Philly Jesus, the ex-drug addict who now dresses like Jesus and preaches the gospel, has launched a new mission to kick start a global ministry, asking for $70 million "to spread the gospel of Jesus to every creature in existence."

One of Philadelphia's most popular living attractions, Philly Jesus – whose real name is Michael Grant – has set up a Gofundme page in order to kick start his global ministry.

His goal is "to share my testimony how Jesus saved me from the dark hole of addiction and despair."

The former drug addict and musician was run over by a minivan driven by his ex-girlfriend, leading him to turn to heroin and crack cocaine. He found faith during a court-ordered rehabilitation programme.

"I'm using the talent God gave me to show him in a non-denominational way," Grant said in an interview with NJ Advance Media earlier this year. "The last thing I ever thought I'd be doing in my life is this."

Grant spends his days at LOVE Park or walking around Center City dressed as Jesus and talking to those who approach him about the gospel.

"I only verbally share the gospel with people who come up to me, but the people who do not come up to me, who walk right pass (sic) me, a seed of the truth is still planted in them. By them just seeing me they automatically think about the name above every name, Jesus Christ," he wrote.

The $70 million will go towards a jet and helicopter and several other vehicles to "transport the ministry from and to future speaking engagements across the nation," as well as expenses for food and travel, building a stadium and buying cameras and computers.

"We deal with money on a day-to-day basis, and it costs money to travel the world and to spread the gospel," Grant told Philadelphia Business Journal. "I'm looking for people who believe in what I do. I do have a large fan base who likes what I do, and there are supporters that support me. I'm just putting my faith in God, and I know that God will provide."

"It's just a leap of faith — going forward and pushing forward with the ministry financially, so we can take it worldwide and outside of Philadelphia," he said.

"JESUS came into my Life and brought me to my knees in tears of JOY... and broke every chain of addiction in my life," Grant wrote on the GoFundMe page. "He broke the chain of sin in my life... ripping its veil completely... giving me a new life."