The American preacher who carried his cross to every nation on Earth is now in Heaven.
Arthur Blessitt was born in Mississippi and raised in Louisiana.
He became a believer at the age of seven and began evangelising at 15.
He gave up his seminary studies to become a pastor and began preaching in Hollywood.
As the ‘Minister of Sunset Strip’ he ran a coffee shop before building a large cross which he carried to Washington, D.C. in 1968 — then to nearly everywhere else on the planet over the next 45 years.
He said he heard the voice of Jesus calling him to walk to every nation.
He was arrested 24 times during his 70,000 kilometre odyssey, preaching the Gospel throughout his epic journey.
He carried his cross through 50 war zones and lost it twice.
His story has been told in news features, books and documentaries.
Arthur announced his own passing on his social media pages:
“I, Arthur Blessitt have completed my walk and mission on earth. I departed to heaven on January 14, 2025.”
“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 Saviour.”
“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 have lived my life loving the people of the world, sharing the message of Jesus, the cross and salvation.”
“I’ve carried a 12 foot cross in 324 countries (in every sovereign nation), major island groups and territories.”
“I have walked with the cross over 86 million steps and carried a total weight of over 19 billion pounds (8.6 billion kilograms) on my feet and am listed in the Guinness World Records for the Longest Walk/Pilgrimage.”
“I sadly leave behind my adorable, awesome, beautiful, Godly and true follower of Jesus, Denise Irja Blessitt, my wife. Denise is the love of my life! I will be waiting for you my love!”
“I will not be complete until you are in my arms again. Denise is a true reflection of Jesus and a lover of all people. She is the most loving, fearless, bold witness for Jesus I’ve ever known.”
“We traveled together with the cross witnessing for Jesus to the world. I could not have made it without her.”
She is the president of the Arthur Blessitt Evangelistic Association. Denise is an ordained minster and will continue this ministry of the cross as Jesus leads her.”
“I am survived by my seven wonderful children, twelve grand-children and one great-grand-daughter and also my lovely sister Virginia. I’ll be waiting for you all.”
“I request that there be no funeral or memorial service for me. The greatest thing you could do would be to go out and lead one more soul to be saved.”
Arthur was an unsuccessful contender for the Democrat nomination for US president in 1976, stating he was “a happy loser” because “spiritual and moral reform has become a major campaign issue anyhow.”
TBN which produced The Cross: The Arthur Blessitt Story paid this tribute to the devout Christian adventurer:
“Christians are the only people who can grieve and rejoice at the same time. Our dear friend Arthur Blessitt, affectionately known as the ‘Minister of the Sunset Strip,’ has left this earth on his final journey!”
“With a cross over his shoulder, Arthur showed the world that love knows no borders, no languages, and no barriers.”
“With each step bravely encircling the globe, he carried not just a wooden reminder of the sacrifice Christ made for us, but also the eternal message of hope, peace, and salvation.”
“His life was a living sermon, and the cross he bore was a beacon, guiding many to the light of faith.”
Arthur Blessitt was 84.
