It's not the kind of thing folks in the nation's capitol are used to seeing. A man carrying a cross, but Joshua Sarhan is literally walking in faith. He walked out of his home church in Arkansas 86 days ago with nothing but camping gear strapped to his back and a 40 pound cross across his shoulder. The 33 year old Marine Corps veteran accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior two years ago after reaching a point of severe emptiness in his life. He says it wasn't long before God burdened his heart to walk across the country shouldering the cross and telling people about the good news and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
This week Joshua made it to Washington, D.C. It was his first time exploring the city. He tried to visit once before, but after searching for a parking place for hours he gave up and kept driving. Some days, he says, his journey is harder than others, but one of the miraculous parts of his trip is that for 86 days and 85 nights he's not had to use his camping gear once. God has provided food and shelter for him every day. Some days, he says he stops to eat and by the time he gets to the register to pay for his meal it's already been purchased. Symbolic huh?
He's met hundreds of people along his journey. Many are inspired by his walk, others offer persecution. He tells Beltway Buzz he loves the architechture in Washington. He's also excited about seeing the monuments that represent the freedoms he swore to protect as a Marine, but mostly he's excited to see what God has in store for his life.
He wants to get into the ministry and sees his journey as a "school of hard knocks and tough surprises". He's been offered several opportunities for work and education on his walk and trusts that God will lead him back to the right place.
Beltway Buzz interviewed Josh on a Washington sidewalk this week. When we wrapped up a gentleman who had been passing by offered to take him to lunch.
Joshua says he's learned a lot on his journey. The main thing he's learned is that God is good and his Word is true.
Here's Joshua in his own words.