My Journey So Far

by Andrew White

Andrew White grew up in London, the son of strongly religious parents: by the age of five he could repeat the five points of Calvinism. As a child and young man he was frequently ill, but his considerable intelligence meant that his studies did not suffer. He set his heart on becoming an anaesthetist, an ambition he achieved, only to be redirected by God to Anglican ministry. Since ordination he has had a considerable role in the work of reconciliation, both between Christian and Jew and between Shi'ite and Sunni Muslim. Often in danger, and always in pain, he has nevertheless been able to mediate between opposing extremes. A man of God, he is trusted by those who trust very few.

Genres: Christian, Biography, History, Autobiography

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 27, 2016

About the author

The Reverend Canon Andrew White is often known as the Vicar of Baghdad due to his post at St. George's Church there from 2005-2014. White has worked to mediate between conflicting parties in Iraq and elsewhere in the Middle East, and to draw attention to the plight of persecuted people.
He is an experienced hostage negotiator.
He was CEO of the Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East (FRRME) from 2005 to 2016.

Reviews

[Karīna Liepiņa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Apbrīnojams dzīvestāsts un aicinājums kalpot pasaules bīstamākajās vietās! Mācītājs Andrejs ir reāls piemērs tam, kā mīlēt savus ienaidniekus! ❤️

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating story of Andrew White, who until recently was the vicar of the Anglican church in Baghad. Despite all the odds and in the face of grave danger to his life, he helped the people living in unbelievable hardship. This ministry included practical help, e. g. medical care, as well as being a pastor to them. He also talks about his reconciliation work in this book - how he's managed to get sworn enemies round the table to talk, where they discover how much they have in common after all.
He is an unusual person with gifts and abilities not many people share.

[Bart Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bit like the man himself, its pace is fast but it's a quite amazing story of his adventures and success in the middle East. What stuck me most was how he was trusted by so many who were at enmity with each other. He is a most disarming person, childlike in his frankness, so if you want an uplifting read, I'd recommend it.

[Markos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aamazing, inspiring. Andrew's life as the Vicar of Bagdad, despite significant personal health issues he braves many dangers. It shows what positive effects one man can have on their community and in changing people's ingrained attitudes.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book about an amazing man

[Colin Parfitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very fast paced and a fascinating insight into an incredible man.

[English · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had never read anything by Canon Andrew White before, although I have seen him on television, heard of his work and admire him greatly. The book was by turn hilarious and thought-provoking. It’s the subject is a truly amazing person who, despite wresting with ill-health for most of his life, is a man of incredible faith, courage and compassion.

Many people of modern Western churches and denominations may be of the opinion that Anglicans are not ‘proper Christians’, even Canon White himself believed this at first, but his story helps challenge such preconceptions. For me, there was no doubt that the Canon truly knows God, is saved, and is faithful in following God’s leading on his life- even though this has sent him to some of the most dangerous places and situations on earth.

Some may question his friendship with figures such as Yasser Arafat and Tariq Aziz, but his love for the people of the Middle East, and motive to help foster peace and reconciliation are undeniably real. A great story of an Amazing man, which some valuable messages about loving, judging and trusting in seemingly impossible situations. A great edition to anyone's inspirational collection.

I received a copy of this book free from the publisher, Lion Hudon for the purposes of review. I was not required to write a positive one and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Mike Eccles · Rating 4 out of 5]

I admire the Christian walk taken so passionately without concern for self by Andrew White. He is clearly a very clever man of deep faith who has put his calling before the challenges of his health. I was amazed to read of his interaction with so many national, political and faith leaders, and of his utter compassion for the support of the needy in Baghdad and so many other places. An inspirational book to read, especially towards the end.

[Voirrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can imagine that Andrew White is an amazing, but difficult, person to know; such a strange and driven child who grew up to be an equally driven adult who really is proof that people can be led by God to do amazing things.

The list of people he met and befriended, even in his early career, is quite stunning.

[JoAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great story of sacrifice, love, struggles, forgiveness plus more while living a life you were called to by God.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing man! I got a bit lost in the names of all the people he knows in high places, but what a beautiful God-given skill he has in being able to bring enemies together and encourage them to work in harmony.