Brian Leslie is on a mission for Jesus Christ. He’s not preaching or singing, but he is walking. Carrying a 65 pound cross wherever he goes.
Just before Labor day the 33 year-old from Mineola said God told him to “look to Matthew (in the Bible) and set out on the highways,” proclaiming the message of God. The symbolism of his actions brings a literal meaning to the biblical scripture “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”-Matthew 16:24 
It was clear to Brian what he had to do. He would set on a journey carrying the heavy cross across busy cities and barren countryside alike. “My family thought I was crazy,” Brian said. But he set out on his journey anyways. Walking 600 miles to Albuquerque, N.M, then to Florida. When Path MEGAzine contributing photographer Diana Simonetta caught up with him, he was at mile marker 885 outside of Livingston Texas June 14, 2010. He was on Highway 59 headed on the way to Houston and then Mexico. Diana spent some time with him asking questions and taking pictures. Before she left him, Diana extended her hand out to give Brian money. Brian told her that “the only way I can accept this, is if the Lord put this on your heart to give to me.” Diana said he did, and Brian was gracious.
Brian welcomes anyone he sees to sign his cross with a red permanent marker and says he will pray for these people on his journey. Brian says some people honk, to show support, and in most cases he has been treated nice. However he told Times Record News months earlier that he was “persecuted pretty bad” in some parts of New Mexico.
Leslie mentioned that when he completes his journey he may be a preacher or start a church.
The symbolism of Brian’s actions are motivating. To some people it’s over the top. But what are we doing to deny self, and pick up our cross? Not the humiliating and burdened cross that Jesus bore in his time. But the cross that says I’m willing to fulfill my purpose and follow my Path. Everyone’s cross, path and purpose is different, but we are all called to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The historical and factual way to everlasting life.
