Remembering Arthur Blessitt: A Life Dedicated to Pilgrimage and Evangelism
The world mourns the passing of Arthur Blessitt, an evangelist known for his extraordinary commitment to spreading the Christian message. At 84, Blessitt leaves behind an unparalleled legacy, having carried a 12-foot cross across all seven continents, setting a Guinness World Record for the longest pilgrimage.
His passing was announced on his Facebook page, where it was shared that Blessitt passed away on Tuesday. He is survived by his wife Denise, seven children, 12 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. The heartfelt message expressed gratitude for those who supported his mission, stating, “Thank you to all who have loved and helped me and this ministry take the message of Jesus and the cross to the world.”
Blessitt’s requests were clear in his final message: “that there be no funeral or memorial service for me,” encouraging followers instead to “go out and lead one more soul to be saved.”
Matt and Laurie Crouch from Trinity Broadcasting Network, who documented Blessitt’s journey with a cross, shared their condolences, saying, “His legacy is not in the estimated 86 million footsteps he took but in the countless hearts he changed, the lives he touched, and the love he tirelessly spread.”
Born in October 1940, Blessitt began his faith journey at a young age, preaching his first sermon at 15 and becoming an ordained minister by 20. His global pilgrimage began on Christmas 1969, and in April 2013, Guinness recognized his remarkable journey, covering 40,235 miles.
Greg Stier, founder of Dare 2 Share Ministries International, once described Blessitt as “one of the most humble, kind, warm and inviting evangelists” he had encountered. Stier highlighted Blessitt’s diverse encounters, from politicians like George Bush to musicians like Bob Dylan, noting his unwavering dedication to spreading the Gospel.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
