The Cross
Author ·Arthur Blessitt
Publisher - Authentic

Review by Tom Gilbert · © July, 2009

People speak about having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, but the proof of such a relationship is how someone lives their life. Basically, it is "walking the talk".

When it comes to walking there may be no other person who has ever lived who has done as much walking as Arthur Blessitt. Over a 38 year period he has traveled the globe, some 38,102 miles, all part of a mission to carry a twelve foot cross to every sovereign nation and major island chain on the planet.

While the mission has been to carry the cross, the real purpose of Blessitt's walking has been to talk to others about Jesus. He has done this with believers and non-believers, rich and poor, the famous and the anonymous. He's shared his faith with Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Jews and people of just about every religion, race and creed.

His book, The Cross (Authentic Publishing, 2008), details his journey and experiences. He started in 1969, leaving behind his ministry in Hollywood as the "Preacher on the Sunset Strip", first walking across America. Then he continued over the years, including some very special moments in each of the four decades of his mission. It is quite amazing. He's faced a great deal of danger, but he's also rejoiced with crowds numbering in the hundreds of thousands who joined him in praise and glory to God and to Jesus Christ. Blessitt doesn't try to force his beliefs on anyone. He simply shares about the man who died on a cross, crucified over 2,000 years ago in Jerusalem. Christians believe in him as the Son of God who rose from death and ascended to heaven, one in being with God the Father and the Holy Spirit (three persons - one God - the Holy Trinity). Blessitt talks and prays and leaves it up to God to speak to their hearts.

Jesus walked the earth and taught us to love God and to love everyone else, even our enemies. He demonstrated love in service to others, especially those on the margins. Arthur Blessitt has taken this message to heart and following Jesus is his life. As he discussed in his book, he's had opportunities to share about Jesus to many different people. He doesn't spend time on divisive issues or politics, although his mission has taken him to the war zone of the Middle East where he met and prayed with Yassir Arafat, to communist countries, to the jungles of South America and racially charged South Africa near the end of apartheid. He's encouraged and challenged presidents (Jimmy Carter and George W. Bush). He embraced and prayed with Pope John Paul II. But he seems most moved by the encounters with the simple people he's met who've experienced miracles of healing and conversion.

Early in the book Blessitt discloses how as a child he felt Jesus speaking to his heart. His relationship over the years has been such that he really "hears" the Lord speaking to him and he's been obedient to the directions he's been given, even when it meant great suffering and self-sacrifice.

His family, including second wife Denise and many of his children, have often accompanied him on his travels. This has been his life and it was recently documented in a film, The Cross: The Arthur Blessitt Story which was released in theaters in March of 2009 (Gener8Xion Entertainment).

Sometimes he experienced heartache and loneliness. Other times great joy. He was never seriously ill and he recounts numerous miraculous occurrences. But there is a humble spirit about Arthur Blessitt as he shares memories of his many walks with the heavy cross. For this man it has been all about sharing the good news - the gospel of Jesus. He has lived by two questions of the Savior: Where do you want me to go? What do you want me to do?

More info and resources for The Cross at www.donnavanliere.com
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