White Man Walking: An American Businessman's Spiritual Adventure in Africa

by Ward Brehm

In 2000, Ward Brehm took a five-day trek across some of the most remote terrain of Africa, walking where no white man had walked before. During this life-changing journey, Brehm witnessed poverty and suffering unlike anything seen in the Western world. He also witnessed the deep richness of relationships and community in neighborhoods lacking even the very barest of resources. Brehm has journeyed to Africa fourteen times and authored two books on his experiences - Life Through a Different Lens (1993), and White Man Walking (2003).

The pages of White Man Walking open the doors to a life-changing experience rich with unexpected fellowship, insight and self-discovery. Brehm s adventure walking across the terrains of East Africa, and his encounter with the local people, became a faith journey that was to change his life forever. Even as he hiked in 100-degree heat, drank out of dung-infested mud holes, and was mistaken as a ghost due to the light color of his skin, Brehm forged relationships with the Pokot people, and in the process, became one of them.

160 pages, Paperback

First published June 5, 2003

About the author

Ward Brehm is a Twin Cities entrepreneur, leader in African humanitarian efforts, and nationally-known public speaker and commentator on relief and development in Africa. He was awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal for his work in Africa by President George W. Bush in 2008. Recently retired, Ward is now a full-time humanitarian. He and his wife, Kris, live in Wayzata, Minnesota.

Reviews

[Teri Reck · Rating 4 out of 5]

An incredible spiritual journey by a Type A American man who is forced to "Be still, and know that I am God" while on a trip to Kenya---by leaving his familiar world and entering a place completely outside of his comfort zone, he learns that he, in fact, controls nothing and must depend on God and his relationships with others to make his way through a desolate, drought stricken part of Africa. In the process he learns about faith and trust and hope and love--the kind of love that truly lovesthe Lord with all his heart and mind and soul and strength and his neighbor as himself. A wonderful read!

[Preston McKenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very worthwhile read. I liked the structure of one main story plus multiple vignettes. The author was able to describe his faith journey, and his engagement with Africa in a genuine and none judgemental way, and the lessons learned and the characters in the stories were relatable.

[Audrey Webster · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good fast read. Good for its message.

[Jake Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great memoir on the impact that Africa has had on the life of an American Christian businessman; made me think of missions trips that I went on as a kid and how they changed my perspective

[Chuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would you allow yourself to be dropped off in the bush with African tribesmen, wave goodbye to the relief agency trucks, and then head off to an area even your trusted guides had not yet visited?

Ward Brehm did, and at preset I am enjoying his journey

[Connie Dageford · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this on my flight to Tanzania-powerful!

[Mike Studdard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the story of author's five day journey into remote Northern Kenya. The remainder of book was a good history of the wonderful work of the author. Weaving this into a story would be hard as this is how God works.