I will always remember like it was yesterday when David Wilkerson pointed me out in the audience at one of his huge outreach rallies over 30 years ago in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.  I had just become a Christian following a recent drug bust and was feeling confused.  It was not so much about my new found faith but because I was facing a very long prison sentence and was not quite sure of my future.  

David pointed right at me and said, "You there.... stand up." I looked around wondering who he was talking to.  He said, "You... you with the brown jacket on. Stand up." I nervously stood and asked, "Who Me?" He yelled out, "Yes... you son." Wilkerson then proceeded to inform me, "God has a very special plan for your life." 

I thought he was crazy and could not comprehend what in the world he was talking about. I asked myself, "Plan?  What kind of plan could God possibly have for me? I am probably going to prison for the rest of my life." That was until a few years later and I was miraculously released from prison and eventually wound up actually working with David Wilkerson at Teen Challenge.   

What a plan, Dave! Who would have thought?  Talk about coming full circle!! You truly had a tremendous impact on me and I am forever thankful for your inspiration. I will never forget when I first learned one of your most well-known expressions: "Compassion without wisdom equals pity."  I still use it today.  

You will really be missed, David. Thank you so much for everything you did to help save and transform hundreds-of-thousands of drug addict's lives.

Rest in peace, brother.