As I couldn't sleep last night I spent some time reading up on David Wilkerson and was not unimpressed with his early work with members of violent street gangs. He certainly wasn't a 'big name' then, starting in 1958, just an ordinary guy who, with his wife, gave up a relatively secure and comfortable life to work helping violent young men. He was prompted to do this after reading about a particularly violent murder committed by two boys who were gaoled for life. As he came from an extremely humble background himself he felt some affinity with these young men.
Nicky Cruz who wrote 'Run Baby Run' was someone on whom he had a great influence, helping him to change his life. One may dislike Nicky Cruz's ethos in many respects but he was certainly better for leaving gang life behind.
I make no mention of Wilkerson's faith, prophecies (one of which was there will be big earthquakes in Japan
), evangelism, or the business with his son about which I found no more than we have already discussed; only the work he chose to do which struck me as commendable. He's not the only one of course and no-one needs a religious faith to feel strongly about helping others, however religious faith takes nothing away from what he did early on in his career.
Reminds me somewhat of Jackie Pullinger whose work with drug addicts has been truly remarkable.