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Archipelago

Archipelago Juan Fernandez
(Robinson Crusoe Island)
2003

We had flown back to Santiago, Chile from Easter Island and rested a day. Then we flew to Robinson Crusoe Island. It is the only inhabited island of the Archipelago Juan Fernandez. There are about 500 people in the one town of San Juan Bautista.

We flew on the airline Lassa and received great help from Miss Alexandra the sales director and all the staff and pilots. They loaded the cross on the plane at no extra charge. The plane held 20 passengers and it was about a two hour flight. We landed on a very small runway that had steep cliffs dropping to the ocean at both ends.

We hiked for a mile with our baggage down a steep road to the sea where a small boat met the passengers. We climbed onto the swaying boat. The ride was about an hour sailing past splendid fur seals swimming in the sea alongside the rocky cliffs. On the north side by the airstrip is desert ;smf and where we got off the boat on the other side is a tropical rain forest.

We passed lobster boats where they catch some of the world’s best tasting lobster. At the town’s dock we then loaded onto a lobster fishing boat to ride to the hosteria about 15 minutes away but an hour’s walk from town. We finally arrived at the Hosteria Pangal. It was simply one of the most lovely places in the world with a spectacular view. We did not expect to find such. It was a package we booked with the airline. Sounds too much for a cross walker! At this stunning place, one of the most beautiful in the world, they served lobster and our table over looked the sea and the sunset! Wow!

Let them give glory unto the Lord, and declare his praise in the islands.
Isaiah 42:12

Everyone was interested in the cross all day from the airport, to the boat, to the hosteria. Prayed with people all day. Friday we carried the cross into San Juan Buatista the only town on the island. A steep climb then a walk along a little road over looking the sea with huge trees covering the road. Then here came Pedro! He is the island diving and tour guide who had finished an early dive and heard about us and came to offer his help and interpret for us. He lives there with his wife and son. He spent the day with us and was of great help. Met many of the town people. The mayor also came to welcome us, he had been to Washington, DC for the International Prayer Breakfast which we have often attended. We had prayer together. Also the resident Deacon of the Catholic Church came to welcome us.

Select here to view Arthur’s diary of the events in Robinson Crusoe Island

AJFernandez7The priest from the mainland blesses the Sacraments and they are flown over and the Deacon administers them to the people. We had a wonderful talk and prayer. Met so many other beautiful people here. We spent the day walking all about and talking to people and praying the prayer of salvation and blessings. The director of the Cultural Center also welcomed us. They now have 3 computers connected to the Internet! The Internet arrived last week. We gave out much gospel material also. As we walked about we met many of the town’s people. It was a wonderful day!

Denise and I then carried the cross back to Pangal and shared Jesus with some locals who were having a picnic by the ocean.

Saturday morning we did the return trip. It was very touching to see many of our new friends standing on the pier waving us off. Also we had a great witness all the way back to Santiago.

Denise had her 41st birthday on this trip. She is the greatest blessing God has given to me. She is just the greatest person the Lord could have chosen in the entire world. She is a vital and indispensable part of carrying the cross to the world. Without her I do not believe I could have made it. Jesus knows our every need.

Jesus did it. All glory to God.

Pilgrim followers of Jesus,

Arthur and Denise Blessitt
Luke 18:1