Nicky Cruz facts for kids

Nicky Cruz (born December 6, 1938) is a Puerto Rican Christian speaker and writer. He is known for sharing his life story and message of hope. Nicky Cruz started a Christian organization called Nicky Cruz Outreach. He also worked with David Wilkerson at a group called Teen Challenge. Before becoming a minister, he was the leader of a street gang in New York City called the Mau Maus.

Early Life and Challenges

Nicky Cruz was born in Las Piedras, Puerto Rico. He grew up in a difficult neighborhood. When he was 15, his parents sent him to live with his brother in New York City. Soon after arriving, Nicky ran away from his brother's home. He began living on the streets of the city.

Life on the streets was tough. Nicky joined a street gang known as the Mau Maus. Within about six months, he became a leader in the gang. He quickly rose to become their president.

A New Path: Conversion to Christianity

After Nicky became the gang leader, a preacher named David Wilkerson came to his neighborhood. Wilkerson told Nicky that "Jesus loved him and would never stop loving him." At first, Nicky reacted strongly, even threatening the preacher. But Wilkerson did not give up.

Later, David Wilkerson held a special meeting to share his message. Nicky and some of his gang members decided to go. When Nicky arrived, he felt a sense of guilt about his past actions. He began to pray. After the meeting, Wilkerson asked for donations. Nicky helped collect money from the crowd.

Then, Wilkerson invited people to come forward and pray. Many gang members, including Nicky, responded. Nicky prayed with Wilkerson and asked God to forgive him. This moment changed his life.

After their conversion, Nicky and some of the gang members did something surprising. They went to the police station and turned in their weapons. The police officers were shocked by this change. Nicky then began to study the Bible and went to Bible college. He became a preacher himself. He even returned to his old neighborhood to share his new message. He helped more of the Mau Maus, including the gang's new leader, Israel Narvaez, find a new path.

Books and Films About Nicky Cruz

Nicky Cruz has written several books about his life and beliefs. His first autobiography, Run Baby Run, was written with Jamie Buckingham in 1968. He also wrote Soul Obsession with Frank Martin in 2005. Other books he has written include The Corruptors (1974) and Destined to Win (1991).

His amazing life story was also made into a movie. The 1970 film The Cross and the Switchblade showed his conversion. Erik Estrada played Nicky Cruz, and Pat Boone played David Wilkerson. In 2013, Nicky Cruz wrote another book called The Devil Has No Mother. In this book, he shares his thoughts on how good can overcome evil.

See also

In Spanish: Nicky Cruz para niños

• List of Puerto Rican writers
• List of Puerto Ricans
• Puerto Rican literature