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“First Day, Hollywood, California December 25, 1969”

“The sounds of the city night fill my ears and the memories of today fill my mind. My aching pained body and my blistered feet remind me of my humanity. I never dreamed carrying a cross would be like this, Lord. Oh, I need you Jesus. Have mercy on me. I’ve never been a sportsman and now I’m heading across America. I’m thrilled! I feel the excitement of the unknown and I’m ready to take the Jesus Movement from coast to coast. It’s also frightening but I will not be deterred from Your will. You are with me and Your presence is enough. It’s been a wild day but people prayed and I can still smile. I love you, Lord!” Pilgrim followers of Jesus, Arthur and Denise Blessitt, Luke 18:1

A MESSAGE FROM ARTHUR’S DAUGHTER, GENA, TO HER FATHER
Hey Dad, As for the question: Were we suffering as we grew up traveling the world? The answer comes quick & easy… “I never knew suffering till I stopped traveling the world!” There is a safety, a joy, a sense of purpose… a comfort in living every day in the will and plan of God, it’s not hard! As a child I never felt afraid, or unsettled, just because we didn’t have a “house” that we lived in, I knew nothing else… I thought it odd much of the time when people would ask me this same question! I later got a glimpse of their point of view… as I was introduced to fear and insecurity for the first time in public school, where I saw the “Clicks” of people and I did not fit in to any of them!! As I grew up and went to Bible school, I saw for the first time the divisions in Christians… That Baptist and Assembly of God were at odds… Etc!!!
Growing up in the way of the Cross, the world was… one…people were… one …Churches …were one!!!
I have now as an adult found that peace and joy again in a life lived every day… Surrendered to the way of the Cross, set apart from houses, churches, jobs, or approval! Only lived step by step with Him in peace!!!
Your fellow disciple of Jesus… Gena Blessitt
Luke 4:18-19 “The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to preach good news to the poor…”

Last Day, Zanzibar, Africa June 13,2008
“My emotions almost overcome me as I lay tonight by the sea. The walk is complete and I am alive! I will miss, oh I will miss the long walks with just you and me along the roadsides of the world, Lord. You Jesus, have been my constant companion and I can hardly conceive of living without our intimate times on the road or at night on the roadsides. There is nothing like being with you with the wind in my face in a distant land or feeling your presence in the midst of danger and conflict. It’s been a long journey around the world but my heart feels young and my body fresh. You know, Jesus, I feel better than I did that first day. Today at early dawn you asked me to lie on the cross. I did not want to do this, I never had before, but I obeyed you. You reminded me of the scripture, ‘I am crucified with Christ nevertheless I live, not I but Christ lives in me’. As tears washed my face, I cried so hard I could hardly breathe. You said, ‘The world is open to you, you are free to carry the cross and minister Jesus in all the world, wherever I lead you.'”

Pilgrim followers of Jesus, Arthur and Denise Blessitt, Luke 18:1

“Where should I Go? What should I Do?”
Here is an excerpt from my book “The Cross” and is from my diary in chapter 2.
Saudi Arabia: “The sand was hot but my face was cooled with the tears of joy as Denise and I lifted up your cross in this land. They said it couldn’t be done but you led us like you led me as a child; turn left, turn right, and we made it in. No walls. No barriers. Nothing can stop your will, Oh Lord for you are the Lord of Hosts and mighty is your name and glorious are your ways. It sure was an adventure over those sand dunes under the scorching sun and we made it!” “It’s all about You Jesus. I can only smile and lift my hands in praise for the glory of this day!” Jesus led us on this journey to the world with the cross. Into every nation and major island group through wars, deserts, jungles and into places of terror and conflict. Jesus will lead you! Fear not… Go! Let the Holy Spirit lead you. Give a family member, friend or even a stranger the greatest Christmas gift of all… Jesus! Pilgrim followers of Jesus, Arthur and Denise Blessitt, Like 18:1

Not if but How
In the Darien Jungle Panama-Colombia. From the book “The Cross”
“As I lie in this hammock between two trees, my ears ring with the wild sounds of jungle life. The dark night is closing in on me but the brightness of your light shines upon me. I can’t sleep, Lord. I ache all over and my arms sting from the mosquito bites. I’m trembling in the cold. I’m stripped of dependence on anything but you, Jesus. You are showing me that prayer is more than speaking with you, it is living with you! I know you are walking with me. Going with me through this struggle. It is tough but you know the way through this Jungle. Oh, hold me when I’m falling and lift me from the raging waters. I have nothing but you and that is enough.” Pilgrim followers of Jesus, Arthur and Denise Blessitt, Like 18:1

Joel and Joshua in Jordan
The following is an excerpt from my diary entry in the book “The Cross”
“I felt totally helpless looking at Joshua about to pass out and I was too weak and dizzy to help. But you gave us a little shade under that tree. In a parched and dry land water came forth in the form of ice! Joel came bearing a miracle! Oh my Lord, thank you for the water. I don’t know who can understand the feeling of leading my two sons through the desert with only a cross and backpacks. But few can know the bond of love and unity that comes when walking in the valley of the shadow of death. I am so proud of my sons. I pray they live long enough to become adults. They have faced so much with me on the roads of the world and I love them dearly. Thank you Jesus.”
Pilgrim followers of Jesus, Arthur and Denise Blessitt, Luke 18:1

The Roar of the crowds, the Silence of the Jail Cell” KGB in Russia from the book “The Cross”
“It’s Denise and me in a huge mess and battle again. It was an all day struggle against the forces of evil and communism. Now it’s night and Jesus, we made it through the day. You gave us the strength to stand strong and pray as voices were yelling at us and fingers were waved in our faces. We gripped each others hands, but you, God, held us in your hand. And now tonight as we lie in our Land Rover it is quiet in these mountains. We endured reproach, we shared about you and your love. You sent us a man to be our deliverer. It was like he was born to be there, just to help us at that time. This is not just a daily battle but almost an hourly battle. We cling to you and feel so close to you. Yet we are far away from the world we have known. Somehow we will make it. I could not have made it without Denise. Thank you, Jesus, for her. We love you and we have the joy of another day before us… come what may.”
Pilgrim followers of Jesus, Arthur and Denise Blessitt, Luke 18:1

“Ambassadors of Peace in a world of War” from chapter 7 from my diary in “The Cross”.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God” Matthew 5:9 “I can’t sleep tonight as bombs explode and guns fire all around us. But Joshua is asleep. We’ve had nothing to eat and I’m so hungry. Looking back on this day I tremble. I walked through a minefield and a battlefield with my young son. It was unreal, like Abraham leading his son up the mountain to die, you saved Isaac and you saved Joshua. No matter how much fear I felt today, I knew that not trying would be worse than dying. I cannot live with having stopped short of doing what you tell me to do. Lord I felt almost numb as we walked through the fighting armies, but Joshua was so strong and had the glory of the Lord on his face. Oh Jesus, you led us right into the arms of Yasser Arafat and had us pray for him. Joshua and I held our crosses with Arafat between us. You let the sinners touch you, hold you, and kiss you.
The cross and I are supposed to be in the center of conflict and need, where life and death are raging and do your will. I suppress all my emotions, fears, desires, and dreams and step out into the madness with a smile, peace and Jesus. This was truly church today! Pews were foxholes with people huddled behind barricades, the lights were bombs bursting, the choir was the sound of explosions with the screams of the wounded and dying. The sanctuary was full of tracer bullets, screeching rockets, and men shouting. But everyone was interested and welcomed us, the cross and Jesus.”
Pilgrim followers of Jesus, Arthur and Denise Blessitt, Luke 18:1

“The Cross” is for all peoples in all nations and all tongues.

“Sharing Jesus with All Kinds of People” an excerpt from the Book “The Cross” from my diary.
Israeli – Egyptian Border,”Oh, Father, you are amazing. My mind is swimming from the events of the last twenty-four hours. I couldn’t even script a movie with what has happened today. Last night I slept in the home of Prime Minister Begin. Tonight I’m lying in this little bed in El Arish. Yesterday’s lunch was “C” rations from the Israeli Army. Today I ate at the presidential palace in the Sinai (although my arm still hurts from the guard dog that attacked me last night).
Today I prayed with the Egyptian commander of the Sinai to receive Jesus. I pray for peace between Israel and Egypt. No more war between these, two in Jesus’ Name.
Jesus, you crossed this desert as a child and it is incredibly harsh even today. I can hardly see as blowing sand gets in my contact lenses and scratches my eyes. It truly is a walk of faith. Oh, Lord, how my back aches from the cross, loaded and heavy with the backpack tied onto it. But God, you know this Sinai well and I know you will lead me through it. I wonder what the next twenty-four hours will hold and where I’ll be sleeping tomorrow night. I’m glad you don’t have to sleep, Lord. Goodnight anyway” Pilgrim followers of Jesus, Arthur and Denise Blessitt, Luke 18:1

“God’s Miraculous Intervention”
“Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. I tell you the truth; anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” Jesus speaking in John 14:11-14
From my diary from the book “The Cross”
The Firing Squad
“I read in the Bible of miracles and last night I experienced one. With the brightness of the light of God, the gunmen fell, and you, Lord, have let me live to carry the cross another day! It’s a day after God’s intervention, a day after the pointing of guns and falling gunmen and I’m still tingling with the wonder and awe at your power. Now I must tell you, Lord, that I was prepared to die. You know that. I really felt those were my last moments.
When I looked up and saw the gunmen on the ground, then seeing them run off… I actually felt a deep disappointment. I’ve prepared for this moment. I’ve expected it. I was ready for heaven, but you still have more miles for me to walk. I am reminded of the Scripture “For me to live is Christ, but to die is gain”. (Philippians 1:21) So I’ll just go on until that time really comes for me. I know it may not be long because there is still so much fighting along this highway. It’s true that life is only moment by moment. I live by the racing traffic and am but only one stumble from death. Somehow death makes me focus on life and meaning and what your purposes are Lord. So lead me on, oh God. You hold my life and health in your hands. I’ll keep going until you call my name. Glory!” Pilgrim followers of Jesus, Arthur and Denise Blessitt, Luke 18:1

Pilgrims in the former USSR Diary Excerpt from “The Cross” book: “Hill of Crosses”
“Oh, Lord, you know I’ve seen a lot of the world, but I have never seen a place more touching than this hill of crosses. I look at them and weep. They are such a declaration of people’s love for you. What an affirmation of their belief in God in the face of atheistic oppressive communism. I feel I can identify with their commitment, these precious people; their fearless passion to be identified with the cross. I am their companion in the struggle to lift up the cross for Jesus. It will forever remain in my mind, the image of all those crosses reflecting the brilliant moonlight. I pray that I, too, may reflect the true meaning of the cross. Oh, merciful Jesus, thank you for calling me to carry the cross into all the world. I am not worthy but I am blessed to be chosen for this mission to every nation. Today Denise and I walked among the thousands of crosses; as we continue, may we truly live in the way of the cross. Oh, thank you, Jesus, for what you did on the cross. We glory in the cross. I love you Jesus.” Pilgrim followers of Jesus, Arthur and Denise Blessitt, Luke 18:1

“A Pope, A President, and a Young Girl” From the book ‘The Cross’
My Diary ‘Montreal’ “Earlier today I was wet, standing in this city with a wooden cross, crowds cheering for a hockey team. The cross seemed invisible. The church didn’t want it and the preacher felt uncomfortable. I felt lost in this city. But thank you Jesus, you were with me! You sent the African man to help my pain, the little lady to bless and strengthen me, and that teenage girl to show me why I’m here. So tonight as I walked back in the dark to get my van I thanked you, Lord, and asked you to bless those disinterested people, the church and the preacher. They broke my heart as I saw your cross rejected and ignored but I pray it made me a bit more like you. You suffered so much and gave yourself for our sins. Yet today so many missed seeing you and getting to know you. I know your heart must break with the pain. Help me to see the world through your eyes as lost and scattered sheep without a shepherd. You, Lord, are teaching me more about how to be a true pilgrim. May I be to others the blessing these last three people were to me. Show me how to be ignored.
Perfect my heart as I live every moment to the fullest. It was you they were ignoring and rejecting not me.
It’s your cross not mine. But you did have the few and they were enough. Keep my heart tender and full of love.”
Pilgrim followers of Jesus, Arthur and Denise Blessitt, Luke 18:1

The True Story Behind “Blessitt for President” Excerpt from my diary from the book “The Cross”
“Lord, what are you doing to me? I am constantly being ignored or ridiculed or criticized or rejected. Yet you will not let me leave this presidential campaign. You make me go on just to be humiliated. You don’t want me to win but you want me to try. You have a mission for me and I am committed to do it. Much of the water dripping form my face in humid Florida is not sweat but tears. Yet I wipe the tears and smile and press forward to share your love and salvation with everyone. It’s hard to ask for a vote, I’d rather ask them to give their lives to you, Jesus.
Running for president feels uncomfortable to me. I sometimes have a flash of horror when I think, what if I won?! Ha I ask myself, which was easier… walking across Africa where I’ve just come from or running for president? Oh Lord, you know, the latter is tougher. Jesus you are stripping me of everything and it is painful but it is right. I want to be free for you to grind me to powder so you can blow me where you will. Sometimes I think this campaign is more about me than anything else. You are at work perfecting me. Please don’t stop now. I am a work in progress.”
Pilgrim followers of Jesus, Arthur and Denise Blessitt, Luke 18:1

“Roads of Glory” From “The Cross” book. My diary:
Germany, after the wall came down!
“Six hundred thousand footsteps marching on the snow covered square, 300,000 voices cheering the uplifted cross! After almost fifty years of atheistic oppression under the boot of communism, the cross was welcomed in East Germany. For as long as I live I will remember the cheers and welcome of the cross. I’ll never forget the sea of people passing it hand over hand toward the front of the crowd or the pushing and shoving of the men and women in the freezing night trying to get to the cross to touch it or carry it.It’s late night and again Joshua is sleeping and I’m recounting the historic and glorious events of today and visiting with Jesus, my road companion and Savior.
I have a taste of how heaven must be! Oh, I weep with joy thinking of this awesome welcome for your cross as I recall how often it has been rejected or ignored. But tonight, here, the crowds cheered it and meant it. Should I never live another day, I have lived! I have seen, felt, and touched the impossible come to pass. I adore you my Jesus!”

Pilgrim followers of Jesus,
Arthur and Denise Blessitt, Luke 18:1