DE WET Swanepoel (38) from Mpumalanga has walked more than 6100km, all for the love of Jesus.
Last Sunday, South Coasters may have noticed De Wet walking along the R102, carrying a cross weighing about 30kg. The only concessions to comfort are a towel on his neck and a small wheel at the base of the cross. He walks between 10 and 36 kms a day and takes a rest once a week.
He is not walking for a cause, to raise money for any charity or organisation but purely as an act of faith. He has no support team but relies on friends, family and the kindness of strangers for food and shelter.
He started his walk for Jesus from Sabie, Mpumalanga, on January 6 and has travelled through many cities, towns and villages, drawing stares and honks of encouragement from passing motorists. De Wet takes it all in his stride, saying he is leaning on God for strength and direction.
“I want to spread the word, telling everyone that Jesus loves everybody. No matter what religion we follow, Jesus will heal us as a nation. I used to be a farmer but I have seen the light and want to show the people of South Africa that Jesus is the way forward,” says De Wet.
He plans to reach Port Elizabeth, via Port Edward and Vryheid, later in September. “I will conduct some ministry work in Vryheid after which I will resume my journey to Port Elizabeth. From there I will see what the Lord Jesus Christ has in store for me. I am doing this for the Lord, who gets all the glory,” he said.
Sales manager at GWM in Port Shepstone, Shaun Brans, was astounded at what De Wet aims to accomplish. He, together with Youth Works in Shelly Beach, offered the intrepid walker free food and accommodation when he passed through Port Shepstone on Monday this week. Yesterday (Wednesday) De Wet was seen in Margate, heading for Port Edward.
