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Heaven, an Unexpected Journey: One Man's Experience with Heaven, Angels, and the Afterlife
Encounter the Glories of Heaven, the Terrors of Hell, and The Stunning Reality of the Unseen World!
When Jim Woodford died, he spent 11 hours in Heaven. When he came back, he was changed forever.
A successful airline pilot and businessman, Jim had it all—a loving family, substantial wealth, and all of the good things that come with it. But none of this was enough to satisfy the emptiness he felt in his heart. He always hungered for something more. And then he died.
Jim was never a religious man. When it came to matters of God and faith, he was ambivalent. But as he lay in the hospital bed, clinically dead for more than 11 hours, his consciousness was transported to the wonders of Heaven and the horrors of hell. When he returned to this world, he brought back the missing peace his soul had been longing for.
Join Jim Woodford on this unforgettable journey into the afterlife!
Whether you need hope for tomorrow or strength for today, this story is your invitation to a radical transformation!
When Jim Woodford died, he spent 11 hours in Heaven. When he came back, he was changed forever.
A successful airline pilot and businessman, Jim had it all—a loving family, substantial wealth, and all of the good things that come with it. But none of this was enough to satisfy the emptiness he felt in his heart. He always hungered for something more. And then he died.
Jim was never a religious man. When it came to matters of God and faith, he was ambivalent. But as he lay in the hospital bed, clinically dead for more than 11 hours, his consciousness was transported to the wonders of Heaven and the horrors of hell. When he returned to this world, he brought back the missing peace his soul had been longing for.
Join Jim Woodford on this unforgettable journey into the afterlife!
Whether you need hope for tomorrow or strength for today, this story is your invitation to a radical transformation!
202 pages, Hardcover
Published September 19, 2017
1667 people are currently reading
889 people want to read
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August 10, 2018I read this book for my uncle, who is struggling with the loss of his son, and for whom this book, above many others he has read on the topic of the afterlife searching for meaning or some sort of answers, provides hope that he might see him again in the next life.
RIP John. You are sorely missed.
RIP John. You are sorely missed.
April 9, 2019
Heaven sounds like a beautiful place. Where the colors have sound and the sound colors. An amazing account of one mans first hand glimpse of paradise.
August 20, 2019
I really don't think you have much to lose by reading experiences like this, but lots of perspective to gain. True or not, it makes me more excited for Heaven. Let's be real-- man's words are not going to do it justice. Never have. But we can make a valiant attempt. Thought this book was worth the insight it gave me.
July 29, 2024
Testimony stories are powerful. I got introduced to Jim Woodford when he shared his journey of going to heaven at a local church. Our paths have recently crossed again. We talked about his book, and the impact it's having around the world. God knows I love pleasant surprises. Jim Woodford blessed me with a signed copy of his book. I've heard the story, and looked forward to reading more about it in his book.
Forward, Introduction and Chapter One captured my attention. I enjoyed reading about Jim Woodford's childhood years growing up in Newfoudland, Canada, where his love for flying began. Yes; he traveled around the world, seeing the most exotic places or so he thought, until he arrived in heaven!
Jim Woodford lived a blessed life until he was diagnosed with the rare disease, Guillian-Barre. He life quickly spiraled out of control to the degree he couldn't wash his own face. Excruciating pain racked his body and filled his mind with hopelessness. Yet; he admits he never once called out to God for help. God was not on his mind even during his darkest of days. Gracious God; however, had Jim on His mind.
Can you imagine being poised between heaven and hell? This is where Jim Woodford found himself. Hell is real place and Jim didn't want to go there. He called out, "God help me!" and immediately three angels appeared. Truly magnificent beings. Jim Woodford does a phenomenal job in sharing his experience of walking with the angels, and the beauty of heaven. A place hard to describe with mere earthly words.
The chapter titled The Sticky Love Of God, Jim reminds readers of God's great love for His children. That God is aware of every moment of our entire lives, and that His love never ends.
In the section Contrails of Prayer, Jim writes, "Our faithful petitions to God paint the vault of Heaven as contrails of prayer coming up before God as we pray." The Bible says, when believing people pray, great things happen.
The City of Heaven chapter was a delight to read. Being an airline pilot, Jim viewed countless aerial views of cities, but none compares to seeing heaven. An angel provided Jim with a virtual tour and answered his numerous questions. Why was there a Hall of Healing, and a Nursery in heaven? He also shared about the Citizens of Heaven that included furry inhabitants. Yes; God's Light and Love fills this amazing city!
Can you imagine seeing Jesus face-to-face, spend time with Him, only to be told, "James, son...this is not your time." How disappointing this was for Jim. Then, he was given an assignment. Go back and tell your brothers and sisters of the wonders we have shown you. Jim didn't want to come back. Who could blame him?
Chapter 9 takes readers on the journey from heaven back to earth. Imagine the surprise for the doctors and nurses to discover Jim was indeed alive after being unconscious for 11 hours. And his wife, Lorraine, for her to hear Jim say, "Lorraine, i was in Heaven...I saw Jesus...Jesus had horses!"
What a dramatic change for Jim. The warmth of heaven gone. He was back on earth, in terrible shape, and seriously ill. Now what?
In The View This Side of Heaven, Lorraine Woodford shares her side of this amazing story. She was a woman of faith, and prayed often for her husband who prior to going to heaven, was not a deeply spiritual person. She shares that when Jim didn't return home, she and five members of her family joined hands and prayed, not knowing what Jim was experiencing at that moment. Little did she know, God had a greater plan for Jim, that would changes their lives for the better.
Chapter 11 - An Exchange of Yokes - Jim realizes how close he came to falling into the crevasse of Hell and eternal destruction. But he didn't; God's grace and mercy spared him. Six words changed his life forever - "God forgive me - God help me." In Heaven, he learned about the heart of God Himself. That God is constant, and a true Friend. That God is the God of the Impossible, the God of now, and so much more.
Jim's personal experience in heaven with the angels and his encounter with Jesus forever changed how he saw himself, others, and life in general. The emptiness he previously felt inside was gone. A life of darkness was exchanged for one of Light. He saw firsthand the love of Jesus, and desires to finish out his days on earth sharing that love with a lonesome and weary world. This book is helping do just that!
The book ends with It's Not Too Late written by Dr. Thom Gardner. He reminds readers that God's grace is available to all who call on His name. Jim was not serving the Lord when he cried to God for help, and this book is a testimony on how God answered his prayer.
I recommend this book as it gives hope and encouragement to those that read it.
Forward, Introduction and Chapter One captured my attention. I enjoyed reading about Jim Woodford's childhood years growing up in Newfoudland, Canada, where his love for flying began. Yes; he traveled around the world, seeing the most exotic places or so he thought, until he arrived in heaven!
Jim Woodford lived a blessed life until he was diagnosed with the rare disease, Guillian-Barre. He life quickly spiraled out of control to the degree he couldn't wash his own face. Excruciating pain racked his body and filled his mind with hopelessness. Yet; he admits he never once called out to God for help. God was not on his mind even during his darkest of days. Gracious God; however, had Jim on His mind.
Can you imagine being poised between heaven and hell? This is where Jim Woodford found himself. Hell is real place and Jim didn't want to go there. He called out, "God help me!" and immediately three angels appeared. Truly magnificent beings. Jim Woodford does a phenomenal job in sharing his experience of walking with the angels, and the beauty of heaven. A place hard to describe with mere earthly words.
The chapter titled The Sticky Love Of God, Jim reminds readers of God's great love for His children. That God is aware of every moment of our entire lives, and that His love never ends.
In the section Contrails of Prayer, Jim writes, "Our faithful petitions to God paint the vault of Heaven as contrails of prayer coming up before God as we pray." The Bible says, when believing people pray, great things happen.
The City of Heaven chapter was a delight to read. Being an airline pilot, Jim viewed countless aerial views of cities, but none compares to seeing heaven. An angel provided Jim with a virtual tour and answered his numerous questions. Why was there a Hall of Healing, and a Nursery in heaven? He also shared about the Citizens of Heaven that included furry inhabitants. Yes; God's Light and Love fills this amazing city!
Can you imagine seeing Jesus face-to-face, spend time with Him, only to be told, "James, son...this is not your time." How disappointing this was for Jim. Then, he was given an assignment. Go back and tell your brothers and sisters of the wonders we have shown you. Jim didn't want to come back. Who could blame him?
Chapter 9 takes readers on the journey from heaven back to earth. Imagine the surprise for the doctors and nurses to discover Jim was indeed alive after being unconscious for 11 hours. And his wife, Lorraine, for her to hear Jim say, "Lorraine, i was in Heaven...I saw Jesus...Jesus had horses!"
What a dramatic change for Jim. The warmth of heaven gone. He was back on earth, in terrible shape, and seriously ill. Now what?
In The View This Side of Heaven, Lorraine Woodford shares her side of this amazing story. She was a woman of faith, and prayed often for her husband who prior to going to heaven, was not a deeply spiritual person. She shares that when Jim didn't return home, she and five members of her family joined hands and prayed, not knowing what Jim was experiencing at that moment. Little did she know, God had a greater plan for Jim, that would changes their lives for the better.
Chapter 11 - An Exchange of Yokes - Jim realizes how close he came to falling into the crevasse of Hell and eternal destruction. But he didn't; God's grace and mercy spared him. Six words changed his life forever - "God forgive me - God help me." In Heaven, he learned about the heart of God Himself. That God is constant, and a true Friend. That God is the God of the Impossible, the God of now, and so much more.
Jim's personal experience in heaven with the angels and his encounter with Jesus forever changed how he saw himself, others, and life in general. The emptiness he previously felt inside was gone. A life of darkness was exchanged for one of Light. He saw firsthand the love of Jesus, and desires to finish out his days on earth sharing that love with a lonesome and weary world. This book is helping do just that!
The book ends with It's Not Too Late written by Dr. Thom Gardner. He reminds readers that God's grace is available to all who call on His name. Jim was not serving the Lord when he cried to God for help, and this book is a testimony on how God answered his prayer.
I recommend this book as it gives hope and encouragement to those that read it.
May 7, 2022
INSPIRING AND RECOMMENDED
Thinking about heaven? Reading this man’s testimony (book) is eye opening. The things that he experienced there will give hope for all who will call out to Jesus for help in the time of need…
Thinking about heaven? Reading this man’s testimony (book) is eye opening. The things that he experienced there will give hope for all who will call out to Jesus for help in the time of need…
May 2, 2019
Interesting glimpse into Heaven
Although I’m a little uncomfortable with the premise of this book, specifically that someone can actually visit Heaven and return; I was intrigued, to say the least, with the detail and feeling of this book. I found the content to be comforting and reassuring. This is written by a man who was a pilot, and was dead (or near-dead?) and whose life was completely transformed by this experience. The book was co-authored by a pastor, who offers Biblical insight in each chapter regarding Heaven, God, repentance, and salvation. This was an easy read, written in simple language that anyone could understand.
Although I’m a little uncomfortable with the premise of this book, specifically that someone can actually visit Heaven and return; I was intrigued, to say the least, with the detail and feeling of this book. I found the content to be comforting and reassuring. This is written by a man who was a pilot, and was dead (or near-dead?) and whose life was completely transformed by this experience. The book was co-authored by a pastor, who offers Biblical insight in each chapter regarding Heaven, God, repentance, and salvation. This was an easy read, written in simple language that anyone could understand.
December 5, 2022
Uplifting! A believable story by Jim Woodford. He describes his experiences in heaven with a lot of details. Jim gets a second chance to complete his life. Jim’s testimony is worth reading.
February 4, 2023
Reading this story and meeting this man was a life changing experience.
April 9, 2019
I'm a 90 year old preacher. While I am content to know that heaven is the full presence of the Lord -- and that is enough for me, it is always interesting to read these near death experiences, many of which have some similarities to this one. If this one person found his faith in God - In Christ - thru this, great. I am sure his writing will encourage others. But his writing leaves some to be desired. I compare it with many preachers who take 30-45 minutes to say what could have, should have, been said in 10-15 minutes. He repeated himself so often that sometimes I had to look back to see, have I lost my page? Still, a worth while reading.
August 15, 2021
Looking forward to Heaven!!
Having lost my son 34 years ago And now losing my husband of 42 years to Covid, I am reassured We will all be together in heaven.This was an amazing reed and I am so grateful That I came across this book.I have shared it with some of my Christian friends Who believed every word Of this book. I have always wondered about animals being in heaven.I am so happy We will be reunited with our loving pets as well Who have gone to heaven.Jim Woodford Is truly blessed to have experienced This encounter.I highly suggest this book To all readers!
Having lost my son 34 years ago And now losing my husband of 42 years to Covid, I am reassured We will all be together in heaven.This was an amazing reed and I am so grateful That I came across this book.I have shared it with some of my Christian friends Who believed every word Of this book. I have always wondered about animals being in heaven.I am so happy We will be reunited with our loving pets as well Who have gone to heaven.Jim Woodford Is truly blessed to have experienced This encounter.I highly suggest this book To all readers!
April 23, 2019
I finally decided to stop torturing myself just past the halfway mark. Each chapter ends with an exercise to reflect on what was read and room to take notes. I was interested in reading an inspirational story, not be recruited into Christianity. Long-winded, preachy, repetitive and above all, unbelievable.
May 10, 2018
This is an interesting account of one man's account of a Near Death Experience. There are some similarities to many others. A few things in his account seem questionable such as he gives the height of angels he talked with. It must be considered as any subjective experience.
April 13, 2019
The God of Now
This book was uplifting and reaffirming of the eternal life I have in Christ because of his love and grace. Thank you for telling your story and helping me see others thru the eyes of Jesus.
This book was uplifting and reaffirming of the eternal life I have in Christ because of his love and grace. Thank you for telling your story and helping me see others thru the eyes of Jesus.
August 10, 2019
Hard to refute
Single person revelation difficult to say did not happen. I agree author had some kind of experience believable to him but do not believe biblical heaven one . Reading worth the time to understand mankind's desire to explain his eternal worth.
Single person revelation difficult to say did not happen. I agree author had some kind of experience believable to him but do not believe biblical heaven one . Reading worth the time to understand mankind's desire to explain his eternal worth.
December 6, 2021
Looking forward to heaven!
This was an amazing book! God can take and use anyone of us to tell others about him. Thank you Jim Woodford for sharing your experience. May God continue to bless you and your loved ones.
This was an amazing book! God can take and use anyone of us to tell others about him. Thank you Jim Woodford for sharing your experience. May God continue to bless you and your loved ones.
March 25, 2022
Amazing Story
I was touched on many levels as I read this book. I wanted to rejoice with Jim and his family over his transformation. Mostly, I want to trust that Jesus will fill me with his grace as I try to live in this broken world. Thanks for sharing this amazing story.
I was touched on many levels as I read this book. I wanted to rejoice with Jim and his family over his transformation. Mostly, I want to trust that Jesus will fill me with his grace as I try to live in this broken world. Thanks for sharing this amazing story.
April 13, 2019
Wonderfully encouraging
I was enthralled and encouraged by this story. As one who had a face to face meeting with Jesus many years ago, it reminded me of His precious love.
I was enthralled and encouraged by this story. As one who had a face to face meeting with Jesus many years ago, it reminded me of His precious love.
January 25, 2022
Wow!
This book gives such hope. The promise of heaven is so amazing, and this book really helps you to draw closer to God.
This book gives such hope. The promise of heaven is so amazing, and this book really helps you to draw closer to God.
January 5, 2023
Great topic, great description, but I would have rearranged the writing. The descriptions run into one another. Needed more back and forth bt his story and the wife to break it up
April 17, 2024
Fyi, it is confirmed animals do go to heaven:) and its not separate from ours>
August 2, 2024
A life changer
I grew up in a faith of my owning choosing. I accepted Christ as my savior at age 7 and grew up in a family who didnt see Christ as a savior, just a babe in a manger. As an adult I found a church and my faith training began. Still, I remained noncommittal, not wanting to stand out or rock anyone's boat. I now see Christ, heaven, and my purpose on earth differently. I've taken a different view of faith, not a load to weigh me down but a blessing that lifts me up.
I grew up in a faith of my owning choosing. I accepted Christ as my savior at age 7 and grew up in a family who didnt see Christ as a savior, just a babe in a manger. As an adult I found a church and my faith training began. Still, I remained noncommittal, not wanting to stand out or rock anyone's boat. I now see Christ, heaven, and my purpose on earth differently. I've taken a different view of faith, not a load to weigh me down but a blessing that lifts me up.
November 18, 2025
I found this on a Book Bub deal and was just so curious what his experience was. Many parts of his experience resonate with what I believe. I wish it would have just been his straightforward story, rather than the add-ons by the pastor/Bible teacher with each chapter. Jim's story felt very genuine and honest, but the add-ons felt less so.
March 28, 2024
This is a very engaging book that is a quick read, but a very profound message. Jim Woodford died for 11 hours, with no brain activity and he writes of his experience of seeing hell and then being pulled to the Garden in Heaven. Everyone should read this even if you question, “Is there a God?”
I wanted to point out a small part of the beginning of his story when he sees the archangels. They bowed to Jim. He questioned them, “How can you bow to me? You live here in this place, in the presence of God.” One spoke with thoughts transcended and calls his name “James, man was created by the very breath of God. The light of God’s essence is in you. When we bow to you, we are honoring the light of God in you.” How profound! Each and every one of us was created by God and we all carry his light. It I never too late to turn your heart to Jesus for He is filled with grace and loves each of us.
I wanted to point out a small part of the beginning of his story when he sees the archangels. They bowed to Jim. He questioned them, “How can you bow to me? You live here in this place, in the presence of God.” One spoke with thoughts transcended and calls his name “James, man was created by the very breath of God. The light of God’s essence is in you. When we bow to you, we are honoring the light of God in you.” How profound! Each and every one of us was created by God and we all carry his light. It I never too late to turn your heart to Jesus for He is filled with grace and loves each of us.
February 23, 2021
Amazing
Since I'm late in life, I wanted to read a book about Heaven. Purely by chance I came across this book. It was more than I could have asked for. After I started reading it, it was hard to put down.
It brought me an incredible sense of peace about what to expect when I die. After just a short read, I bought copies for my adult children.
I lost my wife a short time ago and miss her terribly. This book gave me the confidence that I will reunite with her and together we will be able to spend eternity with God in a place of beauty and love.
I very strongly recommend this book. It doesn't matter what your religious background is nor your level of religious practice has been. This book will make a lasting impression on your life.
Since I'm late in life, I wanted to read a book about Heaven. Purely by chance I came across this book. It was more than I could have asked for. After I started reading it, it was hard to put down.
It brought me an incredible sense of peace about what to expect when I die. After just a short read, I bought copies for my adult children.
I lost my wife a short time ago and miss her terribly. This book gave me the confidence that I will reunite with her and together we will be able to spend eternity with God in a place of beauty and love.
I very strongly recommend this book. It doesn't matter what your religious background is nor your level of religious practice has been. This book will make a lasting impression on your life.
December 11, 2023
Its not too late.....
I waited through my walk with Christ as a child, young adult, and 2 marriages and divorces to go back to school to get a BS and an MA through a seminary. But this book brought tears to me, not out of doubt of my own walk of faith but of the beauty of the story. It deepend my faith and made me even aware of my walk with Christ. I've worked with death and dying people and have to laugh how many people have died on my shift because I have always had a different look at death. By talking about my lack of fear and my joy of what's coming, I pray I've been able to help others as this book will also take the sting of death and fear away. Excellent book and a wonderful story.
I waited through my walk with Christ as a child, young adult, and 2 marriages and divorces to go back to school to get a BS and an MA through a seminary. But this book brought tears to me, not out of doubt of my own walk of faith but of the beauty of the story. It deepend my faith and made me even aware of my walk with Christ. I've worked with death and dying people and have to laugh how many people have died on my shift because I have always had a different look at death. By talking about my lack of fear and my joy of what's coming, I pray I've been able to help others as this book will also take the sting of death and fear away. Excellent book and a wonderful story.
January 26, 2020
Honestly I don't know what to say about this book. There have been several instances where people come out with some of these testimonies and later recant it. It's deeply unsettling to give people hope and have it dashed with such audacious lies. While I cannot vouch for the authenticity or otherwise of this story. The author genuinely believes it and that's good enough for me. Unlike other testimonies where they visited hell and heaven, he had a cursory view of heaven. Though going through a tunnel strikes me as a very familiar trope but who am I to question the Lord's way of revealing truth. For anyone interested in God's love, this is the perfect book
April 7, 2020
This book details a man's 11 hours in heaven. I'll admit I'm a skeptic when it comes to religious experiences, but Jim's story is intriguing. I've heard many a preacher try to describe heaven, and they generally depict "church in the clouds," which has never appealed to me. James Woodford's experience was much more personal, colorful, intense, and beautiful than that. I think it's probably beyond the scope of human language to describe heaven, but Woodford did an admirable job of it, including some fascinating imagery. Parts of his narrative were very touching. He's the first person to describe heaven in a way that makes me want to go there.
September 10, 2023
Here is a book that should be transformative by virtue of the various stories and messages as provided by the author. The subject of NDE's and the potential to learn more about the Spirit World and an ultimate reality beyond ordinary life is mostly lost by the overbearing Christian religiosity imposed by the author. The Devil is Black, and his mighty Christian angels are White. If our consciousness is woven together as humans and by extension other beings in other universes and galaxies, how limiting and unfortunate to impose such a limited view of what lies ahead. The many quotes from the Bible and other elements in this book make a fairly blan and uninteresting read. Shame.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2021
awesome book!
it seems whenever i read any book about someone dying and going to heaven, they all talk about how indescribably beautiful it is in heaven. My thought is that they are all describing it the same, they may have different things happening to them in heaven, but the surroundings are always the same. I believe that God is trying to get through to as many people as he can through these people. I really enjoyed the book. Thanks for putting it out there for all to read.
it seems whenever i read any book about someone dying and going to heaven, they all talk about how indescribably beautiful it is in heaven. My thought is that they are all describing it the same, they may have different things happening to them in heaven, but the surroundings are always the same. I believe that God is trying to get through to as many people as he can through these people. I really enjoyed the book. Thanks for putting it out there for all to read.
June 8, 2022
Hunger for Heaven
My heart was exploding with wonder and awe as I read this first-hand account of heaven. Jim Woodford seemed to have it all; a pilot, a world traveller, a wealthy businessman. But alone in his truck, facing death, he cried out to a God he didn't know, asking for forgiveness and help. Help came instantly as Jim was transported to heaven and all its wonders. His account is thrilling, and should bring great comfort to those facing death's door, or those who have lost a loved one. For those of us who are believers, God truly does save the best for last!
My heart was exploding with wonder and awe as I read this first-hand account of heaven. Jim Woodford seemed to have it all; a pilot, a world traveller, a wealthy businessman. But alone in his truck, facing death, he cried out to a God he didn't know, asking for forgiveness and help. Help came instantly as Jim was transported to heaven and all its wonders. His account is thrilling, and should bring great comfort to those facing death's door, or those who have lost a loved one. For those of us who are believers, God truly does save the best for last!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews