The Cross and the Switchblade

With Wilkerson’s help, former gang members Nicky and Angelo are accepted to the Latin American Bible Institute in California. Wilkerson congratulates himself on the work he has done in New York City. In the spring of 1959, however, he receives news that Israel has been charged with murder and sent to prison. Wilkerson learns that Israel had been trying to stay out of trouble but was forced back into the gang when they threatened his life. Wilkerson writes to Israel, but because he isn’t family, Israel is not allowed to respond. Wilkerson suspects that if he had followed up with Israel more regularly, he could have saved him.

One night, Wilkerson is standing in a wheat field near his church when he hears a voice clearly telling him to leave Philipsburg and the church. He returns home, where Gwen tells him that she heard the same voice and message. Wilkerson spends four months touring the country giving talks about his work. In 1960, he meets with church leaders in New York City to establish a new ministry called Teen-Age Evangelism. The church leaders choose Wilkerson to lead it. Wilkerson acknowledges that his new ministry is a small force taking on a huge challenge, likening it to David facing Goliath.