As expected, three Christian men have kept their promise to carry a rough home-made driftwood cross on a section of the coastal path for 24 hours from noon on Good Friday until noon the following day.

Father and son Jonathon and William Beharrall, together with good friend Andy Garratt, planned their unusual venture to highlight the plight of the suffering church (It has been calculated that somewhere in the world a Christian is martyred for their faith every five minutes).

The three men were commissioned at a united service held at Tabernacle Church, Pembroke, during which a short DVD was shown detailing the needs of Christians in Egpyt.

Andy Garratt explained: "At 0715 hrs on Good Friday, we made our way to a rural car park and set up base camp, with a small van, large tarpaulin and enough supplies to keep the average Everest Expedition fed and watered for a week. Weather conditions were looking and feeling prayerfully favourable, dry and bright. Leaving the van 'in situ' we returned to town and were in church at 0900 hrs, for set up and final preparations.

"Each circuit started and finished at base camp, where we were encouraged by the perfectly timed arrival of new members of the Church Support Team, which was encouraging, as we didn't realise that there was going to be a Church Support Team!

"It's fair to say, that on average we stopped for 20 minutes, for brews, energy bars, foot powder, chats and prayers with church friends. Some more volunteers joined us for cross carrying and leaflet handouts, or just walking with us on each route for encouragement and support.

"And that was how it went, for the 24 hours. We were blessed with all of the above at perfectly timed intervals and were fed and watered, perhaps more memorably at 2300 hrs, 0300 hrs, and 0700 hrs. We could explain how wonderful homemade chicken pasta, vegetable soup and Army style ration pack chilli and rice taste at those times, but it's probably best left to your own imagination."

Rob James, pastor of Westgate Evangelical Chapel, who commissioned the three before they left for their walk, added: "These Christian men were doing all they could to respond to an appeal issued by Open Doors to 'walk with your persecuted brothers and sisters'.

"They knew they would find it tough-going at times, but they also realised that their discomfort was nothing compared to the suffering that is experienced by believers in more than 50 countries throughout the world today. I pray it will inspire others to walk the same walk of faith and somehow bring great encouragement to those whose dedication to Christ is both humbling and inspiring.

"I must admit I was hugely encouraged by those who turned out at all hours to take them food and to spend some time walking with them too. And I would echo their most heartfelt thanks to those who allowed this walk to happen. It was risk assessed and properly insured. It was no stunt and there was no attempt to fund raise. It was all about raising awareness, and for that reason we thank all those who made it possible."

Jonathon Beharrell observed: "At the very least, the daily hostility, marginalisation and state harassment cause numerous Christians to feel second-class citizens and unwanted even in their country of birth. It is our prayerful hope that we have not only shown our solidarity, but we have also raised support for those who are paying the ultimate price for daring to live for their Lord."

For more information on Open Doors campaign 'Join the Journey' visit http://www.opendoorsuk.org">www.opendoorsuk.org