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By David Wilkerson
March 21, 1986
__________

          [editor's note: We've included this message to help
          give a historical perspective on how God was using
          David in the mid 1980's, and to help show the
          transition from the Crusade ministry to the present day
          Times Square Ministry. Please keep in mind that some of
          the information included in this message was originally
          intended to update David Wilkerson's Crusade
          supporters, and as the ministry has changed, some of
          the information will not be current. This information
          stands as a testimony of God's leading and provision. ]

          Dear Friends in Christ:

          This is a special report we are sending to all our
          mailing list friends and readers, to keep you well
          informed about what is happening in our ministry and to
          present and answer important questions.

          Since we are physically unable to answer every letter
          we receive personally, we hope in this report to answer
          some of the questions most frequently asked of us.
          Numbers of readers have requested more information
          about our various ministries. I believe our readers and
          supporters deserve to know as much as possible about
          who we are, how we live, and what we are doing for the
          Lord. This is not gossip, but simply a newsy letter to
          inform you and to answer some questions you may have. I
          can't cover all the questions, but I can give you as
          much information as possible in this format.

          Question:

          "I tried to get our pastor to read your book, SET THE
          TRUMPET TO THY MOUTH. He refused, and the reason he
          gave is that you don't practice what you preach. He
          said he knew for a fact you live in a very expensive
          house, drive expensive cars, and have a collection of
          antique cars. Is this true? I am not condemning, just
          asking."

          Answer:

          Your pastor is truly misinformed. I do think it's time
          for ministers who raise money for their ministries to
          tell the public the truth about their lifestyles. Gwen
          and I live in a modest three-bedroom house [pictured],
          without a swimming pool, on 2 acres of land. My
          personal office is above my garage - that is where I
          write my newsletters and books. I have no phone there,
          nor TV nor radio. It is my hiding place with the Lord.

          Gwen drives a 1986 Honda Accord. I drive a Toyota
          Cressida. I have no collection of antique cars. I had
          two old cars which were given to ministries working
          with the poor. We have no stocks, nor bonds, nor
          investments, nor savings. We own our home and the
          Toyota. My salary is taken from the receipt of my own
          book sales from bookstores, and the rest is donated to
          the ministry On the "Trumpet" book, I did not make a
          single dollar. We are headed for one million
          distribution of that book - but it is sold near cost
          and no one is profiting from it.

          We are not boasting, nor are we judging others who live
          better. God has been dealing with us to strip away all
          that is unneeded and to live modestly before all men.
          We have made some mistakes in this area in the past -
          but in recent years, God has helped us to become more
          of a testimony regarding lifestyle. Our goal is to keep
          cutting back until only what is necessary remains.

          Gwen and I travel in a bus that was equipped as a motor
          home. We have a driver - and it is our home away from
          home when we travel. It is very comfortable - and was
          made possible by friends of our ministry.

          Question:

          "I heard you speak in our city and you told of your
          wife's battle with cancer and lupus. What is Gwen's
          present physical condition? Is she in total agreement
          with you in your ministry - especially in regards to
          prophecy?"

          Answer:

          Gwen has been marvelously healed. Doctors now find no
          sign of cancer or lupus. Now that our children are
          grown, she travels with me at all times. After 34 years
          of marriage, it is sweeter and better each passing day.
          We have four married children and five grandsons and
          another grandchild on the way. Gwen has asked the Lord
          to give her at least one granddaughter.

          Gwen spends as much as eight hours a day reading the
          many letters we receive from our readers. I often see
          her wipe away tears, reading about the elderly, the
          poor, the farmers losing their farms and going
          bankrupt. So many write saying, "I wish I could give
          something." Or, "Sorry my gift is so small." We hurt
          with these dear people. We are not out for their money
          - not at all!

          A 19 year old saint wrote, "there is so little I can
          send that I am ashamed, and wait, hoping the next month
          will be better." Another wrote, "By the end of the
          month there is not enough to pay my bills - or to buy
          sufficient food. I eat as little as possible, hoping I
          can save enough to help some of the ministries so
          desperate, for help."

          We take this time right now to tell the elderly - those
          on fixed and limited incomes - those who are burdened
          with financial problems - DON'T feel condemned about
          not being able to send money We love you all the more;
          we pray for you; and please let us continue to minister
          to you through our messages. Just pray for us! We count
          it a great joy to minister to you.

          It is appalling that so many retired saints of God feel
          so pressured to send money to ministries begging for
          help. The precious elderly, with hardly enough money to
          buy food, are being harassed by ministries. We are all
          being hounded and harassed from all sides. One lady
          told me she tried to support 26 different ministries.
          This kind of injustice must stop! I beg of all the
          elderly, the needy the financially burdened - don't
          give emotionally. Pray about your giving! Don't give to
          beggars. Don't give to ministries that waste your gift
          on expensive buildings. And give to our ministry only
          as you are able - and as the Spirit leads you. And
          don't feel guilty because you can't help financially.

          Gwen keeps reminding me, "David, please tell them not
          to fret about our needs, but to just pray for us.' If
          you receive an appeal from us, just pray that those who
          are able will respond - but don't worry about not being
          able to help. God always meets our needs. We pray about
          your needs, too.

          Question:

          Why do you ask for encouragement and letters when it is
          obvious you can't answer them all? Why don't you simply
          preach the truth, forget your critics and let God take
          care of the results? If you are preaching God's Word,
          won't He give you all the strength and support you
          need? Some of us are either afraid to write, or we
          doubt it will make a difference. Also, it might be
          dangerous to hear too many flattering words."

          Answer:

          Every two years, we check our mailing list. If, in two
          years, people do not write or let us know they are
          being ministered to, we wonder if they want to continue
          with us. We don't consider money an issue in removing
          any from our mailing list. In fact, if readers write to
          us even once to tell us they are being helped, they
          will not be taken off our list, whether they send money
          or not.

          We do not seek only for encouragement - even though
          that is most helpful, especially since we now have so
          many critics - but we do want to be good stewards of
          the money God entrusts to us. All we want to know is -
          do you want to continue receiving my messages? There is
          no sense in sending them to those who throw them away
          or won't even open them.

          Thank God for so many who have written, telling us they
          are sorry they have not written before. We read all
          those letters. Those who have written will not be
          removed. Please know that even though we can't answer
          every letter personally your message gets through to
          us.

          As for as our critics are concerned - I don't answer
          them. If there is constructive criticism, we take it to
          heart. Otherwise, it goes into the waste basket.

          I doubt I will ever understand why preachers,
          especially some Assemblies of God preachers, write
          rebuking letters to me suggesting I am causing
          confusion in the body of Christ because of my strong
          messages. They tell me my books are bringing gloom and
          doom on the saints. I only wish they could read the
          thousands of letters pouring into our offices, telling
          of repentance and a turning to holiness that is
          happening around the nation. The books and messages
          have stirred hearts, convicted of sin, and brought
          repentance to multitudes.

          That is why I don't answer any of our critics. I still
          love them all - and I pray for them daily. They really
          do not upset me at all.

          The great majority who write to us are most
          encouraging. They love the truth and are not afraid of
          reproof or correction. Gwen gives me oral and written
          reports of what the people are writing. We feel the
          heartcry of the people. The letters help me so much in
          the preparation of my messages. It's a powerful thing
          to have input from so many people.

          Believe it or not, many, many people are grieved over
          the way their churches are going. They say over and
          again, "Pray for our church, our pastor - there is no
          life! I am not being fed spiritually! Our pastor is not
          the man he used to be." The people in the pew are often
          further along in God than the pastors. So few can find
          a church that is alive and real.

          It is getting very frightening to see how many churches
          and pastors are dying spiritually. It's becoming dead
          ritual - effeminate preaching that offends nobody - and
          a push for money that is turning thousands of
          Christians sour against the church. Men's big dreams
          are being financed by the poor and suffering. How it
          must sicken the heart of God!

          But we also get wonderful letters from godly pastors,
          including Assemblies of God, who say to us, "We, too,
          cry for repentance. We feel the same as you do. Some of
          us are being persecuted for our stand for holiness. The
          crowds don't like reproof or correction. Your messages
          make us know we are not alone in this Last Day work!" I
          am most encouraged by these true men of God. They are
          few in number, but vital to God in these troubled
          times. I love every one of them - their spirit bears
          witness with mine. They are God-hungry humble servants.

          Question:

          "I read your book, THE CROSS AND THE SWITCHBLADE, years
          ago while in school. Where is Nicky Cruz and Israel -
          the two main characters in the book? Do you still
          preach in New York? What is your present ministry to
          street people?"

          Answer:

          Nicky Cruz preaches to thousands in crusades all over
          the world. I talked to him this very week, and we are
          helping to sponsor him in a proposed trip to Russia in
          the near future. His meetings in Hungary touched
          thousands with Holy Ghost conviction. Israel is
          speaking in various churches and tells me he plans to
          enter Bible school for further training.

          I preach on the streets of New York every summer. We
          are right now enlisting workers to go with us to the
          streets this summer. I love to minister to addicts,
          alcoholics and street people. We started Teen Challenge
          in New York City 28 years ago. That original center is
          still taking in a steady stream of drug abusers,
          alcoholics and other hopeless souls. There are now
          about 100 Teen Challenge centers In the U.S.A., and
          another hundred or more overseas, in nations around the
          world. Each center is autonomous and responsible for
          their own staff and funding. There are also farms,
          ranches, boys' and girls' homes,evangelism centers, and
          coffee houses worldwide.

          On April 20, we will be in Budapest, Hungary [Lord
          willing], to dedicate a new drug and alcoholic center
          there - behind the Iron Curtain.

          There is a better than 75% cure rate in these centers
          and thousands of addicts, alcoholics, prostitutes and
          gang members have been saved. Many are preaching today.

          Question:

          "Our pastor attended your first CALL TO REPENTANCE
          gathering in Dallas. He said it was a 'flop' and
          informed us you people are caught up in a delusion. Our
          church is in shock over his remarks. Can you tell us
          about what happened?"

          Answer:

          Would to God we had more "flops" like these! Your
          pastor was one of the few who could not take the Holy
          Ghost pressure against sin and compromise. He walked
          the halls one afternoon - too troubled to sit through
          the preaching. The truth is - hundreds upon hundreds of
          pastors and their wives have been totally changed by
          these gatherings. Pastors have returned to their
          pulpits renewed and on fire for God. Revivals of
          repentance are breaking out like grass fires in many
          areas.

          We have had some ministers resist the Word. A few we
          discerned were actually - demon possessed - so bound by
          lust, they could not accept the Word of repentance. A
          few came to simply spy out the land and judge us.

          We are not getting "big-time" ministers in these
          gatherings. The busy, prosperous have no time. Instead,
          those who hurt, the burned-out, those unknown, some who
          feel like out-casts, many weary and broken, and those
          hungry for God are attending. But that is good, because
          my Bible tells me the holy remnant is made up of such
          [see Micah 4:6].

          God is opening more "Repentance Gatherings" in the U.S.
          and Canada. We are going where God leads us - wherever
          there is a group of ministers who hunger like we do for
          a revival of holiness.

          Perhaps God will raise up such a gathering in your area
          - if you get the burden and intercede for pastors.

          Also, we are praying about calling lay Christians to
          such a gathering. Not just ministers and wives - but
          all people. We would like to hear from every person, or
          couple, reading this who would want to come to Dallas,
          Texas, for 3 nights and 2 days to hear God's Word on
          repentance and to seek God for a new heart! If there is
          enough interest - we will pray for a release of the
          Holy Spirit and make plans.

          Finally - we preach repentance, not as an end in itself
          - but as a way to life. Peter called it, "Repentance
          that leads to life" (Acts 11:18). The Holy Spirit is
          calling a holy remnant out of the harlot church system;
          and they will walk in the fullness of Christ as a
          testimony, in the midst of confusion and ruin.
          Repentance is preparation for the entrance of the
          kingdom of heaven in the heart. So, like John the
          Baptist - and like Jesus - we cry out, "Repent, for the
          kingdom of heaven is come!"

          Question:

          "I heard an evangelist say you have changed your mind
          about some of the things you wrote in your "Trumpet"
          book. Especially about Babylon being America. Is this
          true - and if so, what changes have been made?"

          Answer:

          If anything, I am even stronger in my convictions
          shared in SET THE TRUMPET TO THY MOUTH. I have not
          changed! I am lifting my voice louder than ever.
          Babylon is a theological term - representing both the
          corrupt ecclesiastical system and the aboininable,
          greedy industrial complex. I hate communism and
          socialism - I am a loyal American citizen. I love my
          country But the truth is, our multi-national
          corporations have polluted the whole world. Greed and
          money have become god.

          Babylon is a harlot church. But it is also a harlot
          financial power - with potential to damn the world If
          America had kept true to its founding faith - if the
          church had kept its holy calling - if there had been
          enough bold shepherds to cry out against corruption -
          this harlot beast of greed could not have been birthed.

          More than ever I am convinced that America is fast
          sinning away her day of grace. Preachers may hide their
          heads in the sands of false peace and security - but
          that will not stop the holocaust.

          Hear this! God is going to turn away from America -
          England - and Christianized Europe - and turn to China
          and the nations behind the Iron Curtain!

          God is going to provoke this sinful, materialistic,
          backslidden church and send a Holy Ghost outpouring on
          the third world and communist countries.

          In China, a revival is rising in strength right now! It
          has been estimated there are now over 100 million
          Christians in China! God is moving by His Spirit in
          Poland; Hungary; in Kenya, Africa; in the Caribbean; in
          Mexico - and even in Russia. There is a prophecy in
          Isaiah that proves China, Eastern Europe and Africa
          will be visited by God - with masses awakened.

          "Behold, these shall come from afar; and lo, these will
          come from the north and from the west, and these from
          the land of Sinim" (Isaiah 49:12).

          Isaiah prophesied out of Israel. Poland, Hungry and
          other European communist nations are north. Africa is
          west! Sinim is Sino or China. Many Bible scholars agree
          on this. The Holy Spirit is now opening this truth.

          God has instructed me to prophesy this message
          everywhere. God has promised He will Rather a holy
          people from every tribe, every nation every tongue - on
          earth. This includes Russia and China!

          I believe God is indignant over the corruption in the
          American church! Now, He will provoke us by raising up
          a holy, primitive, New Testament church behind the Iron
          Curtain.

          While this "Christian" nation plays with its toys -
          building resorts - preaching prosperity - grabbing for
          wealth and success - wasting away before idols - China
          will be shaken by the Spirit of God and Joel 2 will be
          fulfilled among a newly awakened people totally given
          to Christ and to purity - to love!

          I will be sharing more of this prophecy in days to
          come. Pray for China! Pray for America - our time is
          almost gone! Unless there is a supernatural call to
          repentance and humbling of church leaders - a purifying
          of this evil system, we will be destroyed in one hour -
          while Chinese adn other third world Christians take the
          Gospel to what remains!

          Conclusion:

          We covet your prayers! We will be ministering in Poland
          and Hungary the month of April. Pray for the
          fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy. Billy Graham had
          multitudes hear his message in Romnania - a communist
          country most difficult to reach.

          We are asking the Lord to open doors for crusades in
          Russia and China. I believe the doors will open. But I
          think God will permit few American evangelists into
          these nations. God forbid that rich, high-flying
          prosperity preachers get in and spread the poison of
          American materialism. Pray that God will allow in only
          those who exalt Christ - only those who have broken
          hearts - and no promoters, no publicity seekers, no
          glory hounds!

          This is one revival God will not let be spoiled by
          spoiled preachers or false doctrines. I am not
          suggesting we are the purest or even worthy of such an
          opening. It is only that, like so many other repentant
          Christians, we yearn for reality and the exaltation of
          Christ and His holiness.

          To those who are able and have the means - we say to
          you, we need your support. We are going to these
          countries - to the streets - strictly with the help of
          our caring friends.

          Thank you! We do welcome your letter and comments.

          His bond - servant,

          David Wilkerson

          ---
          Used with permission granted by World Challenge, P. O.
          Box 260, Lindale, TX 75771, USA.

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