Ever since Al Slusser was a kid, he has wanted to walk across the United States. He was waiting for five things to materialize: 1) a relationship with the Lord that would be intimate and solid, 2) finances, 3) his feet to be physically ready for the task, 4) total support of his family and 5) fortitude. Last October, 2009, Al felt he was ready. He asked the Lord months before to close the doors if this wasn’t His will. They swung wide open for Al and in October with his feet standing in the Pacific Ocean in San Diego, he began his trek across our great country. He arrived in Maryland reaching his destination just three weeks ago when he touched the Atlantic Ocean. He did it!
Today I enjoyed having lunch with Al and four of my girlfriends. We were uplifted to hear the stories of all the great American families Al met on his long walk. He was able to encourage many people and even lead a lonely man to Jesus Christ. Many were drawn to the cart that Al pushed with a sign on it that spoke of his passion for senior citizens and disabled Americans and veterans. On this sign was also the scripture: “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13.” “The Lord was with me every step!” Al exclaimed. We marveled at the kindness of the mayors in each town that Al entered. Some of them put him in four star hotels for the night and purchased his dinner. People were supportive along the route. Americans all across the country befriended him and several families invited him into their homes for the night!
We wondered what the greatest lesson was that Al learned during this adventure. He told us two things: 1) God is faithful and totally trustworthy and 2) American is made up of kind people. Every evening Al would pray these two scripture verses in his nighttime prayers: He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Ps 91:11 and
I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. Ps. 4:8
Imagine having a dream of this caliber and depending solely on the Lord to bring it to pass! Al has exciting stories to tell of how God orchestrated this walk and how He protected him from danger. Al speaks enthusiastically to groups at senior citizens homes as well as churches. And yes, he is writing a book! You can learn more about Al’s coast to coast walk at www.c2cw.com .
It did me good on this day of 9-ll to have lunch with Al and my friends. From the time I awoke, the TV as well as bloggers have been commemorating the tragedy that struck our great nation nine years ago. Despite the turbulence that American is going through politically, socially, and economically, it remains the greatest country on the face of the earth. God bless America!
Charlotte and Ginger sponsor Spiritual Sundays. For more inspirational posts, click here.
Today I enjoyed having lunch with Al and four of my girlfriends. We were uplifted to hear the stories of all the great American families Al met on his long walk. He was able to encourage many people and even lead a lonely man to Jesus Christ. Many were drawn to the cart that Al pushed with a sign on it that spoke of his passion for senior citizens and disabled Americans and veterans. On this sign was also the scripture: “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13.” “The Lord was with me every step!” Al exclaimed. We marveled at the kindness of the mayors in each town that Al entered. Some of them put him in four star hotels for the night and purchased his dinner. People were supportive along the route. Americans all across the country befriended him and several families invited him into their homes for the night!
We wondered what the greatest lesson was that Al learned during this adventure. He told us two things: 1) God is faithful and totally trustworthy and 2) American is made up of kind people. Every evening Al would pray these two scripture verses in his nighttime prayers: He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Ps 91:11 and
I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. Ps. 4:8
Imagine having a dream of this caliber and depending solely on the Lord to bring it to pass! Al has exciting stories to tell of how God orchestrated this walk and how He protected him from danger. Al speaks enthusiastically to groups at senior citizens homes as well as churches. And yes, he is writing a book! You can learn more about Al’s coast to coast walk at www.c2cw.com .
It did me good on this day of 9-ll to have lunch with Al and my friends. From the time I awoke, the TV as well as bloggers have been commemorating the tragedy that struck our great nation nine years ago. Despite the turbulence that American is going through politically, socially, and economically, it remains the greatest country on the face of the earth. God bless America!
Charlotte and Ginger sponsor Spiritual Sundays. For more inspirational posts, click here.
What an uplifting post. Praise God!
ReplyDeleteWhat a story he must have! I want to read that book...
ReplyDeleteA true pilgrim, Mr. Al. To walk the breadth of our country and do so with Psalm 91 as his anchor.
Praying we all dwell in the Most High as we navigate the highways of life!
peace~elaine
Dear Mary,
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful and uplifting post on this day of remembrance! How lovely that you were able to talk to this man! He will have quite a testimony to share. Thank you for sharing and I hope you have a lovely weekend.
Bessings,
Sandi
What an interesting journey this man too and how wonderful you were able to hear about it. Thank you for a great inspirational post. Blessings!
ReplyDeletewow. what an adventure...I would think most people would be kind and glad he said that was one thing he discovered. Great post.
ReplyDeleteInspiring story. To have dreams like that!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful post and terrific testimony! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWow - what a story. I plan to check out his website. I think his book would be a very interesting read.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, Mary in spite of all the troubles here, I wouldn't want to live in another country.
Blessings,
Joan
I'm so glad you got the opportunity to meet that man and hear his stories! Wow, what an adventure!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful testimony to God's faithfulness. Patty
ReplyDeleteThis is such an encouraging thing to read today. Thank you for sharing Al's story. He is an inspiration to us.
ReplyDeleteThat's only a tip of the iceberg! He must learn so much endurance but the kind that comes from His sustenance!
ReplyDeleteYes, God bless America! Land of the FREE!
Love and blessings to you sister.
Hey Mary!
ReplyDeleteSo blessed and inspired by Al!!! And thank you so much for sharing a portion of his story....the book will be such a blessing to many and I would love to read it!!
HE IS FAITHFUL!!
Love and Sweet Blessings!
Jackie
What a wonderful uplifting post. I'm so glad you could meet Al and hear his wonderful stories. This post really made my day. Thank you for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Charlotte
Lots of lovely new things here, Mary. A new header. A new photo of you. Lovely!
ReplyDeleteI love it that the Body of Christ includes feet like this set. God bless Al!
Hugs,
Kathleen
This is amazing. What a great story and how nice that you know this man.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless,
Ginger
Your blog looks beautiful! I need to do some changes but the last time I tried I lost it all and now I'm stuck with swirls!!
ReplyDeleteThis was so good Mary... can you imagine what an adventure this has been for Al?? It needs to be a movie! I'm sure many of those people he met will never forget him.
Such an inspirational post sis.
ReplyDeleteI have wanted to do that ever since Forrest Gump did it. High five to Al!
ReplyDelete