Walk of prayer and witness to restore sight

“Ian Benson will be carrying a 6-foot wooden cross through 14 miles of Dorset countryside to raise funds to restore sight to people in the poorest communities of the world.

On 18th and 19th March, Ian will be joined by a group of friends and supporters as he carries the Cross from Dorchester to Wool, raising funds for CBM’s sight-saving work.

“As well as being a walk of prayer and witness, we hope that as the trees by the water in Ezekiel gave healing, there will be sponsorship for the Christian Blind Mission, for each mile walked. It is about 14.4 miles from Dorchester to Wool, and for each mile walked we would like ten people to receive their sight – which would be 144 people”, explains Ian.

Ian has chosen the route specifically as the source of the River Frome in Evershot reminds him of a passage in the Bible – Ezekiel chapter 47:1-12 – where the stream flows from the new temple east to the Dead Sea. Just as the leaves of the trees at the side of the river in Ezekiel 47 brought healing, so Ian is calling for people to help him in his mission to raise funds and restore sight. View Ian’s route from Dorchester to Wool.

The cross, which is about 6′ tall and 4′ wide, was made by Ian.

“I could not find any nice clean wood in our garage, but only two old pieces which I first thought looked ugly. However, on second thought, they seemed quite appropriate and meaningful. The upright is the shaft of an old Evershot farm cart. This might make us think of God’s chariot taking us to His presence – which the Cross effects. The chain, originally to attach the horse, is a symbol of our sins. The actual cross piece is an old gate post. Jesus said, ‘I am the gate; whoever enters by me shall be saved’ (John 10:9). The black rubber stop on the gate post reminds us that in the Cross God takes responsibility for the sins, wickedness, disease and suffering of the whole world. ‘God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.’ (II Cor. 5:21)”

Ian hopes to raise a total of £4,320 for CBM to fund 144 cataract surgeries, which cost just £24 for an adult. He is appealing for prayers, donations and also supporters to join him along the route, either on foot or bike.

To find out more or support Ian, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/CrossWalk2 (open link in new tab)