Carrying His Own Cross: Man Walks To Remind People to Serve Others

Reports started coming into the Messenger office Friday evening of a man carrying a huge cross being spotted at different locations along Highway 360. Initial attempts to track down this person were unsuccessful, but our staff made contact Saturday afternoon in Keysville with “Just Call Me Paul,” a Missouri native who is on a trek to cover 10,000 miles (the apostle Paul traveled 9700) on foot carrying a cross and sharing his testimony.

“Just Call Me Paul,” also known as Marc Bounds, began his journey in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 2013 and covers approximately 15 miles a day carrying a 12-foot custom built cross. The outside of the cross has references to the numerous Bible verses that speak of daily denying oneself and picking up the cross of Jesus and following Him. When asked what “Just Call Me Paul” hopes to accomplish, Bounds responded, “It’s about reminding people to be the church. We talk about going to church, but we are called to be the church to those around us. It’s not always convenient. It will take us out of our comfort zones. But if one person sees this cross and is reminded to set aside their pursuits and to serve those around them, then something good has come from this journey.”

Marc’s cross was designed with two small wheels on the foot, and a single wheel on the top. The cross itself has compartments that contain camping gear, clothes and the other necessary supplies for the journey. Bounds says that he is regularly told “Jesus’ cross didn’t have wheels” to which he responds, “We are not called to carry Jesus’ cross, we are called to carry our own.”

Bounds has mapped his walk, but not a time frame. He prefers to allow the promptings of the Holy Spirit to set the pace, visiting with people and churches along the way.  Choosing not to walk during the winter months gives Bounds an opportunity to spend extended periods of time ministering to and with the Christian community. Relying on God’s abundance and the generosity of the Christian community, “Just Call Me Paul” continues his trek, carrying his cross.

You can follow Marc’s journey on his facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/JUST-CALL-ME-PAUL/1409729625939813.