Religion

BRADENTON – In March of 2003, Todd and Sonja Burpo stood face to face with their worst nightmare – losing a child. Their 4-year-old son Colton’s appendix had unknowingly burst days before, and he was now fighting a life-threatening infection. Surgery was the only option. But for Colton, the experience was far deeper than mere medicine.

The New York Times Best-Seller Heaven Is for Real is the true story of the Burpo family and Colton, who during his life-threatening illness and sudden surgery, slips from consciousness where he says to have entered heaven. He narrowly survives. Several months later, while passing by the same hospital that saved him, Colton began talking about his experiences during surgery and making a trip to ”heaven.“

Since its release in early November 2010, sales momentum for Heaven Is for Real by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent has continued to surpass every expectation. In fact, the six millionth copy of the acclaimed title has recently been printed.

This weekend, Bradenton Christian School is hosting a series of events related to the Burpo's story. Bestselling author, Todd Burpo and his family will be sharing his family's inspiring testimony of hope, peace, comfort and joy from their book, Heaven is for Real. Joining them will be the praise worship band, Read You and Me.

On Friday, March 23 at 6:30 p.m., an intimate meet and greet dinner will be held in Wichers Auditorium on the Bradenton Christian School campus. A community event at McKechnie Field will follow on Saturday, March 24 at 7:30PM.

Tickets to the community event can be purchased at Crowder’s Gifts & Gadgets, Family Christian Stores or the Panther Porch Consignment & Thrift. Also tickets for both events are available for purchase online at www.bcspanthers.org/heaven.