Transitions (June 2, 2011)

» David Wilkerson, founder of World Challenge Ministries, was killed April 27 in a car accident in east Texas. Wilkerson was well-known for his best-selling book, The Cross and the Switchblade, in which he told how he pioneered a minstry to gang members and drug addicts in New York City in 1958. Soon after, he founded Teen Challenge, today a worldwide ministry reaching people with life-controlling habits. Wilkerson, who was 79, was buried during a private ceremony in Tyler, Texas, on May 2. For an online tribute to Wilkerson that includes photos, videos and memories of his 50-plus years of ministry, visit wilkerson.charismamag.com.

» Dr. Ray H. Hughes Sr., former general overseer of the Church of God (Cleveland, Tenn.) and past president of Lee University, died on April 5. He was 87. Hughes served the Church of God denomination as its top leader on three separate occasions—most recently in 1996—and is the only person in the 125-year history of the COG to serve as general overseer three separate times.

Larry Stockstill will turn over the pastorate of Bethany World Prayer Center in Baton Rouge, La., to his son Jonathan on Oct. 2. Stockstill made the announcement in April at the church, where he has been senior pastor for 28 years. Jonathan Stockstill is the current worship leader for the church and heads the Christian band Deluge. The elder Stockstill attributed the decision to a shift in his ministry emphasis to pastoring pastors and planting churches. 

» Barry Minkow is heading back to prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit stock fraud. In 1988 Minkow was convicted of stock fraud and incarcerated. While behind bars he gave his life to Christ, emerged from prison as a pastor and launched a stock-fraud investigation company to uncover corporate corruption. It appears the temptation to cook the books was too much for Minkow. He  admitted to conspiring to manipulate Lennar Corp.’s stock and will return to prison for at least five years.