Jim Woodford - Heaven, an Unexpected Journey: One Mans Experience with Heaven, Angels, and the Afterlife

About Jim Woodford

James Woodford was born in Newfoundland, Canada. Losing his father when he was two years old, James grew up in the home of his maternal grandparents. James developed a fascination with aircraft at an early age, as there was a seaplane dock at the edge of the river where the family lived. James became one of the youngest licensed pilots in Canada with a flying career that began at age 19. James flew small aircraft to the remote lakes in the provinces as other routes were generally not available, especially in the rugged winters. He gradually worked his way up to fly larger aircraft until he became captain of a major airline. Having flown from Toronto to Timbuktu, James was well traveled. James also has a love for horses and now resides in New Brunswick, Canada with his wife Lorraine and several horses. James travels in North and South America encouraging the body of Christ with his account of his experience in Heaven, and he also has been a comfort to families of those who have lost loved ones assuring them of the glories of Heaven and the love of God in Jesus Christ.

About Thom Gardner

Thom Gardner has ministered as a Bible teacher or pastor since 1986 and is now President of Restored Life Ministries, Inc., a ministry dedicated to holistic spiritual formation. He travels internationally to equip leaders throughout the body of Christ by leading retreats and training seminars using his techniques of interactive encounter with the presence of Christ through the Scriptures. He has authored several books, including Healing the Wounded Heart, Relentless Love, Living the God-Breathed Life, The Healing Journey, and Everything that Grows.

It is practically impossible to acknowledge and thank everyone who has contributed to the life-changing events before, after, and during the creation of this book. You know who you are and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I would be remiss, however, if I failed to acknowledge those individuals whose endless love, kindness, and encouragement remind me of Heaven:

To Pastor Doug and Faith Lamb, my constant friends, for making the journey and this book possible. You are grace and love in human form. Your daughters and their families reflect the love of Christ you give so freely.

To my sister-in-law Shelly and her husband David Dunphy, for the unfailing love of God I see in each of you.

To my sisters-in-law Jean McMullen and Karen Pelletier and Jeans son, Matthew McMullen who along with Lorraine, Shelley, and David prayed me back to life. My debt is eternal.

To first responder and friend, Gerald Rousseau, for his caring assistance to Lorraine in her hour of need, my deepest thanks.

To Vard and Eileen Gainor whose quiet dignity and wise and timeless counsel reveals the wisdom of a life devoted to God.

To Pastor Don Lamb of Lifegate Church and his wife Net. Your warmth and friendship brightens my life.

To Pastor Steve Lindemuth and his wife Danielle and daughter Sami. Danielle, your organizational skills are invaluable to me. Sami, thank you for helping me see my journey through the eyes of a child.

To Pastor E Daniel Martin of Lifegate Church and his wife Ruth. You are both examples of the goodness of God to me.

To Pastors Luke and Bonnie Weaver of the Village Lighthouse Church in Benton New Brunswick Canada. After Lorraine, you were among the first of my Constant Friends to hear my story. Your invitation to share for the first time was life changing for me. Thank you sincerely for introducing us to your Godly family of Grace Chapel in Pennsylvania.

To Pastor Luke Weaver Sr. and his dear wife Edna of Grace Chapel. Over 90 years each of serving God together! Your faithfulness and example is overwhelming.

To Pastor Mel Weaver and his wife Rosemary of Grace Chapel. Your boundless enthusiasm for Jesus is an encouragement to us all.

To Irene Weaver Maust Clark and her husband Doctor Grant Clark. Your love and hospitality reflects what I experienced in heaven. And to her recently departed son Jonathan who is now experiencing the glories of Heaven.

To Pastor Rob Roberge and his wife Tina of Living Hope Assembly for your friendship and interest in my experience.

To Pastor Ray Hock and his wife Winnie for your interest and support.

To Pastor Al Frank of Conoy Brethren in Christ Church. Your ready smile reminds me of the happiness in Heaven.

To Tim Bartholomew, teacher extraordinaire, and his lovely wife Linda for the excitement of letting me tell his Bible students about Heaven. Priceless moments!

To Maddie Walter and her family. More of my Constant Friends. It is wonderful to see the light of God so bright in one so young. Maddie, you are a blessing to all who come to know you!

To Amanda Ziegler and Amandas loving mother Patti Ziegler Wagner. As Amanda lay dying in her mothers arms from an aggressive form of cancer I told her of the beauty of Heaven and its horses. She loved her horse and a look of peace came over her face that was wonderful to behold. It was at that moment I truly realized the power of my experience to give hope and grace to the dying. Amanda, you will never be forgotten. You live on in my story and our hearts until we meet again.

To Sue and Perley DeMerchant , with whom Lorraine and I had the privilege of being present for the passing of their son Rob to Heaven. He had been injured in an accident and complications sent him into a 17-year coma. Sue and Perley spent thousands of hours at their sons bedside over those many, many years. Never once did they lose faith in God and never once did their love and dedication to their beloved son falter. The closest thing we have on this earth to Gods love is a mothers love for her child! From countless hours watching and praying with her son, Sue could tell, despite his comatose state, when Rob was listening. While I sat beside Rob and told him of the beautiful and pain-free Heaven he was about to see, Sue and Perley said Rob was trying to smile in anticipation of his journey to Jesus. After his death, so many people came forward to speak of how they would sit quietly with him and sense the grace and peace that came from his silent and motionless body. God speaks to us in so many ways if only we would stop to listen.