Colton is the rough and tumble, average every day three-year-old son a pastor in a small Nebraska town. While on a min-vacation with the family, Colton goes from happy and healthy to what seems to be death's door in a matter of hours. Little did his parents know just how well-founded their fear that Colton was slipping away from them was. During an emergency surgery, Colton slipped from consciousness and visited Heaven. Over the course of several years, little by little, Colton tells his story, including meeting family members he had no knowledge of, and shares insights that a child may comprehend at some level but can rarely verbalize.
Though a long-time Christian, I was skeptical about this book. I'd heard several things, seen an interview or two and just wasn't sure. So-called "near death experiences" just aren't my cup of tea and in my experience all sound alike. Many of these stories are from adults who come across as now having an agenda, that they must share what they now know.
Colton's experience is so obviously personal and real that I find no reason to not believe what I've read. A child can take away no agenda from an experience such as this. His knowledge of Bible passages and theological concepts most adults aren't immediately familiar with is astounding, and lends credibility. There is a clarity to Colton's story that can only be found in a child.
The writing is honest and straight-forward, yet not "churchy." This is a conversational telling, from the heart, both Colton's and his father's. The story is compelling and touching, but not pushy. It is encouraging and uplifiting. It's truly an amazing work.
Burpo, Todd, with Lynn Vincent. Heaven is For Real. Thomas Nelson Publishers, November 2010.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers through the BookSneeze®.com
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