Miles Walked: 12.2 / 90 Degrees F.

Area: Calimesa through Beaumont on into Banning, CA

Nipping At My Heels 

I was glad Friday was upon and all was settled around me. My week has been full of eye-opening encounters with a wide cross-section of people, cultures, beliefs, economies, and circumstances. Hot weather added more demand as did daily logistics. Writing about my experiences fell behind due to long days, fatigue, and other unexpected issues cropping up. Making a trek like this alone carries with it certain logistical challenges. As I walked on a rural road spotted along with houses and while talking with a friend on the phone…I suddenly felt myself being nipped at from behind. When I turned to investigate, I found myself being chased by a couple of rather large and persistent bulldogs. After repeated attempts to shew them off…I finally had to stop, yell, and start chasing them instead. I was a bit unsure how that would work out…but, they left me alone.

A Man Named John

As more calls came in and my walk continued, I lost track of where I was on my trail and stopped in my tracks to ponder. I stopped my GPS and re-traced my steps back to the prior intersection. While standing at the corner, I tried to get the attention of a man passing by in his car. The light turned and he took off. Stepping back to wait for someone else to ask about my location…I heard a voice calling from behind me and turned to see who it was. As I did, I saw the man who had taken off asking me from the distance if I needed something. So, I walked over to his vehicle, leaned in his window, and we began talking. I told him of my uncertainty as to my exact location in light of my intended stopping point and asked for directions. He answered and then asked me where I was going. It was then, that I told him I was walking across the US for my second time spurring his next question. He asked, “why are you doing it?” I told him I was speaking my way across America trying to reach people and encourage Christians to become more authentic. He reached in the back seat and pulled out his bible wrapped with the insignias of his favorite football team…the Raiders. I asked him his name and he said, “I’m John” with a big smile on his mug. As we visited, his story unfolded as one who had been unemployed for 2 years…who was married to a wonderful woman…who was amazed at God’s faithfulness…and who was on his way to see about a job possibility. I asked if we could pray…we clasped hands…and called heaven down right there in the parking lot. I asked him to let me know what happened as I handed him my card. The road called me on and I stepped back into stride…

I Was Lost But Found 

Friends, I ask that you join me to pray for John and his family. They could use a miracle of God’s help to meet their needs and restore their sense of assurance in a tough world. Our country has many who are facing similar challenges. They all need our prayer and concern. I walked on considering the new brother and friend I had just made along the highways and by-ways of life. If I had not felt lost...I would have never found John. God is so good…all the time! An hour later…I strolled up to my week’s stopping point looking forward to a bit of rest and catching up on those things that fell behind. Meeting people like John and others I’ve mentioned along my path...weave colorful threads into the fabric of my life. It is worth the effort, inconvenience, sore muscles, and unknowns to discover and befriend gems like John. Thanks again. More later… 

One step at a time…Greg