“Face to Face by Robert Hesse is not a travelogue. It is a geographical and spiritual odyssey of one man’s journey through life. Dr. Hesse is unabashed in sharing his intimate and deeply spiritual experiences encountered in visits to over one hundred countries. I found myself at times smiling, sometimes laughing out loud, sometimes quizzical and other times weeping. I read, with deep awe and reverence, entries of his deep love of God, his beloved wife and her death, and his children who often accompanied him. Thank you, Dr. Hesse, for this beautiful treasure that is not to be missed.” —William Gorsky, Denver, Colorado

“Stories often become touchstones, opening our minds and hearts to God in unanticipated moments. In his remarkable book, Dr. Hesse shares beautiful memories and insights into God’s love, transmitted through nature, family relationships and global travel. An astounding and deeply personal memoir, these stories bring readers ‘Face to Face’ with God’s extraordinary presence in our ordinary lives.” —Janice Reed, Maryville, Tennessee

“Robert J. Hesse’s Face to Face is in one respect a travel memoir by an open-minded, curiosity-driven individual who embraces and connects with the place he’s in. He also is an open book, sharing his life, his thoughts and emotions, and his spiritual journey. Hesse displays with each story a connection to his spiritual evolution and his quest to connect with the Divine. Although written with frequent Catholic connections and Christian views, this book is of value to persons of all beliefs.” —Jack Carr, Boston, Massachusetts

“Two thousand years ago a group of translators gathered to translate the written word of God from Hebrew to Greek. Then Jesus Christ, who through His life, passion, death and resurrection, translated the love between Him and the Father. From that time to the present, the Holy Spirit continues the task of translating love. In Face to Face: Divine Encounters in God’s Earthly Kingdom, Deacon Bob gathers a few translators and continues to share the love story of the indwelling Spirit.” —Alex Torres “The Abbott,” Palestine, Texas

“As Bob mentioned in his narrative, I arrived in St. Petersburg a few days after he did. It was the first trip he and I shared, and it has been something I will never forget. So many things in St. Petersburg strike you right between the eyes—the history, the architecture, the people, the Orthodox faith, the extreme wealth, and the deep poverty. How fortunate we were to be able to visit this magnificent city. I don’t think we could make this trip under today’s political climate. Thank you, my brother, for sharing this wonderful experience with me.” —Paul Hesse, St. Louis, Missouri

““In the past decade plus, Bob and I have traveled together on several of the journeys shared in this book, and these are the source of many happy memories for me. As a permanent deacon, I daily pray the Liturgy of the Hours. When I pray them, just as Bob describes his memory of scripture in his travels, I better understand the marvels of God’s message to people of all time—to see Him and remember Him in the experiences, travels, difficulties, and joys of the life God so generously gives to all of us. May each new reader of Face to Face find God’s message for them as well.”
—Deacon Dan Henroid, St. Louis, Missouri”