A Disturbing Sight
In 1986, David Wilkerson, a pastor with a long history of ministry, walked down 42nd Street in New York City. What he saw broke his heart: children as young as nine were caught in the grip of crack cocaine. The sight was so disturbing that Wilkerson, who had already founded Teen Challenge to help troubled youths, felt a deeper call. He described the moment vividly, saying, "I saw 9-, 10- and 11-year-old kids bombed on crack cocaine. I walked down 42nd Street and they were selling crack. Len Bias, the famous basketball player, had just died of a crack overdose, and the pusher was yelling, 'Hey, I've got the stuff that killed Len.'"
A Direct Call
Overwhelmed by the rampant destitution and vice, he cried out to God, asking for a testimony to rise in that "hellish place." To his surprise, God's answer was direct and personal: "Well, you know the city. You've been here. You do it." Initially hesitant, Wilkerson understood this as a call to establish a new kind of ministry.
Times Square Church
By October 1987, Wilkerson founded Times Square Church. Initially meeting in rented spaces, the church quickly grew into a diverse, interdenominational congregation. It aimed to encourage righteous living and reliance on God, focusing on both the physically destitute and spiritually needy individuals of Times Square. The church's impact was significant, becoming a beacon of hope and transformation in an area once known for its darkness.
A Testament of Faith
Wilkerson's obedience to this unexpected call shifted his focus from evangelistic efforts like Teen Challenge to pastoring a vibrant urban church, while still caring deeply for the marginalized. Today, Times Square Church stands as a testament to his faith and the power of listening to God's call.
