World traveler makes his way through Ripley County on foot
Wanda English Burnett - Editor

If you saw a man clad in a denim robe with a long white beard carrying a crucifix and it caught your attention, part of the mission of George Walter has been accomplished. Walter's mission is to draw attention - but not to himself - to God.

Known as Pilgrim George, the 63-year-old man from Pittsburgh, PA, was seen walking through Ripley County on Tuesday of this week, marking a 1400 mile journey from his hometown of Pittsburgh to Chicago and back.

"Peace be to you," he greeted those who took the time to stop and talk with this soft spoken man, who feels he is fulfilling his purpose in life by walking the highways lifting up the name of Jesus.

Walking more than 30,000 miles over the past 35 years, Pilgrim George says he has literally trotted the globe in homemade sandals, one step at a time into 40 countries.

This all began 35 years ago when Pilgrim George said he was searching for the meaning and purpose of his life as he studied for the priesthood.

His eyes light up as he tells of his experience in Jerusalem - a truly spiritual one - that changed his direction forever and has kept him walking ever since.

Telling of his journey from Barcelona Spain to Jerusalem - a 4,000 mile trek in 1970, Pilgrim George said the pilgrimage that took one year to complete brought him up close and personal with Jesus Christ. "On that walk, I came to know Jesus in a personal way." He said he prayed as he walked through the Holy Land asking the Lord, "Where do I go from here?" His answer was clear - he said the Lord told him while that particular pilgrimage was over - he (George Walter) would remain a pilgrim for life.

Accepting the call, Pilgrim George travels the countryside quietly praying and sharing the story of the cross with anyone who will listen.

Walter's style is not aggressive, it's simplistic and quiet. A crucifix attached to a wooden staff that he carries is the story he leaves behind. "When people see the cross, they see how much God loves them."

Walter said he walks approximately 15 miles per day, sleeps in a tent at night, and trusts in the Lord. He walks from May to September each year and then spends the winter months in prayer and meditation, planning his next route.

Plans of his own to be a Roman Catholic Priest went by the wayside 35 years ago, but Pilgrim George says he has accepted God's plans for him and it still includes ministry - just in a different way.

WANDA ENGLISH BURNETT PHOTO

Self described pilgrim, George Walter, 63, of Pittsburgh, PA, was seen walking on US 50 just east of the Versailles State Park on Tuesday, July 27. Walter said he is making a pilgrimage from his hometown to Chicago, IL, and back and will travel about 1400 miles in all this journey. He said he has been walking and sharing the message of the cross for over 35 years and has traveled in more than 40 countries.