Cross carrying man traverses country

Cross Carrier Chuck walks down Austin Street with a mighty purpose. "To remind people that they need Jesus in their lives." said Chuck. The 103-degree weather did not affect this man, who tries to get his message out across the whole country. Chuck has traversed the country for seven years and doesn't seem to be quitting anytime soon.

By Lynn A. Wade and Colette LeFebvre

Herald-Tribune

He's at it again -- or still. Cross Carrier Chuck passed through Nevada on his eighth tour of the United States -- you guessed it, carrying a cross.

The message is obvious. Chuck Johnson simply wants to "remind people that they need God in their lives."

The cross he now carries is made of plastic. Chuck has worn out a few crosses during his journey. The first was made of wood and weighed about 86 pounds.

It takes less than a year to cross the country, following non-interstate highways that allow him to travel on foot without gleaning the interest of law enforcement. He started his travels about seven years ago, and, in fact, passed through Nevada last in July 2004 and prior to that, on July 2, 2003. He's been in Nevada several times, it seems. A file photo shows a slightly stockier Johnson carrying what appears to be a wooden cross -- most likely his first. That cross was emblazoned with the Biblical reference, "Luke 10:27" which states, "And he answered and said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself,"

When he passed through in 2004, he said the journey began in Tiajuana, Mexico; and he says "the Lord always gives just what is needed." For example, he said, when he started he had $55. Materials cost $53 and change," He knew to the dollar how much I'd need."

Johnson also reported in his 2004 visit that he waited for some time, wondering if he should go right or left. A man took him into his home for the night and "looked me square in the eye, and said, 'don't worry about whether you should go right or left. Find a road and follow it.'" Johnson said.

He travels light -- a change of clothes, rain gear -- and lots of socks, he said with a wink. His backpack was obviously little more than half full, and a plastic water bottle protruded from it. He relies on the people he meets along the way for sustenance and shelter -- but never asks for money, food or shelter.

His journey has taken him as far as North Dakota, and through several southern states such as Florida and California, and he's made many a headline along the way. In March, for example, he was spotted in Killeen, Texas, and in a few short months has made his way back to Nevada, carrying the cross and its message with him.