Today’s Prayer Focus
MOVIE REVIEW

The Cross: The Arthur Blessitt Story

MPA Rating: PG-Rating (MPA) for thematic material, some violent images, and mild language including drug references.

Reviewed by: Brian C. Johnson
CONTRIBUTOR

Moral Rating: Excellent!
Moviemaking Quality:
Primary Audience: Family, Teens, Adults
Genre: Christian, Documentary
Length: 1 hr. 32 min.
Year of Release: 2009
USA Release: March 27, 2009 (201+ theaters)
Copyright, Gener8Xion Entertainment Copyright, Gener8Xion Entertainment Copyright, Gener8Xion Entertainment Copyright, Gener8Xion Entertainment
Relevant Issues
Copyright, Gener8Xion Entertainment
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Cross

Crucifixion

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Featuring Arthur Blessitt
Director Matthew Crouch
Producer Gener8Xion Entertainment, Stephan Blinn, Richard J. Cook, Laurie Crouch, Matthew Crouch, Jack Hunter
Distributor Gener8Xion Entertainment

“How do you live a life of purpose and destiny? One step at a time.”

In what has been termed “The Great Commission” in the book of Matthew, Jesus instructed his disciples to “Go” and share His gospel message with the world. For centuries, Christians have debated the best and most efficient ways to respond to that mandate—whether through preaching behind a pulpit or through electronic means such as television, radio, or the Internet. One ordinary man, Arthur Blessit, took Jesus’ instruction at face value and decided to “take up his cross” (Matt. 16:24) and carry the good news of Christ Jesus to the entire world; literally, he carried a 12-feet cross to every single nation around the world. “The Cross” chronicles Arthur’s forty-year journey, a quest of sorts, to see to it that every nation had the opportunity to hear the story of God’s love.

Having walked several billion steps over the decades, Arthur’s travels took him along the highways and byways of industrialized nations into the hinterlands of underdeveloped countries. Along the way, he spoke to the rich and poor, was jailed for his beliefs, and shared his faith with thousands of unbelieving people. He introduced Christ to the strongholds of many Muslim nations, areas of Hinduism, Buddhism, and other faith traditions—without fear, and in many cases, without barrier or deterrent. He has earned the Guinness World Record for longest walk, but for Blessit, the importance of sharing Christ far outweighs any personal recognition. To hear him, in his own words, tearfully share about his own transformation as he greeted people from around the globe is nothing short of inspirational.

Blessit narrates his own travels through war-torn areas in Iraq, Nicaragua, the Sudan, and other areas, himself staring down the barrels of gun-wielding soldiers. He tells the amazing tales of having no fear in the face of such dangers, even to the point of offering Bibles to soldiers who wanted to kill him. “The Cross” is the story of true faith; it is the story of one man’s commitment to his purpose—a man willing to have the courage of his own convictions—and the sovereignty of God.

This documentary film is well made and is easily accessible for teenage and adult audiences. It could well become standard training materials for congregations who focus on missions’ work, on the importance of spiritual gifts, or on creating a church full of active participants instead of spectators. Well done! A must see for anyone trying to figure out their own calling and purpose in the kingdom of God. Its message is central to the Christian belief—it’s all about the cross!

Violence: Minor / Profanity: None / Sex/Nudity: None

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Viewer CommentsSend your comments
Positive—The most fasinating, riveting, and compelling documentary that I have ever witnessed! This film is a must see for anyone; and definitely for any follwer of Jesus. It challenged me to renew my commitment to the call of Jesus Christ on my life. I am convinced that christians around the world will also be challenged by this epic film!
My Ratings: Moral rating: Excellent! / Moviemaking quality: 5
Robert, age 55 (USA)
Positive—I have never heard of Arthur Blessitt, so I went to this movie unaware of his background. Beginning on the “Strip” in the 60s, we see a young pastor reaching out to those in the street with the message of the Love of Jesus.

“The Cross,” what a wonderful, inspiring documentary! To see a man with passion, transformed by the love of Jesus, growing in his faith and service to the Lord. There are many scenes of him in the streets sharing his faith with others. If you are a born-again Christian, you will be in awe of the commitment of this man to serve his Master, the Lord Jesus! The real message in this movie lies not with Arthur Blessitt saying he was the most unworthy to be called by the Lord to carry the cross… But with each of us, how are we serving? What is our calling? What is YOUR calling? Your destiny? How are you serving the Lord today and in the years to come? It begins one step at a time. A Great Movie! God Bless!

(Do not leave the show until the credits are nearly run… Arthur has a few more comments…)
My Ratings: Moral rating: Excellent! / Moviemaking quality: 4
Randy Williams, age 55 (USA)
Positive—This is a must see movie (I saw it twice), Arthur Blessitt exhibits a wonderful sweet, peaceful, and humble spirit towards God. His spirit of service, and faith really inspired me as a Christian, and I think it also demonstrates to non-Christians what Christianity is about. I was truly moved when I saw this film, and recommend it highly.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Excellent! / Moviemaking quality: 4
John, age 35 (USA)
Positive—Our bible study group just finished the book of Philippians and how Paul chose joy in all of the adverse circumstances he faced in spreading the gospel. He also determined in his heart where his source of strength was and what his ultimate goal was.

THE CROSS was such an excellent follow up because I saw so many of these traits in Arthur Blessit. He is a very humble servant of the Lord who sincerely loves people.

In all of the adverse circumstances he faced in his journey with the cross, he chose joy and relied on God to get him through some very difficult situations that many believers, unfortunately, would probably choose to run from.

I was very moved by this movie, not so much by the music or the cinematography, but more by Arthur’s testimony of all the God had brought him through. The scene near the end of the movie where Arthur is actually leading a woman on the street in the sinner’s prayer as she wept especially touched me.

I highly recommend that ALL christians go see this movie to see a true reflection of Christ in this world and what life could be like in this world if we, as believers, would just trust God’s promises and continually seek Him in keeping His commandments.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Excellent! / Moviemaking quality: 5
Randy Brewer, age 55 (USA)
Positive—My husband and I have been waiting for this movie to come to a theater near us, and we were finally able to see it. We had to drive an hour and a half, but it was well worth it! (That was the closest theater that was showing the movie) This is a genuine and authentic story about a very courageous man that followed God’s will for his life by going all across the globe to share the good news of Jesus Christ, never letting anything deter him from his mission, not even when he stared death in the face.

Arthur Blessit is a perfect example for all Christians as to how we should look at this journey of life, by always putting Jesus first in our lives and staying within His will for our lives and we’ll never go wrong! Our main purpose for being on this Earth is to carry out God’s will and purpose for each one of us as individuals, and most importantly, to never stop telling others about Jesus, which is exactly what Arthur Blessit has done his entire life.

We loved watching this movie as the story unfolded; we laughed, we cried, and in the end were so inspired that we actually went and bought several more tickets to the movie to hand out to shoppers in the mall where it was playing! (We got a few funny looks, but most people took us up on the offer of a free movie, and we thought it would be a great witnessing tool for any that might not know the Lord. If even one of them was inspired themselves or came to know Christ through this movie, there isn’t a price you can put on that.)

We only wish there were more movies like this. We will definitely go see it again if it continues playing so we can take our friends and family. We would DEFINITELY and HIGHLY RECOMMEND this movie to ANYONE!!
My Ratings: Moral rating: Excellent! / Moviemaking quality: 5
Julie, age 45 (USA)