Monday, July 20, 2009

The Cross: 38,102 miles. 38 years. 1 mission.

by Arthur Blessitt,
Authentic, 2008

Blessitt tells an incredible story, a true story, his own story. Accepting Jesus as his personal Saviour and Lord at the tender age of seven, he learned early in life to listen for, and obey, Jesus' voice. This led to his special calling when he was about 29 years old - to carry the cross into all the nations of the world that others might see and hear the message of the cross, and know that God loves them and wants to save them.

By the year 2000, Blessitt had spent 38 years cross-walking through the world. He travelled 38, 102 miles, and God opened the doors to every country, including places that would not normally welcome the cross, such as Saudi Arabia and North Korea. In this book, Blessitt shares many of his extraordinary experiences - among them meeting Yasser Arafat, sleeping in a prince's abode, facing a firing squad, and chipping pieces from the Berlin Wall as it was torn down. What moved me the most were Blessitt's stories of God's healing touch on people he encountered while carrying the cross. What saddened me most was the rejection of the cross by church leaders in Montreal, part of my own country.

Blessitt writes this book not only to share the true tales of an intrepid adventurer, but to encourage Christians everywhere to heed God's call on their lives, to share the good gospel news with others, and to be passionate about their faith and the cause of Christ.

A fascinating read.

3 comments:

Faith said...

Maybe this isn't the right response, but all I can think when I read that he carried a cross around for that many years, while walking, is: That poor man must have the worst back problems now!

I can't say I'm surprised that he had issues in Montreal. I lived there for a year... that part of our country is desperate for a revival. Rejection of the gospel is prevalent through the entire province.

Lily Whalen said...

The cross was balanced with a wheel on the bottom, I imagine so it wouldn't drag and would be easier to "carry". He crafted three crosses over the years - the first weighed 110 pounds, the second 70, and the last 45 (lighter woods were used for the latter two). So no health problems associated with carrying it. But, yeah, normally you'd think he must be quite bent over by now!

Diane Girard said...

I don't know exactly what happened to the author in Quebec; however, I do know a bit about Quebec's history. What happened there in the past could explain their reaction to him.

I love Montreal, and Montrealers!