Two wagons with Bible scriptures posted on the sides being pulled by five mules was reason enough to stop and ask the primitive traveler a few questions. Learning later that Randy Boehmer has trekked across thirty-one states over a period of thirteen years made the reason even deeper.
At first approach, Boehmer refused the interview citing it was not the right time.
“This is not a good time for an interview,” he said. “You just won’t know what questions to ask until you see my wagons hooked up to the mule team, you just have to see it all together”
He said the following day would more than likely be a better time.
“Tomorrow I will be in town and will call you, give me your number.” True to his word, Boehmer called and was at the Walmart in full dress, mule team hooked up, and ready for questions. He was correct about needing to see the team hitched to the wagons, as it was definitely a majestic site.
The mules stood tall, in fact, they could have easily set their chin on top of most people’s heads. Boehmer said, “ the mules are Belgian Draft Mules.” He went on to introduce them ”Dick, the tallest and lead in the team, Frank, Jessy, Jack, and Bethel.”
Each mule seemed to respond when he said their name. Boehmer said, “The mules eat hay and graze on grass along the way, I feed them oats sometimes, and of course plenty of water.”
The wagons resembled that of one in the 1800’s but with modified with rubber tires. The inside of the wagon was out of view but hanging on the outside where items one would expect, lanterns, washboard, pots and pans, washtubs, tack, and even a bicycle.
Even though the wagon looked like something out of the Wild West, it had a few modern additions.
“I have a wood burning stove in the wagon for heat and cooking,” Boehmer said. “I have solar panels on the top of the wagon that run fans for cooling, and some electrical things, so I’m alright.”
While standing with Boehmer, taking in the scene, I asked him a few questions.
Why do you do this: “I am a traveling evangelist and I do this to spread the news about Jesus, and Jesus didn’t say you had to travel around in a big motor home, so this is what I travel in.”
Do you have a place that you preach or a building somewhere: “This is it. That wagon and the mules is all I need.” It wasn’t hard to understand what he meant as people continually walked up to the wagon and team. In fact, while standing there one curious person walked up, and Boehmer cut right to his point. “Hello, how are you, do you know Jesus, are you saved, do want to be saved right now,” he said.
What is your destination: “I will go wherever people need to hear the good news about Jesus.”
Do you know where that is: “No, not exactly.”
How long will you continue to travel about like this: “I will do this as long as God wants me to.”
Many Bible quotes and sayings where painted on the sides of his wagons. The largest painted phrase was, Jesus Saves ask him! His message sums up his entire purpose and journey as Boehmer said, ”I am doing this for Jesus!”
Boehmer was more than glad to answer questions about practically anything. After the questions ran out, he said it was time to go.
“If that’s all the questions, I need to get on my way as I travel two and a half hours in the morning and two and a half hours in the evening, so as you can figure we don’t move very far very fast,” he said. Where are you headed: “I’m going up North on Hwy 377 toward Tishomingo and I am not familiar with the area or the roads I need to be going [on].”
Even though the road to Tishomingo is good and there are plenty of places to pull off along the way, Boehmer still must be wary of places to stop.
”Well, we don’t stop at State Parks or City Parks so I have to find a good place to camp for the night.”
Boehmer may or may not be back thru our part of the country but he can be tracked on Facebook at The Randy Boehmer Jesus Wagon and Mules or can be reached by mail at P.O. Box 826, Ashfork, Arizona 86320.
Boehmer had one final message for Marshall County before he saddle up and rode off into the sunset. “Jesus Loves You.”