Man's 40-Year Journey with Cross Inspires Moviegoers

By Josh Kimball|Christian Post Reporter

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Though it didn’t make its way into the Box Office top ten, “The Cross: The Arthur Blessitt Story” made a notable mark when it debuted in theaters this past weekend.

Cross-Carrying Man's Worldwide Trek Reaches Silver Screen

The film about a man who carried a twelve-foot wooden cross across the world for nearly 40 years raked in $309,455 in just 221 theaters, placing it at No. 18 on the list of highest grossing films for the Mar. 27-29 weekend. Rounding out the Top 10 was “The Last House on the Left” which pulled in $2.6 million in 2,251 theaters.

“This documentary was profound and inspiring to me,” commented Sharon Rae, a blogger for Examiner.com. “I encourage anyone seeking or believing to see it.”

Produced by Gener8Xion Entertainment, “The Cross” tells the story of Arthur Blessitt, who 39 years ago felt called by God to carry the 45-lb. cross that hung in his Christian coffee house on foot across the country.

Since setting off in December 1969, Blessitt has crossed through 52 war zones, met and visited with both presidents and peasants, been greeted by hundreds of thousands in packed town squares, and spent countless months walking alone down deserted highways. The more than 38,000 miles that he’s walked so far is equal to circling the earth one-and-a-half times.

“People are looking for something real to believe in and hope for, and Arthur Blessitt has touched a nerve among people all over the world,” commented Susan Zahn, founder and president of WDC Media, a faith-based PR firm that has been promoting “The Cross.”

“I think this movie could start a trend of people being more open about the issue of sharing faith in the public square,” she added.

In addition to the theatrical release of "The Cross," a book of Blessitt's experiences, also entitled The Cross, has been published by Authentic Publishing, a division of IBS-STL Global and Zondervan. The book was released on Jan. 12.

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Knight »

Thu Apr 02, 2009 3:39 pm Agree: 1 Disagree: 3

star,

How did he know it was the spirit of God at the time he heard it?

What if someone were to get a feeling like God is caling them to jump off a cliff with the assurance that they would survive? Should they do it? What standard do you go to to make sure it is in fact the Spirit of God that is motivating you?

This is obviously an extreme example and I do not mean to belittle anyone's motives or feelings but this is what is wrong with having two standards of authority (feelings and Scripture). At some point they are going to conflict and then where do you go?

For centuries Christians have made decisions and started ministries based on guidance from Scripture and their own personal desires and interests. Chuck Colson started a hugely successful prison ministry from his experiences in prison. People want to evangelize in other countries so they join missions. The Spirit can and does influence our desires. This is part of regeneration and sanctification. These desires motivate us to do the Lord's work.

This is very different from saying that God tells you do "x".
thewatchman »

Wed Apr 01, 2009 7:10 pm Agree: 1 Disagree: 5

Talk about taking things out of context! But here is a parable Jesus told about men like Arthur. Matt 18:1: "At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" And the disciples of Blessit said, King Arthur. But Jesus warned Mr. Blessit in vs 6: "...But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck...Woe unto the world because of offences!" In other words, if you offend one of your 7 children with your open rebellion and cause one of them to stumble, that cross on his neck may just as well be a millstone. When Jesus uses the word WOE, it is serious even if the modern church like some kind of a Pope says: Blessit!
ukulelemike »

Wed Apr 01, 2009 6:03 pm Agree: 5 Disagree: 0

Don't know much about hi personal life. But I see a couple things here-just making observations, not trying to prove any points.
-Perhaps he was trying to give a parable, so to speak, about the importance of bearing one's cross-he made it physical and visible, and thus had to deal with the reality of being a Christian wherever he went, and thus, HAD to witness of Christ. IN a day when most Christians outright refuse to bear the cross spiritually, it is refreshing to see someone willing to be so open about it. Maybe I'm wrong, bt it could be seen that way.

As far as leaving his wife and children, the Bible tells us that the apostles left everything-including families, to follow Christ, and were told they would be rewarded for it. Jesus said that if anyone is not willing to hate their own families and even their own lives for His sake, they aren't worthy to be His disciples. Obviously, since the Bible is against actual hate, Jesus is referring to our priorities, not our emotions-our families and our own lives and comforts MUST come after the plans and commands the Lord has for us. If he left his family to do this, believing that the Lord ordined him to do so, that will have to be between him and the Lord. But again, it's good to see someone willing to even leave his loved ones to serve Christ, since most of us won't even leave our TV's.

Again, I don't know his backgroud, nor do I make a judgment either way, but if people were saved and inspired to follow the Lord by him, maybe it wasn't all bad. In this weird time, maybe it's time we began to think outside the box, so long as its not outside the Book
thewatchman »

Wed Apr 01, 2009 5:23 pm Agree: 1 Disagree: 6

As usual, Biblical illiterates take the story of King David out of context. The issue was not about adultery and forgiveness, it was about Arthur Blessit's unscriptural divorce. But the apostate church is willing to overlook that. Apostasy means to depart which is what Arthur did. "And for this cause God shall send them a strong delusion, that they should believe a lie." (II Thess 2:11) A man after God's own heart doesn't depart from his family which includes the mother of those 7 children unless they are part of the Great Falling Away. (II Tim.3:1-9 "In the last days, perilous times shall come...")The spiritual bankruptcy of the church is what is ultimately responsible for the financial bankruptcy of our country. "If the salt has lost its savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is good for nothing but to be trodden underfoot." (Matt. 5:13)
evts »

Wed Apr 01, 2009 3:50 pm Agree: 2 Disagree: 0

Who is Keith Harmon? i went into thenextstrike and all I found was pretty much the life of Jesse Jackson which had nothing to do with the topic of Arthur Blessitt.
I do also go into the website of Arthur Blessitt and I would like to quote what he had to say, and I quote "I have 7 children, 10 grandchildren. I am very happy and blessed iwth all of them. They are the greatest! My wife Denise is my constant companion and I love her with all my heart.
Does that sound like a man whao walked off and left his wife and Children?
star2 »

Wed Apr 01, 2009 3:42 pm Agree: 4 Disagree: 0

thewatchman

What do you say about King David? He committed adultry and then murdered the husband of the woman he committed adutry with to cover his sin, yet God said that King David was a man after His own heart.

Yes, Arthur and Sherri had maritial problems that resulted in a divorce but that does not mean that Arthur is not a man who loves Jesus and walks in obedience to Him.

What sins do you have that others would say disqualifies you?
thewatchman »

Wed Apr 01, 2009 3:18 pm Agree: 1 Disagree: 4

Was the Voice he heard telling him to carry the cross the same Voice that told him it was OK to walk out on his wife, Sherri and his 7 children? God does not tell people to do things that are contrary to His nature and laws. My sheep know My Voice, and He wouldn't tell a shepherd to abandon his flock. "Not every one that saith unto Me, 'Lord,Lord,' shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." This is a warning to Charisma and TBN who are promoting this movie. God is getting ready to shut down the Charismatic circus they have created. For the story they won't tell, go to www.thenextstrike.com.
thewatchman »

Wed Apr 01, 2009 3:12 pm Agree: 0 Disagree: 2

Was the Voice he heard telling him to carry the cross the same Voice that told him it was OK to walk out on his wife, Sherri and his 7 children? God does not tell people to do things that are contrary to His nature and laws. My sheep know My Voice, and He wouldn't tell a shepherd to abandon his flock. "Not every one that saith unto Me, 'Lord,Lord,' shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." This is a warning to Charisma and TBN who are promoting this movie. God is getting ready to shut down the Charismatic circus they have created. For the story they won't tell, go to www.thenextstrike.com.
star2 »

Wed Apr 01, 2009 2:56 pm Agree: 3 Disagree: 1

Knight

>>>What evidence can he present that it was God speaking to him?<<<

The anointing that was on his life; you know, what God did through his obedience.

Visit his website and judge for yourself.

http://www.blessitt.com/
evts »

Wed Apr 01, 2009 2:11 pm Agree: 1 Disagree: 0

As far as if there is a Scripture to tell Aruthur Blessitt to carry the cross around for 40 years there are none that I know of. But everything that God tells or puts in a persons heart to do for Him and Jesus our Lord does not always have a Scripture to back it up. As far as callling him a 60's leftover you are way out of line.
Knight »

Wed Apr 01, 2009 1:47 pm Agree: 0 Disagree: 3

I had never heard of this man.

What passage of Scripture told him to do this?

I honestly have no problem with this. I may think it is wierd but that does not make it wrong. I have a problem with the idea that God told him to do it. How does he know that? What evidence can he present that it was God speaking to him?
Prophet »

Tue Mar 31, 2009 7:33 pm Agree: 4 Disagree: 2

"...Meanwhile medical researchers and lab technicians have been quietly going about their business creating vaccines..."

And amazing how Jesus healed the blind, lame, a deaf; raised the dead; delivered the demon possesed with just His words. He didn't have a PHD. He wasn't a doctor or psychologist by man's standard. But He was something more.
paul1149 »

Tue Mar 31, 2009 3:41 pm Agree: 2 Disagree: 0

And I suppose it was a waste of time to pen the Book of Acts as well.

There's a whole lot of judgmentalism around here.
Bassomatic76 »

Tue Mar 31, 2009 2:12 pm Agree: 0 Disagree: 1

Then why are you responding to me?
star2 »

Tue Mar 31, 2009 1:33 pm Agree: 4 Disagree: 0

cowboyfan88, and Bassomatic7, you all are passing judgment on someone you know nothing about.
song2vs4 »

Tue Mar 31, 2009 1:29 pm Agree: 5 Disagree: 1

I think you both missed the point. First, the movie is about Jesus Christ. Countless people heard the Gospel and received Christ as Savior during his journey. That was the point of his mission!
As far as being a "colossal waste of time", responding to YOU is a colossal waste of time.
Bassomatic76 »

Tue Mar 31, 2009 10:44 am Agree: 2 Disagree: 10

I guy drags around a cross for forty years and that is 'inspiring'? Meanwhile medical researchers and lab technicians have been quietly going about their business creating vaccines that have saved thousands. Red Cross workers have been traveling to remote places to administer those vaccines to ensure that millions don't have to deal with the agony of a life with polio. Doctors Without Borders have selflessly been dedicating their very valuable time in the interest of saving lives. Microfinaciers in places like Bangladesh have created banks that extend small business loans for women in that country to build new enterprises and guarantee the health and education of their families. These faceless people are infinitely more inspiring than any 60's leftover who has spent four straight decades walking around. What a colossal waste of time!
cowboyfan88 »

Tue Mar 31, 2009 7:50 am Agree: 3 Disagree: 3

I can think of a better movie to make about the cross and it's star is Jesus and He saves the world.

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