GWEN WILKERSON

GWEN WILKERSON

Gwen Wilkerson, the wife our founder David Wilkerson passed away at 10:30 am CST July 5. DL Moody once said, "You will one day hear that Moody is dead, don't believe a word of it. Where I am going I will be more alive than ever." Gwen Wilkerson is more alive than ever. Mission accomplished. Her children, Debbie, Bonnie, Greg and Gary Wilkerson, share, Mom was 81 and went with great peace and even anticipation. She had an amazing resolve and unshakable faith, exemplified throughout her life in her numerous battles with cancer. Our dad, her husband of 58 years, passed away in April of 2011. Ever since then mom has longed to go to be with Christ in heaven. We are comforted knowing she has entered her reward.

HISTORY

On the passing of founders David and Gwen Wilkerson, we give thanks to God for lives well lived, their example of faith, and their legacy of love. Behind every miracle in the ministry of Teen Challenge was a loving wife who believed God and supported him and the vision which has swept the globe. I am sure they would have been uncomfortable with all of the attention, testimonials, and tributes that we have seen. Most importantly every tribute has focused the attention solely on the power of God at work in their lives. I know that this would have really pleased him

IN LOVING TRIBUTE

When David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep.
Acts 13:13

Click left for a complete video stream of the memorial. Even if you cannot view the entire stream, may I encourage you to view the 3 minute message from Brother Dave at the opening of the video stream.

Click for a MSNBC tribute ... America loses one of its ‘most remarkable public servants and ends with "Let there be no doubt, America has lost a saint "

I am sure brother Dave and Gwen would have been uncomfortable with all of the attention, testimonials, and tributes that have been presented. Most importantly, every tribute has focused the attention solely on the power of God at work in their lives, family and ministry. I know that this would have truly pleased them

Bonnie Wilkerson Hayslip shared: My mom is now in nursing rehab in the hospital and is now eating better. She is a trooper

One of the great blessings of my ministry has been the nuggets of wisdom that Brother Dave often shared. They probably had a more profound impact.

coutroom

In 1958, God called Bro Dave to New York City to intercede in a particularly brutal teen gang murder. He was thrown out of the Egyptian Kings trial and a front page headline offered
only humiliation.

The article said, "He was escorted from the courtroom by officials and no additional charges against Wilkerson are anticipated. The DA’s office was unable to be reached for comment at this time, but it is anticipated that we have heard the last from this poor misguided heart."

Never has a columnist ever missed it so badly. There are now over 1,100 TC programs in 90 nations, with invitations from 30 other countries.

on my life than the powerful evangelism and preaching with which we were always blessed.

I will never forget his strength as he lead our New York City team in Coney Island on a hot summer day,
July 28, 1982 when word came that our dear friend, Keith Green along with eleven others died in the crash of their Cessna 414. He refused to allow that tragic event to stop the ministry. He and Second Chapter of Acts led us in prayer. We wept, we prayed. When some wanted to cancel the outreach, when Brother Dave stood up and quietly spoke. "Keith is in heaven now."

"We will not stop! We will pray for Melody, for the children, for the families, but tonight we minister to the lost and Satan will not have the final word . We will make this day count!" When the TC Choir went on stage to open for him and Second Chapter that night, it was one of the most powerful anointing's I have ever sensed. Hundreds met Jesus and will join Keith Green in heaven because of Brother Dave's obedience in the face of tragedy that night.

Regarding ministering to the gangs, I once asked, "Were you ever afraid?"
He answered “I wasn't’ afraid of getting killed, but I was afraid of making no impression on these young lives.”

In Philllie, as we hurried down Broad Street to get to the stage, people kept stopping him. As I was hurrying him to "minister" he reminded me, "Bern, real ministry is what happens on the way to the ministry."

Bro Dave and Bernie in Dominican Republic

Probably his most profound words to me were shared at the Rehrersburg Teen Challenge Farm when he confided, "Bernie, you will meet 2 kinds of people in ministry and they both have a hammer ...One will try to crucify you, the other will try to sculpt a statue. I am not sure which is more dangerous."

In my role as Global Evangelism Coordinator, I pray that God will anoint us to keep the fire of evangelism burning in Teen Challenge around the world.