A Kentucky man was turning heads and opening hearts in Cassville over a five-day period last week, carrying a wooden cross on his cross-country mission to spread Christian love and ministry.

Gregory Jones, of Lexington, Kent., arrived in Cassville on Jan. 24 by way of Eureka Springs. For more than four years, Jones has walked more than 4,000 miles through 14 states, a journey beginning with the clothes on his back.

‘[My mission is to] Spread the Gospel of Jesus and share the love of Christ,’ Jones said. ‘On Nov. 22, 2019, I had an $18 an hour job but felt like I was not doing enough. I prayed that night and heard a voice tell me to drop it all and go — that wasn’t my conscience. I argued with myself all night, then the next day, I quit my job and payed my rent, then left with just the clothes on my back. I started south for the winter, just following the birds.’

Jones began his journey with a walking staff topped with a cross. After a while with the staff, he upgraded to an eight-foot, 35-pound wooden cross, which he carries on his shoulders.

‘I have been through 7 large crosses total,’ he said. ‘My current cross was made in Nowata, Okla. after I donated my previous Cross to a local church there. When a cross gets full of people’s signatures of people, I donate it to a church.’

Jones said through his travels, he has been fortunate to have adequate support, which he credits to God.

‘God has provided for me every step of the way,’ he said. ‘I have never slept outside or gone hungry — not one time.’

Jones said as he travels through towns, he meets people and receives donations, and many churches he speaks at provide love offerings, allowing him to book lodging and continue the next day.

Jones said Cassville hit his radar while he was in Eureka Springs, Ark., planning to head north.

‘I was getting notes together for a book I am writing and I was looking north on the maps when I saw Fishers of Men [Family Resort and RV Park], and it looked interesting. I got in contact with the owners, and Jerry James from Corinth Baptist Church came to pick me up. They let me stay at the Resort at no charge.’

Jones said the generosity of Cassville was exhibited through the week in many ways.

‘On Thursdays behind Fishers of Men, there’s a men’s group that meets,’ he said. ‘I spoke there and asked if anyone would join me carrying the cross through town on Friday. My friend Nathan Stillions stepped up. He said he was afraid at first, but we walked for an hour or so.

‘Then, we went to Sunrise for breakfast. We prayed over a couple servers, and when I asked for the ticket, they said the owner had covered it. I’ve never met the owner.’

Jones said Sunrise was not the only restaurant who provided, as Whitley’s also offered him free meals as needed during his stay.

‘The Cassville community has been wonderful,’ Jones said. ‘Lots of people have honked or waved, and many have stopped me to ask for prayers. In the three hours I walked through town, I prayed over 48 people.’

Jones said when it comes to his mission, his message is simple — love one another.

‘I share the love of Jesus and to be kind to others,’ he said. ‘Make a difference in someone’s day; you never know who you are affecting or planting that seed with.’

Jones gave his testimony at Corinth Baptist Church in Cassville on Sunday, which he said was a great experience, as was his stay in the area.

‘I had a wonderful night at Corinth speaking, and Cassville is a wonderful community,’ he said. ‘Every business I went to or place I went to, people were friendly, welcoming, open and receptive. And, I’ve been through bigger towns where people have told me to get my cross away from their building, that I am not welcome there.’

Jones’ journey continued on Monday, beginning by heading south to Eagle Rock, staying at a short-term rental owned by Mike and Debbie Ball.

For more information on Jones, people may visit https://www. walkingwithcross.com/, or visit his Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ walkingwithcross.