Lindsay Hamon has preached around the world, visiting dangerous villages, rock concerts and British pubs – each time with a huge cross on his back.
When Jesus says, “Pick up your cross and follow me,” some Christians take his words very literally. Lindsay Hamon has been carrying a 12ft, 25kg cross around the world for 26 years – and is delighted to have seen many people coming to faith as a result.
Lindsay, who attends Camborne Elim Church, finds that carrying a cross provides many opportunities to chat with people and share the gospel with them. He prays for healing, and sees many come to accept the Lord.
In some parts of the world, such as Bangladesh, there are people who have never even seen a cross before who ask him what he is doing. Even in the UK, he finds that many passers-by have never heard the true gospel.
But this ministry isn’t an easy one – Lindsay normally walks about 18 miles a day over ten days, walking from village to village, often in tropical temperatures. Although the cross has a small wheel to help it along, the physical endurance is a challenge.
“Generally speaking, my shoulders are OK but my feet take a hammering,” Lindsay says, speaking on the eve of a trip to Cambodia. “The weight is going down into your feet. You give your everything. I’m 61 now, so I thank God that he gives me the strength to do it.”
“It’s not like being a normal tourist or a church preacher, you’re walking between villages in the middle of nowhere”
Lindsay has visited 21 countries, and makes three overseas trips a year. For the rest of the time, he travels Britain, witnessing in pubs and cafes and helping other Christians build confidence in street evangelism.
You can also find him in rock concerts and big festivals like Glastonbury. He is currently on his third cross – the first was stolen at Reading Rock Festival by a drunk, and the second was impounded by Indian customs. Lindsay depends on God for income. “My wife would say that I don’t live by faith, that I just worry!” jokes Lindsay. “She says I need more faith. But yes, I do live by faith. If I can pick up some care work shifts, that helps – that paid for my ticket for Cambodia. It’s hard doing that though, because when you’ve just come back from abroad you’re working, then you’re off again. I’m hoping not to do the two jobs in the future.”
A number of friends support him through donation and prayer – the latter being particularly welcome in some of the more dangerous countries that he visits.
“Sometimes they text me when I’m in the middle of India,” Lindsay reveals. “You feel vulnerable at times. It’s not like being a normal tourist or a church preacher, you’re walking between villages in the middle of nowhere. It’s great to get a text saying ‘praying for you’.
“When we were walking through Bangladesh, there were Al Qaeda sleeper cells apparently. Your mouth goes dry and you realise you’re not very courageous. You have to trust the Lord.
“Often I wonder whether some of the people who turn up are angels. In Bangladesh, there were some really supernaturally beautiful people in the crowd. It’s amazing how many times we sense God with us in that way.”
Lindsay grew up in a Christian family and gave his life to Christ when he was six. He started a career in social work before he began his ministry. He was inspired to carry a cross by American preacher Arthur Blessit, who had a similar worldwide ministry for many years.
“I found that carrying the cross opened up conversations so much that I just wanted to keep on walking,” he says. “The cross has such an impact on people, and you can talk about the heart of the gospel straight away. I got more and more committed and enthusiastic about it over the years.
“I do it because I love Jesus, and because of what the cross is. It stands for how much God loves you. He’s prepared not just to say he loves you, but to put it into action.”