Marvin J. Besteman (–2012)

The concept of death is still being studied today. The definition of death is slowly changing as people begin to question when death occurs. Is it the stoppage of all bodily functions or the shutdown of the cerebral cortex? Can a person be declared dead if their body is still able to draw breath while the mind is gone? Those that come back from death share a common experience and that is the near death experience. It is the exploration of heaven and a long look at hell. Nearly all come back permanently changed and most regret their return to earth. This book tells the experience of one such person named Marvin Bestemen. A grandfatherly figure that was given a glimpse of heaven and told to relay his experiences to those here on earth.

This book was an interesting read that introduced a different manner of near death experience. Marvin was not given permission to enter the gates of heaven, but was simply allowed a glimpse through its gates. The reader is both guided through the author’s frustration and longing for long lost loved ones, but experiences his deliverance to God. This book was a new rendition of heaven and did not follow the traditional telling’s of heaven and hell. There was no judgment from the author and he did not “preach to the choir” in this book. It was heart breaking to read his accounts of his beloved children that were awaiting him in heaven as he attempted to open the gates. All denominations were waiting in line and heaven appeared to be a happier version of earth. I really enjoyed this book and was very pleased with his story and found his accounts comforting. I was sad to learn of his passing, but felt at peace knowing he was back where he wanted to be.… (mer)

In My Journey to Heaven, Marvin Besteman describes his visit to Heaven in 2006. He describes in detail what he saw and experienced there, as well as the people he saw and recognized.



Normally, I describe the plot of a book without worrying about having to issue "spoiler alerts", but in this case, I don't really see a way to talk about this book in detail without just retelling his story. So, it comes down to this: some people will believe this book, and others won't. I admit that it challenged my thinking regarding Heaven. Everything he described wasn't exactly the way I've always understood the Bible to mean. However, I tried to keep an open mind while reading. Without giving away too much detail, the one point where I felt that this could be on target was when he described what he saw before the Throne of God. It wasn't the type of thing that a man of his generation and theological background would probably imagine.



Whether or not he described Heaven accurately, I feel that he sincerely believed that he saw Heaven, and that it looked just the way he described. This could be very comforting for someone who has lost a loved one. It may not be for everyone, but for anyone who will keep an open mind while reading, it is a wonderful reminder that Heaven is certainly real.



4 stars

“Available September 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Baker Publishing Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.… (mer)

I found this book a compelling read...who doesn't want to know what Heaven is like. We have all heard that those who go through the light don't want to come back.
Marvin Besteman, a stubborn Dutchman as he calls himself, was just operated on for a pancreatic tumor. He was in such pain the night after the surgery, and all of a sudden he felt himself floating free. No tubes, needles! For months after this experience he doesn't tell anyone.
The first person is his wife Ruth, and when she asked him if he had thought of her, he told her no. Was she disappointed? I think what happened was it was all so wonderful, that he didn't have time to think of anyone. What he describes is so very very wonderful, no wonder he didn't want to return.
I have recently lost my Husband, this book really touched my heart, and gave me a lot of peace. Marvin describes in detail the babies...lots and lots of them. In all stages of development from a few week old fetus to a full term. I have also lost a 77 day old infant, and to hear that they were all happy and laying on grass ...softer than any blanket. He said he didn't see anyone taking care of them, but knew some how they were all fine.
The colors he describes, the gates, the stone walls, and the throne. I could see it all through his eyes.
I will pass this book on for others to read, and I'm so glad I was given this opportunity to absorb all that is presented.
Of course I wanted more, and would have loved to sit down and speak personally with Marvin, but now it can never by. He did leave again and Saint Peter opened the gate earlier this year.

I received this book from the publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.… (mer)