Born in Puerto Rico and raised in New York, Nicky Cruz was formerly a member of one of New York's most notorious gangs, ‘The Mau Maus’.
His conversion happened in his late teens, when Cruz ran into local preacher David Wilkerson, knocked his lights out, threatened to kill him - but ended up giving His life to Christ through him two weeks later.
“Today I was really vulnerable as I was telling these people about my conversion,” Cruz told Christian Today after speaking at the launch of Soul Week 2006 in Hackney, London.
“It was like a challenge to myself. I know that I have to deal with that, and I’m glad that I did. Now I surrender whatever God wants me to. The words that come into my heart is, ‘I saved you to reveal my wonder and miracles.’”
In addition, Cruz shared: “The great thing about evangelism is that you share Christ with others.”
“God developed me as a speaker, preacher, and writer. People say ‘how great you are’, and no, no, I don’t believe that. I don’t want people to praise me — all the glory belongs to Christ.”
Asked of his connection with London, Cruz answered: “In 1966, I spoke at the Royal Albert Hall. I eventually fell in love with the country. I loooove Great Britain. The people here are very kind.”
In the past month, while touring with his sister Hip-Hop ministry TRUCE (To Reach Urban Communities Everywhere), Cruz was denied permission to speak at The Ocean venue in Hackney, after being accused by the council of being homophobic. The public fought for him and he was able to gain back access to the venue.Cruz commented to Christian Today on that note: “When I preach about homosexuality, I talk about corruption. I don’t just talk about one thing, but I talk about issues like adultery, lying, cheating...”
Cruz strongly urged congregants at Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC) on Saturday night to ‘not apologise for your faith,’ but to boldly testify Christ.
“As a Christian you cannot chicken out, you cannot deny your faith. You cannot be apologising all the time. What for? Why are you apologising? For loving Jesus? It’s the greatest privilege you can have in this life!”
“Arise, and don’t be afraid!” He claimed. “God can use you. If God can use Nicky Cruz, He can use you!”
