TEEN CHALLENGE ANNUAL BANQUET SLATED APRIL 10

Mid-America Teen Challenge will hold its annual spring banquet April 10 at 7 p.m. at the Show Me Center.

The annual fund raising event features guest speaker Nicky Cruz, a former New York street gang leader who is now a crusader against drugs and violence.

Reservations are being taken now for the event. For information, call Teen Challenge at 335-6508.

Cruz' story was told in the book "The Cross and the Switchblade," which also became a film.

Cruz has written eight books detailing his life. His autobiography, "Run Baby Run," has been translated into 72 languages.

Born in Puerto Rico, Cruz was one of 18 children. His parents were spiritualists who made their living as mediums and sorcerers.

When he was 15, his parents sent him to New York to live with his brother. He soon left his brother's home and joined a gang called the Mau Maus. He became the gang president, leading his gang in destructive rampages, beatings and killings.

Told by a psychiatrists that he was on "a one-way street to jail, the electric chair and hell," Cruz became overwhelmed with the realization of where his life was headed. At about the same time, Cruz met David Wilkerson, founder of Teen Challenge.

Cruz committed his life to serving God and became a minister. He has worked with gang members and young people, traveling around the world.