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A Kronenwetter pastor who tips the scales at 378 pounds plans to walk across the country in an effort to help hurricane victims along the Gulf Coast.
The Rev. Travis Russ, 38, of the Victory Family Worship Center, a home-based, independent Pentecostal charismatic church, will set off from his home on Saturday and hopes to be in Pensacola, Fla., in 40-plus days. He will hook up with a church group there and head to Gulfport and Biloxi, Miss., where he'll lend a hand in the recovery efforts in any way he can.
He understands that his sheer bulk raises eyebrows at this plan.
"I've looked at myself in the mirror and said, 'You're crazy.' ... A lot of people are saying I cannot do it," he said. "But we know with God, all things are possible."
He plans to witness and share his faith as he trudges 20 to 30 miles per day. Russ hopes his trek - he estimates it to be about 1,200 miles - will spur people to donate money, clothing and other goods.
He said God planted the idea in his soul when he watched television coverage of the hurricane. He couldn't turn away from the plight of the victims, especially that of children.
"There's so many children, they don't know where their parents are," Russ said. "I prayed about it, and I knew that (God) was working something within me."
He wanted to do more than a simple fundraiser or food and clothing drive. That's when he came upon the idea of walking for the effort. He knew the fact that he was attempting the foot journey at nearly 400 pounds was bound to attract attention and "bring more of an impact to an average person."
The only rule Russ has set for himself is that he has to walk the entire way. There will be no hitching of rides, he said.
He'll wear a pack carrying a tent and other basic equipment, and he plans to tow a small wagon so he can collect clothing along the way.
The wagon is being built by his friend, Niron Bonitz, 39, of Wausau. Bonitz doesn't doubt that Russ will be striding into Pensacola in a matter of weeks.
"He believes in God, and God has shown him what to do. He feels strongly in the conviction that God told him to go down there," Bonitz said. "Faith has a lot to do with it. Because God said in the Bible that as long as you have the Lord in your life, you can do anything."
Russ is aware that the trip will be a test of faith as well as strength, endurance and shoe leather.
"I've never thought about (failure), because it's just not gonna happen," Russ said. "I know for the first few weeks it's going to be rough."
He knows God won't do the work for him, so he's been walking about six to seven miles daily to get ready for the journey. And he feels the benefits.
"It's been two notches on my belt already," he said.
http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/wdhlocal/284336770898851.shtml
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