90 Minutes in Heaven - Don Piper

Based on a true story and New York Times bestseller, 90 Minutes in Heaven opens in theaters on September 11, 2015.

Press release from http://90minutesinheaventhemovie.com

The story behind the movie: Pastor Don Piper died January 18, 1989 when a semi-tractor truck crushed his car. Declared dead by the first rescue workers to arrive on the scene, Don’s body lay under a tarp for the next 90 minutes. Don’s soul, meanwhile, was experiencing love, joy, and life like he’d never known before. Don was in Heaven.

When another pastor’s prayers helped bring Don back to life, he became a living miracle! Yet this is one miracle Don wished never happened. Heaven’s bliss was replaced by excruciating pain and emotional turmoil. With the support and prayers of his beloved Eva, their three kids, and friends near and far, Don clings to his faith in God and fights to regain a semblance of his previous life. The Piper family’s incredible true story of perseverance and overcoming the challenges of life—and death—will bring hope and encouragement to all who see it.

Starring Hayden Christensen and Kate Bosworth, 90 MINUTES IN HEAVEN is based on the inspiring New York Times best-selling book that has sold 7 million copies.

Hope Lives in theaters beginning September 11!

'HEAVEN IS REAL': New York Times bestselling author Don Piper relates near-death experience

Don Piper Speaking at Church Parish - Photo by Linda Andrade Rodrigues

'HEAVEN IS REAL': New York Times bestselling author Don Piper relates near-death experience | SouthCoastToday.com

The photograph and following excerpt is from SouthCoastToday.com:

By LINDA ANDRADE RODRIGUES

MOULTONBOROUGH, N.H. — (12-3-2011) The Rev. Paul O'Neil moved to higher ground when his new pastoral assignment took him from Acushnet-Wesley United Methodist Church to a New Hampshire parish nestled in the Ossipee Mountains, 2,990 feet above sea level. But recently he reached even greater heights when he introduced his congregation to a man who spent 90 minutes in heaven.

Moultonborough United Methodist Church, where O'Neil has served as pastor since July 1, 2010, was filled to capacity as New York Times bestselling author Don Piper, a Baptist minister, approached the lectern. 

Published in 2004, Piper's book "90 Minutes in Heaven" has sold 5 million copies in 41 languages.

"The reason I am in New Hampshire on a morning like this is to say to you, 'Heaven is real,'" said Piper. "God has a plan for us, and Heaven is in it."

In January 1989, Piper climbed into his red 1986 Ford Escort after leaving a pastors' conference, in Livingston, Texas. He was headed to a Bible study at South Park Baptist Church in Alvin, Texas, where he served on staff.

"I was driving across a bridge, and an 18-wheeler hit me head on," he said. "It was a four-car accident. Everyone was okay except me. Four paramedics worked on me at the same time, trying to resuscitate me. I was pronounced dead, and they covered up my body with a tarp, waiting for the coroner."

Piper said that simultaneously with his last recollection of seeing the bridge and the rain, a light enveloped him with a brilliance beyond earthly comprehension.

"In my next moment of awareness, I was standing in heaven," he said. "Joy pulsated through me as I looked around, and at that moment I became aware of a large crowd of people. As they surged toward me, I knew instantly that all of them had died during my lifetime. Their presence seemed absolutely natural. They rushed toward me, and every person was smiling, shouting, and praising God."

Piper said that he gets frustrated describing what heaven was like because he cannot begin to put into words what it looked like, sounded like and felt like.

"Their warm embraces were absolutely real," he said. "Heaven is a sensory explosion. I saw colors I would never have believed existed. I've never, ever felt more alive than I did then. I did not see God, although I knew God was there."

Read more: Heaven is Real