Letter: Beth Gibbons on ‘Heaven’

Dear Editor:

This is written in response to an opinion by Aaron Gonzalez in the Jan. 19, issue of The Eagle.

As a trained, experienced educator for years in lower elementary education, a parent and a grandmother to a dozen grandchildren, I find the words of little ones as trustworthy or more so than trained scientists or philosophers.

Aaron said a child’s words couldn’t be trusted. Have you read the book “Heaven is for Real” by Todd Burpo?

There have been over 6.6 million copies sold and the book is the number one best seller in America and Canada for 51 weeks. It is in other translations already and a Children’s edition is now on the market.

I read the book and I listened to Todd and Sonja Burpo Friday night at CSC. I watched videos they showed of little Colton on the 700 Club, pointing to his wrists while telling about his visit to Heaven.

He said his parents’ names are “Daddy Burpo, Mama Burpo” and he is “Colton Burpo.” When Colton, now 12, read the book he said, “Dad, it was the truth.”

Colton told his father that Jesus said he was answering his Dad’s prayer and he had to go back. There were prayer chains for Colton all over and in the hospital.

Doctors gave the family no hope for Colton.

Todd explained that his son knew more about God than he did.

My Bible says that we must have the faith of a little child to reach heaven and a little child shall lead them.

The parents, Todd and Sonja Burpo, refuted your every argument against the impossibility of this story. I was hoping you would come listen and learn from that family.

Do you know what color God’s eyes are?  How can you refute the idea that Colton saw Jesus with color in his eyes?

It could have been the bright light too, you know.

God offers us an eternal hope as did the pastor and family of Bob Marshall, Con’s father, at his memorial service the following morning.

Pastor Burpo suggested we pray, “God use me” and watch to see the results that will surprise us.

My prayers have already resulted in amazing results. I hope yours will too. We need to share faith with love and not destroy anyone’s hope or faith.

Why were you calling the book and presentation fiction?  Heaven has been explained to be like the dog waiting outside a door only knowing that his master is inside. That’s where want to be to see Jesus. I have heard many people give credit to prayer.

After many prayers, I lost my young grandson, Joey, to cancer and brother Ted lived when doctor’s gave our parents no hope for his survival. God decides not us.

Todd said our relationships on earth will continue in Heaven. That Is encouraging.  Pop, Todd’s grandfather was killed in a car accident at 61 years.

When the grandmother showed Colton the picture of Pop at a younger age without telling him anything about the picture, Colton exclaimed, “That is Pop. I saw him.” He didn’t recognize his great grandmother as a younger person.

We will all be changed. Fix your eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. Hebrews 12:2 states, “For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning it’s shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

I found the presentation encouraging and a blessing. Many others concur with that conclusion.

Young Colton did a wonderful job of singing Amazing Grace at the end.

—Beth Gibbons,
of Crawford