Why Does This Man Dress Like Jesus and Carry a Giant Cross Around New York?
- Posted on June 1, 2012 at 1:52pm by
Billy Hallowell
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On Thursday, The Blaze’s Mike Opelka was certain he saw an individual who looked like Jesus Christ holding a cross and walking down a Long Island, New York, highway. Now, normally, people would hear such a statement and silently worry about the individual’s sanity who uttered it. But, alas, Opelka was correct in that a man was, indeed, walking around in ancient-looking garb and with a giant cross in hand — but why?
Image Credit: Carol Moran/27East.com
Robert Wood — the man Opelka saw strolling gingerly along the road — is on a mission to show the world that every man, woman and child needs Jesus Christ. So, the 55-year-old takes to various localities (most recently, the Montauk Highway) dressed in robes, scarves and the like, and with a cross strapped to his outfit, to draw attention to the God he so intensely embraces. His overall goal is to convince Americans that it’s time to turn back to the Lord.
“I’m a blood-washed, Holy Ghost-filled, tongues-talking, Bible-walking child of God,” he told 27East.com. “I’m drawing attention to Jesus because everyone needs him.”
On April 30, Wood left Freeport, New York, and began walking toward Montauk Point. The journey is part of his five-year journey across New York State. Once he reaches Montauk Point, his goal is to turn around and walk toward Brooklyn. These strolling trips, apparently always done in costume, have been undertaken by Wood for more than two decades.
Image Credit: Carol Moran/27East.com
“It’s been 22 years,” he continued. “I’m not stopping unless the Rapture comes and I die in the road.”
While some may see his antics as extreme, others, especially after learning his story, may come to respect his fervent beliefs and his determination to make the gospel heard. At the age of 16, Wood found himself on the streets after become an orphan. Before long, he fell into a life of male prostitution – that is, until 30 year ago when he says he “got saved.”
It was in 1990 that he claims the Lord instructed him to go to Texas. He abandoned his job as an exterminator in Freeport and he off he went. Once he was there, he said he felt God telling him to walk with a cross — so he complied and has never stopped since.
Being back in New York, Wood is continuing his trek with no end in sight. Interestingly, the way in which individuals respond to him is intriguing. Here’s a video, captured on a cell phone, of him journeying through Long Island:
27East.com has more about the community’s reaction:
On his back on Tuesday he carried a weathered leather backpack containing only scriptures and bottles of water given to him by strangers. One such stranger, Audrey Catera of East Moriches, pulled into the parking lot of the Casa Basso restaurant on Montauk Highway in Westhampton to meet Mr. Wood on the road and give him a bottle of water. She said her husband had seen Mr. Wood earlier in the day, and it excited her because she had studied the Bible. “I had to come and see why,” Ms. Catera said.
Earlier, a man pulled off the road and hopped down from his blue truck to hand Mr. Wood another bottle of water and drove off without saying a word. Though he has never had any companions on his journey, Mr. Wood said people frequently give him food, water and even money.
If you’re in New York, keep an eye out, as Wood may be making his way to your town or city. Regardless of whether his antics do, indeed, being people to accept Christian doctrine, he’s certainly succeeding in capturing intrigue and attention.
(H/T: 27East.com)
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Comments (81)
Warpspeedpetey
Posted on June 1, 2012 at 5:59pmI am ashamed to see such beauty. What a strange feeling…..
Report Post »SaintzOfAk
Posted on June 1, 2012 at 6:27pmI too feel the weight of my guilt when i see someone step out of their fear like this. It is indeed a beautiful thing….Emmanuel !!!
Report Post »eveh
Posted on June 3, 2012 at 2:33pmI know how you feel. I do nothing to spread the word so it makes me feel guilty. Thank God for people like this who step out on thier faith. He is a wonderful example of how God can change someone and set thier feet on the right path. We all have to work out our own salvation. I would in no way critisize or judge him. I was blessed with a heavenly language to pray in two months after I was baptised because I asked God for it. It has blessed me all these years to be able to pray to God in a language only he can understand and magnify him. :)
Report Post »Shakespear
Posted on June 1, 2012 at 5:23pmYeah right! And the world is gonna end Dec. 21, 2012. NOT.
Report Post »SLOWBIDEN
Posted on June 1, 2012 at 5:52pmHE”S WALKING ON PUBLIC ROADS. QUICK, SOME ATHEIST FALSELY RECITE SEPERATION OF CHURCH AND STATE AND HAVE HIM ARRESTED> ( sarcasm)
Report Post »SaintzOfAk
Posted on June 1, 2012 at 6:39pmLMAO, it never ends with these brainless Scat Feeding Liberals. They have this unique ability to cast aside any wisdom thereby enhancing their Tunnel Vision. They judge a group based on the actions of a few..WOW! now that’s intelligent.
Report Post »Meyvn
Posted on June 2, 2012 at 8:55amThe Bible says the earth abides forever.
Report Post »Shakespear
Posted on June 1, 2012 at 5:19pmThis guy is a crack pot! He says he can speak in tongues? Tongue speaking was simply speaking in a foreign language that one never knew before. It was a miracle. A miracle is something that violates the laws of nature.
Report Post »The “rapture” is not mentioned in the Bible. It is a false doctrine propagated by some denominational preachers. No one knew what Jesus looked like.
Why do you think God sent Him before camera’s, DVD’s, etc.
While I admire his zeal, I would recommend he spend more time trying to understand his Bible.
SaintzOfAk
Posted on June 1, 2012 at 6:19pmWTF is your problem pal?. Do you honestly think anyone gives a $h!t about your shallow empty comments?. Your rotten to your core. I’ve had enough of inept, blind, arrogant bastards like yourself runnin your mouth about things you know nothing about. Enlighten us you scat feeder, with allllll your endless wisdom as to why a man standing on principles of morality is somehow crazy. I think you’d be better suited as cannon fodder.
Report Post »ChristisKing1978
Posted on June 1, 2012 at 6:34pmI believe there is much evidence in the Bible to support the rapture. I
Report Post »believe Jesus gave a picture of the rapture when talking about the
beginning of the tribulation in Matthew 24:40-41 “Two men will be in
the field; one will be “taken” and the other one “left”. Two women
will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be “taken” and the other
“left”. Paralambano is the Greek word used there for “taken”. It means
to receive, take unto, or take with. Afietai is the Greek word used
for “left”. There are many meanings for this word. Some of them are,
to leave, to go away from one, to disregard, to abandon, to leave
behind, etc… 1 Thessalonians 4:17 says, “After that, we who are
still alive and are left will be “caught up” together with them in the
clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord
forever.“ The Greek word for the phrase ”caught up” is harpazo. The
Latin word is rapturo, which is where the word rapture came from.
Harpazo means to seize, to claim for one’s self eagerly, or to snatch
out or away from harm.
completehorsesense
Posted on June 1, 2012 at 7:41pmAmen Brother!
Report Post »Thomas Paine
Posted on June 2, 2012 at 3:21amYou are correct that the word “rapture” is not mentioned in the Holy Bible,
But in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18, It does say …..
“16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.”
Report Post »Meyvn
Posted on June 2, 2012 at 8:58amThe “rapture” is clearly mentioned in the bible and it’s mentioned in more than one book. We get the word “rapture” from the Latin versions. Wise up bozo.
Report Post »db321
Posted on June 2, 2012 at 3:52pmThere were many like Shakespear that stood on the Hills of Calvary that watched when Jesus walk by carrying a cross – many said at the time – this man, that calls himself Jesus has done it now – he went too for with his beliefs – he prayed – when the Govt told him he could only have a “Moment of Silence” – He denounced Gay Marriage – while the Man who held the highest office of the land, said that he supported, Gay Marriage – This man carrying the cross wanted God in the Schools – while the Govt was trying to kick God complete out of the Schools and the Country – This Man – he calls himself, the King of the Jews, – claims that the Jewish people are the “Apple of Gods Eyes” – while the leader that claims to be the real Messiah, wants Israel to go back to 1967 Borders.
The election coming up – it is so confusing – I’ve read and studied the Bible from cover to cover 3 times – I know what God wants me to do – but I just wish that Jesus would come back and tell us who he would vote for.
Candidate A – promotes Abortion, Gay Marriage and Non Support of Israel and he thinks he can part the seas!
Candidate B – wants smaller Govt, and will send a Message to the World that America “TRULY” has Israels back and that whom ever has the guts to try to attack Israel will face America‘s and God’s Resolve!
Jesus probably wont come back in time to tells us who he would vote for – maybe the wise Shakespear will tell us who he plans on voting for Candidate A or B. Your Choice
Report Post »walmpus1
Posted on June 3, 2012 at 2:19pmI have heard some people speak in tongues, which as you say is nothing more than a forgien language, which is still pretty impressvie to hear people talk speedliy as if they have spoken this language their whole life but they havent.
I have also heard people talk in tongue using the language of heaven, which no man, nor even satan can understand. GOD designed it that way so the enemy cant be using it against him or mankind. That truly is a miracle. People call me a kook, crazy, or think i am nuts but I have seen it in person and its the real power of GOD. And in order to be able to speak in “tongues” it must be prayed over you to happen and when it does…….that in its self is nothing short of another mirlce of GOD.
America and the rest of the world need more guys like Robert Wood who arent afraid or ashamed of their faith in GOD. Its takes a person who is supremely confidient in GOD to do what he is doing. Blesseed surely is Mr. Woods. GOD speed and safe travels.
wcb
Report Post »Robert Hawk
Posted on June 4, 2012 at 5:48amActually he is correct and as a watchman should point this out to all Christiansvreading this story. There is no word rapture in all biblical text it was an event conceived by a young lass in port Glasgow, Scotland. If this one man wants to haul around a cross and speak the doctrine of Christ, he needs to speak those words correctly. Further speaking in tongues is evidence of the Holy spirit and will only be used as the elect are delivered up before anti-Christ. If sure this man means well however, his teaching is incorrect and will deceive and mislead people. As a watch man for the house of Israel I have the duty to point this out, although with more tact than the previous poster. Read acts chapter1 concerning speaking in tongues. See Mat 16:24 “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Notice this was stated to the deciples, not all men.
Report Post »by faith
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 12:39pmPre-tribulation rapture theology was developed in the 1830s by John Nelson Darby, and popularized in the United States in the early 20th century
The word Rapture is connected to the Latin word rapiemur, which appears in Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians in the Latin Vulgate translation of the Bible. It means to be raised up or caught up,
Problem with the rapture is Jesus said he would come back ONCE.
Report Post »Rapture theology requires Him to return for the rapture and then come back later
PROSECUTE_PUBLIC_SERVANTS__FOR_CONSTITUTIONAL_TREASON
Posted on June 1, 2012 at 5:03pm“The Preaching of the Cross Is To them That Perish Foolishness” The Bible, Jesus Christ
Report Post »Gourdy
Posted on June 1, 2012 at 4:52pmWhat he‘s doing doesn’t speak to me, but I respect him for living his faith. How many people, regardless of their religion, would have this guy’s courage? Few, I think.
Report Post »HoneyBager7x7
Posted on June 1, 2012 at 4:52pmThe Rapture was last year hahahahaha………FAILED!
Report Post »Meyvn
Posted on June 2, 2012 at 9:00amYeah. You did FAIL, at humor anyway.
Report Post »Sky.Diamondxx
Posted on June 1, 2012 at 3:51pmI am always filled with hope when I hear others say that our Lord God the Father of Jesus and the Light of the World has spoken to them, and inspired them to lead the way for others who are lost or seeking love and peace.
Recently in the middle of my daily house keeping I heard God speak to me. He calls out to his children, because he knows well those who are Watchers of the Earth and how they are intentionally creating division and disparity. I heard God ask me to help him as a Christian influence; gathering together our souls. A nation divided can not stand. Please seek the light of Christ our Savior.
Report Post »http://www.soulnation.us and/or http://www.christian-influence.us
Copo
Posted on June 1, 2012 at 5:50pmThe LORD called to me once, about a year and a half ago. He called my name and asked what I was doing. I do not understand what his purpose is for me yet as I haven’t heard anything else, but it is what made me turn to Christ.
Report Post »Mitchm999
Posted on June 3, 2012 at 8:25pmthe lord spoke to me last year while I was at home. He told me to go the store and get some milk. We were out. I didn’t even know we were out of milk. Now that is a miracle.
Report Post »NewLife56
Posted on June 1, 2012 at 3:48pmThis man is the most blessed, the most free, and the most sane man I have ever seen a story on. Bless this Brother in Christ of Mine. And I bet he is the most at peace in life.
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on June 1, 2012 at 4:48pmAssUme… what you will!
Report Post »PROSECUTE_PUBLIC_SERVANTS__FOR_CONSTITUTIONAL_TREASON
Posted on June 1, 2012 at 5:00pmA true brother indeed. Awesome. “The preaching of the cross is foolishiness to them that perish” – Jesus Christ
Report Post »REBELWITHACAUSE
Posted on June 1, 2012 at 3:36pmI have to appreciate that he feels he’s doing a noble thing, but… first… he’ll be waiting for a long time on a rapture. The Bible (the King James version) doesn‘t support a ’rapture’. There will be many things to take place prior to God’s called-out ones who will be taken to a place of safety(not up in the heavens, but to a place of safety that he has prepared for them… this can just as easily be right on this earth). It‘s not until Christ’s return that those who died in Christ are raised from the dead and changed into spirit beings, and these called-out ones who were in that place of safety for 3.5 yrs being protected during the tribulation will then be raised up and changed in the twinkling of an eye with the others. No ‘secret’ rapture is ever mentioned in the Bible. When the last trumpet is blown, the entire world is going to know it… nothing secret about that. And folks… don‘t y’all know what a graven image is? Exodus 20 and 26… and good grief… google it for pete’s sake. Anything you can carve or mold into an image of something and say it ‘represents Christ’ or your beliefs, is a graven image, or foolish idol worship one. Which is it? Both are wrong. STUDY THIS, PLEASE.
Report Post »Alessandre
Posted on June 1, 2012 at 5:12pmHe believes in the rapture because under “sola scriptura” each person has the ability to interpret scripture & sometimes things are added that don’t exist (http://biblicaleschatology.org/2008/12/04/the-history-of-the-rapture/). But just like entitlements, once people accept something, they cling to it even if it’s not true.
Report Post »RRFlyer
Posted on June 2, 2012 at 9:14amI personally don’t believe in the rapture with my interpretation of the Bible. But it doesn’t hurt me if people do. I do not make up my own interpretation and tell people I am right and everyone else is wrong either.
Report Post »The Bible is clear on the things we Should believe, as it is told many times and plainly. Believing in the rapture is not necessary for salvation. Believing the Lord is our savior is.
So let’s get off of everyone swearing by “Their” interpretations, and concentrate on the Truth.
MCDAVE
Posted on June 1, 2012 at 3:21pmHope he does not get too thirsty ..no more Big Gulps..
Report Post »Exrepublisheep
Posted on June 1, 2012 at 5:12pmlol
Report Post »Baikonur
Posted on June 1, 2012 at 3:19pmThis type of Christian devotion reminds me of this kind:
http://news.yahoo.com/serpent-handling-west-virginia-pastor-dies-snake-bite-173406645–abc-news-topstories.html
I think it is sad when mental illness can hide behind religion.
Report Post »Meyvn
Posted on June 2, 2012 at 9:01amOn the contrary… I think it‘s sad when mental illness doesn’t hide. Can you please find a disguise.
Report Post »jungle J
Posted on June 1, 2012 at 3:17pmhe does it because he was set free and he is free indeed.
Report Post »deeberj
Posted on June 1, 2012 at 3:07pmArthur Blessitt did this for 44 years starting in 1968. He started in the USA and ended up going around the world. Glad to see another doing it now that Arthur is too old to walk that far.
Report Post »kickagrandma
Posted on June 1, 2012 at 3:02pmWow! There in GOD’s GRACE goes one of our brothers, y’all.
JESUS GOD, we just thank YOU so much for YOUR love that overwhelms us to the point of forsaking all else to follow YOU. Thank YOU for blessing this man so profoundly and for protecting him on his journey with YOU. Thank YOU, LORD, for using him to wake us up, to motivate us so that we, too, take up our crosses and follow you in YOUR PRECIOUS AND MIGHTY NAME, JESUS, we pray, amen.
Report Post »deeberj
Posted on June 1, 2012 at 3:09pmGrandma – I LOVE reading your prayers. I know you are praying in spirit and in truth. Thank you and keep it up!
Report Post »btwhitehurst
Posted on June 1, 2012 at 11:19pmAmen. Here I am! Take me.
Report Post »Arshloch
Posted on June 1, 2012 at 2:42pmToo much propinquity with the mayor.
Report Post »wordweaver
Posted on June 1, 2012 at 2:42pmI see this guy and contrast him to the OWS demonstrators. I think he is accomplishing more than all of the others put together. Unlike them, he actually has a well-defined objective and purpose, and he keeps moving along, not creating a public nuisance. He finds hospitality where he will along the way, and is content to be blessed by the generosity of strangers. Much like the fellow he is emulating.
Report Post »girlnurse
Posted on June 1, 2012 at 2:34pmGod Bless him! Wonder where he sleeps at night? Jesus didn’t have anywhere to lay his head either…
Report Post »Baikonur
Posted on June 1, 2012 at 2:32pmDoes Mike Opelka plan his investigative career in this area to consist of driving down the road looking for crazy people on foot at the highway shoulder? I was a bit confused by how this Christ-like visionary was found.
I look forward to Mike Opelka‘s other profiles of our nation’s eccentrics, homeless, and what the unimaginative may call ‘cranks.’
Report Post »Mike Opelka
Posted on June 1, 2012 at 5:13pmThanks for your thoughts. How do I find these people? I walk around with my eyes open. Here’s hoping more will keep their eyes open too! Laus Deo.
Report Post »Baikonur
Posted on June 1, 2012 at 2:19pmWhy? Because he is a nut. It is a testament to problems in our social net and of poor police enforcement that the nuts and the homeless are swarming the streets and no one stops it.
Report Post »PETTYDRAMA
Posted on June 1, 2012 at 2:17pmNo doubt he is a avid Beck follower and worshipper…LOL!
Report Post »Too_Far_Gone
Posted on June 1, 2012 at 2:21pmNo doubt you’re an idiot.
Report Post »Fried Okra
Posted on June 1, 2012 at 2:33pmohhhhhhh SNAP!
Report Post »EqualJustice
Posted on June 1, 2012 at 2:15pmI’d rather see this guy than that “saggy butt” naked Cowboy! ;)
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on June 1, 2012 at 4:22pmIsaish… was told to go about Naked!
Report Post »UpholderOftheConstitution
Posted on June 1, 2012 at 2:15pmI applaud you, Sir.
Report Post »txjb
Posted on June 1, 2012 at 2:15pmI am not stopping untill the rapture comes and I die in the street ! (or) I die in the street. If the rapture comes you will not be in the street , unless you’re not saved .
Report Post »salvawhoray
Posted on June 1, 2012 at 2:10pmthanks to high gas prices, this guy has to walk home from Home Depot with the wood he just bought.
Report Post »JimL
Posted on June 1, 2012 at 3:04pmMasterful
Report Post »momrules
Posted on June 1, 2012 at 1:57pmGod bless him on his Journey.
Report Post »GENEPAGLIARI
Posted on June 1, 2012 at 2:06pmAMEN. What antics?
Report Post »Too_Far_Gone
Posted on June 1, 2012 at 2:16pmDitto Mom
Report Post »