Colton Burpo, who at the age of three captivated audiences with his description of heaven after a near-fatal experience, continues to share his story more than two decades later. His experience, which occurred after his appendix ruptured, inspired the book and movie, “Heaven Is for Real.” Now 25, Burpo reflects on the profound impact of those events.

“When I was three years old – almost four – I had a ruptured appendix,” he told CBN News. “I had appendicitis,doctors misdiagnosed it,they didn’t catch it for about five days. And, then, when the doctors finally figured out what was going on, I went into emergency surgery.”

During that time, Burpo believes he had a near-death experience, during which he says he encountered Jesus and experienced heaven.

“I remember lifting out of my body, I looked down, I saw the doctors – they were working on me,” he said. “My mom, I saw her in one room. She was like on the phone talking with people, praying. My dad, he was in another room and he was praying very loudly at God.”

Burpo continued, “And, at the moment, I was freaking out. I had no idea what was going on. Then I was sitting on Jesus’s lap and he had some angels sing to me to calm me down.”

Impact and Calling

His account of meeting Christ and deceased relatives sparked contemplation about heaven and the Gospel for many. Today, Burpo is married, a new father, and feels a strong sense of purpose.

“He has called me to be a godly man, a godly husband, now a godly dad, and, when it comes to the supernatural – or what is waiting for us, I’m not afraid to meet Jesus again one day,”

“He has called me to be a godly man, a godly husband, now a godly dad, and, when it comes to the supernatural – or what is waiting for us, I’m not afraid to meet Jesus again one day,” he said.”I’m looking forward to that day.”

Burpo, who is a worship pastor and electrician, feels his current mission is focused on the present.

“My mindset right now is, instead of being so caught up in what’s waiting for me, I’m going to focus on the hear and now,” he said. “I’m going to live my life in a way that honors Christ.If I can, while I’m down here, I’m going to try and get as many people to come with me to heaven. So, I’ve been able to view it more as a mission instead of, ‘I wish I was in heaven again.'”

Burpo continues to travel, sharing his story through Heaven Is for Real Ministries. While near-death experiences are still debated,many find thes stories to be inspiring reminders of the hope of heaven.