Colton Burpo Reflects on Life, Faith, and Fatherhood 20 Years Later

A Journey from Near-Death to Deepened Faith: Colton Burpo’s Story

Colton Burpo, whose near-death experience as a child inspired the popular book and film Heaven Is for Real, reflects on how that pivotal moment has influenced his life and faith journey over the past two decades.

At just three years old in 2003, Colton faced a life-threatening situation with a ruptured appendix, requiring immediate surgery. During this critical time, he experienced what he describes as an out-of-body experience. He vividly remembers observing his parents, Sonja and Todd, praying from separate hospital rooms and witnessing the medical team’s urgent efforts.

Colton’s most striking memory from this experience was being comforted by Jesus as angels sang to him. He also recalls meeting a sister he never knew he had — a miscarried sibling his parents had not mentioned. “This little girl came running out and just gave me this giant old bear hug,” Colton recounted. “Eventually, she told me who she was. She was my sister and she was so excited someone from her family was finally in heaven.”

This revelation left Colton’s family astonished, and as they heard more details, they became convinced of its authenticity. His story has resonated globally, offering solace to countless individuals dealing with loss or contemplating the afterlife.

Now at 25, Colton is a husband, father, electrician, and worship pastor. The recent birth of his first child has given him a new perspective on faith and life’s purpose. “I’m about ready to be a first-time dad,” he shared in an interview with CBN News, reflecting on his journey since his childhood brush with death.

Colton continues to share his story at various speaking engagements but emphasizes that his faith has grown beyond that singular event. During his teenage years, he felt a call to deepen his connection with God. “I remember in high school, that’s around the time that God really started challenging me like — ‘Hey, you don’t have to rely on this one experience with me. I want to do life with you. I want to be a part of your life today.’ And it took me a while to get to that point. But, as you see now, I take my faith very seriously,” he recalled.

Despite his fame from Heaven Is for Real, Colton remains humble, advocating for spiritual authenticity and humility. “Faith has been something very core to me, because, obviously, if I’m not living my life to give glory and honour to Jesus in whatever I’m doing, then it’s not really worth it,” he stated.

Colton acknowledges that faith is an ongoing journey, not a final destination. He credits God’s guidance with shaping his character: “It has been interesting to wrestle with and figure out because, just because I went to Heaven and came back doesn’t mean I’m this angelic person that is free from temptation and free from sin. I’m far from it … And God has thankfully been faithful and patient with me.”

As Colton embraces fatherhood and continues his ministry, he remains dedicated to sharing not only the details of his childhood experience but also how it laid the groundwork for a life of evolving faith.