The Day I Prayed with
George W. Bush to Receive Jesus!

April 3, 1984 Midland, Texas

To God be the Glory!

From my diary (Arthur Blessitt) dated April 3, 1984.

“A good and powerful day. Led Vice President Bush's son to Jesus today. George Bush Jr.! This is great! Glory to God.'













I was preaching a Jesus meeting in Midland, Texas at the “Chaparral Center'. The meeting was called Decision '84! Date: April 1-6. The poster for the meeting states:

“Hear Arthur Blessitt, world evangelist who has carried a 12 foot cross in 60 countries on six continents. [Now 315 nations, island groups and territories on all 7 continents, over 38,102 miles. 'The world's longest walk' according to the Guinness Book of Records] In unity many churches, organizations and individuals support “Decision '84' with the sincere prayer that we might experience the love of God, the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.'
















The response was glorious as many received Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord and many more accepted the call to ministry and other decisions for Christ. The attendance at each nightly meeting was in the thousands. I was speaking during the day all around the city and carrying the cross in the streets. It was the focus point of the city of Midland for that week with the meeting being broadcast on the local radio.

Mr. George W. Bush, a Midland oilman listened to the radio broadcast and asked one of his friends “Can you arrange for me to meet Arthur Blessitt and talk to him about Jesus?'

That friend told a friend of mine, Mr. Jim Sale, “George Bush wants to meet Arthur Blessitt and talk to him about Jesus.'




















Church Program - Click to Enlarge Jim Sale, who lived in Midland, was also in the oil business. He came to me and said “George W. Bush, the Vice President's son wants to meet you and talk about Jesus. He does not feel comfortable to attend the meeting at the Chaparral Center but has been listening on the radio. Will you meet with him?' I agreed and we arranged a time to meet the next day.













Jim and I walked into the room at the arranged time and Mr. George W. Bush got up to shake our hands. He already knew my Midland friend. Mr. Bush asked how I was enjoying Midland and how the meetings were going. He said he had been listening on the radio. I told him everything was wonderful and the response at the meeting and in the city was great.

Then George W. Bush looked at me, direct in the eyes with a calm steady look and said

“Arthur, I did not feel comfortable attending the meeting, but I want talk to you about how to know Jesus Christ and how to follow Him.'

I was quite shocked at his direct and sincere approach. Few people just bring up that type subject themselves and especially within only two or three minutes of our meeting. I had been praying for him since last night when I heard he wanted to talk. My friend Jim and I had also prayed for Mr. Bush. Now I whispered a silent prayer “Oh Jesus put your words in my mouth and lead him to understand and be saved.'

I slowly leaned forward and lifted the Bible that was in my hand and began to speak.

“What is your relationship with Jesus'? I said.

He replied, “I'm not sure'.

“Let me ask you this question. If you died this moment do you have the assurance you would go to heaven?'

“No' he replied.

“Then let me explain to you how you can have that assurance and know for sure that you are saved.'

He replied, “I like that.'

I then begin to share somewhat in this order about how to know and follow Jesus.

"All have sinned and come short of the glory of God" Romans 3:23

This means we all have sinned and fall short of Jesus, God's Glory. I am a sinner and you are a sinner. The Bible says, “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.' Matthew 5:8 No one has a pure heart and here are the consequences of that sin.

"The wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23

Our sin has earned a wage and that wage is death or separation from God in Hell. God Has provided a gift (eternal life) and yet to have this new and eternal life we must receive Jesus.

"God commends His love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.' Romans 5:8

On the cross Jesus paid the price of our sins. He died for us and arose again on the third day, then ascended unto the Father. The virgin born Jesus lived without sin, overcame sin and died for our sins. I briefly told of the life of Jesus, his healings and miracles and death and resurrection. Then explained that even in our sins God loves us.

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Romans 10:13

Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me!" John 14:6

Jesus said "Follow Me" John 1:43

"Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me." Mark 8:34

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will Give you rest." Matthew 11:28

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27

“The call of Jesus is for us to repent and believe! The choice is like this. Would you rather live with Jesus in your life or live without Him?' I said.

Mr. Bush replied “With Him'

Had you rather spend eternity with Jesus or without Him?

“With Jesus'

“Jesus changes us from the inside out. The world tries to change us from the outside in. Jesus is not condemning you He wants to save you and cleanse your heart and change your desires. He wants to write your name in the Book of Life and welcome you into His family, now and forever.'

At this point Jim Sale also gave his personal testimony about when he came to Jesus and how his life is with Christ as his Savior. This was powerful and moving and as he too was in the oil business his witness was very effective.

Also the friend Mr. Bush had called to arrange the meeting had just come to know Jesus and it was to him he had turned to contact me.

“Mr. Bush I would like to pray a prayer for you and then lead you in a prayer of commitment and salvation. You can become a follower of Jesus now'.

He had listened the entire time and asked some questions and my friend and I gave explanations. I shared of course more than I have written here of the Gospel message.

I leaned forward and reached out my hand as I said “I want to pray with you now'

Mr. Bush replied, “I'd like that.'

He had a firm strong but tender grip. Jim Sale also joined hands with us. I prayed for him and nothing else. That he might know and become a true follower of Jesus from this day forth. Then I asked him to pray with me and repeat the following prayer with all his heart and consider each word to make it his own.