A Childhood of Darkness
Born into a world of darkness in Las Piedras, Puerto Rico, Nicky Cruz's early life was marred by abuse and spiritism. Declared by his mother to be the 'Son of Satan,' he faced severe torment and attempted suicide at the tender age of nine. At fifteen, he was sent to New York City, where he quickly fell into gang life, becoming the warlord and then president of the Mau Maus, a notorious street gang.
Meeting David Wilkerson
Cruz's life was steeped in violence and crime until he encountered David Wilkerson, a preacher from Pennsylvania who dared to bring the message of Jesus to the streets of Brooklyn. Initially, Cruz met Wilkerson's message with hostility, threatening him, but Wilkerson persisted, conveying that Jesus's love was unconditional.
Cruz recalled, 'Jesus sent him there to bring a message to the gangs. I almost killed him then because I really was totally full of hate. That was when he told me that Jesus loved me.' Wilkerson's words struck a chord. 'You can kill me and cut me into a thousand pieces,' Wilkerson had said, 'but every piece will cry that Jesus loves you, Nicky.'
A Moment of Surrender
This message of love ultimately led Cruz to a moment of surrender during an evangelistic meeting organized by Wilkerson. Overwhelmed by the conviction of his past sins, Cruz prayed and asked Jesus for forgiveness, experiencing a profound transformation. The hatred and anger that once consumed him were replaced with peace and a desire to live for God.
From Gang Leader to Evangelist
In a remarkable turn of events, Cruz and some fellow gang members turned in their weapons to the police, shocking the authorities. He felt Jesus had made him a new creation. Cruz went on to study at a Bible college, married, and devoted his life to preaching. He joined Wilkerson's Teen Challenge, later founding his own global ministry, reaching millions with the message of Jesus's love.
Cruz's story also extended to his family, as he shared the life-changing message of Jesus with his parents and siblings, leading many of them to faith.
