Men of Faith
“Even though Times Square Church was miles away from my Tennessee church — in more ways than geographically — I felt at home there, in my red velvet seat, sitting in the sometimes uncomfortable presence of God. I closed my eyes during “Amazing Grace,” heard people all around me singing in their native tongues, and knew exactly what Heaven would sound like.” ~ Nancy French ~It had been quite a week. On Saturday, April 30, 2011, my youngest niece, Hannah, graduated from Mount Zion International Bible School. It was my pleasure to sit and watch this beautiful young woman complete this phase of her life; and to see the joy and enthusiasm which lit her countenance, as she spoke of looking forward to what was yet to come.
A day later, on May 1, as I climbed into bed, remote in hand; I could not help but reflect on the week that was coming to a close. The television news channels carried only one story, after so many years of enduring terror attacks planed, executed, financed, and/or promoted by Osama bin Laden, there was finally the beginning of justice – especially for the men, women, and children murdered on Nine-Eleven, and for their families, friends, and nations. This man was dead.
Osama bin Laden’s death carried reports about all of the many attacks which he bore responsibility for, and comments about the thousands of people he was responsible for killing. As I watched the coverage of the death and destruction which this man had devoted his life to, I could not help but reflect on another man who also lost his life in this past week – a life devoted to service, hope, and faith – the exact opposite of bin Laden.
It was my Mother who first mentioned that Rev. David Wilkerson had been killed on April 27, 2001. April 27 is my sister’s birthday and the day which my father was baptized in water and the Holy Spirit, having become a Christian in the last week of April, as well. I recall him once telling me that he felt Caroline, my sister whose birthday is April 27, was born on the perfect day, in his favorite week, as if she were a gift. I am shocked by my Mother’s words, and do not quite believe her, there must be some mistake in what she has said. I ask her to repeat what she has said, wanting details, of which there are few.
The details will not make a difference, but I learn that Rev. Wilkerson was driving on U.S. 175 near Cuney, Texas, about 100 miles from Dallas, on the Neches River Bridge when he swerved out of his lane and into on-coming traffic. He drove his car into a tractor trailer, in a head on collision, which left Gwen, his wife, and the driver of the truck injured, and Rev. Wilkerson dead, weeks short of his 80th birthday.
I overreact emotionally to such things, while perhaps thankfully, Kate underreacts. Nevertheless, I try to process this death. I am on the road, that place where my heart beats a bit faster, and my step is a bit lighter. I am happiest living out of a suitcase, uncertain where I will wake up in the morning. We stop at those brown signs which most often mark historical landmarks; and I fill my head with trivial knowledge, which oddly makes me happy, as I snap away, blessing the soul who invented the digital camera. All is mostly well, but as we are headed to Pennsylvania, for Hannah’s graduation, I cannot help but reflect on what we shall find – Hannah will be graduated from a school co-founded by David Wilkerson, who was expected to be present and speak, as he had in the previous years.
I stop at a religious book store to buy Hannah a card. The clerk begins to chat with me, as he tries to entice me to sign up for their frequent shoppers program or to buy Hannah a gift card. I mention where we are headed, away from where Hannah could redeem the gift card, and add how I expect it to be a solemn affair; the clerk does not understand. I continue, given that David Wilkerson has just been killed. He now looks at me in disbelief. I understand, and apologize for having been the one to share this news. The clerk steps away from the cash register, and calls his co-worker over. There is an exchange over the news, and the clerk cannot focus on my purchase. I wait, he is not composing himself. I continue to share the few details that I know, mentioning that Gwen was also in the car. Gwen survived multiple bouts with cancer, and now must deal with her husband’s death. I am not helping him, but he does help me. Oddly, I am comforted by his discomfort. I am not alone in my shock and disbelief.
David Wilkerson came from a family of Pentecostal preachers. He had been pastoring an Assemblies of God church, in Pennsylvania, when in 1957, looking through a Life magazine; he saw a story which would forever change his life. The article was about the murder trial of Michael Farmer, a teenager with polio, who had been killed by members of a New York gang. Compelled to reach out to the gang members, Wilkerson left for New York and the trial. After the judge refused Wilkerson’s request to speak with the gang members, he was ejected from the courtroom – an act photographed and published by the press.
In 1958, Wilkerson starts Teen Challenge International in New York, which is a faith based rehabilitation program for addicts all over the world, with “60 Minutes” commenting that Teen Challenge had the highest success rate of any such group, in terms of relapse. In 1963, his experience in New York were captured in The Cross and the Switchblade, co-written with John and Elizabeth Sherrill, which has been translated into over thirty languages, sold millions of copies, and is considered one of the most important Christian books of the last century. Among other elements of the story, the book speaks of how Nicky Cruz, a New York gang member, converts to Christ, and drastically transforms his life, becoming a minister, like David Wilkerson.
He was also the founder of World Challenge, a world-wide ministry dedicated to reaching millions of people; and the founder of the nondenominational, Pentecostal Time Square Church, in New York City, which was started in 1987, at what had been the Mark Hellinger Theater. This mega church has over 8000 members, and her pews are always filled. Finally, he turns his energy to Please Pass the Bread, a ministry to feed hungry children around the world; and of course he co-founds Mount Zion International School of Ministry with Catherine Logan, which Hannah will attend and graduate from – overall, not a bad resume for one life.
Her graduation ceremony is held in the chapel. It is not our first visit to Hannah’s campus, and when Kate and I walk into the chapel we easily notice the change. A portrait of David Wilkerson has been placed in the front of the chapel, off to the side. I take a deep breath. Caroline and Doug walk in, and then we see Hannah, and all exchange pleasantries. Conversation turns to the loss of this man who has impacted so many, but then transitions to the beautiful Miss Hannah. The graduation begins, and just as expected, the families and friends that had gathered to celebrate their loved ones accomplishments, and to meet their children’s friends and parents, stand or applaud through music, awards, speeches, and finally diplomas.
But the exception to the day must be noted. Instead of listening to David Wilkerson speak, we are treated to Pastor Teresa Conlon, the schools President; and what a speech indeed. She beautifully and heart-felt delivers both the perfect eulogy and commencement address, not an easy feat. Pastor Conlon speaks of legacy, and while she tells of her and her husband and families personal relationship with David Wilkerson, it is impossible not to turn our eyes to the portrait of the man who indeed believed she was called and equipped to perform all of her current duties – including preparing the graduating students to go forward into all of the world. Our eyes come back to her, and then to the graduates – this is a life well led, a legacy of good.
After a celebratory dinner, Kate and I begin our drive, on to our next stop; but our conversation is consumed by the weeks’ events. I tell her what she already knows, but graciously listens to anyway. I grew up in a very strict, religious home where going to see a movie in the theater was considered a sin. I saw the original Planet of the Apes, at a drive-in theater, when I was a child, because I was staying at a friend’s house, and my mother said it was okay. In 9th or 10th grade, I saw The Great Adventures of Waldo Pepper, with my friend Sarah, which my mother again said I could do, and I remember racing home in terror, worried that my father would find out. My senior year of high school, he took my sister, Caroline, and me to the mall, to watch Grease. (Yes, it seems like my parents should have gotten together on their movie policy.)
That was it for movies, but somehow when The Cross and the Switchblade film came out; it was okay for us all to go see it together. We were living in Los Angles, and drove to someplace in Orange County, where I remember my mother rushing us into the theater, so that we would not be late. It was the one and only time that I saw my mother enter a movie theater.
The film starred Pat Boone as David Wilkerson and Eric Estrada played Nicky Cruz, a gang leader in New York City. I had met Nicky Cruz, as a child, and would see him again, after my father had his first heart attack, and Cruz came to visit him, at the hospital.
My first memory of David Wilkerson, in person, was when he had come to preach in Bakersfield, when I was in high school, and again my mother had insisted that we go to the service – it was a great service in a huge auditorium with thousands of people.
For years I had read David Wilkerson’s newsletters, which still come to the house. I did not always agree with everything he said, but he always felt like a familiar member of the family. I had thought, approaching the school that sorrow would loom, feeling horrible for the students and staff who knew him so much more intimately; but he had not founded hopelessness. Yes, there were heavy hearts, but there was also victory. This man had lived his life to the fullest, and had left behind a living legacy which was bigger than who he had been.
Today, as I have flipped through televisions stations, listening to all of the commentary on bin Laden, I have repeatedly been struck by the notion that his death represents the removal of the serpent’s head – with Al-Qaeda being the snake in question. His death has weakened his movement; that is not true for David Wilkerson.
Almost immediately, after bin Laden’s death was announced, concerns were voiced over retaliation and travel warnings were stated. Almost immediately, after David Wilkerson’s death was announced, there was talk about him having lived a good life, and being ready to go home to his heavenly Father – with his family asking that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Please Pass the Bread. http://pleasepassthebread.org/
Graduations, birthdays, road trips, and death – it has been quite a week – one worth taking note of – that is all for now.
http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/265837/remembering-david-wilkerson-nancy-french
