The Cross and the Switchblade/Run Baby Run Special Edition DVD

The Cross and the Switchblade/Run Baby Run Special Edition DVD

The Cross and the Switchblade/Run Baby Run DVD is a double-feature containing two incredible films about David Wilkerson and Nicky Cruz, and Cruz's incredible journey out of drug abuse and gang violence to a fulfilling life in Christ. Both movies based on books, these two films complement each other perfectly, giving incredible insights into Nicky's past in the first film, and an encouraging look at what became of his future in the second movie. While produced at different times and featuring different cast members, the two movies work well together to provide a complete and fleshed-out narrative. Learn about Nicky Cruz's incredible experience and see how the transformative power of Christ changed his life forever and sent him on a new and exciting journey.

Produced in 1970, The Cross and the Switchblade is a drama starring Erik Estrada about Pastor David Wilkerson's ministry into the drug and gang culture. It's a story of hope and redemption and shows the incredible true story of how Wilkerson was able to change the hearts of the men on the streets including a young man by the name of Nicky Cruz. And later produced in 1998, Run Baby Run is a thrilling retelling of Nicky Cruz's life, and features the incredible true story of his conversion from vicious gang leader to a renewed man in Christ. It chronicles his journey from anger to finding peace in salvation and even shows the incredible things he was able to do with his life going forward.

The Cross and the Switchblade

The Cross and the Switchblade is based on the book by David Wilkerson, which chronicles his first 5 years of his ministry. Wilkerson felt his call was to travel to New York City and spend several years there going out onto the streets and preaching to those caught up in gang violence and drugs. While he knew it would be a difficult job and even dangerous at times, he knew this is what he needed to be doing with his life. He felt a call from God to evangelize to these poor, unreached youth and show them that there is a better way to live life. It's a story not only of Wilkerson's amazing experiences, but of redemption, grace, and forgiveness.

In the film and in the book, Wilkerson explains the attitudes of these young boys, how they're broken and defeated and simply can't see a way out of their current situation. He explains that they feel hopeless, that their lives are ruined and that they must learn to accept their difficult lives on the streets. That's why Wilkerson felt the call to reach out to them, and to tell them that there is hope; there is a way out! So, Wilkerson did what he felt called to do. He left his comfort zone, travelled to New York and spent many, many nights wandering the streets doing everything he could to reach out to the lost and distraught youth.

One of the men he met on his travels was Nicky Cruz, a young man who was completely caught up in drugs, gangs, and all of the horrors of the city night life. Cruz, played by Erik Estrada in this film, is depicted as being down and distraught and ready to give up on his life. Until he meets Pastor David Wilkerson. When Wilkerson began to explain the message of salvation and God's plan for Nicky, he was deeply touched and chose to give his life over to God. This was a remarkable experience that forever changed Nicky Cruz's life. And the most encouraging thing about the story was what Nicky went on to do afterwards. Rather than reverting back to his old life after a time, he continued to press on in his faith, even reaching out and evangelizing to other people that were in his situation. The Cross and the Switchblade is a powerful story about the impact one man had on a New York City night life and how he was able to help men and pull them out of their world of drugs and gangs. The story is an encouraging one of forgiveness and hope, and how we all have a God-given plan for a better and newly restored life.

Run Baby Run

Run Baby Run is the incredible true story of Nicky Cruz, told from his perspective. We learn about his vicious gang leading in the 1950's and see him as the head of one of the most brutal gangs, the Mau Maus. Nicky was a young man who hated everyone and everything, and this powerful movie begins his story by spotlighting his difficult childhood in Puerto Rico, and then his horrific life shortly after when he became teenager and began his vicious rebellion. The only family Nicky had at this point in his life was his gang family, and this was most certainly not a good group for him to be hanging around.

This movie is based on Cruz's autobiography, also titled Run Baby Run, and follows a similar structure, explaining his story. Cruz's story is a dramatic one and it features his dramatic battle fighting against drugs, violence, and even alcoholism. Although his story is incredible and dramatic, it's also sadly not unique. There are countless numbers of young men today that are experiencing the same things as Nicky. This is why Cruz has dedicated his life to evangelizing to these men as well, hoping to pull as may people out of this dark situation as he can. Cruz understands that he doesn't want these men to go through the same thing he went through.

Conclusion

The Cross and the Switchblade/Run Baby Run DVD Set is a special two-disc collection that released in 2012, hoping to spread the message of David Wilkerson's incredible ministry and Nicky Cruz's powerful battle against his addictions and struggles. This is a message for all to see, as it contains stories of hope, redemption and ultimate forgiveness. No matter where you are at in your life, God can still pull you out of your situation. This DVD is a reminder that there will always be hope.