Eddy and I recently visited New York City to attend the Project Rescue Event. I love New York City! I love the restaurants, the buildings, the history, the Broadway shows! Everything! Oh and did I mention the shopping? Definitely love the shopping!
But on this recent trip, one of the highlights for me, was touring Times Square Church! It happened quite by accident. We were walking past the church and thought we would just try the doors to see if we could get in. And, of course, they were locked! But, a man walking by asked if we would like to go in, and we said “Yes!”
It turned out that he was the drummer and had been there for 20 years. We met other staff members and heard wonderful stories about the history of this great church! The founding pastor was David Wilkerson. I had grown up listening to him preach many times at my home church in Dallas. He would pack the building. People would sit on the stairs leading up to the balcony.
He founded the ministry of Teen Challenge as a result of his reaching out to gang members in New York City. His ministry became well known through the book The Cross and the Switchblade. The book was later made into a movie.
Before we left, they gave me a copy of the program of his memorial service. I think if there ever was a “modern day prophet,” it would probably be David Wilkerson. On the back of the program there was a quote from him. “Beloved, God has never failed to act in goodness and love. When all means fail – His love prevails. Hold fast to your faith. Stand fast in His Word. There is no other hope in this world.”
The word “fast” in this context means to hold your ground and be firm. Remember, his love prevails. So let’s hold fast and be firm in our faith, trusting in the God who never fails! Because, in a hopeless world, He IS our only hope!
Those who trust in, lean on, and confidently hope in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved but abides and stands fast forever (Ps. 125:1).
