accident. Even though I had never personally met him, our family has read his books and received his messages for many years. I'm weeping like I have lost a personal friend. He had a humility and honesty that is so rare. If the Lord was dealing with him about some sin or shortcoming, he was very quick to reveal it in his daily and monthly messages-not hiding anything and truly grieving if he had hurt the heart of God in any way. He was God's-period. An encourager, but always with the caveat that we must walk worthy of our calling in righteousness and holiness as the Word proclaims over and over. So many "smiley" preachers today "encourage", but with no calling to repentance or true godliness. Brother Wilkerson always, always, always pointed to the Cross and what the Lord Jesus bought and paid for by His blood and suffering-and that we should never dishonor that by living a slothful or sinful life.
So many of his recent daily messages were about never giving up on our faith or on God's goodness and love, no matter how terribly dark our days seem-no matter how overwhelming our circumstances are. God never fails us or leaves us. He also warned two years ago (as well as over 35 years ago in "The Vision") to prepare for the days of hardship ahead. He never shirked in telling us what God was saying, no matter if it was hard to hear. He was a watchman on the wall.
The church has lost a strong pillar. Who is left to walk in such obedience? I can only think of a couple of people who are proclaiming the Gospel in a similar manner: Dr. Robert Thompson of Poway, CA and Ravi Zacharias. I'm sure there are more, but pitifully few. The great elder saints are leaving us one by one (Bro. Wurmbrand, Basilea Schlink, Corrie ten Boom) and I see no younger ones with the same anointing coming to take their places. Where are the Elisha's?
Our prayers are with Sister Wilkerson and the whole family, Pastor Carter Conlon, and Times Square Church. Stay strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Continue on, true to Christ and His Word. Shine as lights so that the whole body of Christ can be edified and encouraged. God bless all of you.
