Junior Garcia Arrives in Washington DC Carrying Cross, Leads Prayer Rally Near White House
Christian Teen From Texas Completes Nationwide Journey in Effort to Draw Attention to Christ
Texas teen Junior Garcia, who started out June 7 from his home in Saginaw, Texas with a 12-foot wooden cross on what he describes as "The Journey," has finally arrived at the White House in Washington, D.C, where he was joined by a large crowd for a prayer service.
Garcia, a member of The Oasis Church, led a group of about 200 people Friday morning in prayer in Lafayette Park, located across the street from the White House and where many demonstrations are held.
"I pray for every leader of this nation, so Father, as they make decisions for our country, it's for your glory, Lord," the 19-year-old said, according to the Star-Telegram. His pastor, Randy Lemme, also breathed a word of prayer, calling the event a "warning for America."
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Back home, Garcia was supported by members of his congregation who joined him in prayer via Skype.
"It's not for political gain. It's for no other gain. He recognizes the moral decay in this country and what he wants to do is bring the attention back to the cross which is a message of love," another pastor from The Oasis Church who participated through Skype told Fox News Dallas-Fort Worth.
The young Pentecostal Christian said he set out on "The Journey" with his cross 37 days ago to point others to Christ.
"I did this for others, man," he told the publication. "I just want them to see the same love I felt — the forgiveness, the mercy, the love."
"Jesus has already carried the cross... I'm just trying to show his love and remind people of who he is and the salvation you can have through Jesus Christ," Garcia has said previously.
The group closed out the prayer rally Friday across from the White House with a hymn titled "Where He Leads Me, I Will Follow."
Garcia, who was accompanied by his father, Pastor Lemme, and several others on his nationwide trek, did much of his walking on highways with heavy traffic. When legs of his journey became too risky due to traffic, Garcia and his group used a van to get to a safer location before the teen continued on foot.
He initially had some difficulty in getting permission to hold the prayer meeting in front of the White House gates due to security reasons, but his home representative, Congresswoman Kay Granger, lent him a hand with getting a permit to set up his cross and hold the rally in Lafayette Park.
The Texas Republican told The Christian Post last month that she was proud of Garcia and found his passion and faith inspiring.
Garcia, who said he believes God put it in his heart to carry the 12-foot cross with wheels at its base more than 1,300 miles from Texas to D.C., has a hunch that "The Journey" is not quite through.
"I'm just waiting to hear where He has me go next," he told the Star-Telegram. "I don't think this is my last cross walk."
Garcia, who said he is studying to become a physician's assistant, has been documenting his cross-carrying journey with photos and updates on the Facebook page of The Oasis Church.
Here's a video from Fox News on Garcia's arrival in Washington, D.C., and how members of his church back in Texas offered him support in Friday's rally:
Dallas News | myFOXdfw.com
