Gwen Wilkerson, wife of the late Rev David Wilkerson, passed away last Thursday morning. She was 81.

The family said in a statement on the World Challenge website that Mrs Wilkerson "went to be with Christ with great peace and even anticipation".

She had an amazing resolve and unshakeable faith, exemplified throughout her life in her numerous battles with cancer. Her miraculous story was told in her faith-building book, Abiding in His Strength.

"Her husband of 58 years and our father, David Wilkerson, passed away in April of 2011. Ever since then Mom has longed to go to be with Christ in heaven. We are comforted knowing she has entered her reward.

"We are grateful to our World Challenge partners for all your prayers. She prayed for you daily and always considered it a great privilege to be part of this ministry."

Rev Wilkerson founded Times Square Church in New York City and is the author of the well-known book, The Cross and the Switchblade. He also founded World Challenge in 1971.

He died in a car crash in April last year.