Introduction
Nicky Cruz, a well-known evangelist, author, and former gang member, has an inspirational story demonstrating the power of change and redemption. Educators can use his life experiences to transmit valuable lessons to students about forgiveness, resilience, and personal growth. This article aims to provide an outline for teaching students about Nicky Cruz by discussing his background, highlighting key events in his life, and suggesting practical activities for engaging learners.
Background
Nicky Cruz was born on December 6, 1938, in Las Piedras, Puerto Rico. He grew up in a family plagued with violent abuse and involvement in witchcraft. At the age of 15, he left home and moved to New York City, where he eventually became the leader of one of the most notorious gangs – The Mau Maus. Cruz’s life took a dramatic shift when he encountered Pastor David Wilkerson in 1958. This encounter led to his eventual conversion to Christianity and transformation into an evangelist sharing a message of love and hope.
Key Events in Nicky Cruz’s Life
1. Early Life: Discuss the difficult circumstances Nicky faced during his childhood. Emphasize how these experiences shaped his character and fueled anger within him.
2. New York City Gangs: Look into the conditions that led Nicky to join The Mau Maus gang and how he became an influential leader.
3. Encounter with David Wilkerson: Explore the pivotal meeting with Pastor David Wilkerson that sowed seeds of transformation for Nicky.
4. Conversion & Evangelism: Share how Nicky’s embrace of Christianity changed his life completely, eventually leading him to become an evangelist reaching out to troubled youth globally.
5. Books and Films: Mention the books written by Nicky Cruz, such as Run Baby Run (1968) which recounts his life story, and “The Cross and the Switchblade,” the influential book and film featuring his testimony.
Teaching Activities
1. Documentary Viewing: Show the 1970’s film “The Cross and the Switchblade” to provide a visual and comprehensive understanding of Nicky Cruz’s life journey.
2. Class Discussion: After watching the documentary, facilitate a class discussion on key themes, including redemption, forgiveness, resilience, and change.
3. Analyzing Quotes: Share quotes from Nicky Cruz’s books or interviews and have students discuss their meaning and relevance in today’s world.
4. Creative Writing: Encourage students to write a fictional account of what could have happened to Nicky Cruz had he not encountered David Wilkerson.
5. Role Play: Divide students into groups and ask them to role-play a situation similar to Nicky Cruz’s encounter with David Wilkerson. Use this as an opportunity for reflection on empathy, communication, and compassion.
Conclusion
Teaching students about Nicky Cruz can impart invaluable lessons centered around redemption, forgiveness, and personal growth. By examining his life story, educators can engage learners in thought-provoking discussions that pave the way for personal reflection and growth. With a transformational journey that began as a troubled youth turned compassionate evangelist, Nicky Cruz’s story serves as an encouraging testament to the possibility of change in even the most challenging circumstances.
