by Gary Wilkerson (son)

“David served the purposes of God in his generation, then he died” (Acts 13:36).

On Wednesday afternoon my father, David Wilkerson, passed away in a car accident. We grieve the loss of a beloved father, a faithful husband and a holy man of God. My mother, Gwen, his wife of 57 years, was in the car also, but we are told she will recover fully.

Dad’s 60-plus years of ministry have impacted the lives of those closest to him and extended to millions around the world. Today we feel a personal loss, but at the same time we rejoice knowing Dad lived life to the fullest, obeying God with devotion and loving Jesus radically.

He was known for his unlimited faith. He believed God could change the lives of gang members and transform the most desperate drug addicts. He believed that a dynamic church could be launched in the heart of Times Square, New York City.

He believed he could be a man who loved his wife and children well. And he did.

Dad was not one for fanfare, acclaim or ceremony. He turned down invitations to meet with world leaders yet would give everything he owned to support a poor orphan or a widow in distress.

Like King David of old, Dad served God’s purposes in his generation. He preached with uncompromising passion and relentless grace. He wrote with amazing insight, clarity and conviction. He ran his race well and when his work was done, he was called home.

I don’t think my father would have retired well. I don’t think he was one to sit in a rocking chair and reminisce about times past. I believe that Jesus, knowing this, graciously called him home.

Dad’s last mission on earth was to be an advocate for the poorest of the poor—to provide relief and support for hungry children and widows and orphans. After founding Teen Challenge, World Challenge and Times Square Church, he sought to feed starving children in the most impoverished countries in the world. Today, Please Pass the Bread is saving the lives of thousands of children, through 56 outreaches in 8 countries.

Like King David of old, after having served God’s purpose, he died. I know if my father were able to encourage you with his words today, he would invite you to give your all to Jesus, to love God deeply and to give yourself away to the needs of others.

The works he began outlive him. We can all attest to his impacting us—not only in his preaching, writing and founding of world-changing ministries, but in his love, devotion, compassion and ability to stir our faith for greater works.

Note by Val

David Wilkerson impacted my life HUGELY from my early teenage years until the present day. His ministry, books, testimony and strong prophetic voice have been a constant source of inspiration, challenge and blessing in my life. He fought a good fight and ran his race well.

Numbers 6:24-26 (NLT)

Why is the world so afraid of Islam? What do Muslims believe?

Get your gratis (no charge) copy of my eBook “What Do Muslims Believe?” here:

http://tinyurl.com/Muslim-eBook

Val

As in most – if not all – things in life, there are no short cuts or Magic Bullets that will miraculously take you to a successful conclusion of whatever you are busy with.

A lot of people promise you quick returns for hardly any effort (especially in internet marketing). Don’t believe them. You get what you pay for!

In the Christian life, it is exactly the same. There are no instant secrets to becoming mature in the faith. The “Super Spirituals” SOUND great, but the fruit on the Tree of their Lives is what counts. Integrity, faithfulness, self-control and all the Fruits of the Spirit together with the powerful Gifts of the Spirit makes for Spirit-filled living. How do you get to that place? An old Sunday School song puts it concisely:

Read Your Bible
Pray Every Day
And You will grow.. grow.. grow..

Talking to the Lord on a daily basis and having Him talk to you through His Word is the only “secret” you need. There are no Magic Bullets.

That’s true for writing books too – and (far harder!) selling them!

I will be introducing my Internet Mentorship Programme soon which will help a lot. Email me if you are interested and I will keep you informed.

No Magic Bullets

Success takes hard work, knowledge applied, and perseverance.

Val

My site has undergone quite a radical change, with thanks to John Thornhill of www.planetsms.com for his great advice and Steve of www.planet-divinity.com for the terrific graphics.

Please leave me some comments.

Thanks!

Val