Lost and Found Along The Way: Stories for Your Faith Walk from the Camino de Santiago

by Ron "Willie" Williams

The Camino―or The Way―to Santiago is a five-hundred-mile, thirty-three-day walk across Spain's extreme conditions to reach the beloved Cathedral of Santiago. Ron “Willie” Williams walked The Way two and a half times, a total of twelve hundred miles. Why? It is less about what he gains, and more about what he loses along The Way―old behaviors, unforgiveness, and a tendency to play God. Journey with Willie through the chapters of Lost and Found Along The Way, as he sheds these tendencies, and in doing so finds a renewed, richer, and deeper faith. The first few chapters are narrative historical fiction portraying James in Acts 12:2 facing his execution along with supposed reactions from his loved ones. At the end of this narrative, we transition back to nonfiction with the discovery of James' gravesite some eight hundred years after his martyrdom. Willie then explains how the Camino pilgrimages began along the Camino, also known as, The Way. No other nonfiction book offers such a unique back story of Saint James and the Camino. The following chapters, and the bulk of the book, follow Willie's own Camino journeys, present vivid descriptions of the geography on the trail and historical background provide readers with a nearly firsthand experience of The Camino de Santiago. True and dramatic faith walk stories demonstrate God's hand in people's lives and guide readers to dig deeper into their own spiritual life and get outside their comfort zone. The final chapter of Lost and Found Along The Way instructs fellow sojourners in how to follow Willie's example to strengthen their own faith and share it with those who have lost their own faith―no hiking boots required.

345 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 3, 2021

Reviews

[Christina Womac · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a well written presentation of Deacon Willie's walk along The Way--the 500 mile El Camino de Santiago. During his pilgrimage, Willie vividly shares his spiritual thoughts and awakenings along with the land's beauty and its many challenges, as well as, historic information of the area. You experience his journey every step of the way. What a beautiful book to read to help encourage one's own journey of faith.

[Kenneth Weinberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. As I read it I realized I wanted to go back and read it again and underline in red the parts I liked the most and want to remember. I was inspired at a time that I was feeling a bit lost on the Way. I someday want to do this pilgrimage myself and was inspired by Willie because I’m not sure I will be able to until I am his age.

[Jeff Lillig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ron "DW" Williams does a great job of taking you on a journey of not just what it was like to walk the Camino but also how it demonstrates God's love for us and how He shows us the way to Him. I enjoyed the stories he told about his struggles and then showed me how I can take those lessons into my own life.
I highly recommend picking up the book and going along for the ride.

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Great description of what walking the Camino de Santiago is like, but more. Willie intersperses his thoughts, experiences, and talks with God and then encourages us to look at our lives and journeys. Great read and inspiring!

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although the book details a breathtaking month-long trek through the mountains, it seems to go by in an instant. Filled with incredible, touching stories from fellow travelers Williams met along his journey, prepare to shed a tear or two reading this one. Highly recommended.

[Rosanne Jezior · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book. I read it in about one week! (I could hardly put it down.) I highly recommend it for those with faith in God. (Or if you don’t, I recommend it even more.) You won’t be disappointed.

[Angie W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an inspirational read! Loved how the author wove personal stories and historical context. It painted such a vivid image of what it looks and feels like to be on the Camino. Highly recommend!

[Andrew Windisch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well done.
Well worth the read!

[Lynne Newell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spiritual journey of the Camino de Santiago as experienced through the different portions of the 500 mile Camino starting in St Jean Pied de Port, France. Some travel log; most spiritual journey.

[MB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. Such great life lessons. Keep reading!!! Each chapter has great insights and life lessons for everyone.