Faithwire
  • Watch
  • Go!
  • Podcasts
  • Contact Us
  • Newsletter
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • News
  • Politics
  • Coronavirus Updates
  • Faith
  • Opinion
  • Christmas
  • Set Free Course

South Carolina Man Inspires Surprising Reactions While Carrying His Cross All the Way to Grand Canyon

Image source: Facebook/Corinth Today
Image source: Facebook/Corinth Today
Share Tweet
By Will Maule
Author

May 1, 2019

In Matthew 16, Jesus Christ issued one of the most well-known challenges ever uttered: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”

Head of Presidential Prayer Team: Why All Americans Should Participate in National Day of Prayer

One South Carolina man has decided to do just that, by carrying a large wooden cross all the way to the Grand Canyon. Acie Burleson, 34, built the replica cross himself before embarking on the pilgrimage as a demonstration of his devotion to the Lord.

“The moment that I gave my life to God, my life was radically changed, and that’s what makes this walk kind of easy — is Jesus,” Burleson explained in his most recent video on Facebook. “Jesus is amazing.”

Incredibly, despite embarking on his journey armed with a one-man tent, Acie has not once been forced use it!

“I prepared myself to spend nights outside, by carrying a one-man tent on the back of my cross, but since the day I left, I’ve not had to use it!” he told Faithwire. “God has provided everything!”

Watch this video taken Friday afternoon of a man pulling a cross through Alcorn County on U.S. Highway 72 West in the Theo area.

Posted by Corinth Today on Friday, April 26, 2019

As you can imagine, spending that much time on a public road affords Burleson many opportunities to share the Gospel with others. Almost two months into his journey, the dedicated follower of Jesus has seen some staggering things take place.

“There was a woman driving and she was just looking at me, so I waved like ‘Hello’ and kept walking. She then cut me off and is just falling out of her window weeping and crying,” Burleson told the Carolina News and Reporter.

“Just like that, crying, and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh what’s wrong? What happened? Are you alright?’ and she said, ‘I was one block away from killing myself and you stopped me,’” he recalled.

During the course of his trip, Burleson noted that many have stopped to offer him a word of encouragement, to give him a ride and even to lay hands on him in prayer.

Sharing the gospel with the cops

“Just yesterday, I was crossing the only walking bridge in Memphis TN to west Memphis AR. While going across the bridge, I was telling people to ‘pray and be ready for the coming of Christ'” Burleson told Faithwire.

But as Acie neared the other side, he realized that the gate was locked shut. So, he ventured back across and entered a local church to see if they could help him out.

Then, out of nowhere, the police showed up — apparently, someone had called them in thinking that Burleson was causing an issue on the bridge. “Four cars… they said someone was on the bridge causing a problem,” he explained.

After asking him what he was doing walking through town with a massive cross strapped to his back, Burleson decided to share the gospel with the inquisitive officers. “I told them my story and instead of charging me, they helped me get across the bridge!” he told Faithwire. “See, what the devil meant for bad, God used for good! I love Jesus!”

Others, unfortunately, have been less inclined to engage in morale-boosting.

“I have gotten every look you can from people,” Burleson noted to the Reporter, “but who cares, I am loved by Jesus!” 

Burelson, who is aiming to reach the Grand Canyon by the end of May, hopes that his dedication and commitment will inspire others to take a risk and step out for Christ.

“I encourage anyone who is being called by God, not to be afraid to step out of the boat! It’s time for the laborers to start working!” he implored. “God WILL provide! I’m living proof. People need Jesus now more than ever!”

You can keep up to date with Burleson’s progress on his Facebook page here.

Latest

  • News

    CNN’s Don Lemon Admits ‘Not All Police Shootings Are Equal’ in Wake of Adam Toledo’s Death

  • Faith

    Freedom of Religion in Crosshairs: Proposed French Law Lumps All Religions with Islamic Extremism

  • News

    Demi Lovato Says She Cut Her Hair to Break Free of ‘Gender and Sexuality Norms’ of Christianity

  • News

    Rep. Burgess Owens Condemns Reparations as ‘Demeaning’ and ‘Divisive’

  • News

    More Than One Million People Have Responded Since Ministry’s Live-Streamed Good Friday Service


Sponsored Sidebar Default (2)

Navigation

  • Watch
  • Go!
  • Podcasts
  • Contact Us
  • Newsletter
  • Staff
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Instagram

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Sign up to get our newsletter your inbox every day.

Newsletter Signup

Do you want to read
more articles like this?


Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement