When the email came about Don Piper, author of “90 Minutes in Heaven”, being in Greenwood, Mississippi, for a book signing, I knew I wanted a signed copy. I had read “90 Minutes in Heaven” and it fascinated and elated me to read about this man’s journey to heaven…and back. I contacted Turnrow Books in Greenwood and requested a signed copy of 90 minutes and Piper’s new book, “Heaven is Real”.
I received the books and found myself holding them and thinking they had been held by a man who had been declared dead for 90 minutes. It didn’t give me a mystical feeling but I must admit to feeling a bit of wonder. Hands that were once stilled by death’s grim grip had held this book, and signed it, life coursing through warm hands. Astonishing.
The first book told the story of how Piper’s car had been run over and crushed by an 18 wheeler on a bridge one day, how he died, went to heaven and was sent back. This story is not to be mistaken with other Near Death Experiences. Mr. Piper was gone for 90 minutes, not just a handful. When he came back, he experienced great pain, and a great longing, to return to heaven. And he pulls no punches that he struggled immensely with the fact he was earth bound. He wanted to know ‘why?”.
But in his second book you can feel he has come to terms with his pain and his longing. He sees how his suffering has touched others and ministered to them. Through his testimony he sees others garnering up the courage to use their own pain and suffering to reach others for Christ, or to help with their Christian journey.
We may not be struggling with pain or suffering right now, but if we’re mature adults, we know it can be waiting for us right around the corner. How will we react?
I believe heaven is real. Not just because of Mr. Piper’s books, but because of God’s book. Mr. Piper simply gives me a vision of what it will be like, and he puts music and color to it. My challenge is to live like I believe it. Even those times I feel like I’m on a bridge with an 18 wheeler coming my way.
No matter what you’re doing, you’re on a bridge of some sorts, going somewhere in your life. I pray the scenery is beautiful! I hope the water sparkles and the sky is blue, and that it stays that way for a long, long time.
But if you look ahead and there is something coming straight toward you, look up.
Heaven is real. And God is good.
Don Piper’s books, “90 Minutes In Heaven” and “Heaven is Real” can be found at your local library, at your local Christian bookstore, or online.
Check out Mr. Piper’s website at: http://www.donpiperministries.com
I just went on there and found that Mr. Piper will be at a church in St. Louis this November! I’m marking my calendar.
Take a peek yourself…he may be coming somewhere near you!
