THE CROSS AND THE SWITCHBLADE

THE CROSS AND THE SWITCHBLADE by David Wilkerson

Sometimes we don't know the lasting impact a book will have on our children. I'm holding the evidence of that in my hands right now. My oldest daughter, Claire, leaves for Costa Rica Saturday for 2 months on a mission trip. What is her mission? I'll answer that in a moment.

Claire is in her second year of a master's program at a dramatic art school in South Carolina. One of her projects this year was to write a play based on a book that she will direct on their stage next year. She chose the Cross and the Switchblade by David Wilkerson.

If you aren't familiar with the book, it is the true story of a small town pastor called to New York City to work with the gangs. He was way out of his comfort zone, sometimes wondering why God called him from his comfortable little community to a highly dangerous situation.

An opportunity arose for Claire to travel to Costa Rica to work with kids who have come out of the gang life. While they may not personally know the story of the Cross and the Switchblade, they have lived it. This summer Claire will be working with these teens, directing them to perform the play to hopefully reach others who are still in the gangs.

Today I held in my hand the translated Spanish script, and I have to tell you I am in awe.

HEADS UP - As this book deals with gangs, there are references to drug use, prostitution, alcohol, fighting, and sex. There is a YA version and an Adult version.