Over 2,000 years ago, Christ told His followers to take up their crosses and follow Him. Over the centuries, many Christians have done exactly that. They have faced persecution, hatred and innumerable trials as their way of taking up the cross. One modern man, however, has taken that imperative very literally.

Patrick Styles hails from Rustenburg, South Africa, and is in the process of making his yearly 10,000 kilometer walk for Christ. Tall and grey-haired, Styles is nonetheless dwarfed by the 60 kilogram cross he carries with him on his walk. The huge wooden cross is taller than Styles and is set on a pair of bicycle wheels. Strapped to the cross are a sleeping bag, cooler box and a bag of clothes to help Styles make it through his journey. This year, he has yet to need the sleeping bag.

“A lot of people have been great and are helping with accommodation on farms and hotels along the way,” Styles said. “I try to do about 15 to 20 kilometers a day, all in the name of Jesus. This is my fifth walk, and many people have come up to me and asked for prayer which I always do.”

Styles began his tradition of walking after he was medically retired due to an accident at the Rustenburg mines. “I have been walking for the past five years, and it’s my second time in KwaZulu-Natal,” he said. “My wife is very supportive of my walking. We call each other every day so she is updated on my location. I was almost mugged on the N3 near Mooi River by four men, but people nearby came and assisted me. It has been a very positive journey so far, but I have seen a number of homeless people. This worries me, and I hope the situation will change through God’s work.”

The idea for Styles’ annual walk was born after he was retired and decided he wanted to do more for God.  His actions have certainly captured many people’s attention, and he derives personal enjoyment from the actual act of doing his walk. “I love the traveling,” he said. “It is a great way to see the country and meet people.”

Styles’ 2018 walk began on August 22, 2018, and he has made it a point to share the love of Jesus with everyone he meets since he began. He is currently on his way to Port Elizabeth which will mark the halfway point in his journey. Once he reaches Port Elizabeth, he will turn around and make his way back to Rustenburg using the inland route. Upon returning home, he will lay down his massive cross until it is time for him to take it back up next year.