Man dresses like Jesus, carries cross to spread Easter message

MILLEDGEVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A man dressed like Jesus is carrying a wooden cross through Middle Georgia to spread the true message of Easter.

The drive down Highway 441 from Milledgeville to Dublin isn’t exactly scenic, but if you were traveling down it Monday, you may have seen Dennis Barnard.

“I’m out here witnessing for him,” said Barnard.

Barnard is dressed like Jesus and carrying a 45-pound wooden cross.

“I want them to visualize him for what he did for us at the cross during this week,” explained Barnard.

He’s walking from Eatonton to his hometown on Glennville. It’s about 150 miles.

“Takes me anywhere from 14 to 16 days because we do about 20 miles a day, if the weather is good,” said Barnard.

This is his eighth year making the trip, but the first time he’s started as far at Eatonton. He said he prays all year for the Lord to help him map out his route.

“You get to meet so many people that you may never meet again. You meet people that may not have even been through the doors of a church. It’s like having church outside,” explained Barnard.

Throughout the years, Barnard has met people who support his mission.

“We’ll have people who give me food, water,” recalled Barnard.

Even though the journey may be tough, it’s his message that keeps him going.

“A lot of people think it’s the Easter bunny and the eggs, but it’s not really. It’s about the resurrection of our Lord and Savior. That’s the reason I do it,” explained Barnard.

Barnard planned to stop in Irwinton Monday night before continuing on to Dublin the next day.