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Questions and Answers
What crimes were the Mau Maus involved in?
How did Nicky initially react when he met David Wilkerson?
What did David Wilkerson tell Nicky when he spat at him?
How did the other gangs mainly respond when David Wilkerson invited Nicky and the Mau Maus to a meeting?
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Where did Nicky go back to in the Summer of 1960 to talk to his former gang about Jesus?
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What positive change did Nicky help Maria achieve?
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What was Nicky Cruz's original nickname as a child?
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What type of criminal activities was Nicky Cruz involved in as he grew up?
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What happened to Nicky Cruz at the mass revival meeting led by Billy Graham in 1958?
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What was the focus of Nicky Cruz's religious ministry after his conversion?
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Where was Nicky Cruz born?
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What was the primary focus of Cruz's initial ministry?
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What was the title of Cruz's autobiography that became a best-seller in 1963?
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What was the primary purpose of the group called 'The Teenagers' that Cruz formed?
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What was the primary criticism of Cruz's conversion story in 'The Cross and the Switchblade'?
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What was the primary criticism of Cruz's evangelism methods?
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Study Notes
The Mau Maus Street Gang
- The Mau Maus were a street gang in New York City in the 1950s, involved in drugs, drinking, and fighting rival gangs.
- Many members were arrested for violent crimes, including stabbing rival gang members.
Nicky Cruz's Life
- Nicky Cruz was born on August 7, 1940, in New York City.
- He grew up in poverty, with abusive parents who engaged in criminal activities.
- He joined the Latin Kings gang at age 8 and adopted the nickname "Sweetie Pie," later changing it to "Bobby Sweet" and eventually "Nicky Cruz."
- By age 18, he was involved in burglary, theft, muggings, and attempted murder.
Conversion to Christianity
- In 1958, Nicky Cruz attended a mass revival meeting led by Billy Graham, which changed his life.
- He decided to follow Christ and began preaching in the streets, eventually addressing a crowd of thousands at the 1959 New York City Crusade.
Ministry Work
- Nicky Cruz established Youth for Christ clubs, providing a safe space for teenagers to engage in religious activities.
- He formed a group called The Teenagers, aimed at young people struggling with gang life.
- The Teenagers became a model for youth-oriented evangelism across the United States.
Books and Television
- In 1963, Nicky Cruz wrote his autobiography, "The Cross and the Switchblade," which became a best-seller.
- The book was later turned into a movie in 1970, starring Pat Boone and Ernest Borgnine.
Family Life and Personal Details
- Nicky Cruz married his wife, Anne, in December 1963, and they had five children together.
- He has a son from a previous relationship.
Controversies and Criticisms
- Some have questioned the accuracy of Nicky Cruz's conversion story, pointing out inconsistencies and discrepancies.
- Critics have accused him of using fear to convert people and of not disclosing his criminal past more openly.
- His initial ministry was criticized for its association with the Moral Rearmament movement, a controversial organization with a history of links to right-wing politics and anti-Semitism.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the encounter between Nicky Cruz, a former Mau Mau member, and David Wilkerson, a preacher, that eventually led to a transformation in Nicky's life. Learn about their initial meeting, the challenges they faced, and the impact it had on Nicky Cruz.
