Arthur Blessitt, Evangelist Who Walked 40,000 Miles with a Cross, Dies at 84
Arthur Blessitt, a trailblazing evangelist renowned for carrying a 12-foot wooden cross around the world to share the gospel -- setting a world record along the way -- died Jan. 14. He was 84. Blessitt carried the cross to more than 300 countries, island groups, and territories, traveling more than 40,000 miles as part of a mission he began in 1969. He visited all seven continents, including Antarctica. In 2013, Guinness World Records recognized him for the “longest ongoing pilgrimage” on the planet. His wife, Denise, drove in front of him with supplies and was with him for 294 of the countries, island groups, and territories.
It is estimated he walked 86 million steps. He also wrote several books, including The Cross.
After he passed, his family posted a video from him and an obituary written by Blessitt himself before he died.
“I, Arthur Blessitt, have completed my walk and mission on earth,” he wrote.
“I was just a donkey and pilgrim, lifting up the cross and Jesus and loved the people of the world. What a glorious journey of life with Jesus, my Lord and Savior. I’ve really been looking forward to this walk in Glory. These feet that walked so far on roads of dirt and tar will now be walking on the streets of gold. Ready to see Jesus again! I rejoice in Jesus, now and in the hour of my passing. ‘Father, into Your Hands, Jesus, I commit my spirit.’
“I am home at last, this was my last trip!” he added.
His official obituary included a gospel presentation: “Everyone knows that death brings us face to face with God. Should you have died the moment you read this, do you have the assurance that you would be in Heaven? Welcome Jesus now as your Savior, giving your heart to God. He is waiting for you.”
The obituary also urged Christians to share the gospel. He requested that no funeral or memorial service be held.
“The greatest thing you could do would be to go out and lead one more soul to be saved,” he wrote. “The second thing would be that you would support this ministry of the cross in sharing the message of Jesus with the world.”
Denise Blessitt is president of the Arthur Blessitt Evangelistic Association and an ordained minister. She will “continue this ministry of the cross as Jesus leads her,” his official obituary said.
He is survived by seven children, 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. His website includes a list of countries and regions he visited.
Photo Credit: ©Blessitt family
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
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Originally published January 16, 2025.
