Spiritual Sundays ~ Lunch With Al

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.