David Wilkerson Killed

David Wilkerson, the legendary Christian evangelist, author of the best-seller The Cross and the Switchblade, founder of Teen Challenge and pastor of New York's Times Square Church has been killed in Texas.

Brother Wilkerson, 79, was hit by a big rig while driving with his wife on Highway 175 at the Neches River bridge in East Texas.

Wilkerson was pronounced dead.  Mrs. Gwen Wilkerson was taken to ETMC Tyler, TX and is in critical condition.

JUNE 16, 2011 UPDATE

Gwen Wilkerson's condition is improving at a skilled nursing facility after broken hip surgery.  The orthopedic surgeon working with her is very happy with Gwen's steady progress.

"The incredible outpouring of cards, calls, letters, emails, blogs on behalf of Gwen is so deeply heartwarming," stated Wilkerson family members who urge Christian believers worldwide to step-up prayer for Gwen's physical and emotional strength.

The 18-wheeler went off the bridge into the riverbed below and the driver of the big rig was taken to ETMC Jacksonville, TX.

Texas state troopers on the scene said that the Wilkersons were hit head-on by a tractor trailer that moved into their lane.  The truck driver saw their car and attempted to avoid the collision.

Upon hearing the news of the Wilkerson tragedy, countless Christian believers are in utter shock at the violence of David Wilkerson's death, with most praying immediately for the lives of both Mrs. Wilkerson and the truck driver.

I personally know the quality of care at the East Texas Medical Center facilities and am confident that both survivors are receiving the best care possible.  Tyler is the largest city in East Texas and their health care technology is very advanced.

"It is with deepest of sadness that we have to inform you of the sudden passing of Reverend David Wilkerson, our founding pastor," Times Square Church Senior Pastor Carter Conlon announced from New York.

David Wilkerson's The Cross and the Switchblade was made into a major motion picture, released in 1970.  The movie starred legendary Hollywood actors Pat Boone and Erik Estrada.

Both Boone and Estrada are both expressing shock and sadness, as are Billy Graham, Franklin Graham, Joel Osteen, Pat Robertson, Paul and Jan Crouch, Kenneth Copeland, Rod Parsley, Benny Hinn, Brian and Bobbie Houston, Robert Schuller and many other pastors and evangelists around the world.

In California, where more than one million teenagers were saved at David Wilkerson's Christian rallies and Teen Challenge events , there is an outpouring of tears, prayers and gratitude.

"I quit prostitution and drugs after seeing The Cross and the Switchblade and hearing David Wilkerson speak," said Lydia Hernandez of Los Angeles.

"I would have been dead years ago.  I know that Pastor Wilkerson is with The Lord, but I'm still so sad about his death.  I'm praying for his wife, but I don't know what else to say," declared Hernandez in tears.

Christians worldwide are being urged to intercessory prayer for Mrs. Gwen Wilkerson and the driver of the big rig.

I have attended David Wilkerson events, read The Cross and the Switchblade, saw the movie numerous times, and am a regular reader of his blog.  Wilkerson is one of the great figures in the history of Christianity.

His impact was enormous.

Wilkerson's last words on his blog, which he posted just minutes before he was killed, made me cry:

"Beloved, God has never failed to act but in goodness and love. When all means fail—his love prevails. Hold fast to your faith. Stand fast in his Word. There is no other hope in this world."