Presentation Endorsements
Rediscovery and Inspiration along the Lewis and Clark Trail
"This most enjoyable presentation confirms not only the remarkable feat of that historical journey of 200 years ago, but attests to the inspiring emotional discoveries and physical demands that Ward found in their fabled footprints.” - Gary Helm Darden, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of History, Department of Social Sciences & History, Fairleigh Dickinson University-Madison Campus
"Thank you for
speaking at Mystic Seaport last week. You were witty, knowledgeable,
energetic and engaging. The audience, which is very critical and often
tied to maritime subjects (like sailing to remote places around the world), was
mesmerized by your tales of inland travels over the Lewis and Clark Trail.
I found the contrast between your challenges and those the early explorers faced
especially interesting. Your talk provided not only an outstanding depth
of information on both trips, but also prompted us to examine deeper issues for
Lewis and Clark, the forces behind your trip, and those in our own lives as we
thought about kidnapping being good or bad, and the question about timely
assistance through luck or some other kind of planned intervention.
"Gordon's professional development workshop, Rediscovering the Lewis and Clark Trail, was wonderful! All of the teachers and myself learned several new and untold facts about the lives of these men and women, and their incredible journey. His excerpts from his own 1,800 mile trek along the Lewis and Clark Trail, were beyond engaging. They moved and inspired us all. If you are looking for an inspirational, factually and entertaining workshop about Lewis and Clark...I would highly recommend this program." - Laurie Virostek, Museum Educator, Morris Museum
"Mr. Ward's lively recount of his adventures retracing the Lewis and Clark Trail provided for a thoroughly entertaining and enlightening evening. We listened to silence, reckoned with Mother Nature, grew desperately thirsty, and marveled at grandeur and simplicity right along with him on his serendipitous journey.” - Alison Dahl, Program Chairperson, Chester Historical Society
“Mr. Ward's storytelling is so inviting--every point is first contextualized, then explained, and then, when appropriate, outfitted with a personal anecdote to show how his trip differed from or paralleled the original Lewis and Clark route. The pictures of his journey squared perfectly with the stories he told, often emboldening an already imaginative storytelling technique.” - Joseph Bonk, audience member
“Gordon
Ward's 'Life on the Shoulder' presentation simultaneously transports
audiences back to Lewis and
"At first, this was not a topic of interest to me, but I came away very fascinated. It was an evening well spent. Mr. Ward is an excellent speaker. He draws you in, and I liked the inspirational aspects.” - Miriam Kornblatt, Reference Librarian, Morris County Library
“I really enjoyed listening to your presentation. It was well researched and very interesting.” - Michele Nestory, Librarian, Fairleigh Dickinson University
"Lively, entertaining, educational, and enlightening...all at the same time!” - Madelyn English, Bernardsville Public Library
"I think I speak for everyone who attended in saying that it was very fascinating and intriguing. You had a captivated audience!” - Mary C. Sanders, Program Coordinator, Morris County Library
"Members of the audience will be right there experiencing all the adventures and drama of this remarkable journey to the West. What a wonderful blend of history, natural science, geography, and cultural development. It was a wonderful presentation. I thoroughly enjoyed the adventure and the spiritual overtones. Gordon is a natural preacher and teacher. These are special gifts. I would attend again.” - Valerie Barnes, audience member
"I just had the opportunity to spend a couple of hours with Gordon as he brought me and the audience on a magical trip across the country. I found the presentation to be educational, funny, interesting, and engaging. Perhaps most of all, I found it inspiring. Gordon's recounting of his journey, and the journey of Lewis & Clark, reminded me of the miracles/coincidences that occur around us every day. By the end of his talk I found myself smiling from ear to ear and wanting to hear more, not only about the historic journey of Lewis and Clark, but about his personal insights as well.” - Rich Largman, audience member
"The program that Mr. Ward presented was very informative and personal. I would recommend it to anyone who felt the need for more insight and understanding of the past and his experience during this journey.” - Phyllis Vogel, audience member
"Gordon, thank you for your dynamic and interesting program here last night. In 'Life on the Shoulder: Rediscovery and Inspiration Along the Lewis and Clark Trail' you combined your fascinating personnel travelogue with the historic signifigance of the amazing Lewis and Clark trek. You are articulate, energetic, and personable, and we all enjoyed your program.” - Bradley Green, Director of the Collingswood Public Library, Collingswood, NJ
"What a great way to spend a bit of time--escaping the noise, the traffic and all the trappings of 21st Century life--reliving the historic journey of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark into the American wilderness! Mr. Gordon's presentation was mesmerizing. It made me wish I had the energy and spirit to attempt the trip myself." - Jean Brennan, Chair Collingswood Book Festival
A Bit of Earth
"Gordon Ward's talk on 'A Bit of Earth' at The New Jersey Historical Society was well received by our audience, and much appreciated by our staff, many of whom attended and all had words of praise. His enthusiasm about history was infectious, and his obvious love for the subject was inspiring. He was well organized, had many pictures to show, and fit a lot of information into the short time frame we allowed him. I would love to invite him back for a more extensive talk and workshop.” - Lily Hodge, Adult and Special Needs Program Coordinator, The New Jersey Historical Society
"I don't think I've enjoyed a presentation
more than the one you gave on your book, 'A Bit of Earth'. The audience was
captivated with your stories that reminded each of us of our own. We left inspired
to begin preserving our own bit of earth. Thank you so much." - Gayle Geiger, Library Media Specialist,
Waynesville High School,
Waynesville, MO
"Just a short note of most sincere thanks for giving the Lioness Club such an inspiring talk last night. Your enthusiasm is infectious, the stories were enlightening and your message was well received." - Holly Simmenroth, on behalf of The Chester Lioness Club, Chester, NJ
"Thanks so much for a very lively and informative discussion! Everyone enjoyed the presentation and thought you did a wonderful job.” - Janice Carruth, Long Valley Woman's Club, Long Valley, NJ
Ghosts at Our Doorsteps
"Your program 'Ghosts At Our Doorsteps' that you gave to the library's Friday Morning Group on January 5th was excellent! We had a great turnout and everyone stayed glued to their seats for the entire talk! We enjoyed the personal aspect of the talk, hearing about your own experiences, and we were also fascinated with all the local tales and legends! Your power point presentation added another dimension to the program as we were able to visualize the places that you talked about. Your easy rapport with the audience was also a big part of the success of the program!Thank you so much for such an enjoyable and entertaining morning!” - Carol Anderson, Technical Services Supervisor Coordinator, Adult Programs, Teaneck Public Library, Teaneck, NJ
"I didn't know what to expect from your 'Ghosts at Our Doorsteps' presentation, but it was fascinating! You're a very lively speaker, and I'm glad you agreed to speak for an additional half hour.” - Adelaide Hunter, audience member
"Just a quick note to thank you for your presentation of 'Ghosts at Our Doorsteps' last evening. You are certainly passionate about your subject and put a lot of energy into your presentations. It was excellent!” - Sonia Heijne, Program Coordinator, The Historical Society of the Somerset Hills
"Thanks, again, for a great presentation on ghosts! Everyone who attended seemed to enjoy it. It was an informative and engrossing presentation.” - Brenda Chadeayne, Library Assistant, Phillipsburg Free Public Library
God and Angels on the Lewis and Clark Trail
"Wow! Listening to Gordon has to be experienced to be believed! In an hour and a half, my weak faith was given a boost like no other experience. It is an incredible performance of love and faith.” - Ginny Shedd, audience member
"Mr. Ward’s talk was both informative and inspirational. Men and women of all ages will relate to his stories of adventure and 'God-incidents' along the Lewis and Clark trail. I highly recommend this presentation for schools, fellowship groups, book clubs, and more!” - Jeff Gibelius, Pastor, The Presbyterian Church at Pluckemin
"Gordon Ward’s presentation on 'God and Angels on the Lewis and Clark Trail' was one of the most
powerful and convincing descriptions of one’s sacred journey that I have heard
during my 15 years of service in ministry and education.
Ward skillfully mixes historical and spiritual reflections, breathtaking
photos, and personal revelations to share without reserve, that God makes His
divine presence known in every part of creation—often at the very times when
we least expect it.
"Thanks
again for sharing your story! It was informative, inspirational,
challenging, and spiritual! One high-schooler afterwards said, 'Wow!
This was worth every minute!' You have inspired the soul!”
- Gretchen Lima, Program Director of Youth Ministries, Liberty Corner
Presbyterian Church
"Gordon
delivers the story of his extremely physical, emotional, and spiritual journey
on the Lewis & Clark Trail with an energy, a genuine excitement, and a depth
that lets us know that this encounter with 'God
and Angels' permeated his heart and soul.
And it goes one step further: his
story becomes our
story, in that if we will be awake and aware, we can come to experience this
same reality of God's ever-presence. Along with the very
personal reflections of his adventure, Gordon gives us a good, basic
understanding of the historic expedition of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark
that began in 1804. And pervasive,
even in this historical perspective, is a strong sense of the hand of God at
work on that perilous journey.
"An inspiring blend of facts and faith; our group really enjoyed Gordon's message, which reminded all of us to be really aware of the presence and guidance of a higher power in our everyday lives.” - Erin Palma, Director of Youth Ministry, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Roman Catholic Church
"I think you are an engaging storyteller of the first order!” - Duffy Dillinger, audience member
"After Gordon's presentation, I recalled Paul's words to the men of Athens: 'The providence of God is plainly evident and decidedly delightful to experience when we're aware of His workings in our lives.' The historical perspective about the original expedition and the 'Godincidences' were well presented. Gordon's conclusions that apparently very bad occurrences were turned around by God proved to be beneficial and useful. I was personally encouraged to hear about God's protection of him, and others in our group were similarly affected by Gordon's narrative. The photographic portion of the presentation added to my understanding of the physical beauty and challenges of the trail. I would encourage Gordon to share his unique experiences and perspective to all who would hear him!” - Lucy DeBarge, Saint Andrew United Methodist Church
"I really
enjoyed Gordon Ward’s presentation of 'God and Angels on the Lewis and Clark
Trail.' Gordon did a wonderful job of weaving in his personal experiences
following the footsteps of Lewis and Clark. His testimony of his
“God-incidences” were very compelling and left the audience in awe of how
God’s presence is in our lives. I strongly recommend Gordon’s
presentation as it is interesting to both youth and adults.”
- Gail Williams, Associate
Director of Youth Ministries
"The natural beauty of God's greatest gifts are recreated and shared through Gordon's memoirs and amazing photographs.” - Maureen Stevens, audience member
“I found your journey inspiring and uplifting. Thank you!” – Evan (youth group member)
“I was truly amazed by all the miracles.” – Amity (youth group member)
“All your ‘Godincidences’ were awesome!” – Heather (youth group member)
“Your story was great and taught us about God.” – David (youth group member)
“Thanks for your presentation. It was amazing! God bless you.” – Dani (youth group member)
“What an encouragement to hear how God met and blessed you on The Lewis and Clark Trail. It is clear that you experienced a great deal on your journey, but the greatest lessons learned came through the thoughtful and prayerful days that followed. Your message was uplifting and inspirational.” - Lindell Shelden, Associate Pastor, Westside Baptist Church, Waynesville, MO