Reading this book, I was reminded that our most healthy posture in life is receiving mentorship from those who have traveled ahead of us, while mentoring those who come along behind. In Bigger Than Me, I find Ward Brehm there—a recipient of tremendous experience and knowledge (the book is rightly dedicated to his mentors) and also a generous conduit of wisdom and hard-won insight. This book is more mentorship than memoir, beautifully so, and has the candor of a friend showing the way.
—Sarah Groves, internationally known contemporary Christian singer, record producer, and author
The most important things in life are not what we acquire or achieve but the fingerprints we leave behind on other people’s lives. Ward Brehm leaves some great fingerprints in Bigger Than Me.
—Cris Carter, member of the NFL Hall of Fame and sports analyst for Fox Sports
Rather than just talking about a purpose-driven life, Ward Brehm has actually lived one. From his more than fifty trips to Sub-Saharan Africa working on creative solutions to extreme poverty to acting as an unofficial ambassador for Jesus in Washington, DC, Ward’s life is a rarity in today’s world: a life of faith based on relationships verses transactions. He can be trusted. In Bigger Than Me, Ward lays out much wisdom for every age.
—Gov. David Beasley, executive director of World Food Program and former governor of South Carolina
Ward Brehm has had a remarkable and inspiring journey. In Bigger Than Me, he graciously shares what he has learned along the way. Just as his faith and his work in Africa have transformed his life, reading his words can transform ours.
—US Senator Amy Klobuchar
Much like Ward before his transformative first trip to Africa, a trip he didn’t even want to take, I didn’t really want to read this book. I thought I already knew his story inside and out. However, after I began reading about his journey of faith, I was captivated, inspired, and motivated to continue reaffirming my faith on a daily basis.
—US Senator John Boozman
Ward opens his heart in this inspiring book and talks vulnerably about how he found his core significance by following Jesus. What great joy there is in realizing that life isn’t about how much we can accomplish or how busy we can be but about loving God and our neighbors with everything He’s given us. This book is a must read. You’ll be encouraged and challenged by it.
—US Senator Jim Inhofe
I never get tired of stories about God taking someone on a 180-degree turn toward His purposes. That’s Ward Brehm’s tale in Bigger Than Me. A reformed "jerk" who learned to stop living for self and success, Ward found deep significance in following Jesus to care for the "least of these." There’s nothing boring about where that path led him. As a believer who has been on a similar journey, I can confirm that living out God’s will is the adventure of a lifetime!
—Rich Stearns, president of World Vision U.S. and author of The Hole in Our Gospel
"Seek and ye shall find." Ward Brehm’s inspiring book, Bigger Than Me, tells us not to listen for God’s booming voice but to examine our life’s journey and find His hand. Ward never preaches, but his examples of joy from giving of self certainly qualify him as a spiritual guide. He is a seeker who has found a great deal from which we can learn.
—Marilyn Nelson-Carlson, chair of The Carlson Companies
When the "shoes" that Ward’s book sews fit you, wear them. You will be better for having done so, even the uncomfortable ones.
—Greg Page, former CEO and chairman of Cargill Inc.
Bigger Than Me is really a travel book. In moving terms, it documents one man’s faith journey—the twists and turns, the ups and downs, the unexpected adventures. With every step and with every adventure, Ward becomes a better man, and I found myself challenged to reflect on these most important lessons.
—Mark Green, administrator of USAID and former US congressman
If you are blessed, truly blessed, someone will show up and completely change your perspective on life. Ward Brehm was that someone for me. One night, during a trip to Rwanda, Ward looked at me and said something simple yet transformative: "We spend the first half of our lives seeking prosperity, and if we’re lucky, we spend the second half seeking purpose." Reading Bigger Than Me, you can’t help but be inspired by the story of an everyman who broke loose from his comfortable surroundings and found his purpose in a continent far away.
—Jack Leslie, chairman and CEO of Weber Shandwick
Ward Brehm is the pastor to his pastor! If I put into one place all his words of comfort, wisdom, and challenge to me over the years, it would become this book, Bigger Than Me!
—Rev. Dr. John F. Ross, senior minister, Wayzata Community Church
Bigger Than Me is a fascinating personal story based on authentic real-world experience and candor. It offers wisdom and inspiration for those seeking to live a purposeful life in a complex and perplexing world.
—Ed Meese, US attorney general under President Ronald Reagan
Ward’s sharing of his faith journey in Bigger Than Me challenges us to quit following dime-store maps and instead reorient our lives so we can discover and fulfill our God-given purpose.
—Hon. Kathleen Blatz, former chief justice, Minnesota Supreme Court
Bigger Than Me is a refreshing book about faith that looks at the perplexing whys in life but doesn’t preach. It’s an easy read, yet I often stopped to ponder key answers. This book will help you remember and see purpose in the big and small, happy or tough events in your own life.
—US Senator Mike Enzi
Ward’s life is a remarkable example of personal growth and transformation, and through it he has touched many lives. Bigger Than Me is a wonderful story about finding God and walking with Him.
—Tony Hall, former US congressman and US ambassador to the United Nations agencies on hunger and three-time Nobel Peace Prize nominee
