The Cross: 38,102 miles. 38 years. 1 mission.
by Arthur Blessitt
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Book Summary Information
Author: Arthur BlessittEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2009-01-21
ISBN: 1934068675
Number of pages: 229
Publisher: Authentic
Book Reviews of The Cross: 38,102 miles. 38 years. 1 mission.
Book Review: A story of a life of dedication
Summary: 3 Stars
This is an anecdotal account of one mans journey of faith. Although I say one man, it is important to know that this is not a journey he took alone. Family and friends were there with him from beginning to end.
As a child Arthur Blessitt felt that he heard the voice of Jesus speaking to him. Even though he was a well behaved boy who did as he was told, listening to Jesus came first. It was not an easy time for him, until he learned to compromise with the help of his Jesus.
As he grew so did his faith, and he felt compelled to spread the Good News among all and sundry, to anyone who was willing to listen. In the 1960's God called him to minister to the young people in Hollywood California. He spoke to runaways, drug addicts, flower children and bikers. At least to those who would give him a moment to listen.
He brought the children of strangers into his home, giving them food and shelter and The Word. In March of 1968, he opened His Place, on Sunset Strip. A place to gather and to worship. His Place was far from the average religious center, as it was decorated with fishnet and wild lighting and so on, to appeal to the young people that Arthur hoped to reach. Soon after this, Arthur once again heard the voice of Jesus telling him that he had a new mission for him. That mission resulted in this book.
The Cross tells of Arthur's Journey through 315 nations and island all over the globe.He walked more than 38,000 miles carrying a life sized cross every step of the way. It was not easy. There were difficulties in getting the cross into planes to cross oceans, and some countries were not eager to give aid to a Christian, he explains. Difficulties aside, he managed to continue to do as he felt his God wanted him to do. His efforts were recorded by the Guinness Book of Records in 1996 as well as in the Millennium edition in the year 2000.
Over a time period of four decades he carried on. As the years passed he was accompanied by his wife and children. Not an easy task for them. His second wife has added a bit of her own story to this book, to give another perspective. She too, is a woman of great faith. His children have learned much from this journey . They too are faithful to Jesus.
I did not read this book for religious reasons. I do not practice any organized religion. I read this book because I enjoy reading about other people, ordinary people, who do extraordinary things. This by anyones estimation is extraordinary. Four decades spent carrying a cross over his shoulders across friendly and unfriendly lands, in all weathers with every imaginable block thrown across his path and removed by diligence and faith is extraordinary.
I found myself bringing this up for discussion whenever possible when with friends, family and co-workers. An interesting pattern developed. I noticed that those who were loosely affiliated with their churches, or had no church or religion in their lives were interested in this man and his mission. While not necessarily believing in any god or religion, each of these people, myself included, were intrigued by his dedication and his beliefs. I also found that those among my friends who are deeply involved with their own faith were very quick to judge him, or apologize for him. The word wacko came up more than once. Intrigued by this trend, I sat down and tried to count up those with whom I discussed this book.
I estimate twenty seven people over a period of five days. Of these twenty seven five are religious, or faithful or call themselves Christian. Each of them denounced the man and his journey. I include this only because I am perplexed by it, and wonder if others have different experiences when discussing The Cross.
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