X

North Korea

October 1998

“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” Matt. 24:14

“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8

Just returned from walking with the cross in North Korea, the most ‘closed’ nation on earth. This completes one of the most epic and historic journeys in history. Twenty-nine years!
32,580 miles (52,430 kms)
277 nations, island groups and territories. God
has done the impossible. He called, guided, protected and provided for one person to carry a large cross openly in every nation on earth. Jesus died on the cross for us, to pay the cost of our sins. Jesus rose from the grave and ascended to the Father. He will hear your prayers! The world is open for Jesus! A place of beautiful people. Praise the Lord!

By the grace of God after 62,917,192 million steps with the cross my feet are perfect, no pain, no deformities, no bunions, no blisters, no calluses!

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion ‘Your God reigns!'” Isaiah 52:7

“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!”
Romans 10:15

Through all the dangers and years on the road I completed the walk to every nation without a pain in my body, and so far as I know in perfect health. In every way I feel better on the last day than I did the first day 29 years ago! God sent
me off with the cross December 25, 1969 from Hollywood, California and brought me back September 6th, 1998 alive, well, happy and blessed. The words from the hymn Amazing Grace are appropriate: “Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come… ”

NorthKorea5The cross carried in North Korea!

Denise and I were welcomed at the China – North Korean border by three officials and a driver in a 4 by 4 Nissan. We were invited guests of the North Korean government. Every way and in everything we were treated with respect,
kindness and as VIP guests. We stayed at the Pipha Hotel, a lovely hotel with an awesome view of the sea, mountains and Pipha Island. Our visit was in the Rajin-Sonbong Free Economic Trade Zone. This is where North Korea joins China and Russia.

The coastline is beautiful and peaceful. We traveled by auto about 100 to 150 miles in the countryside. The roads are mostly dirt (mud). The people are at work in the fields farming. The crops are good. We saw a thousands of people in the country and city and all seemed healthy. Surely in this area there is no starvation. Nothing like what I had heard it to be and nothing like the drought places in Africa etc. that I have witnessed in my walks. Sure, many of the people were poor but not starved. North Korea has opened this area for overseas investment.

Sunday morning August 30, 1998 Denise and I carried the cross from the hotel to Pipha Island and returned on the main road. No problem. I lay on the ground and prayed for the Lord to bless North Korea and its beautiful people. We made a ‘special’ cross for North Korea. One that was in small sections so we could pass border controls better. (see photos). Everywhere we went people smiled or waved to us. Life is slower and not so commercian and money-centered. Out visit there was a glorious moment in time! As we carried the cross to complete this mission to every nation on earth, I felt all of heaven rejoicing!
Before we left on the trip Jesus told me these words “smooth and easy” and yes, it was! As I lay on the floor praying after the cross walk, Jesus said, “I will carry you back in my arms”. He did! He carried us in His glory and arms, a feeling beyond
words!

Historic Agreement for U.S. Tourists to visit North Korea

A historic first – an agreement was signed between the Rajin-Sonbong Tourist Bureau and the Arthur Blessitt Association of World Travelers to allow U.S. Passport Holders to visit that area of North Korea!!!

Pilgrim followers of Jesus,

Arthur and Denise Blessitt
Luke 18:1