Wooden cross slung over his shoulder, “believer” cap on his head and Holy Bible at his hip, a Selden man is taking to the streets from Mattituck to Westbury to “encourage people to strengthen and deepen their walk with Jesus.”
“I want to encourage people to read the Bible, to know Jesus and to spend time with him,” the man said in an interview on Main Road in Aquebogue this morning. He wished only to be identified as Donald because he said that the story is not about him, but his cause.
He said this is his second cross-island trek. Two years ago, he carried his cross on a 93-mile journey on from Montauk to Jones Beach along Montauk Highway. His walk this year, spanning from Mattituck to Westbury, will take him about 62 miles over the next three days.
“I’ve got some hallelujahs and some honks this morning, so that’s good,” Donald said.
Donald said he hopes cars passing by will see the cross and think about what it means in their life, or doesn’t mean.
“One way or the other, I believe everyone has a feeling about Jesus,” Donald said. “But that’s my message: Turn to Jesus, read the bible, get to know him and spend time with him; it’s the best investment of anyone’s time.”
Donald started his walk this morning from Mattituck. His route will take him to Selden tonight, Huntington tomorrow and Westbury, his final destination, on Sunday.
He stayed at the Mattituck Presbyterian Church last night before heading out this morning. He is a member of St Joseph’s church in Ronkonkoma.
