The Cross and the Switchblade

By: David Wilkerson

Narrated by: Paul Michael

Length: 6 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's Summary

The astonishing true story of Wilkerson's outreach to New York teens trapped by drugs and gangs.

Gang-fighters! Drug addicts. Teenage runaways and prostitutes! The toughest and most hopeless kids that New York's ghettos had to offer. Then a young preacher from the Pennsylvania hills arrived on their turf and began preaching a message of renewal, miracles, and God's love. This is one of the century's great true stories. Over 14 million copies in print!

©1986 David Wilkerson (P)2010 christianaudio.com

hope when there is no hope

A very inspiring true account of many set free by the power of the Holy Spirit when there is no earthly hope. And how God can lead those who follow the leading of the Holy Spirit to reach those who they seemingly have nothing in common with.

This book will impact your heart and soul!

Not only is the content of the book excellent but the reader does an amazing job in his delivery. I highly recommend this book and it will impact your heart.

Amazing and inspirational true story!!

I couldn't hardly wait to keep listening to this story! It was moving, inspirational, and lit a fire inside of me! Thank you thank you!!

I Couldn't "Put it Down"!

Would you listen to The Cross and the Switchblade again? Why?

Paul Michael did a great job narrating it. His character voices were just right; not too extreme, but enough of a change to add to the story.

What did you like best about this story?

As a believer, I found the stories of God's love and power changing lives inspiring. My guess would be that even if you don't follow Jesus, you would be touched by the compassion of the main characters and the power of love to change lives.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

There were three or four spots I found myself tearing up because of the scene.

Any additional comments?

I can't recommend this book enough. It was so inspiring and challenging. And a very easy listen, thanks to the writing and narration.

Informative

The down to earth way of the preacher makes him relatable. He is honest about his fears and unbelief at events. He does a great job describing all the people he meets, specifically gang members and his experiences with them.

It does get slow around the 5 hour mark when he talks about the organization that he created. It picks up again about 30-45 minutes to the end.

This what it means to live as Christian

The book is a fine example of what it means when God says "Not by power or by might, but by my spirit."

Very Enjoyable Listen You Won't Be Disappointed

Any additional comments?

A great book, very good narration with very touching stories to go with it. You will not be disappointed in this book. Heartfelt funny and uplifting. I could have listened to this book in one sitting. Great way to spend your time.

self-agrandizing? maybe... inspired? perhaps

I listened to this a few weeks ago, on the recommendation of a speaker whose opinion I respect.

The autobiography is about a small town preacher who follows the holy spirits urging (os so we must assume) and follows that urging to New York city. After some humiliating attempts to ensconce himself in a public trial, and bring the testimony of Jesus Christ to some murdering gang members, he eventually moves to the Big City. He starts to actually help lost children find meaning and purpose, and for some he helps to find God.

Often times the tone of the book struck me as holier-than-thou, or of a false humility, but I hesitate somewhat to say that, because I may be wrong. What he actually did was brave, and certainly much needed. His wife and child(ren) were so secondary while all this was happening that I wondered about his priorities a little bit, but put it down as secondary to the story he was relating.

I actually learned a lot about heroin addiction from this book, and how rare it is for someone to conquer this particular habit, so strong is it. I am glad I read it, but would not like to do it again. somewhat dated in feeling, I think this took place in the 50's or 60's.

Amazing amazing amazing

I read the book many times and it keep getting better and better. It's a must read and I just love it and I can highly recommend it

Great book.

I would recommend this book to anyone and have to many. it is as relevant today as it was 40 years ago..... maybe more.

God is Awesome!

This is an amazing story of David Wilkerson and how he was lead by God to work with the young people of New York City who were caught up in Street Gangs, Prostitution and Drugs. Amazingly it relates to instances that happened 40 years ago but (sadly) could easily relate to life in the 21st Century.

With God and the help of the love, care and spiritual support of ordinary people these youngsters have had their lives turned around - this book is inspiring and uplifting. The organisation that was founded to help these young people, Teen Challenge, is still operating today all around the world.

Sadly David Wilkerson died in a car accident in April of this year but his vision still lives on!

Julie

Great book

Great story. Well written and told. Learnt a lot about walking by faith not by sight. A must read for believers of Christ or those seeking to know Him.

Energizing, encouraging

re-read book from my youth, still has the message, one I believe we often forget. prayer changes things. Amen

Amazing

Just a truly incredible story of God's never failing love in the presence of true evil.

Inspiring, challenging, life changing

Such a powerful story! Brings so much hope and challenges me to live more dependently on Holy Spirit. Recommending to many people!

I can see why it’s a classic

A book that’s been on my reading list for many years. I would recommend it to anyone who wishes to see a practical application of God given faith. It is a pure marvel to see how the Lord works in the most difficult of circumstances. Wilkerson, more importantly, allowed God to exert his authority with a mighty hand- his leitmotif being “ Not by might, nor by power but by my spirit , saith the Lord of hosts.

The theology is unapologetically Pentecostal in its leaning. Although I myself am neither Pentecostal nor Charismatic, I still found the work instructive and edifying, in much the same way as I was inspired by Brother Andrew’s ministry as recounted in “ God’s smuggler”.

Furthermore, Wilkerson’s candidness about his struggles in prayer is very refreshing. The groundwork he laid was an important milestone in the combat that we still fight today against the more destructive elements of popular culture. This is a seminal and highly relevant piece of writing, and a testimony to a great work of God’s kingdom on earth.

Anyone who is involved in youth ministry, urban ministry and wishes to understand how the prevailing culture and its temptations can destroy young lives should read this. It is a shining example of how the Gospel can be directly and efficaciously applied to ailing members of society.

Better than I remember it

I first read this book well over 40 years ago! It was great to pick it up again, I listened to it one day. It made me revisit why and how God impacts me today

the best book I have listened to so far this year

so encouraging, narrated very well. not a dull moment. every christian should read this book.

Great story about the Holy Spirit

I had heard David Wilkerson by name but never read his book until 2022. What a wonderful book and testimony about what God can do when you rely on Him. A great read/listen.

How great is our God

Amazing work of our amazing Father
How to be lead by the Holy Spirit and not by the flesh. God's ways are far higher than ours .Nothing is impossible for Him. He needs us to be His hands ,feet and mouth piece .
And He's always right on time.
powerful testimony of His faithfulness
welldone good and faithful servants .
encouraged. moved and inspired
thank you.