9th July, 2012

Gwen Wilkerson, wife of the late Rev David Wilkerson, passed away Thursday morning. She was 81.

Announcing her death on Thursday,, Debbie, Bonnie, Greg and Gary Wilkerson said in a joint statement on the World Challenge website, "This morning at 10:30am CST our beloved mother, Gwen Wilkerson, passed away. She was 81 and went to be with Christ with great peace and even anticipation. She had an amazing resolve and unshakeable faith, exemplified throughout her life in her numerous battles with cancer. Her miraculous story was told in her faith-building book, Abiding in His Strength.

"Her husband of 58 years and our father, David Wilkerson, passed away in April of 2011. Ever since then Mom has longed to go to be with Christ in heaven. We are comforted knowing she has entered her reward.

"We are grateful to our World Challenge partners for all your prayers. She prayed for you daily and always considered it a great privilege to be part of this ministry."

CBN News wrote that "Mrs Wilkerson's death comes just over a year after a car crash claimed the life of her husband. The April 2011 accident left her temporarily wheelchair-bound."

"The devastating crash and resulting death of her husband was latest of several challenges Mrs Wilkerson faced in her life, including several battles with cancer. Her family said she faced each tragedy with steadfast faith."

Rev Wilkerson founded Times Square Church in New York City and is the author of the well-known book, The Cross and the Switchblade (which was written with John and Elizabeth Sherrill). He also founded World Challenge in 1971.

"The renowned pastor was killed April 27, 2011 in a head-on collision with a tractor trailer in Texas. He was 79," added the CBN News.

- DAN WOODING, Assist News Service