Heaven is so Real by Choo Thomas
Choo is a woman of God who epitomizes what it means to put first things first. The Lord Jesus Christ is truly the cornerstone of her life. The level of intimacy that Choo has encountered with the Lord rests on the precipice between heaven and earth. This book compels the reader to take a journey beyond the Pearly Gates. The throne room of God will no longer be an ambiguous undefined location, but rather a very inviting and viable encounter with our Lord Jesus Christ. This book is a must-read for those who have ever doubted the authenticity of what awaits us beyond the veil.
--BILL WOLFSON SENIOR PASTOR, CHURCH FOR ALL NATIONS PARKLAND, WASHINGTON
Choo Thomas, whom I know to be a godly woman, gave me a condensed manuscript of Heaven Is So Real, which I read several times. I am convinced she has had an authentic supernatural experience with our Lord Jesus Christ in the spiritual realm. Taken into heaven, she witnessed both current and future events that faithful Christians as well as unfaithful believers and nonbelievers will face when they leave this earth. As a result of these things, I believe a fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit has come upon Choo. In Heaven Is So Real, she stresses the importance of absolute obedience to our Lord’s direction if we are to please Him and be used by Him. This work is both a vivid description of what Choo saw in heaven and a graphic illustration of how we all should live while still on the earth.
--WALKER V. FREDERICK CHURCH FOR ALL NATIONS VOLUNTEER CHAPLAIN, PIERCE COUNTY JAIL WASHINGTON
A wise man once said: “There is nothing more powerful than an idea whose time has come.” More powerful than the right time for a good idea, however, is the appointed time for the Son of God to return. For He warns that when He comes back, His people must be prepared for Him. “You must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not expect Him,” Jesus said in Matthew 24:44. For the last seven years, the Lord Jesus has given Choo Thomas visions with heavenly visitations so He could use her to help prepare His people for His coming in the season just ahead. This book can help you make yourself ready so that you needn’t fear His return. May we greet Him with joyful expectation!
--ROSEMARY LAMBERT PASTOR OF PRAYER AND INTERCESSION PUGET SOUND CHRISTIAN CENTER TACOMA, WASHINGTON
We have been close friends of Choo Thomas for years. Choo is a genuine Christian and her book is a result of her actual experiences. Jesus is using Choo to reach many people. Jesus is coming soon for His people.
--GEORGE AND LORRAINE FERRA
I have known Choo Thomas for almost two years now. I have watched her great love for the Lord and her obedience and dedication to Him. We have talked about the love God has for each of us and the way He wants us to grow in Him. Choo is the kind of witness for God that makes you want to know God more and more. I know that in talking to her, I want to be good enough to join her in this glorious kingdom she has told me so much about. Thank you Choo.
--BETTY GEIER YOUR SISTER IN CHRIST
Choo has been part of Church For All Nations for several years, along with her husband Roger. I know Choo as a committed Christian, a woman of Godly character, fully committed to her husband and faithful in attendance in the Sunday morning worship services. She has a desire to see others know the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord.
--PASTOR RAYMOND WUERCH ASSOCIATE PASTOR, CHURCH FOR ALL NATIONS SENIORS AND PASTORAL CARE MINISTRIES
Dedication
I would like to dedicate this book to our Lord Jesus, who chose me to do His End-Time work. He took care of everything this book required, from the beginning to the end of the publishing process. He spent thousands of hours with me over a seven-year period to prepare me for publishing this book and to train me for my ministry. Awesome God, I praise You, Lord. I thank you so much, Holy Spirit, for helping me write Heaven Is So Real! Without Your help, I could not have done anything. I give You all the credit. To the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit I give all the glory for this book. I pray that whoever reads it will glorify You, Lord. I love You and praise You, Lord.
Acknowledgments
I want to thank Lloyd Hildebrand for the great service he has rendered to me in both believing in this book and helping me to write it. After the Lord showed me the divine revelations I have chronicled in Heaven Is So Real!, I had such a burden to communicate my experiences to others. But I felt very insecure with my own ability to do that. In addition to having a lack of confidence in myself, I questioned where I would find someone to help me write my book, and I questioned whether or not anyone would believe me when they heard my revelations of heaven--even though the Lord had told me that He would take care of every detail related to this book. That’s when the Lord brought Lloyd to me. Lloyd asked me to send him the manuscript, and upon reading my first draft he decided to help me write this book. He told me he believed everything in my manuscript and that he thought it would be a very exciting book to write. In particular, he said he thought the segment about the rapture would be the most exciting. Lloyd is an excellent writer who is filled with the Holy Spirit. Thank you, Lloyd, and God bless you. I want to say a special thanks to my husband, Roger. Because English is my second language, and because Roger is used to my writing, he helped me with spelling and grammar throughout the book so that Lloyd could better understand what I was trying to say. I sincerely appreciate all the work he did. And I especially appreciate his support of everything related to this book--whatever needed to be done--as well his support in every area of my ministry. He was also patient with me and did not complain during my seven years of preparation for ministry. Thank you, honey. God’s favor is on you.
Preface
IN THIS BOOK I will be sharing with you the experiences I have had in heaven with Jesus. From the outset, I want you to understand the circumstances surrounding each of these visits to heaven. A passage from the first letter by the apostle Paul to the Christians in ancient Corinth will help make this clear. It says: Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed--in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality... then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” --1 CORINTHIANS 15:51-54
This pericope of Scripture refers to the End Times, when those who know the Lord will go to be with Him forever. When this happens, we will have to exchange our mortal bodies for incorruptible, heavenly bodies. Every time I have gone to heaven with Jesus this exchange actually has occurred. God would give me a new body--a body in which I looked remarkably like I did when I was a teenager. Sometimes this transformation would take place at a beach on earth that He escorted me to. Other times I would be clothed in my incorruptible body in my bedroom at home. People often ask me, “Were your experiences in heaven like visions or dreams, or did you actually go there?” My only response to these questions is that I know I’ve seen heaven, and I know that heaven is so real. Whether we place my experiences in the category of supernatural dreams, visions or actual experiences, I will leave to the theologians. All I can say is that they were very real to me. Each time the Lord has visited me, I have been lying on my bed under the total control of the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Just before He visits each time, my earthly body quivers and quakes for at least twenty minutes. I do not understand everything about this, but I know that He is releasing His power into my being. Sometimes these preparatory periods last for a half-hour or more. Please don’t ask me why this is necessary, because only He knows the reason for each experience. He has simply told me, over and over again, that He is getting me ready for the ministry He has called me to. Usually when this occurs, my body shakes and my stomach tightens. Deep groans emerge from my spirit, and I perspire profusely. I believe the groans are those described by the apostle Paul: “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Romans 8:26). I believe the perspiring comes from the heavy anointing of the Lord. The Bible often describes the presence of the Lord in terms of fire, heat and glory, and now I know what these images mean. I personally have experienced the intense heat of His presence. Usually these manifestations are followed quickly and suddenly by a tremendous surge within and a pulling, jerking sensation without. Then I see my transformed body with the Lord on the earthly beach. After He takes me to heaven, we always return to the same beach we started from. Whenever and whatever has happened, which I admit I do not fully understand, my earthly body has remained in bed during each of my visits to heaven. During these experiences I am both a participant and an observer. I have been able to see everything--all of what has happened to me--with the eyes of my earthly body. I have been able to observe all that has happened as I have gone with Jesus to the beach, as my body has been transformed and as He has escorted me to heaven. My earthly body often reacts to my experiences in heaven as I am having them. It participates in the dancing, rejoicing, praising, laughing, crying and other manifestations occurring in my transformed body. When my transformed body is happy, my physical body reacts with happiness. When my heavenly body is sad, my physical body reacts with tears. When my transformed body sings, I sing; when it dances, I move my hands; when it laughs, I laugh. When I, as a young woman within my transformed body, am talking with the Lord, my earthly body responds with words from my heart; and my mouth and head move accordingly. I watch my transformed body as I walk with the Lord in heaven. When I sings songs of joy and praise, I can see the happiness reflected on my face. My voice, quite miraculously, emanates from my earthly body. When I, in my transformed body, ascend to and descend from heaven, my real body feels as if it is being lifted up and gently lowered. These sensations last for only a second. Sometimes, when my physical body feels as if it is being lifted from my bed, I have screamed in fright. Even though I can see the features of my own transformed face quite vividly, I cannot see the Lord’s face. However, I can see His hair, hands and clothing, and I can tell that He has a very large frame. His wavy hair is parted in the middle, is curled in at the bottom, comes down to His neck and is as white as silk. The skin on His hands is olive-colored, and His fingers are long and slender. I can see the Lord’s mouth moving when He speaks to me. His stature and build make Him appear as if He is a young man, perhaps between the ages of thirty and forty. His height, it seems, is approximately six feet. Although I can’t make out His distinct facial features, I can tell when He is angry, happy, sad or concerned. I know Him to be very gentle and loving, and He enjoys playful moments. Remember, however, I am seeing the Lord’s spirit body (just like I am able to see my spirit body). Since May 27, 1996, the Lord has taken me to the earthly beach early every Monday morning in fulfillment of a promise He made to me. We often have walked along together in the sand. Sometimes He has lifted me in His arms and spun me around like a child. During such playful moments, the Lord and I have greatly enjoyed each other’s presence, and we both have laughed with genuine joy. The Lord has a very human personality, even though He is the Son of God. I love Him more than my life. He is a person of very few words. When He speaks, He always does so purposefully. He shares only those things He thinks are significant for us to know. When He disappears after the exhilarating visits to heaven, my transformed body disappears as well, and my physical body is free to move in accord with its own needs and desires. At this point my body feels relaxed and restful. After these marvelous experiences, I can get out of bed--immediately, if I choose to--but usually I lie there and reflect on the wonderful experiences I’ve just seen and lived. Then I write these experiences in my journal. I am amazed that the Lord called me to write this book. I am a Korean-American whose use of the English language is somewhat limited. Nonetheless, the Lord chose me to do His work. He told me to tell everything I experienced and heard, and that is the purpose of this book. How thankful I am that I have been privileged to have this foretaste of glory so I can share it with you. God wants me to let you know that He already has prepared a place for you in heaven if you only will believe in His Son and receive Him as your personal Lord and Savior. I want only to do the will of the Lord. My prayer for you as you read this book is the same as the apostle Paul’s prayer for his beloved Ephesian brothers and sisters, recorded in his letter to them:
That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. --EPHESIANS 1:17-21
I ask only that you receive this book in the same way it was written--with total openness to the Lord and His will. Evaluate my experiences in the light of the Word of God. I believe you will find that the things I share about heaven and my experiences with the Lord are thoroughly biblical.
--CHOO THOMAS TACOMA, WASHINGTON FEBRUARY, 1997
Introduction
In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. --John 14:2 (emphasis added)
THROUGH A PROPHETIC utterance given by a pastor named Larry Randolph, God spoke directly to me on December 3, 1995. Pastor Randolph prophesied: I saw the blessing of the Lord in the realm of prophetic ministry and the Lord opening your spirit in a great way to prophetic ministry, dreams and words of knowledge...I saw the Lord speaking to you in the night seasons, between 11 P.M. and 3 A.M....[He will] begin to awaken you and visit you, give you dreams, visions and insight...God told me that you’re one of the daughters that He’s put His Spirit upon to prophesy. Pastor Randolph spoke these words over me during a special Sunday service at Puget Sound Christian Center in Tacoma, Washington. As he did, the familiar anointing of the Holy Spirit welled up deep in my spirit, and my body began to shiver and quake under the power of God. I began to weep tears of joy and gratitude as I realized that God had chosen me to be one of His servants in these last days. The Lord flooded me with His loving warmth, and the heat of His presence made the experience seem as if I were resting on a feather bed on a summer day. I was reminded of the words of the prophet Joel:
And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions; And also on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days. And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth. --JOEL 2:28-30
Could it be, I wondered, that these prophetic words were being fulfilled here and now? Was I to be one of the Lord’s special maidservants who would see wonders in heaven and earth? What an honor to be selected as a vessel of the Lord’s love, grace and power in these last days. Certainly this prophetic calling of God was not something I would have chosen for myself, because I am ordinarily a very shy person. I soon learned that all the shyness and bashfulness vanishes when I am experiencing the anointing of the Holy Spirit. I recalled another scripture:
You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. --JOHN 15:16
Clearly, God was choosing me to go forth in His name in order to bear lasting fruit--fruit that would remain. He was showing me the power of prayer and the importance of getting close to Him.
Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. --JOHN 15:4-5
The overwhelming excitement and burning anointing of the Holy Spirit continued to intensify as the pastor went on with his prophetic utterance. I literally felt as if I were on fire for God. Pastor Randolph continued: There’s been a misunderstanding at times in the way you respond to God or the way you connect with God. The Lord says He’s going to remove the misunderstanding...they won’t say, “She’s an enigma.” They’ll say, “She’s just different.”...It’s a godly difference...God has given you a uniqueness. He’s going to minister to you in a unique way. He’s going to speak to you things that only friends would tell friends. He’s going to give you secrets in the night seasons. To be a close, personal friend of God’s, as Abraham was, has been my heart’s desire since I became a Christian. I treasure moments alone with the Lord. I know His voice, and when my heart is quiet before Him, He is able to speak to me: “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27). Through this compelling message from God, I knew the Father was answering the cry of my heart--to get to know Him better by building an intimate personal relationship with Jesus. My heart was soaring like an eagle while I listened to Him speaking to me through Pastor Randolph: It’s not showing off what God gives you; it’s keeping secrets. God’s going to tell you things about people that you’ll never tell people. You’ll pray for and intercede [for them], and hold them up in prayer because you’re going to be a friend of God--and that’s a true prophet. It’s just a friend of God. A friend of God. He’s going to tell you secrets about other people’s lives and about things He’s doing in the earth. So, get ready in 1996 for a fresh anointing of the prophetic to come upon your life. And in the new year, as you wait before the Lord, God’s going to put a fresh Spirit upon you, an anointing of prophecy is going to come upon you. I knew the words were beautiful and deeply meaningful even though I did not understand all they implied. I felt as if I were clay in the hands of the divine Potter, and He was shaping me, molding me and forming me in preparation for a special ministry that would begin in the very near future. As I spun on the Potter’s wheel, under a mighty anointing of the Spirit of God, I sensed that major changes were already taking place deep in my spirit. A tinge of fear was soon extinguished by the oil of the Spirit that seemed to drip over every part of my being. My mind tried to find its way into the old channel of questioning, because I felt so unworthy to receive such a wonderful personal message and calling. How can God use me? I thought. I am a Korean-American, and my use of the English language is not as proficient as it should be. Why would God pick me to be His friend? Why me? It was all so surprising, but even though I was a young Christian I had already learned the truth of Jesus’ words, “Without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). I decided right then and there to accept the Lord’s message by faith, and in my heart I prayed: Father, thank You for giving me this word. I will always say yes to You. This was my commitment even though I did not fully understand everything the Lord was saying. One thing I did realize, however, was that He would have to prepare me for the ministry He was leading me into. I remembered the words of one of my favorite verses: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). Little did I realize where those paths would lead me, but I was firm in my resolve to trust the Lord without leaning on my own understanding. After all, isn’t this the essence of the spiritual life? We’re spiritual beings on a human journey. Our true essence is our spirits. Heaven is our true home, and as I’ve discovered, heaven is so real. Since the moment God called me to a prophetic ministry I have learned that many believers don’t truly believe. Some are not sure that heaven even exists. Others don’t seem to care. Too many go through life as if this world is all there is. God has shown me an entirely different picture. He has taken me to heaven seventeen different times, and He wants me to let everyone know that heaven is so real! When we truly understand this, it changes everything about us--our motives, attitudes, values, relationships, dreams, plans and perspective. My prayer for you is, you will catch more than a glimpse of heaven as you read and that you will be changed--as I was--and experience the security of knowing Jesus has already prepared a place for you and your loved ones.
--CHOO THOMAS TACOMA, WASHINGTON FEBRUARY, 1997
PART ONE VISITATIONS AND VISIONS
CHAPTER 1 On Heaven’s Road
I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. --Philippians 3:14
MY NAME IS Choo Nam Thomas, and I am Korean-American. I am the only daughter of my parents, who are deceased, and I have two brothers: one younger and one older. I am married and have two children, a son and a daughter, both of whom are married. I also have two grandsons and two granddaughters. In Korea, my family was not religious in any way. I never heard about Jesus until I went to church. I had only heard about church and God. I became a Christian in February 1992. I literally fell in love with Jesus after I attended church a couple of times. When I found out what He did for me, I made up my mind that I wanted to give all of my being to Him for the rest of my life. God responded by answering my prayers, and this enabled my faith to grow stronger day by day. I began to lose my old desires each day, very quickly. I could think only about Jesus every waking moment. I was so much in fear of God that I couldn’t knowingly do anything against His will. I wanted only to please Him, and I wanted to know everything about Him so I could tell others.
A VISION AND THE FIRE OF GOD
I received the fire of the Holy Spirit while I was praying at home in January 1994. About a month later, I saw the Lord’s presence while I was worshiping at the Neighborhood Assembly of God in Tacoma, Washington. He was sitting by the pulpit. His legs were crossed, and I could see Him as clearly as a real person, except I couldn’t see His face. As I perceived Him, He had silky white hair and was wearing a pure white robe. His person was visible to me for almost five minutes. After seeing Him my body was on fire with unspeakable joy, and I became wholeheartedly committed to Jesus. Soon after this life-changing experience, my family and I began attending Puget Sound Christian Center in Tacoma, Washington. I had another profound spiritual experience on Easter Sunday 1995. While attending services with my family at Puget Sound Christian Center, my body began to shake violently, and we had to stay for second service. I was experiencing the same phenomenon known among Quakers, Shakers and early Pentecostals. Since then, my body never stops shaking in church or during my prayer time at home. Two weeks after this Easter Sunday experience, I received the gift of tongues while at home and began to sing in the Spirit. While watching a Benny Hinn crusade on television, I stood up and lifted my hands in prayer. Then I fell on the floor for almost three hours. The anointing of God’s Holy Spirit was so strong that I couldn’t get up, and all I could do was sing and talk in tongues and laugh. During every worship service after that, I could see the presence of the Lord Jesus in church. The visions I continue to receive of Him are not quite as vivid as the first one, but they are just as real.
A WILLING VESSEL
I BELIEVE THESE exciting and unusual experiences are preparation for the work God has called me to. I have a strong desire to receive healing and soul-winning gifts, but I don’t know how to serve Him, except by telling everyone who Jesus is. At first, some family members and friends rejected my message and disliked me for always talking about Jesus. Now, however, things are different. No matter who I am with, I only want to talk about the Lord, and He has given me the privilege of leading many people to Him, including my relatives and friends. All of my loved ones are saved now. Jesus is always in my thoughts and on my tongue. When difficult times come, I think about what Jesus did for us. When I remember all that He has done, I realize nothing is too hard for me. When someone hurts me, I simply meditate on all Jesus did for me at Calvary, and peace comes instantly. Preceding the Lord’s first visit with me, I had some very special dreams about clouds. These dreams reminded me of something my father had once shared with me. He told me that my mother had had a very special dream about clouds. He often mentioned that my mother also had had a special dream about me before she became pregnant with me. He said she never forgot that dream about a clear day that suddenly became very cloudy. The clouds came toward the front of the house. One of them came into the room where she was sleeping and filled the room with a white glow. My mother had been sick most of her life, and she died when she was only forty. She never shared these dreams and visions with me, but my father told me many times about them, especially about the clouds. I never thought seriously about them until I had my own experience with dreams and visions. My father’s interpretation of the dream about the clouds was that I could have become very successful if I had been a boy, because in those days many Oriental men believed that only boys could attain success in life. I believe, however, that the dream was a sign from the Lord. As you read this book, you will see that clouds have played an important part in the preparatory work the Lord had done and continues to do in my life. Since meeting Jesus, I have had a strong desire to pray for others. I have become a true prayer warrior. Intercessory prayer has become a way of life for me. I regularly attended a Bible study at a Korean-American church for about a year before my husband, Roger, was saved. I didn’t do any full-time church work or know many of God’s words, but He chose me for His special work anyway. According to my Lord Jesus, He wanted me to first get to know Him and to learn to obey Him and focus only on Him. By showing me heaven and all the other visions I have been privileged to experience, He began to prepare me for the ministry He has called me to. Now I’m learning about Him through prayer and the study of His Word.
REVELATION OF HEAVEN
THE REMAINING CHAPTERS of this book, as you will soon discover, record some remarkable journeys that God has taken me on since I turned my life over to Him. He has asked me to record these experiences in this book so that others will see and understand. Why He chose me for this important work remains a mystery to me, but I do understand that He wants me to warn people in the world and in the church that we don’t have much time left in which to complete the work He has called us to do. The Father in heaven wants everyone to know how much He loves them and desires to bless them, if they will trust Him and obey His Word. He has shown me that many believers are, in reality, functional atheists--they don’t really believe there is a heaven. I can say with all the certainty that it is possible for us--on this side of eternity--to know that heaven is so real. Furthermore, I now know that our God is able, as His Word says, to do “exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us” (Ephesians 3:20). The purpose of this book is to give Him glory: “To Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen” (Ephesians 3:21). Please read these pages with an open mind and heart, and let the Lord speak to you. He has a wonderful plan and purpose for your life. He has prepared a home for you in heaven. Like me, you can discover the thrill of knowing that you are bound for the Promised Land.
Chapter 2 All Power in Heaven and on Earth
Then Jesus came and spoke to them saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” --Matthew 28:18
THE YEAR 1996, AS pastor Larry Randolph had prophesied, became the most wonderful, exciting, meaningful and empowering year of my life. It all began on New Year’s Eve 1995. The anointing of the Lord was so very real to me throughout the entire evening. In fact, His presence was literally so hot that I could hardly breathe. I had experienced the presence and power of the Holy Spirit before, but this night was so different. It was a time of intense love and excitement, and I sensed that something uniquely wonderful yet mysterious was about to happen to me. What I was experiencing defied reason and logic, but the presence of the Lord was so real that I felt like I could have reached out and held His hand tangibly. It was a spiritual reality, but it far exceeded anything I had ever experienced in the natural realm. There was an expectancy in my heart. Somehow I realized that all I needed to do was to continue waiting in the presence of the Lord, and He would speak to me and show me wonderful things. Throughout that long, yet pleasant night, I held onto a verse from Jeremiah that contains a promise from our Father: “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3). While I waited with eager anticipation, I could hear the firecrackers and other loud noises of revelers ringing in the new year. As 1995 turned to 1996, I continued waiting, and throughout the wee hours of the morning until daybreak I waited. Nothing happened, but I was determined to hear from God. January 1, 1996, was a cold, damp day in the Northwest, but there was a precious warmth in my heart that no winter wind could chill. The Word of God spoke to my heart, “Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the LORD!” (Psalms 27:14). Waiting--one of the hardest things in the world to do, and yet it is the key to so much empowerment in the spiritual life. The Lord wants us to wait in His presence, because it is in this way that we develop the patience we need to grow and to serve. Even though I had not slept at all the previous night, on New Year’s Day I felt rested, happy and alive while my family and I celebrated the holiday. From 9 P.M. until 11 P.M. of New Year’s Day the heat of the Lord’s presence reminded me to keep the night watch once again. I slept briefly, then awoke refreshed, yearning to hear the Lord’s voice speaking to me. This almost sleepless schedule continued throughout the first half of January. Still I had not heard the Lord. By faith, however, I sensed that He was preparing me for a personal encounter with Him.
TREMBLING IN THE NIGHT
ON JANUARY 19 I awoke at 3 A.M. My body was shaking. This had never happened in my sleep. Since Easter Sunday 1995, however, my body had been shaking during worship services at church and in moments of personal prayer. There’s something about the night--a time of quietness and few distractions--that affords a special opportunity for the Lord to draw close to His people. This was certainly the case with me. Sometimes the anointing of God was so heavy on me that I felt as if I would faint. At other times it would leave me feeling dizzy and weak. Often I would lay in bed completely immobilized by the overpowering presence of God. It is all too wonderful to fully describe, but I will endeavor to show you what it was like. The Bible is replete with examples of people quaking and shaking in the presence of the Lord. Sometimes this manifestation is accompanied by fear, but most of the time it is preparatory; God is about to do a great work through a yielded vessel. Certainly the latter was true with the prophet Jeremiah, who heard God’s voice pleading with him: “‘Do you not fear Me?’ says the LORD. ‘Will you not tremble at My presence?’” (Jeremiah 5:22). The one who would become known as the “weeping prophet” answered God’s plea: “My heart within me is broken because of the prophets; all my bones shake. I am like a drunken man, and like a man whom wine has overcome, because of the LORD, and because of His holy words” (Jeremiah 23:9). The Word of God shows us that trembling and shaking are appropriate physical responses to the presence of the Lord. Other examples are found in Daniel 10:7; Psalms 99:1, Pslams 114:7; Habakkuk 3:16; and Matthew 28:4, as well as in Acts 4:31, one of my favorites: “And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit.”
“I WANT TO TALK TO YOU”
ON THE NIGHT of January 19, the Lord’s presence was so intense in my bedroom that I shook, perspired and felt very weak for more than an hour. Then I heard something. Was it the voice of my Lord and Master? I turned my head on the pillow to look in the direction of the sound, and there, all aglow, was a figure dressed in white garments. The radiance that emanated from this unknown visitor was so brilliant that I could not see His face, but in my heart of hearts I knew that I had been blessed with a special visitation from the Lord. How could this be happening to me? I wondered, as I began to tremble even more violently and weep tears of love and joy. It was the Lord--the Lord of heaven and earth--and He had willingly chosen to visit me in this special way. I felt so humbled by His presence. I could not stop crying. “My daughter, Choo Nam, I am your Lord, and I want to talk to you. You have been My special daughter for a long time.” The impact of His voice, His words, His message hit me with a supernatural force that left me reeling. My body shook harder, and I felt my spirit rising within. The gift of tongues began to flow, followed by a clear interpretation. I moved as close to the edge of my bed as possible so that I wouldn’t waken my husband, Roger, asleep next to me. For a moment I wondered how he could possibly sleep with such brightness in the room and the incessant shaking that seemed powerful enough to make the bed collapse. But this was a special moment for me to receive from the Lord, so Roger continued to sleep. The Lord spoke once more in His calmly reassuring yet very firm voice: “Daughter, you are such an obedient child, and I want to give you special gifts. These gifts are going to serve Me greatly. I want you to be happy about these gifts.” I knew at that moment God was choosing me to do an important work for Him and that this must become my single-minded purpose. I knew I had nothing to give Him except my heart and my life, and I was willing to do whatever He wanted, to go wherever He wanted. It was a night of commitment, challenge and purpose. My wonderful Lord was beginning to reveal His will to me. I have known since then that when my body begins to shake from the inside out, God soon will be speaking to me. I also knew then that His words would be life and victory. My body stopped trembling, and I fell into one of the most peaceful, restful sleeps I could remember having in years. Throughout the next day I felt so anointed and happy because I had met the Master face-to-face. That morning I asked Roger if he had felt or heard anything during the night. He shook his head. “I guess I’m just a deep sleeper,” he said. God had chosen me for a specific work. It was too wonderful to imagine, and yet it was exciting beyond words. I opened my Bible to the book of John and read these stirring words that coincided with Pastor Randolph’s prophecy: “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you” (John 15:16). The Lord had chosen me to go and bear lasting fruit. This is what I wanted more than anything in the world. His Word, His presence, His anointing confirmed His calling in my life. I committed my heart to obeying the Lord from that moment on, no matter what the consequences. Then my eyes fell to the preceding verses: “You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you” (John 15:14-15). God was confirming His rhema word to me--from Pastor Randolph--through His logos, the Bible. The pastor’s words came back to me: “God’s going to tell you things about people that you’ll never tell people. You’ll pray for and intercede, and hold them up in prayer because you’re going to be a friend of God--and that’s a true prophet; it’s just a friend of God. A friend of God. He’s going to tell you secrets about other people’s lives and about things He’s doing in the earth. So, get ready in 1996 for a fresh anointing of the prophetic to come upon your life.” Now it was happening, and I could hardly wait to discover what God would tell me next.
A PROPHECY FULFILLED
ON JANUARY 20 I awoke between 3 A.M. and 4 A.M. The anointing of the Lord’s presence awakened me and was accompanied again by intense heat. I was half asleep, but suddenly the Lord’s voice woke me completely, saying: “Daughter, I am going to visit you many times before this work is done. Therefore, I want you to rest during daytime hours. I have many special plans for you. I will use you in a great way, but it will take awhile to get you ready for the work I’ve called you to do. You must write down what you hear during each of My visits.” The whole experience stunned me, and I was amazed to think that He would visit me again and again. Surely one visit with the Lord should be enough. Yet He said He would be returning to me personally so that He could get me ready for the work He has for me to do. Just as suddenly as He came into my bedroom, He departed. I could neither hear nor see Him. The shaking dissipated. His reassuring words, and His wonderful visit, left me feeling very happy, peaceful and certainly curious. It was as if I had climbed a high mountain in my native land of Korea from which I could see clearly for miles and miles and as if I were breathing the rich, clean air of the mountain heights. My mind was focused, my heart was joyful, and I felt healthy and happy. I determined to obey the voice of the Lord by taking one step at a time, because I knew He would lead me each step of the way.
HOUR OF EMPOWERMENT
IT HAPPENED AGAIN the next morning. Between 2 A.M. and 3 A.M. I awoke suddenly. My body was shaking uncontrollably, and I was perspiring heavily. The anointing of the Lord’s presence was upon me. The Lord said, “You are My precious daughter. I will be with you always, wherever you are. I love you just as you are.” As I lay there, soaking in His every word, I was overcome by awe and adoration. He went on: “I am giving you the power that you will need for the work I’ve called you to do. I am preparing you to serve Me. Your body shakes as the power flows into you. I am giving you all the spiritual gifts. I am releasing your spirit so you will be completely free to serve Me.” A few days before this I had had a dream during which I had climbed a mountain. When I reached the summit I was able to touch the clouds. The Lord reminded me of that dream and explained its spiritual significance to me. “You will go to that height as you minister in My name,” He said. For the first time during one of His personal visits to me I raised a question. “Lord,” I said, “what do You want me to do? I don’t really know anything about ministering.” “I will guide You and show You what I want You to do.” “What about my husband?” I asked. “Don’t worry about him. I will bless him and minister to him also.” Once again His words were wonderfully reassuring, liberating and empowering. Truly I felt the power of His words unleashing power in my spirit. When He stopped talking to me that morning, the shaking stopped as well.
ON FIRE FOR GOD
THESE WONDERFULLY NEW experiences were quickening my body with joy. My heart was soaring, and my mind was filled with childlike curiosity. Where I once had felt insecure, I felt completely free. I realized my new future would be entirely different because all my hopes and dreams truly depended on the Lord. I was truly alive, and it was a vibrant life beyond all my expectations. On January 25 the Lord talked with me from 3 A.M. until 4 A.M. This time, I had awakened before He arrived on the scene, and while I lay silently in my bed, I anticipated another meeting with my Lord and Savior. The familiar shaking began precisely at 3:00. By now I had learned that this meant my Savior would soon be with me. I had learned to sense His presence, and when I turned in the direction where He usually stood, I saw Him. His radiance, His strong voice, His loving presence always transport me into a different world. I’m sure it’s the realm of eternity where time and space hold little significance, and physical and material things do not matter. It is a realm of the spirit--so bright and peaceful--a place where life takes on new meaning and purpose. It is a little bit of heaven on earth. The shaking continued for twenty minutes. I began to view it as being like a spiritual transfusion. The power of the Holy Spirit was coursing through every nerve, sinew, muscle and organ of my body. It was setting me on fire with the power of God. This must have been what the disciples experienced on the Day of Pentecost when the Lord baptized them with the Holy Spirit and fire. “And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting” (Acts 2:2). When the power of God falls, strangely wonderful things begin to happen in our lives. That night Jesus spoke to me in His inimitable way, “I am your Lord, My daughter. I want You to hear and remember everything I tell you. When You write it down, use My exact words. You are sleepy, but do not miss any of the words I tell you. I will be visiting You many times in the future because I have important work for You to do. You are the child I am going to use to do this work for Me, so be prepared.”
ANSWERED PRAYERS
A FEW DAYS later, on January 28, I awoke, shaking again. It was between 2:00 and 3:00 in the morning. I felt so overcome by the presence of the Lord that I was weak. My body was so hot that I was perspiring. It seemed as if I was dreaming, but I soon realized that this was no dream. “I am your Lord, My daughter,” Jesus said. Then I glanced toward the window, in the direction of His majestic voice, and I saw His radiant figure standing there. “I know You have been so hungry to serve Me, but You did not know how to serve Me yet. I know you do not want to be embarrassed when you come before Me. I know all your thoughts, and I love your thoughts.” This message from my Savior spoke volumes to my heart. I now knew what once I had only believed--that Jesus hears and answers prayer. I had prayed that God would help me serve Him so I will not be embarrassed when I stand before Him. I had told Him, so many times, how much I wanted to serve Him, and I always told Him that I didn’t know how. It is for this reason that I always read the Bible both in English and Korean--to gain the deepest possible understanding of the Word of God so I can share it with others. Serving the Lord was my deepest desire after I learned what the Lord had done for me. “Daughter, your prayers have been answered, and you will serve Me greatly. You will have much work to do for Me. What you will do for Me will please you. You are My faithful daughter, and that is why I am giving this important work for you to do.” The shaking subsided, and the Lord departed from my room. My mind was drawn to His Word: “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him” (1 John 5:14-15). I now know the truth of this wonderful prayer promise. It is an infallible premise of the Word of God that He does, in fact, hear us when we pray according to His will, and His will is revealed in the Bible. It is His will for us to bear lasting fruit in His name. It is His will for us to minister to others. It is His will for us to believe when we pray. It is His will for us to spend time in His presence, to wait upon Him. Therefore, when I pray according to these aspects of His will, as they are revealed in His Word, I know that He hears me. This is a very firm realization to me now. The visitations from the Lord have given me the growing confidence that comes from spending time with God. He was there; He is always there. I know He will never leave me or forsake me. He is my friend, my constant companion, my Lord and Master. He is my loving Savior. I now know, beyond all doubt, that God loves me and hears and answers prayer. He knows my thoughts and feelings, and He cares.
MANY CHURCHES TO VISIT
THE NEXT DAY, January 29, provided me with an inkling of God’s plans and purposes for the ministry He was preparing me for. He came to me early in the morning, just before daybreak, and said, “Daughter, I want you to look at something.” In the spirit He transported me to an unknown church--a very large church filled with dark-skinned men. There were no women present in this particular assembly. Jesus explained, “You will visit many churches as you do My work.” Never had I experienced anything like this. It was as if I were able to fly with the Lord to a different time and place. It was an incredible sensation. He told me more. “My daughter, I have many surprises for you,” He said, “so expect to receive them all. I will be with you everywhere. You will never have to worry about anything while you are on this earth. I want you to be happy every day of your life.” Then He disappeared. After this visit, I knew that each visit thereafter would provide me with new clues about my future. When the Lord told me that I would never have to worry again, I rejoiced because I had been prone to worry and insecurity since my early childhood. He was healing me on the inside while He was preparing me for ministry. The sweetness of His presence can only be described as total peace. It enabled me to live and walk in the truth of His Word: “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).
Chapter 3
All Things Are Possible
But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” --Matthew 19:26 (emphasis added)
ON FEBRUARY 1 the Lord visited with me as soon as I went to bed, around 11 P.M. Because of the trembling of my body that always accompanied the Lord’s visits, Roger was now sleeping in the guest bedroom. It was a good thing he had made this change, because on this particular evening the shaking was more intense than ever before, and it was accompanied by other manifestations of the Lord’s presence as well. Immediately the Lord spoke to me, “My precious daughter, I must show you My presence and talk with you before this work begins.” His radiant presence had always been stunningly brilliant, but this time He was dressed in white and shining like the sun. His form was beautiful to behold, and so very compelling. I responded this time by speaking in tongues and singing in the spirit. As I sang, my hands lifted in front of me and they began to move in rhythm with the singing. It was as if I were dancing, but I remained in bed. I lost control of the movement of my hands and watched them sway back and forth as if they were being moved by a silent wind. It was the wind of the Spirit of God that was moving them, and, upon realizing this, I was overcome with joy and began to laugh. Though I could not see the Lord’s face, I heard Him laughing as well. This phenomenon is known as “holy laughter” in some circles. I can say without any reservation that I know it is a manifestation of the Lord’s presence. The Bible tells us:
Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands! Serve the LORD with gladness; come before His presence with singing. Know that the LORD, He is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations. --Psalms 100:1-5
We should not be surprised by joy and laughter when it occurs during times of worship and adoration in the presence of the Lord. It is thoroughly biblical, and we will spend all eternity in His presence, singing, worshiping, laughing, celebrating and experiencing His pleasures. In fact, this is what He wants for us because we are His children. The name of Isaac--the miracle child of Abraham--literally means “he laughs,” and God wants us to enjoy His presence through the gift of laughter. Although many of the psalms are songs of sadness, there are some that reflect the joy and laughter that are the true inheritance of God’s people. For example, we read in Psalms 126: “When the LORD brought back the captivity of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for us, whereof we are glad” (vv. 1-3). When people raise questions about the shaking, singing in the Spirit and holy laughter, I point them to these passages. Solomon, the writer of Ecclesiastes, tells us that there is “a time to weep, and a time to laugh” (Ecclesiastes 3:4). It’s a shame that so many people believe Christianity needs to be stiff and formal, when it is clear that the Lord wants us to experience a full measure of joy. Nehemiah proclaimed, “The joy of the LORD is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10), and the book of Proverbs declares, “A merry heart does good, like medicine” (Proverbs 17:22). Now I know the true meaning of these healing words. I was really encouraged by the laughter of my Lord as He visited with me that night. He seemed so pleased with me. As I sang in the spirit, even my own voice took on a different quality. It was my voice--I knew that--but it sounded so different, so beautiful, clear and resonant. Around midnight the Lord said, “I love you, My daughter, and I will continue to visit you.” As He departed I felt lighter and freer than I had ever felt before, and I was thrilled with the prospect that He would soon revisit me.
EXPECT MANY SURPRISES
THE NEXT DAY, February 2, began with a very special visitation from the Lord. He began to share many things with me, as He had promised, “I am releasing all the power you will need to do the work I’ve chosen you to do.” As I did the night before, I was trembling and singing in the Spirit. The Lord continued His personal message to me: “Daughter, the way I am going to use you will be so different. Many of My children will be surprised. I have gifts for all My children, but I will give each one different gifts. Daughter, I want you to be pleased with what you are going to receive.” It was an exhilarating promise. The Lord assured me that He was preparing me for a special ministry. I wanted only to please Him. From 2:20 A.M. to 4:18 A.M. the next day He returned to my room to tell me more about the power of prayer. He stood before me in glowing garments of white. “My daughter, do not be afraid to pray for others, because you are receiving the gift of healing and all the other spiritual gifts,” He said. “I know that you always want to pray for others and to make them happy. That is why I am giving you these spiritual gifts.” At first His words were difficult for me to hear. I felt very unworthy to receive so much from my Lord and Master. He went on: “You have a special heart, and that is why I answer your prayers. I notice that your heart is pure, and you are an obedient daughter. I trust you with many things. This is why I have chosen you to do this important work. Your faith makes Me very happy, and so does your will power. Your heart is strong and independent, and I am very pleased.” Obeying the Lord has been so important to me as a Christian. My main goal has always been to please Him. It was so wonderful to hear Him tell me I was pleasing to Him and that He had purified my heart and had seen my obedience. His message to me that night made me even more determined to follow Him in all my ways. “This is why your faith has grown so strong and you gave up the worldly things for Me,” Jesus continued. “If you were not what you are, I could not use you for the work I have prepared. What I am going to do with you will surprise you, My daughter. I am your Lord. Remember, nothing is impossible for Me on earth or in heaven. I will release My power to you so I can use you.” The way the Lord addressed me as “My daughter” over and over again always caused me to shed tears of love. He was so different from my earthly father. The Lord was tender, respectful, encouraging and sensitive in all His dealings with me. I knew that He knew my needs before I expressed them to Him. I knew that He was my safe place--my “Rock of refuge”--and that compared with Him, any other “refuge” was sinking sand. He then explained the shaking in my body. “Your body shakes for a long time because you need power for this work. I want you to expect many surprises.” More surprises? I wondered, with joy. I felt like I had already experienced enough to last a lifetime. His visits, my time in prayer and the Word, the precious moments of worship at my church--all of these were having deeply revolutionizing effects in my life. My faith in the Lord was growing at an accelerating pace. I knew, beyond all doubt, that He is able “to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us” (Ephesians 3:20). The shaking in my body was His power at work in me. He was preparing me for the time when He would prove His ability to do exceedingly abundantly through me.
NO FEAR!
DURING THE NIGHT of February 12, my body shook more violently than it ever had. I was almost hurled me from the bed because it was so forceful. I tried to grab the sheets to steady myself, but I couldn’t because I had no control over my body. The shaking was unremittingly forceful, and I grew afraid. My thoughts began to run away with me. Is all this a deception of Satan? What is happening to me? Am I going crazy? I wondered. Then I remembered what someone had once shared with me--“When you are about to receive a blessing, Satan will try to destroy it.” Was this violent shaking the work of Satan or the work of God? I thought it might be Satan trying to harm me. I rebuked the enemy, and then the Lord interjected, “Daughter, do not fear; I am your Lord.” That was enough for me. His sweet voice turned my fear into laughter. I heard the echoes of His soft laughter near the window. In a most pleasant and peaceful voice, He said: “No one will harm you because I will be with you always and I will protect you from the evil things of this world. You are My precious daughter.” A passage of Scripture came to mind and complemented His words. “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us” (1 John 4:18-19). The love of the Lord in my life was more real than it had ever been. I knew He loved me. In light of such an amazing love, how could I ever be afraid? The experience of that evening taught me I never again needed to fear Satan, evil or myself, because the Lord had promised that He would be with me forever. His Word backed up this promise: “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). I knew that He had called me to help fulfill His Great Commission: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20). The verse preceding this tells us how this is possible: “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18). His power, His authority, His strength and His might will prevail in every situation when we yield ourselves to Him. The Lord gave me additional assurance of His will and His love when He said: “I am giving you all the gifts you will need to enable you to begin the ministry I’m giving to you. Keep a record of the day and times when I meet with you. “Your husband, Roger, will have gifts for the ministry too. You need never worry about anything because I promise you that I will take care of you while you are on earth.” Deep in my heart I knew I didn’t need to worry about anything again. He was taking care of everything not only in this life but also in the afterlife. His liberating promises called Psalms 23 to mind, and I focused especially on the final verse of that inspiring psalm: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever” (Psalms 23:6). With such peaceful thoughts I grew sleepy, and the Lord said: “I know you are tired. Go to sleep.” The Lord does, indeed, give His beloved sleep.
A NEW BODY
FROM 11 P.M. TO 1:08 A.M. on February 19 and February 20, the Lord took me walking with Him. Once again, the familiar hard shaking of my body and the intense heat of His anointing alerted me to His imminent arrival. His presence was stronger than ever before, and then I heard His voice: “I am your Lord, My precious daughter, and I am about to release all the work I’ve prepared for you to do.” I could see Him standing by the window, and His glorious form was clearer to me than it ever had been before. “Daughter, I must show you some things,” He stated as He extended His hand in my direction. Next, I felt the strange sensation of my body being lifted from the bed. Not knowing what was happening, I began to scream and flail my arms wildly. It seemed as if the insides of my body were detaching from the rest of me. It was an experience that truly defies description. I even felt my body to see if it was still the same. I wondered if I was dying. My mind was clear, and I was groaning in my spirit. Then I recognized that I was with the Lord, wearing a white robe like His. My body was new. I was like a young girl again. Even my hair was long and straight. I realized I was walking along a deserted beach with the Lord. Perhaps you can imagine how surprised I was. He had transported me from my bed, home and body and had given me a new body that enabled me to fly and walk with Him. The Lord of heaven and earth had suspended the laws of gravity, life, time and space in order to show me some things that I will never forget. The Bible says, “Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption” (1 Corinthians 15:50). I was about to discover the true meaning of these words by the apostle Paul. As I began to take notice of my new body, I felt that it looked like me, but it wasn’t me. I had heard of out-of-the-body experiences before, but in this case I had been taken out of my body and deposited in a body that was not me--yet it was me. It was me as I was when I was a young adolescent. I had the same hair I had as a teenager. I couldn’t see my face clearly, but I felt certain it was the face of the bewildered youth who had been without God and without hope. This time, however, the young girl knew God, and she was filled with hope. It was so fascinating. What did it all mean?
A SHINY TUNNEL AND STONE WALLS
WHERE HAD THE Lord taken me? Why had He taken me with Him? I couldn’t wait to hear His answers to these questions, because I knew they were for me as well as for all those He would lead me to. First, we went to the right side of a hill that was alive with foliage. I could see a narrow, winding road snaking its way to the summit. Then we walked alongside a narrow river that flowed with the most crystal-clear water I’d ever seen. We followed the river to the entrance of a shiny tunnel that seemed endless. It was high and wide and, in comparison, the Lord and I were quite tiny. We walked through the mysterious tunnel, and when we emerged on the other side, we walked down to the beach again. “We are going to a very high place,” The Lord said. The minute He spoke these words He took my hand, and my body began to lift above the surface of the beach. As it did, my physical body on the bed trembled furiously. My hands and arms began to move in all directions as if I were swimming desperately in an effort to not drown. The groanings that emanated from my spirit grew louder and stronger. We were literally flying through the air. We landed at a location that was filled with trees and grass, and our feet set down on a narrow, winding road. The Lord and I walked along the road that came down from the top of the hill. Eventually we reached a huge white gate that stood in front of a large white building. We walked through the gate and proceeded toward the white building. We entered and walked down a long corridor that led to a very large room, which we entered. As I looked down, I realized for the first time that I was wearing a different robe than I had on at the beach, and I could feel something heavy was resting on my head. I reached up and discovered a beautiful crown had been placed there without my realizing it. Then I looked directly at the Lord. He was sitting on a throne, and He wore a radiant gown and golden crown. Others were there with me, kneeling on the floor and prostrating themselves before Him. The walls of the room were made of large shiny stones that glowed. The multicolored rocks provided an effect that made the room seem warm and happy, as well as mysterious.
WHERE ONLY THE PURE-HEARTED CAN GO
THEN, JUST AS quickly as I had been transported up the mountain and into the white building, I found myself on the beach again. As I had been doing all along, I found myself alternately laughing, screaming, crying, shaking, flailing my arms and perspiring. The joy was so intense, I felt as if I could touch it. I knew I had been transported to a different world, but where was it? Why was this happening? What did it all mean? The Lord answered my questions clearly and emphatically. “My daughter, we went to the kingdom.” He quickly recognized the question that was forming in my heart: How did we get there? “The only ones who will go there are the obedient and pure-hearted children.” The Master paused for a moment and then went on, “Tell My children to preach the gospel. I am coming soon for those who are waiting and ready for Me.” Now I knew my primary mission. I had seen the kingdom of heaven, and it was so very real. I’ll never forget all the wonderful things I saw. The Lord added, “Those who don’t tithe are disobedient children.” “Should I tell this to anyone, Lord?” “I want you to tell it to everyone.” Then He reiterated something He had commanded me to do several times before: “Write down everything I show you and tell you.” “Tell me more, Lord.” “Another time, My daughter. I know you are tired. Go to sleep.” As He left, so did my transformed body. I reached over to the nightstand and got my pad and pen and began to write everything I had experienced on my exciting journey to the kingdom of God. I felt so numb and humble. There were no words to describe the feeling. I felt that I didn’t belong to this world anymore. From then on, all I could think about was the Lord and heaven. I longed to return to the kingdom. That longing must have been heard as a prayer, for, as you will see, the Lord took me with Him many times after that.
Chapter 4 Sooner Than You Think He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! --Revelation 22:20
MY DAUGHTER, CHOO Nam, I am your Lord.” It was the familiar voice of my Master speaking so compassionately and confidently in my bedroom during the wee hours of February 24. The shaking in my body had already awakened me around midnight. This time I watched the clock to see how long the trembling would last. After approximately twenty minutes, the groaning from deep in my spirit began. I continued to shake, and the heat of the Lord’s anointing was causing me to perspire. It was after this time of preparation that I heard the Lord speaking to me. I was getting somewhat accustomed to His presence. Most of the time I greatly enjoyed His visits. On this occasion, the image of His presence was very clear. His figure was bathed in a soft, warm glow of pristine whiteness. He reached His hand toward me as I continued to shake even more intensely, and my arms began to flail in every direction. As I had experienced the week before, my spirit lifted from my body, and I could see myself as a young girl with long, straight hair. Once again I was walking on the beach with the Lord. We walked and walked and walked. It was a quiet time. Jesus seemed to be thinking, and for the longest time He did not speak a word. One thing He did say eventually, over and over again, was, “We have a lot of work to do.”
“WE ARE GOING TO HEAVEN”
THE MASTER AGAIN took me into a huge tunnel. Again--unlike most tunnels--it was bright and shiny. I soon realized this was the same tunnel He had taken me through the first time. I reasoned this must be the tunnel that people who have near-death experiences frequently describe as the passageway from this life to the next. In most such cases of out-of-the-body experiences, people report that they are hurled into a long, dark tunnel at a rapid pace. At the far end of the tunnel they can see the glorious brightness of heaven. This, I thought, must be the doorway to the indescribably wonderful kingdom of heaven. Now my Lord and Savior was taking me there again. We walked by the beautiful, crystal-clear river once more, and then we returned to the beach. Jesus then said, “We are going to heaven.” My heart leaped into my throat as my soul was flooded with excited anticipation over the realization that I was going to heaven. I was going home, and Jesus was giving me a personal tour of the afterlife so I could write about it and let others know. It was so thrilling to be chosen for such an honor, and I could hardly contain the joy that overwhelmed me. No sooner had Jesus announced our destination than I began to fly. I had flown in airplanes before, and those flights were always exciting and exhilarating; but this time my body was taking flight like a bird. I remembered the passage from Isaiah: “But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31). I had always interpreted that verse from a spiritual perspective, but now it had become a living reality. I was flying and soaring like an eagle, and I was not afraid, because I knew Jesus was with me. The experience of flight did not last long, however. It seemed like only a second. Soon we touched down on a narrow, winding road that was beautifully bordered by tall trees and lush, green grass. Just ahead I could see a huge gate that was set in a white fence. As we approached the gate I noticed that the road on the other side of the fence was all white, and on both sides of the lane, gorgeous flowers of every type and hue displayed their varied colors and tender blossoms. I had never seen such beauty before, and another verse came to mind:
So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink?” or “What shall we wear?” For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. --MATTHEW 6:28-33
Then I began to understand more clearly why God was permitting me to visit His kingdom. I realized at that moment that if mortals on earth could see what I was seeing, they would never worry again. I knew I had to tell everyone I met about my experiences so that they, too, would never need to worry again. God indeed does take care of everything in our lives. God is working His purposes out. His love for His children is unrelenting. His Word is true. Now the burning desire of my heart is to help people to understand, to see, to believe the truth. My experiences have taught me that “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (see Romans 8:28).
HEAVEN IS BETTER
THE ARRAY OF flowers was more spectacular than any garden I’d ever seen. I found myself thinking, I’m happy to know there are flowers in heaven. They had the most lovely blossoms I’d ever seen, and they seemed to grow brighter and more colorful as we approached the entrance to the large, white palace we had been walking toward. Jesus led me up the steps to the double doors at the front. I noticed that the entry was framed with gold, and beautiful stained-glass panels were on both sides. We walked through the doors onto a white marble floor. The shiny stone walls of the corridor reminded me that I was in the vicinity of the throne room of God once more, and with each step we took, my heart pounded more intensely. We entered the room, and it was even more awe-inspiring than before. The Lord’s glistening, golden throne stood atop a raised, oval-shaped platform. Beams of radiant glory streamed from the center of the room where this platform was located. I was directed by an angel to a little room on the side, and I was surprised to discover a powder room there. A full-length mirror covered the entire wall on the left side of this room, and many beautiful velvet chairs were neatly arranged in front of the mirror. A beautiful being stood in front of me, and I immediately perceived that I was with an angel. The being opened a large, walk-in closet that contained many robes, gowns and crowns. The angel selected one of the gowns and put a crown on me. Each robe had rich embroidered colors. I thought the garments were the most stunning and expensive clothing I’d ever seen. After I was dressed, the angel escorted me back to the main room. The Lord was waiting for me. I noticed that He was wearing a gown and crown like mine. He took me to another building that looked like the pictures of medieval European castles I’d frequently seen. There was a rock wall on both sides of the castle, and magnificent flowers were planted all around. As I took in the scene in front of me, I felt like I was in a wonderland of beauty, peace and happiness. I did not want to return to earth. The Bible says we all will worship the Lord before His throne: “All nations whom You have made shall come and worship before You, O Lord, and shall glorify Your name. For You are great, and do wondrous things; You alone are God” (Psalms 86:9-10). In another place the psalmist proclaims, “The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all. Bless the LORD, you His angels, who excel in strength, who do His word” (Psalms 103:19-20). The prophet Isaiah says: “Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool” (Isaiah 66:1). Heaven is such a glorious place, and it will be a joy to worship God there throughout eternity. I once heard a chorus about heaven that proclaimed: “Heaven is better than this / Praise God / What joy and bliss / Walking down the streets of solid gold / You’ll enter a land where you’ll never grow old” (source unknown). Now I know the truth of this song. Heaven is far better than this earth. Truly, there is no comparison between earth and heaven. We entered the castle, and I immediately noticed how colorfully carpeted the foyer was. The elegant furniture was selected to fit the color and style of the carpeting. The walls were sparkling and shiny--so brilliant, in fact, that they almost blinded me. At the end of the hallway, just ahead, I noticed a sliding door. I wondered what we would discover on the other side.
THE SPECIAL POND
THE SLIDING GLASS door, I soon discovered, did not lead into another room; rather, it was a doorway to the castle’s garden. In the center of this glorious place there was a pond. The entire “back yard” was surrounded by a rock wall. Flowers of every type and description formed a sea of beauty everywhere I looked. I noticed that a variety of fruit trees grew close to the rock wall. These trees were filled with the biggest, most luscious-looking fruits I’d ever seen. They were ringed by a magnificent profusion of lovely flowers. Scattered throughout this amazing garden were huge, gray boulders that seemed to be strategically placed for sitting and resting. The pond really intrigued me, and as soon as I saw it, I began to sing in the Spirit and to dance for joy. I can’t really explain why I reacted to the scene with such enthusiasm, but something supernatural was propelling me to express my gratitude, happiness and peace in a demonstrable way. The Lord sat on a rock and watched me dance. I recalled a verse from the Old Testament: “Then David danced before the LORD with all his might” (2 Sam. 6:14). The pond reminded me of a verse in the book of Revelation: “And the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. And whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely” (Revelations 22:17). Yes, there are bodies of water in heaven, and the water of this pond was clear and placid. It shone like crystal. He, the Lord, spoke to me, “This is a special pond.” I knew it was, but I could not understand why. The Lord did not explain His statement to me at that moment, but I surmised that the pond held many spiritual secrets that I would eventually learn, one by one. I wondered: Is this where my sins, and the sins of all other believers, have been buried? Is the pond a symbol of the water of the Word of God? Certainly, water typifies the cleansing from sin that our Lord has provided for us. His Word tells us that “if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (see 1 John 1:9). Words of Jesus, as recorded by the apostle John, entered my mind: “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:5).
JESUS IS READY...AND WAITING
AFTER A FEW moments of pure enjoyment, as I danced and sang nearby the pond, the Lord took me back to the white palace where I changed into the clothing I was wearing when He took me to heaven. Then we walked back to where we had landed on the mountain covered with trees and green bushes. “We are going back to earth,” the Lord said. He took my hand again and we began to fly from the heavenly firmament to earth. We went back to the place where we had begun this particular journey--the beautiful, peaceful beach along which we had strolled before. Jesus said: “My daughter, now you know how special you are to Me. I want you to remember it took Me a long time to prepare you to bring you to My kingdom, to show you these things so you could tell the world.” I nodded my agreement with what He was telling me. The Lord continued: “I want you to remember everything I tell you and show you. Make sure you write everything down. I will make sure everyone understands all the things I show and tell you.” This part of His message lifted the heavy load of responsibility that I had been feeling since He first told me that I had been chosen to do His work. Now I knew that He would simply speak through me and reach out to others. I only had to be willing to be used by Him. There was nothing hard about that, after all that I had experienced and seen. Jesus went on, “Many people think I will never come for them, but I tell you, I am coming sooner than they think.” When He said this, the tone of His voice changed. He seemed to be almost angry, or at least I sensed a great urgency in His words. It was a warning. It was a message I had to share--and share now. The End Times are truly upon us. Jesus is coming soon. I believe the Lord is ready for His people, but His people are not ready for Him. He sounds very urgent. This is why I must get this message out. I have no alternative--I simply must obey the Lord. People need to be warned that the coming of the Lord is near. People need to get ready for His Second Coming by repenting of their sins and receiving Him into their lives. The Bible is very clear about this:
But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. --JOHN 1:12-14
Jesus--the living Word of God--was telling me to go quickly and tell others that He is soon to return. That’s what He meant when He said, “We have a lot of work to do.”
POWER IN THE BLOOD
THE END OF February 1996 was even more thrilling than the beginning had been. From 4 A.M. to 5:30 A.M. on February 28 the Lord was with me. He came to me and said, “Choo Nam, I am your Lord.” He reached out and took my hand, and we were miraculously transported to the beautiful beach. He held my hand as we walked along the shore, and this time the Lord seemed eager to talk with me. It was as if He had a burning desire to share many things with me. We sat down on the sand near the edge of the ocean. As the waves ebbed and flowed in front of us, an amazing thing happened. The edge of the water turned to blood. A dark red, foaming surf surged in front of us. It seemed as if the blood was filthy, and I asked, “Why is the blood so dirty?” “It is My blood, Choo Nam,” He said. “It has washed away all the sins of My children.” I began to weep as I heard this statement. He had shed His blood for me, to cleanse me of all my sins. He who knew no sin became sin for me so I could be clothed with the righteousness of God. The blood of the perfect Lamb of God had washed me clean and set me free. It is His blood that enables me to defeat the enemy in my life. The tears I cried came from a deep reservoir in my soul as I recognized with gratitude all that Jesus had done for me. “Don’t cry, My daughter,” He said. He took my hand, and off we flew once more. As I ascended with the Lord, I knew He was going to reveal more truth to me. I was filled with eager anticipation. “We are going to heaven,” He stated. My transformed body was devoid of physical sensation as we lifted from the beach. The sensation of flying in my transformed body does not make me feel light-headed or dizzy because my transformed body does not react like my earthly one would in similar circumstances.
THE SCARLET THREAD
WHEN WE ARRIVED in the kingdom of heaven, we walked along the familiar road, went through the now-familiar gate and entered the white palace. We changed into the beautiful gowns of the kingdom. Then we went to the pond again. The pond--it is such a special, extraordinary place. Once more I sang the songs of the Spirit and danced before the Lord. He simply sat on a rock and watched me enjoy myself. It seemed to please Him to see me dancing and singing and praising God. “Do you like this place, My daughter?” “Yes, my Lord,” I said, smiling. “I will bring you here each time you come to heaven.” This announcement thrilled me for two reasons--I wanted to keep on coming back, and I loved this particular, extraordinary setting near the pond. It was an oasis from the cares of this world--a place of refreshing, discovery and joy. I loved it here. Before long, we left the pond and walked to the white building where we changed to regular robes and flew down to the beach on earth. I wondered why He didn’t show me anything new when He took me to heaven this time. We walked by the river where the tunnel is that I saw before, and I saw the river turn to blood. Jesus pointed out, “That is My blood--the blood I shed for My children.” His words caused me to cry. I bowed my head and began to sob. The Lord touched my head and said, “Do not cry, My daughter.” It was the pleading sadness in His voice that caused me to keep on weeping. He wanted His children to know He had willingly shed His blood for them, but so many failed to recognize this powerful provision in their lives. Again, the truth of Scripture echoed in my mind: “He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him” (John 1:11). I could tell that this fact caused pain and grief in my Lord’s heart, and I felt so honored and thankful that He had chosen to share these feelings with me. “I did everything for My children,” He said. “Even so, some of them do not believe, and even some who do, do not live by My words.” The hurt in my Lord’s voice was very real. I remembered how He had once wept over the city of Jerusalem because the people there had forsaken Him. I remembered how He had been saddened by the fact that His disciples did not understand Him. He had really been bothered by the fact that some of them fell asleep instead of praying on the night of His betrayal. How it must have hurt Him when Peter denied that he knew Him, and how deeply He must have suffered when Judas Iscariot betrayed Him. Yet every day, as He acknowledged to me, His children turn away from Him, betray Him, forget Him and lose sight of the power of His blood that He shed for them. I sensed the deep pain my Master was feeling. Now I knew more than ever why my calling must be fulfilled. People--both the saved and the lost--need to know the power of the blood of Jesus. They need to understand all that He accomplished for them at Calvary. The people of God, as well as people in the world, need to know that Jesus has made a way for them to overcome the world, darkness, evil and all the works of the enemy. The blood of Jesus--a scarlet thread that weaves the entire Bible together--has made a way for them. They need to know that the truth of what Jesus said in Revelation is upon us even now: Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Behold, I come quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.
He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. --REVELATION 3:10-13
Maranatha!
Chapter 5 My Kingdom Is Ready Because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel. --Colossians 1:5 (emphasis added)
THE ONLY ONES who can come here are the ones whose hearts are as pure as the water,” Jesus assured me after we arrived in heaven during the early hours of February 29. “My daughter, Choo Nam, the work I’ve called you to do is very important to Me, and it needs to be completed soon.” I stood in His glorious presence amazed. He had arrived in my room at 4:15 A.M.. We went to the tunnel I’d seen before. This time it was brighter and shinier, and the walls of the tunnel sparkled with a magnificent array of colors. It was like a mine that contained diamonds, emeralds, sapphires and rubies. It was breathtaking. The next stop was the beach, where I noticed the water was a dirty bloodlike color once again. The edge of the sand, where the waves had washed up, was dirty and blood-colored, too. “It is My blood,” the Lord told me again. The Master is a very patient teacher. He frequently repeats the most important parts of His message so I will be sure to understand what He is preparing me for. Every time He shows me the blood He shed for His children, including me, I begin to weep. Upon seeing my tears, Jesus comforted me by saying: “My kingdom is ready for My children. Whoever is ready and wants to come will be permitted to be here.”
“I DON’T DESERVE IT!”
WE WALKED PAST a beautiful white gate that seemed to be inlaid with pure ivory and smooth pearls. Then we entered the majestic white palace where an angel escorted me into the powder room and I put on the beautiful gown that had been prepared for me. Next, Jesus took me to a river. A gray stone wall ran alongside the stream, and stately evergreens formed the backdrop. I noticed how clear and still the water was. It sparkled like the finest crystal I’d ever seen. The Lord reiterated the invitation He extends to all who want to follow Him and have an eternal home with Him in heaven, “The only ones who can come here are the ones whose hearts have been made as pure as the water.” I then noticed other beautiful white buildings in the vicinity of the beautiful river, just behind the tall trees. Jesus took me to one of the dwellings. It was a white mansion sumptuously landscaped with a profusion of colorful flowers and leafy trees. The most wonderful flowers I’d ever seen graced the doorway. The doors were lovely as well, decorated with extraordinary stained-glass panels. Inside the palace, everything was colorful and shiny. The great room was filled with people who were wearing beautiful gowns, and each person was wearing a crown that was set with jewels of every variety. I felt like Cinderella at the ball. Many men were present in the room, but there were very few women. The Lord didn’t explain who these individuals were or why they were there, but He did tell me, “You will be like them.” I responded to this prophetic word with tears. Every time the Lord gave me new insights I would cry because I felt so humbled by His goodness and His grace. I was so humbled, in fact, that I said, “I don’t deserve it!” The tone of the Lord’s voice reflected anger as He rebuked me, “Don’t say that again, daughter.”
THE SOURCE OF HAPPINESS
AFTER CHANGING INTO our heavenly robes and crowns, the Lord and I walked and talked together by the peaceful pond I had seen before. It was my third visit to this special place of communion with Him. I took hold of the Master’s arm and said: “I don’t want to leave here. I want to stay here with you forever.” “Not yet, My daughter. You have a lot of work to do for Me first. I must show you so much of heaven, and I will bring you here many more times. I want you to be happy, My precious daughter.” We returned to the palace and changed into our regular clothing. Then we went back to the beach on earth and sat down on the shore. The Lord held my hand and told me: “I am giving you healing power and the other spiritual gifts. Wherever you are, I’ll be there to guide you. You will serve Me all over the world.” Such a message should have filled me with eager anticipation, but it actually overwhelmed me. “Lord, I don’t know anything.” “You don’t have to know anything. I will do everything for you. Also, your husband will be with you. He will serve with you.” That part of His announcement brought a measure of relief to me. It was calming to know Roger would be a part of the ministry God was preparing me for. I had often leaned on my husband for strength and encouragement, and it was comforting to know that he would be my partner in ministry. At the same time, however, I sensed the Lord was calling me to depend totally on Him--not on Roger or myself or anyone except Him. A passage sailed across my mind: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). I determined that I would claim this promise from that moment on. I knew that the Lord would direct my paths each step of the way. I also knew the truth of His Word: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalms 119:105). I committed myself to walking in the light of God’s Word from then on. I believed that Jesus would always be with me. Therefore, I would never need to fear anyone or anything. He had spoken to me. He had held my hand. He had comforted me. He had made personal promises to me. How could I ever doubt His presence, His reality, His truth? I would never be the same. Jesus, my Lord and Savior, had taken me to heaven in order to prepare me for a ministry that would share the truth of eternity with others. He had called me, chosen me and selected me for this important work. As I was reflecting on these wonderful things, I realized I was truly happy for the first time in my life. I had found my purpose and my completion in Him, and He was altogether lovely to me. Though my confidence and my faith were growing, I still responded meekly to the Lord’s words. “Lord, I am very shy, and I don’t really know how to pray for others in public.” “I will take care of everything,” He answered. “I will be with you always. I want you to tell everyone what I show you and tell you. The whole world will know these things very soon.”
“YOU ARE GOING TO WRITE A BOOK”
THOUGH I WAVERED from time to time, Jesus was always faithful. He patiently and lovingly reminded me of the power of His presence that I had experienced firsthand. “My daughter, Choo Nam, I want you to be patient,” He continued, “because it is going to take a while to show you and tell you all I have to reveal. There is much to do because you are going to write a book for Me.” This announcement was truly shocking news. I didn’t say the words aloud, but I thought, How can I write a book, since I don’t know anything? By this time I knew better than to disagree with the Lord. I was learning that if He told me to do something, then He would enable me to accomplish it. I never asked for the gifts He was so lavishly and graciously pouring upon me, but I did remember praying for the gifts of healing and ministry that would enable me to lead others to Him. Now He was answering those prayers in ways that far exceeded my expectations! That’s the kind of God we serve. Jeremiah wrote, “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3). This was one prayer promise that was proving itself true and dependable in my life. Over and over again the Lord honored me with abundant spiritual blessings that I did not deserve. “I do not want you to miss anything I show or tell you,” He instructed. “Nothing more; nothing less. Everything has to be exactly as I reveal it to you.”
A GOLDEN BRIDGE
AS THE GLORY of springtime neared, I realized that nothing on this earth could truly compare with the glorious beauty of heaven. Early in the morning of March 1, the Lord visited me once more, in the usual way, saying, “My precious daughter, we have work to do.” He reminded me of several things He had already spoken: “I chose you, My daughter, because of your obedience to Me. I like your will power and your faith.” Since becoming a Christian, I have never once seriously doubted my Lord. In fact, my reverential fear of Him, mixed with my great love for Him, has led me to conclude that I must never displease Him. These convictions keep me on the path of obedience in my walk with God. The Lord said, “I must show you more of the kingdom.” He took my hand and we went back to the seashore. Then my body began to ascend into the heavens. I realized this time that the journey upward was more like floating than flying. I was being gently lifted from the earth. I often wondered why we departed from the beach, rather than somewhere else, and I concluded that it must be because the site is usually deserted so early in the morning. I chuckled when I thought what might happen if someone saw us ascending into heaven. More than likely they would think they were seeing an alien abduction or a hallucination. They probably wouldn’t mention it to anyone for fear of being called crazy. Then it occurred to me that some people could think the same about me when I would begin to tell my story. The thought was extinguished by a wonderful sense of peace that washed over me as I realized such concerns do not matter because I know that Jesus has fully accepted me. Therefore, why should I ever worry about what others think?
A Golden Throne
JESUS HELD MY hand as we were being lifted from this planet. We landed in the same place as usual, and He led me to a fruitful orchard. It was huge, and every row of fruit trees was in a perfect line. Each tree was laden with ripe, luscious fruits. They all produced a different kind of fruit. The orchard was so vast that it seemed endless. The Lord picked an oval-shaped purple fruit and handed it to me. Then He did the same with a round, deep-red fruit. I ate them, but I could not taste them very well. I reciprocated by picking a small, round, pink fruit for the Lord to eat. Though I could not see His face clearly, I sensed that He was smiling and I knew He was very pleased by what I had done. Next, we went to the now-familiar white palace where we changed into our heavenly attire. The Lord took His seat on His golden throne. Once again, the room was filled with people who were wearing beautiful gowns and crowns like mine. The atmosphere in the room was one of peace and worship. The people were humbling themselves before the Lord. I tried to join in, but my sense of amazement and wonder did not permit me to focus on worship as quickly as I would have liked. Before I realized all that had transpired, the Lord had changed back into His regular gown. He reached out, took my hand and led me outside. The experiences I’ve had in the kingdom of God occur so quickly that it sometimes seems as if I’m living out the fast-forwarding of a video tape. The Lord led me across a golden bridge that arched over a fast-flowing river. The banks of the river were very fertile, and magnificent trees and flowers grew on both sides. The trees and flowers in heaven are different is so many ways from those we know on earth. There are many varieties, and they are bigger, healthier, more colorful and more beautiful than any plants I’ve ever seen. I felt as if I were in a fairytale land like those illustrated in the picture books I would read to my children--except this was no fantasy.
“I WILL KEEP THEIR BABIES!”
AFTER WALKING OVER the beautiful golden bridge, the Lord led me to a place where babies and infants--many of whom looked as if they had just been born--were kept. It was a huge room, like a warehouse, and wasn’t fancy or pretty. It was filled with babies who were naked and lying close to one another. “Why are there so many babies here?” I inquired. “These are babies of mothers who did not want them. I will keep their babies!” the Lord answered. “What are you going to do with them, Lord?” “If their mothers are saved, they can have their babies back.” “What will happen if their mothers are not saved? What will you do then?” “Other mothers will have them when all My children come into the kingdom.” I then understood that these babies had been aborted from their mothers’ wombs, and I began to cry. Jesus shouted, “I do not like abortion!” His voice and His demeanor grew harsh and angry, and I realized, then and there, that this was a message I would soon be sharing with all who would listen. The Lord does not like abortion. It is one of the worst of all sins to Him. It was Jesus who had said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God” (Mark 10:14). Jesus loves little children, and I could see His tender compassion for these aborted babies as I watched Him and listened to Him. Nearly 1 in every 4 pregnancies in the United States today ends in abortion. How this grieves the Lord. The United States has the most permissive abortion laws of any democracy, and the number of abortions continues to accelerate. I’ll never forget what I saw that morning in heaven, and I’ll never be able to remain silent about the horrendous sin of abortion again. Since that time I have been praying for the women of our nation, asking God to open their eyes to the truth about abortion, to keep them from making the wrong choice. I now know that the choice of abortion has eternal consequences, and I pray that the numbing of the American conscience with regard to this form of murder will be lifted. I can still hear the Lord’s angry voice trembling with emotion as He said, “I do not like abortion!” Heaven is better than this / Praise God / What joy and bliss / Walking down the streets of solid gold / You’ll enter a land where you’ll never grow old.”
A PLACE FOR THE FAITHFUL
THE LORD TOOK me to a barren site outside the gate of the kingdom and showed me many people wearing sand-colored robes were in this region, standing very close together, and I noticed that they looked forlorn and lonely even though they were in the midst of so many others. I had no idea who these individuals were, but I knew the Lord would answer my questions about them when He determined I was ready. He took me up a little hillside that was dotted with white buildings on both sides. A body of water separated the two sides from each other, and trees surrounded the water. In front of the buildings I noticed many adults and children who were wearing white gowns, and some of them were wearing crowns. They were simply standing there with very happy looks on their faces. I sensed the Lord was showing me a vivid contrast between those who were happy and those who were sad. I assumed the happy ones were people who had given their hearts and lives to the Lord Jesus Christ. The next stop on our heavenly itinerary was the huge white mansion where Jesus had taken me before. Again, I noticed that inside the great room were numerous men, but very few women. “Who are these people?” I asked. “These are people who sacrificed for Me.” I wondered how many of them were the patriarchs and saints of the Bible, and I remembered faith’s “hall of fame” in Hebrews 11, which lists the great men and women of faith, such as Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham and Sarah, and what they accomplished through faith. Then I was reminded of a very important verse: “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). Abel’s sacrifice was more excellent than Cain’s because it was presented in faith and obedience. Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice His own son, Isaac, to the Lord confirmed his faith and His desire to please the Lord. And now I knew that God honors such sacrifices. In fact, He calls us to surrender everything to Him. By showing me this room that was filled with people wearing beautiful gowns and bejeweled crowns, Jesus was portraying the importance of sacrifice. I remembered Paul’s words:
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. --ROMANS 12:1-2
CALLED TO TELL THE WORLD
MY HEART LEAPED within as I committed everything to my Lord and Master. This, I realized, was the sacrifice He required of me. After seeing all these scenes, we went to the white palace and changed into beautiful gowns and crowns. Then the Lord took me to the peaceful pond where we had spent such wonderful times of fellowship together. This time we just sat and talked. Then it occurred to me that the only places where the Lord really opened up and shared His heart with me were on the earthly beach and at this heavenly pond. At other times, when He was showing me different aspects of the heavenly kingdom, He would rarely talk. I loved the more relaxing times when He was able to tell me the things that were important to me. He went on to remind me, “I am telling you all this and showing you these things so you can tell the world.” Then He reiterated the importance of all these experiences by saying, “I know that a lot of My children don’t think I will come back for them for a long time. Some even think I will never come back for them, but I want you to tell them that My kingdom is ready for those who are ready and waiting for Me. I am coming very soon.” Again, there was such a sense of urgency in His voice. Whenever I am in heaven, the only one who ever speaks to me is the Lord. His words are so vital. Even the angel who helps me to change my robes does not speak to me, but constantly smiles in such reassuring ways at me. The Lord showed me the ocean of dirty blood once more, and then He concluded that visit to heaven with these words: “I’ll never leave you. I’ll be with you forever. I will guide everything that you do. You will not have to worry about anything because I will be there to do it for you. I am releasing My power to you and in you. You will be able to heal the sick and do the same things I did when I lived on earth. The key to these gifts is your faith, My daughter.” His words, so tender and uplifting, opened fountains of tears deep within my soul. “Do not cry, My daughter.” He continued. “I want you always to remember how precious you are to Me. I will talk with you again.” From that day forward I have felt like I’m living more in heaven than on earth. My visits to heaven have wrought permanent changes in my life. I don’t even require as much sleep as I used to, because I feel supernaturally energized by power from on high. Truly, I know that heaven is so real, and this makes all the difference in this world.
Chapter 6 A Place Called Hell
And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. Then he cried and said, “Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.” --Luke 16:23-24 (emphasis added)
ON MARCH 2 the Lord awakened me at 3 A.M. His visit lasted for three hours. As usual, we started our journey at the seashore. This time the Lord and I walked for a while. I wondered where He was taking me. I noticed that the hill with so many trees and bushes was to our right. At the bottom of the hill, close to the sand, were many large and small rocks. We sat on a large rock, and I noticed that the clear water suddenly turned to blood. It always disturbed me to see this reminder of the Lord’s sacrifice, so I began to look up, turning my head away from the sea. Just then I noticed that the nearby mountains were ablaze with bright red flames. I was very surprised at this scene. The brightness of the blaze was soon replaced by a dark, smoky haze that covered the entire scene. People were fleeing from some unknown location and heading toward the beach. I noticed that some of them were naked, as if they had had to leave their beds so quickly that they had not had time to dress. Panic was on their faces, and they were running as fast as they could. Some stumbled, and the throng ran right over them. They seemed to be fleeing from some terrifying monster. Soon the entire beach around us was filled with these frightened people. The fire they were fleeing from now filled the surrounding area. Most surprising was that flames began to leap from the bloody ocean. It was as if the world was coming to an end right in front of me. Outbursts of flame were popping from the ocean as if from miniature volcanoes, and the flames began to creep toward the shoreline. It was intensely frightening, and I began to sob as I listened to the screams of the mob around me. Before this time, we had only sat peacefully on the sand on this beach. The scene taking place in front of me was horrifying and terrifying. I knew the Lord had a purpose for showing these things to me. Suddenly the scene changed back to normal. “Why are you showing this to me, Lord?” I asked. “All the things you see are going to happen very soon. So many people do not believe My Word, so I have chosen you to help them see the truth. What I show to you, I want you to tell the world.” There was anger in the tone of the Lord’s voice. We left the rock where we were sitting and walked along the sand. Jesus spoke once more. “I must show you more of the kingdom,” He said. We went through the usual processes to get there. I had the privilege once again of standing before the Lord’s throne with so many others who were humbling themselves in His presence. I joined in the worship that all of us were experiencing, and it was a wonderful time of peace, adoration, joy and blessing. My visits to the Lord’s throne room have opened my eyes to the great importance of worship in our lives. This is what we have been created for--to worship God and to enjoy Him forever. This is how we will spend all eternity. The scene in front of me was exactly as it is described in the book of Revelation, in which John writes: “Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald” (Revelations 4:2-3). How exciting it was for me to realize I was going through the same experience the apostle John had reported about in the last book of the Bible. The Lord had spoken to him in the same way He had invited me, “Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this” (Revelations 4:1). I knew from what the Lord had told me that people were not heeding the words of the Revelation, and now He wanted me to reiterate its message so that as many as possible would truly believe.
FLOWERS, MANSIONS AND CASTLES
JESUS TOOK MY hand and led me out of the throne room into a big, beautiful flower garden. In contrast with the horror I had seen at the beach, the peace of this immense garden filled me with love. I began to sing with joy, and a smile came automatically to my face. The Lord picked a flower, something like a rose, and gave it to me. I held onto it throughout this visit to the kingdom of heaven. The garden was so vast that I could not see where it ended. It was a true paradise of beauty, love, joy and peace. The aroma was sweeter than any I had ever known. This was heaven, and it was more beautiful than I had ever imagined it could be. We hiked out of the garden, along a narrow, winding road that led to a mountain vista overlooking a lush, green valley. I could see animals of all sorts galloping and playing among the trees. I particularly noticed a spectacular deer that looked so strong and healthy. I noticed that these animals, which would usually be considered wild, were playful with one another. It was like a scene from Disney’s Bambi movie. As I turned in another direction, I noticed a beautiful river. Along the river was a rock wall, and magnificent dwellings were situated on the left side of the river. Many of these homes looked like castles where only the very wealthy might live. The Lord said, “These are houses for My special children.” I was very curious about this place, but the Lord didn’t take me closer to it. He only showed it to me from the top of the hill and from a very far distance. Beholding that sight, I realized the truth of His Word: “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know” (John 14:1-3). There was a time when I wondered if this was simply figurative language, symbolic of heavenly things. Now I know those mansions and castles are real, and the Lord has already prepared them for us. More importantly, He wants us to be with Him there forever!
THE PIT OF HELL
THE LORD LED me to a different area outside the gates of the kingdom. We continued to ascend the mountain, and as we climbed higher and higher the road became rougher and rougher. We hiked along this narrow road for a long time, and it eventually led us through a dark tunnel. When we emerged from the tunnel, I noticed that we had climbed even higher up the hillside. It seemed strange to me that heaven would have such a dark tunnel and a winding, rough road. When we reached the summit and I looked over the crest of the mountain, I could see fumes and dark smoke rising from a deep pit. It was like the crater of a volcano, and inside I could see flames scorching a multitude of people who were screaming and crying in the kind of agony that only the severely burned truly know. The people were naked, without hair, and standing close to one another, moving like worms, and the flames were scorching their bodies. There was no escape for those who were captured in the pit--its walls were too deep for them to climb, and hot coals of fire were all around the edges. Even though the Lord did not tell me this, I knew I was standing at the brink of hell. It was even more horrible than the description the Bible gives: “The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire” (Revelations 20:13-15). Throughout the Gospels and the book of Revelation, Jesus was careful to tell us about the horrors of hell. The flames would leap out unexpectedly from all directions. People would move away, and then as soon as they seemed to think that they were safe, another fire would burst forth. There was no rest for these unfortunate victims of sin; they were doomed to spend all eternity being scorched and burned as they endeavored to escape the flames of hell. “Who are these people?” I asked. “My daughter, these people did not know Me.” He made this statement with a voice that heaved with grief. I could tell that the Lord was not pleased by the sight in front of us; it bothered Him deeply. I knew that He had no control over the destinies of people who deliberately chose to reject Him. These were the ones who were writhing in pain and suffering in the pit. I knew two vitally important things that I had to share with others. On one hand, heaven is real; on the other, hell is just as real. I know many people who do not believe in either place, and I knew it would become my mission to show them the reality of the afterlife. I knew my parents had never given their hearts to Jesus, so I began to wonder about them. “Lord, what about my parents?” I asked. “I know they weren’t saved, but they were good people.” “I’m sorry, my daughter. There is nothing I can do for those who do not know Me.” My Lord Jesus voice was so sad when He said this. The importance of His words stung me as I realized my mother and father must be among the doomed I was watching in the pit of hell. I sobbed the whole time He showed me these scenes. The Lord touched my head, and took my hand, leading me down a dark tunnel, and we emerged on another rough road that ran very far and to the edge of the pit. This mountain road led through tall trees and huge rocks. When we got to the top, I looked out over a brown and lifeless valley. Everywhere there was brown. The whole region seemed to be filled with dead grass. I noticed multitudes of people who were wearing sand-colored robes roaming aimlessly in the vicinity of the pit’s yawning mouth. Their heads were hanging low, and they looked very dejected and hopeless. “Who are these people, Lord?” I asked. “They are disobedient ‘Christians.’” “How long will they have to stay in this barren, lifeless place?” “Forever, My daughter. The only ones who will enter My kingdom are the pure of heart--My obedient children.” He went on to explain: “Many who call themselves ‘Christians’ do not live by My Word, and some of them think that going to church once a week is enough. They never read My words, and they pursue worldly things. Some who even know My words never have their hearts with Me.” The whole plan and purpose of God was beginning to clarify in my thinking. I remembered how Jesus had warned that it is hard to enter His kingdom, and now I had an inkling of what that meant. “My daughter, My Word says that it is hard to enter the kingdom of heaven, but so few really believe this and understand its importance. I am revealing this to you so you can warn them,” He explained. As if to reiterate the importance of His message, the Lord took me to the beautiful castles I had seen earlier. As we got closer to these dwellings, I could see the streets were paved with lustrous gold and that every castle was lavishly decorated with the finest gems. It’s true--heaven’s streets are paved with solid gold! I longed to go into one of the castles, but the Lord stopped me by saying, “I will take you later.” I was disappointed, but I felt so privileged that I had seen this city where the saints of all the ages will reside together.
WHOSOEVER WILL
THE LORD AND I returned to the changing room, donned the most beautiful robes and crowns imaginable, then went to the pond and sat on a rock. I couldn’t truly appreciate the serenity of the scene in front of me because my mind was preoccupied with the horrifying memories of hell. I could not get the thought of my parents out of my mind--it grieved me so deeply to know that mother and father were both in hell. I was overcome by sadness. I knew for sure that my parents never knew Jesus because no one ever preached to them. Jesus saw within me and said, “You are not happy.” “Yes, Lord,” I responded, realizing that He knew the reason for my despondency. A time of tender quietness followed. Then I said, “Lord, I never want to leave You.” His presence was the only true security I’d ever known. “My daughter, you have much work to do. I want you to write a book. This is an important book for the last days, and it will be translated into many languages. “I chose you for this work before you were born, and this is why My Holy Spirit is always shaking your body--to pour My power into you. If you did not have the power of the Holy Spirit, I could not use you. “You must remember that My power began working in you when you first opened your heart to Me. You are the daughter I trust to do this work for Me.” “Lord, I don’t know anything.” “You don’t have to know. I will be teaching and guiding you in everything. Tell everyone that I am ready for whoever is ready and waiting for Me. I love you, My daughter.” I began to cry, and the Lord took my hand and said, “I will take you back.” After we changed our clothing we returned to the beach and sat together for a while. The Lord spoke to me, “I still have more to show you, and I want you to wait for Me.” “But we plan to go to my daughter’s place next week.” “Stay home, My daughter. I do not want you to travel anywhere for a while. What I am doing with you is too important for Me and all My children, so I want you to concentrate on everything I show you and tell you until everything is done. Be patient.” “I will do anything You tell me to do,” I said. “Nothing is more important than Your work.” “Thank you, My daughter. I still have a lot of work for you to do. I know you are tired, so get your rest.” He left me, and my body stopped shaking. Then, as usual, I wrote down everything I had seen and heard. In essence, Christianity is so simple that it eludes so many. Human beings have a tendency to need to complicate everything, including matters of faith. Jesus simply wants people to come to Him in faith so He can lead them and help them. I now knew, more fully than I had ever known before, that whosoever will may come to Him and receive eternal life. His Word states it plainly: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
A SMOKING PIT
THE NEXT DAY--March 3--was filled with many new, God-given experiences. From 2:30 A.M. until 4:50 A.M. the Lord was with me. He began His visit by saying: “My daughter, this is your Lord. I know you are tired, but I must show you more things.” For fifteen minutes before His visit, my body shook uncontrollably. He took my hand and we walked along an earthly beach. It was a new site for our visits to the seashore. There were many trees and bushes. We climbed over a narrow road that was lined with trees and bushes. We strolled along this lane, which wound around a mountain that we ascended rapidly. Near the summit we rested on a huge rock that was shaped something like a gigantic bear. I looked toward the ocean, and I noticed that its water had turned to blood once more. Again I saw people running on the beach. These were not casual joggers; they were running in fear and panic. The panorama before us helped me understand what they were running from. To my left the mountains and the buildings situated on each mountainside were all ablaze. It was an inferno worse than the annual brush fires that plague the citizens of Southern California. Next, I noticed huge fires bursting forth everywhere. People were on fire. Some were jumping into the ocean for relief, but when they stepped into the water, they would fall because of the fire. Everyone had become a human torch. I began to scream in horror and compassion for those I saw. The bloody ocean had turned into a cauldron of blazing brimstone. The sand was a bed of hot, flaming coals. The people were running from the fire that pursued them, surrounded them and licked hungrily at their bodies. A few of them were naked and had no protection at all from the fire. It was futile anyway, for there was no escape from the scorching enemy that threatened to devour them. They could not flee to the mountains because they were engulfed in flames. No place was safe. I was screaming the whole time, and I began to sob: “Lord, what is happening?” “You must remember, My daughter, that I am showing you these things so you will be able to let everyone know what is going to happen soon.” “When will this happen, Lord?” “After I bring My children home. Many people do not believe My Word. That’s why I want you to write a book that describes your experiences with Me. I want the whole world to see this book, and I want them to realize that I am ready for them. “I love all My children, but I cannot bring them to My kingdom if they are not ready for Me. I will never force My children to do anything if they don’t have a heart for Me. I have been planning for you to do this work for a long time because My kingdom is completely ready now.” The Lord had to keep on reminding me and reassuring me of His plans because I was still so stunned that He had chosen me for such an important assignment. It was beyond my ability to comprehend the enormity of it all. The implications of the Lord’s words to me were overwhelmingly important. There was a part of me that wanted to shrink from such an all-consuming work, but my commitment to obey the Lord in all things kept me going. I knew that He was preparing me for an End Times work of epic proportions, and I was thrilled and yet intimidated. I knew He still had much work to do in my life. “I will take you to heaven again.” Once we had arrived in heaven, we did not take time to go through the usual procedures. The Lord immediately led us away to the pit we had seen yesterday outside the gates of the kingdom. This time we did not change our clothing. To get there, we had to walk on a mountainside, through a dark tunnel and on to the summit of the mountain. When we arrived at the top, we looked down into a yawning pit that was so wide and deep that it appeared to be endless. It was a frightening, disturbing scene. The Lord said, “I want you to see this again.” It was so hard to look into the pit of hell, but immediately my attention was directed toward a figure who was waving at me. Through the smoky haze, I could determine that the person was a woman. Then I heard her voice. She was speaking in my native Korean tongue, and she began to scream: “Hot! Hot!” I knew that voice. The smoke cleared, and I looked directly into the eyes of the tormented woman. I immediately recognized my mother! She stretched out her right hand and waved it at me, saying, “So hot, so hot!” I remember so clearly her eyes and my eyes meeting, and the way her eyes begged me to help her. My very own mother was screaming for help from the gaping pit of Hades. My heart stopped. A knife of cold hopelessness stabbed at my heart. My mother was in hell! I felt as if the boulder I was sitting on was on top of me. I wanted so desperately to reach out and take my mother’s hand so that I could lift her from the licking tongues of fire that swirled all around her. It was the worst moment of my life. There is no word in the dictionary that truly identifies what I felt at that moment. It was a mixture of fear, desperation, hurt, terror, sadness and hopelessness. Then I realized that these were the very emotions that my mother would have to experience throughout all eternity. My mother had died when she was forty, but her face looked the same as I had remembered her. She was a beautiful woman, but her expression reflected the torment she was experiencing in the pit. I wanted to touch her, to hold her, to tell her everything would be OK, but I knew that these things had been made impossible because of her choices in life. I knew that I could not help her--that even the Lord could not help her because she didn’t know Him. She didn’t know anything about the Lord because no one had ever preached to her. It is not knowing the Lord that leads a person into hell, and this is why I want to tell the whole world about the pit I saw and the wonderful kingdom of heaven. Next I saw my father, my stepmother and a close friend who had died when she was only nineteen. They all were in hell! They looked the same as I had remembered them, but their faces were distorted by the agony of their punishment. I felt I couldn’t take it anymore, and I turned my head away from the dreadful scene in front of me. Then I heard another familiar voice screaming out of the pit. It was a friend who had died ten years before. Next to her was my nephew who died when he was twenty. The last time I had seen him, he was only ten, but he looked the same as I had remembered him, only he was taller. I began to weep profusely. I had been crying the whole time, wailing like a child. So many of my loved ones and friends had made choices that had cast them into the fires of hell for all eternity! It was too much for me to bear! Some of them, I’m sure, had heard about the Lord, but I felt quite certain that no one had ever explained to them who Jesus was. I felt quite certain that if they had known who He truly was, then they would not have made the choices they had made. How I wished I could tell them about Him who said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). The pit of hell was a long way from us, but it was as if I had a telephoto lens that enabled me to see these people very closely. I could not control my tears, and the Lord lovingly wiped my tears and stroked my hair. It was then that I realized the Lord was as sad as I was, and I could sense that He was crying along with me. He broke the silence. “The reason I am showing this to you, My daughter, is so that you will fully understand that no matter how good people are, they will go to hell if they do not accept Me.” I nodded my head. “I know your parents and friends were good people in many ways, but they were not saved. That’s why this is the only place for them. It is here that they will have to spend eternity. “Daughter, I know it hurts you to see them, but you must include this experience in the book you will write for Me. This is why I show you your parents and others as you remember them. You have to warn the people of the world about the reality of hell. I want to see as many souls saved as possible before I return to gather My church unto Myself. “My Father loves all of His children, but He has given them certain laws that He expects them to live by. When I saw your loved ones, I felt deeper pain than you did, but I must live by My Father’s Word. Once a person goes to hell, there is no way for them to ever get out again. I want the unsaved to know this--the reality of hell is forever. “I love every one of My children, but I cannot force anyone to love Me or to obey Me. If they will open their hearts to Me, then I can help them to believe in Me and love Me. I want to save as many souls as possible. I want believers everywhere to preach the gospel. This is most important to Me.” It was enough. I had seen enough and heard enough to propel me into a ministry of evangelistic fervor that could never subside. How could I ever remain silent after all I had seen and heard? I would tell everyone I saw about Jesus so that they could receive eternal life in heaven. Nothing in all the world was more important than this. My own parents and so many other family members and friends were in hell. I could not stand by and watch anyone else go there. I was so happy to know that my book would find its way into the hands of many people who need to know that hell is just as real as heaven is. Even though the things I saw in hell had greatly unnerved me, they had planted a resolve in my spirit that nothing would ever be able to dissipate. I was determined that no one else within my reach would be able to deny the reality of hell and heaven. Heaven is real, and I want everyone to be able to go there with me. I know that this is the Lord’s desire as well. He says it in His Word:
The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. --2 PETER 3:9-10
The last days are truly upon us. The Lord’s patience has been most gracious up until now, but He is getting ready to come again to receive His children to Himself. It is then that the people who remain on earth will truly experience hell on earth before they end up in the fiery inferno of everlasting destruction. My job is to warn the whole world about these events that are “just around the corner.”
Chapter 7 Maranatha! “Surely I am coming quickly.” --Revelation 22:20
AFTER THE HORRIFYING vision of hell, the Lord and I descended the mountain, passed through the dark tunnel, and returned to a place I had started to call “animal mountain.” This is the wonderful place I briefly described in the previous chapter--a place of peace and joy where all the animals coexist is delightful harmony. The Bible depicts this peaceful place for animals in the book of Isaiah, where the prophet proclaims:
It shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear. The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, the lion shall eat straw like the ox, and dust shall be the serpent’s food. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain, says the LORD. --ISAIAH 65:24-25
After seeing the tormenting fires of hell, this peaceful scene was most reassuring. Heaven is a place of peace and joy in contrast with the violence and depression of hell. The Lord’s “animal mountain” is a place of eternal joy and happiness. It is reassuring to know that animals will live with us in paradise. So many people wonder if their pets will be in heaven, and I am happy to let them know that heaven is a place of beautiful flowers, peaceful animals and glorious radiance where people and animals alike will never experience pain, hardship, death or suffering ever again.
GOLDEN CASTLES
AFTER OUR BRIEF visit to the animal paradise, the Lord and I went back to the waterside where we visited shiny mansions and castles on streets of pure gold. We approached one of the castles, and the Lord opened the door for me to enter. My vocabulary does not permit me to aptly describe the interior of this regal dwelling place. The walls were constructed of multicolored precious gems that glistened and glowed in a magical way. I opened my mouth in surprise and couldn’t close it for a while because I never expected to see such beauty. For a moment I thought it was a dream, but this was a real castle; there was no doubt about that. The Lord rested on a chair as I went up the winding staircase that was more massive and grand than the one shown in Gone With the Wind’s Tara plantation. I was filled with a sense of wonder as I imagined the magnificence of the rooms upstairs. At the top of the staircase, I noticed that the carpeting was a plush white. I entered a huge powder room that had very large, sparkling mirrors everywhere. They reflected the brightness of the room and the multitude of colors that arrayed themselves spectacularly on every wall. It was a more wonderful place than any fantasy castle could ever be. The breathtaking joy and fascination I was experiencing was soon shattered by an exceedingly painful memory. The view of my mother flashed in front of me, and I was downcast once more. I fell to the carpet and began to sob. I heard the Lord calling me from downstairs, so I got up, brushed myself off and went back downstairs. The Lord stood up and I walked toward Him. He extended His hands toward me and asked, “How do you like this house?” “It is beautiful, Lord, but I am not truly happy. Whenever I’ve visited heaven before I’ve been filled with joy and I usually sing spiritual songs, but this time it cannot be so.” The Lord nodded as if He understood, then He took my hand and led me out of the house. We walked across a golden bridge toward the white building where we usually change our garments. In the white building, the Lord introduced me to a very impressive gentleman. “I want you to meet Abraham,” He said.
A CITY AWAITS
ABRAHAM! THE GREAT patriarch of faith and obedience--the man who had defied the entire world by proclaiming there is only one God. This was the great leader who had founded Judaism and had paved the way for Christ. It was such an honor to actually meet this good man of whom the writer of the book of Hebrews said:
By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would afterward receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. --HEBREWS 11:8-10
Now I knew that Father Abraham had received the reward that his faith had justified. He was living forever in “the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God,” and I was there with him! It was too wonderful to fully comprehend. Abraham was a most dignified person who had long white hair and a flowing white beard. Though he looked old, his eyes sparkled with youth and joy. He put his hand on my shoulder and simply said, “Daughter.” The smile on his face caused me to know that his blessing was upon my life, and I immediately loved this great man to whom I, and every believer in the world, owe so much. Perhaps more than anyone else, it was Abraham who taught us that “without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (see Hebrews 11:6). He was one of that great host of patriarchs and prophets of whom it was said:
But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, “In Isaac your seed shall be called,” accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense. --HEBREWS 11:16-19
For the first time in my life I saw the many truths of this verse with utter clarity. God has prepared a city for Abraham, and for all of us who believe and obey. Abraham, like God, had willingly offered his only begotten son, fully persuaded that God could raise him from the dead if need be. In the same way, our heavenly Father gave His only begotten Son--Jesus--as a sacrifice for our sins. He was crucified and buried, but on the third day God raised Jesus from the dead, and because of His resurrection none of us ever have to fear death again! Abraham called an angel to be my escort. The angel took me into the powder room where I changed into my beautiful heavenly robe and crown. Then the Lord took me back to the pond. Each time the Lord takes me to the pond, the moment we arrive there I begin to sing and dance, but this time I wanted only to cry. The Lord knew how sad I was. He let me sit next to Him, and He began to talk.
VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH
JESUS SENSED THE sadness that I carried in my heart over the full recognition of my parents and loved ones being in hell. “My daughter,” He said, “I know how you feel about your loved ones that you saw in the pit. How I wish I did not have to show you these things, but I do not want any of My children to go to the place where your loved ones are. I am showing these things to you so that whoever heeds my warnings will be saved!” The Lord then took my hand, and we returned to the place where Abraham was. We changed our clothing again, and He took me to another high mountain from which I could look down into another endless valley where a multitude of people dressed in gray-colored robes were wandering about in an apparent mood of dejection. Their robes reminded me of the gowns worn by hospital patients. The people looked weak and lost, and their gray faces matched the color of the robes they were wearing. They stared at the ground in front of their feet as they walked around in circles, aimlessly and hopelessly. This place was mostly men with just a few women. “Who are these people, Lord?” “They are the sinful ‘Christians.’” “What is going to happen to them?” I wondered aloud. “Most of them will go to the lake of fire after the judgment.” I wondered why these people were here, and then I remembered that their valley leads to the burning pit. These so-called “Christians” who don’t really know the Lord and who continually and willfully sin and don’t repent before they die or before the Rapture happens will be eternally lost. Romans 1:29-32, Galatians 5:19-21 and Revelation 21:8 all are examples of how some Christians live. Someone once asked me how sinful Christians could enter heaven. We all must appear before the judgement seat of Christ to receive what is due to us for the things done while on earth, whether good or bad (see 2 Corinthians 5:10). “My daughter, this is why I keep telling you about the importance of obedience and purity,” Jesus said. Then it occurred to me--each time we went to the beautiful places of the heavenly kingdom we crossed the golden bridge, from the white building where we usually change. When the Lord took me to see the dreadful places, however, we would go on different roads that were outside the gate of the heavenly kingdom.
SADNESS AND JOY
THIS REALIZATION HELPED me understand some of the preparations we would go through before I would be shown a different part of the kingdom. Therefore, it was not necessary for us to change our robes when the Lord took me to the earthly beach. On this occasion, we sat on the sand, and I reflected on all that I had experienced. I began to cry as I remembered all I had seen in the pit and the valley. The Lord took my hand and said, “Do not cry, My daughter.” This was the hardest of all commands to obey, but I steeled myself against the horrible memories, choked back the tears and began to ask all the questions that were flooding my mind. “Lord, I do not know anything, and I am a nobody. How can you use me?” “People may think you are a nobody, but I want you to understand that you are My special daughter. I treat you as My friend, and I trust you implicitly. Don’t worry about anything. I will take care of everything for you.” “When are you coming to take us home?” “You saw the kingdom. Everything is ready, and that is why I am in a hurry for everyone to be ready for Me. This is why I want you to do this work for My children. You have been given a special anointing to do this work, so do not say that you are a nobody. I will bless you more than you ever thought.” “Lord, you know that I love you, but I cannot get rid of my mother’s face as I saw it contorted by the fires of hell. I do not want to remember what I saw.” Just then the Lord touched my eyes, and from that moment on I could not recall my mother’s face. Even as I write these words, I cannot see her face. All I can remember is that I once saw her face in the pit, and it was a terrifying experience. Jesus then said: “I know you are tired. We will talk again.” We both stood, and He embraced me, then departed. As the Lord hugged me, my body shook so hard that I felt I would fall to pieces. Every time He touches my transformed body, my physical body experiences the overpowering force of His touch, and every nerve and sinew in my body quakes and quivers. Then, the minute He leaves, my body stops shaking. That same morning, I went to church, and I experienced the presence of the Lord shaking my body throughout the service. I could see Him standing by the pastor. During the worship time, the Lord was walking in the front of the church. It was wonderful to see His glowing presence in the church. Throughout the service I cried tears of love and joy. My heart thudded within my breast as I contemplated the majesty of the heavenly kingdom I had visited. The anointing was so heavy upon me that I could not stand. I could not even hear the pastor’s sermon as my body responded to the Lord’s presence with intense heat and shaking. The people in my church understand what is happening to me, and they’ve been very supportive. In times past I would have been embarrassed and ashamed by such a physical manifestation in public, but I was happy because I knew it all was a gift of God and He was preparing me to serve Him in ways I had never thought possible. I never want this manifestation of His powerful presence in my life to go away.
THE TRIBULATION
ON MARCH 4 the Lord visited me from 2:30 A.M. to 5:05 A.M. My body shook for twenty minutes, then the Lord took me to the beach, and we walked up the mountainside to the big rock where we had sat the last time. Everything seemed normal for the first few moments, but suddenly I noticed that the mountains where the fires had burned the day before were now only scorched, charred mounds of ash and rubble. The whole area was simply a huge, black hole of destruction. I noticed that the beach, where the people had run and fallen the day before, was pockmarked with black spots, and I assumed that each of these spots represented the charred remains of human beings who had died in the fires of the last days. The ocean, once filled with blazing blood, was now a large, empty sinkhole--scorched beyond recognition. After a few moments of beholding this scene of ultimate desolation, darkness and destruction, the ocean and the surrounding area returned to normal. I had studied the Word of God to see what it said about these phenomena. In Revelation 8:8, I read these words: “And something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood.” Revelation 16:3 refers to the sea becoming like blood: “Then the second angel poured out his bowl on the sea, and it became blood as of a dead man; and every living creature in the sea died.” God had shown me the very things He had already described in His Word. “When is all this going to take place?” I asked the Lord with great curiosity. “At the tribulation.” “Lord, when will the tribulation occur?” “After I bring My children to My kingdom. Whoever has read My book and believes My prophets should know about these things concerning the end of time. All the things I showed you on this beach will happen very soon.” I feel the Lord is coming for us very soon, and that is why so many unusual things are happening in the world. One glance at the daily headlines concurs with this observation. Earthquakes, other natural disasters (including hurricanes, tornadoes, typhoons, fires, floods and blizzards), violence, lawlessness, plagues, terrorism and many other phenomena are occurring with greater intensity and frequency than ever before, just as the Bible predicted. Jesus told His disciples:
And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. --MATTHEW 24:6-14
These were the events that Jesus had already shown me. How I wish I could impress their vividness and reality upon everyone in the same way that those scenes have been so indelibly imprinted on my mind. Jesus’ words are real, and His prophecies soon will come to pass!
THE PLACE OF LIVING WATER
IN THE BOOK of Revelation, the Bible talks about the “water of life”: “And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month” (Revelations 22:1-2). After the Lord took me to heaven, we went into the white building, and an angel took me to the powder room where I changed clothing. When I came out, I saw the Lord who had changed into heavenly garments as well. He took me to His throne and directed me to sit on a chair next to Him. This was the first time the Lord seated me next to Himself. There I saw many men wearing beautiful gowns and crowns sitting in front of us. I noticed that they looked very dignified and important. “Lord, who are these men?” “They are the ones I gave My sacred words to, and they faithfully recorded them in My book.” He pointed to a huge black Bible in the corner of the room, and I noticed that the pages of the Scriptures were turning by themselves as if a soft breeze was fingering its way through the pages. I was surprised, but then I realized the wind of the Spirit of God was rustling through the pages of the holy Word. The men began to walk out slowly, and an angel took me back to the powder room so I could change into a regular gown, and my body took on the form of a teenager. I remembered then that heaven is a place where you never grow old, and this thought delighted me and filled me with wonder. We crossed the golden bridge again and walked along a hillside by a beautiful valley. A golden fence formed a boundary around the entire area, and the fence had several gates that were placed close to one another all around the perimeter. Trees were planted close to the fence, and lovely yellow flowers filled the ground around the trees. It was a magnificent rock garden that led to a crystal-clear river. I noticed that the trees were laden with purple fruits. The Lord reached up and gave me one to eat while He enjoyed another one that He had picked. The river was narrow, but it seemed to have no end as it coursed its way through the fertile valley. Nothing on earth--not even the majestic Rocky Mountains or the fruited plains--could compare with the lush paradise in front of me. “What is this place, Lord?” “It is the place of living water. Would you like a drink?” “Oh, yes, Lord.” He bent down and cupped His hand, filling it with the clean, pure water. He drank from His hand and indicated that I should follow His lead. I reached down and filled my palm with water and sipped its delicious freshness. It was the sweetest water I’d ever tasted. “How do you like this water, My daughter?” “It’s so delicious, Lord.” “Now I want to take you to a very special place.”
THE MANSION
I WONDERED WHERE He was leading me as He took my hand and began walking. He led me to the castle we had visited on the previous day. My heart sang with wonder. How could anything be this beautiful? The golden streets amazed me, and I felt so happy as we walked along this place the Lord has prepared for His own. The street looked slippery because it was so shiny, but felt normal underfoot. Because of its brightness, it resembled an indoor ice-skating rink. Sunlight, it seemed, was shooting through the whole place. Whenever I walk with the Lord, I feel so intensely happy that there truly are no words to describe it. It is a feeling of comfort and joy mingled with unwavering security. We walked past many mansions and castles, each more exquisite than the last. In front of one of these dwellings, the Lord stopped emphatically. I knew He was going to take me inside, and I was excited beyond all measure. My heart kept skipping beats as we walked up the front steps. My eyes were drawn to the doorknob, which was made of gold. Then I saw a gold plate on the front door. It had a name inscribed on it, and I realized quickly that it was my name. I almost fainted with surprise. Written in fancy lettering was the name “Choo Nam.” This was the place Jesus had prepared for me! I was amazed. It was too good to be true. Here I was, standing at the door of a regal palace in heaven, and my name was inscribed in gold on its beautiful door! It was too much to take in! My head reeled in astonishment. How could these things be? I cried tears of gratitude and joy as my heart overflowed with love and adoration for the Lord. I had never really anticipated such wonderful things from Him. I had always felt that if He simply noticed me it would be OK, but now He literally was showering His blessings on me! I had tasted the living water, and I knew I would never thirst again. I had tasted the purple fruit of paradise, and I could never hunger for the things of the world again. I had been with Jesus--my Lord and Master--and He had taken me to the mansion He had made for me. I wept openly as the Lord led me into the house. He said: “Do not cry, My daughter. I want you to be happy.” As we stepped across the threshold of the mansion, spiritual songs welled up from my heart, and I continued to cry tears of joy and gratitude. I was awestruck by the sparkling stone walls that lined the corridor of my mansion. I loved the red-and-cream-colored carpet with its round patterns. The red velvet chairs--so classic and sophisticated--were like the ones I had always wanted in my home. The red draperies were the finest I’d ever seen. The Lord took His seat on one of the velvet chairs as I walked up the majestic stairway, savoring every single moment in my mansion. The bedroom was carpeted in pure white, and I noticed that the headboard of the bed was silver with blue stones embedded decoratively along its border. The mirror on the dresser also had blue stones highlighting its brightness. The bathroom had a silver bathtub that was decorated with precious jewels of every color. I sang as I walked around the interior of my mansion. I felt like a princess in fairyland. But I knew this was no fantasy--it was more real than I had ever imagined. I had always believed in a heavenly paradise, but I had never been absolutely sure of its existence. Now I knew, beyond all doubt, that heaven is real, and I wanted everyone in the world to know it, too. After several moments of wonderful joy, I walked down the stairs to where the Lord was sitting. He stood up and asked, “Are you happy, Choo Nam?” I knew the Lord was happy about showing me my mansion. “Yes, I am very happy, and so very grateful for all you’ve done for me,” I responded, “but I still feel as if I don’t deserve such wonderful blessings. I haven’t really done anything for You yet, Lord, but I always want to serve You and to make You happy.” “You have already made Me happy, My daughter. You are a very special daughter to Me, and I want to bless you so much.”
“MY CHILDREN ARE NOT READY FOR ME”
AS WE LEFT and walked over the golden bridge, we went back to the white building and changed into beautiful gowns and crowns and went to the pond. I felt so joyous, I was singing before we even arrived at the pond. We sat and talked for a little while, and I realized that I was the most fortunate individual who had ever existed. The Lord broke my reverie with an urgent message. “Choo Nam, I have prepared everything for My children. I am in a hurry for everything because My kingdom has been ready for a long time, but so many of My children are not ready for Me, because they love the world too much. “That is why I want you to write a book for Me. I know it’s tiring for you, but this work has to be done soon. “Lord, I am so surprised about everything you have shown me already. If I were to hear of such a book, I know I would want to read it because I love You so much.” “I know you do, My daughter,” He responded, smiling. “This is why I am in such a hurry. Preaching the gospel is the most important thing in the world. I want all My children to know that I am coming soon.” My mind went back to some of the closing words of the Bible, and with all my heart I cried the same: “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” Maranatha! The Lord truly is coming soon.
Chapter 8 Preparation for Service I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. --Romans 12:1-2
MY SUPERNATURAL EXPERIENCES were both wonderfully exhilarating and somewhat exhausting, and the Lord recognized the toll they were taking on my body and health. The shaking that my body had to endure was part of my preparation for service. This physical manifestation of God’s supernatural work in my life, as well as the deep groanings that emanated from my spirit, were having an effect on my body. After my body quivers so intensely for a period of two or three hours, I am left reeling. My mind feels as if it is spinning, and I get very dizzy. Sometimes this sensation is so strong that I am hardly able to walk. The strength of the Lord’s anointing in my life kept me from eating very much for periods of several days at a time. The sleep deprivation and lack of food caused me to feel weak and emaciated. In fact, I had already lost five pounds. I frequently felt nauseated, and I often experienced pain in my stomach and joints. Before leaving each day, however, the Lord would heal me of my pains. He would embrace me, and a single touch from His hand would lift the anguish and cause the shaking to stop. He would usually say tender words of concern and caring that helped me know that He truly understood how tired I was. It is so wonderful to know that He cares about everything that concerns His children--our aches and pains, our worries, our tiredness, our hopes and dreams. The writer of the book of Hebrews explains how this is possible:
Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. --HEBREWS 4:14-16
Jesus wept. He knew the pain of loneliness and rejection. He faced temptation. He wrestled with the will of God. He experienced anger and fear. No matter what we face, He has been there. More importantly, our great High Priest is right there with us. He is praying for us. He is bearing our burdens. Jesus truly understands. He knew that many things had to be healed in my inner life before I could be effectively used in the ministry He has called me to. He had already explained to me that He repeated things so many times so that I would truly understand. He took me to some of the same heavenly places more than once so that I could fully experience their reality--and remember them. He had emphasized that the reason why my body shook so forcibly every time I was in His presence was because He was pouring His power into me. In short, therefore, I was being prepared for a worldwide ministry of evangelism and healing that would begin with the book you now hold in your hands.
THE BIG, BLACK BIBLE
ON MARCH 5 the Lord kept me awake from 1:50 A.M. to 4:20 A.M. In the process, my body shook for about twenty-five minutes. Then the Lord took me to the beach in preparation for the next journey to heaven. We revisited the white building and the powder room. We both changed into our heavenly robes and crowns. Then we went to the throne room where the Lord took His seat and directed me to sit in a chair next to Him. There were several men in front of us who were wearing crowns similar to my own. “Who are these men?” I asked. The Lord replied, “They are the ones who wrote My Word.” I looked at each glowing face and I tried to guess who each one was. Sitting in front of me were the apostles John, Matthew, Luke, Mark, James, Peter and Paul. The prophets were there as well--men such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, Joel, Micah, Malachi, Daniel, Obadiah, Hosea and many others. I thought, Moses and Joshua must be in the crowd as well; and Nehemiah, Job, David, Solomon, Ezekiel, Nahum, Jonah and Zechariah. I wish I had time to talk with each one. I’d ask Jonah what it was like to be in the belly of the great fish. I’d want Daniel to tell me how it felt to be in the lion’s den. I’d love to hear David describe his experience with Goliath. Then it dawned on me: One day, in the near future, I would take up the heavenly abode Jesus had shown me, and I would be able to have lasting fellowship with the saints of all ages! Then I could ask them. Then I would find out. Then I would know. Won’t it be wonderful? Paul wrote: “For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known” (1 Corinthians 13:12). It was still beyond my comprehension how I had been chosen to receive so much in advance of the great day of the Lord when we shall know, even as we are known, but I did understand that I had been granted an incredibly special grace to see so many things. I knew that this special privilege was not for me alone. I knew it was for everybody, so that as many as would be willing to do so would believe and be saved. The huge black Bible I had seen on a previous visit was directly in front of me. It radiated with the power of the Holy Spirit who spoke to my heart: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). I noticed that the writers who were inspired to write the Bible had notebooks in their hands, and then I realized that the Lord was showing this scene to me for the second time so that I would fully understand the importance of His Word in my life. I knew He wanted me to read and study and take notes as I focused on His Word. My Lord and Master wanted me to “take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:17-18). The enormity of the Bible in front of me served to remind me that the Bible should grow ever bigger in my life--that it should be the foundation on which my ministry would be built and launched.
A TRANSFORMED BODY
AN ANGEL ESCORTED me back to the changing room where I could see my reflection in the huge, clear mirrors. I had been transformed! My new body was that of my teenage years. I was young, beautiful and vibrant. Each time I saw the transformation I was shocked! But it was a reminder that when I get to heaven I will have a new body. Our new, heavenly bodies will not grow old. They will be incapable of pain. There will be no wrinkles in our faces. Our teeth will be white and even. No gray will be found in our hair. The radiance of youth will glow from our eyes. Our posture will be straight and even. Any handicaps we experienced on earth will vanish. We will be completely new in every respect, and it will be wonderful!
THE LIVING, FLOWING WATERS
WE CHANGED, THEN walked across the golden bridge, through a verdant valley. We followed a beautiful road that was bordered by a golden fence with many gates. Along the way I noticed the now-familiar fruit trees and picturesque yellow flowers. Beautiful rocks were strewn across the fields and the fast-flowing, clear-as-crystal river was nearby. “That water is living water,” the Lord pointed out. It was the second time I had seen this magnificent river. The time before, I had even tasted its sweet, pure water. I noticed that the river of life was narrow, but it did not seem to have any end. As we walked toward the nearest gate, the Lord asked me if I wanted to drink from the river of life again but I shook my head because I did not want to impose on His gracious kindness to me, and I was eager to see the next sight, which I hoped was my mansion--the one He had already prepared for me. We headed in the direction of my palace, and when we arrived there, we entered. The Lord sat in the same chair He had taken on the previous visit and seemed eager for me to explore my future dwelling. I went into the same rooms I had visited before, and I imagined what it would be like for me to live there. The silver bedroom set with beautiful stones and the beautiful powder room, the beautiful draperies and carpets, the glistening walls--all reminders of what Jesus had done for me. He was showing me these things again so that they would stick in my memory--so that I would truly believe. I was filled with even more wonder and anticipation than I had experienced on the previous visit. We left my mansion and went back to the white building where we changed our garments once more. Then we went to the placid pond where the Lord took His usual place on the solid rock. He sat, but I could not contain myself. I began to dance and sing with the greatest, fullest joy I had ever known. From my heavenly vantage point, I could see that my physical body, still lying on my bed, was moving and my hands were waving. The Lord seemed so pleased with me, and He beckoned for me to come and sit next to Him.
WHOLENESS AND HEALING
I KNEW THAT the Lord still had much to do in my life before I would be ready to fulfill the calling He had imparted to me. Things from my past caused me to feel inferior and unworthy. He seemed focused on helping me gain confidence, first in Him and then in myself. “My daughter, I have shown you the important parts of the kingdom of God, and I want you to tell everyone what you have seen. I know I have shown you many things today that I showed you before. When you do the work I’ve called you to do many souls will be saved. The book will be read all over the world.” “But, Lord, I am nobody. Why did you choose me? Why not someone who is famous already?” “Choo Nam, I created you for this End-Time work. I will make you famous. I know you are learning what I teach you. I know you will be faithful to Me.” “Who will write the book?” I queried. “I try to write down everything you say and to describe the things you show me, but I don’t really know how to write a book.” (The fact was, I felt very intimidated by the whole idea!) “Lord, I don’t have enough education to write a book.” “You do not need to know how to write the book. Just write down what I show you and tell you, and a writer will write the book for you. Daughter, do not worry. I will guide someone in rewriting what you have put down. A Spirit-filled writer will do this work for you.” This new bit of information eased my mind. Ever so slowly, and step by step, I was learning to lean on the Lord instead of my own understanding. A passage came to my mind: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). My problem was not in trusting the Lord. He had already proven His faithfulness to me in so many extraordinary ways. My problem was in trusting myself. Since my childhood I had always been afraid to step out, to take the lead--and now I was being called to write a book and launch a worldwide ministry! Actually, I was frightened. The Lord then interjected a new thought by saying: “You will have great wealth, and I want you to use it to build a church for Me.” “But I cannot preach, Lord.” “You will not have to preach.” The groaning deep in my spirit began to emerge, and I knew a special anointing was upon me. Then something more vivid than a natural scene appeared before me. It was a vision of a church--a white-frame church building with a very high steeple. The entry doors were beautiful double doors. The sanctuary was adorned with deep-red chairs and carpeting. I could see that many activities and functions were taking place in wings to the side. The sanctuary was filled with people, and I noticed that some of them entered the church in wheelchairs, but they left walking. There was marvelous joy on their faces because they had been completely healed. Just seeing this vision was bringing healing to my hurts and fears as well. Like them, God wanted me to be whole, and He was equipping me for the ministry to which I had been called. “Do you like what you are seeing?” the Lord asked. I radiated a smile back at Him and responded, “Yes!” I was more excited than I had ever been in my life. Then He repeated something that was vitally important to Him, “Before I come for My people, half of the unbelievers will be saved.” “When will you come for us?” I asked again, hoping for a more precise, definitive response. “I told you it will be soon. Didn’t you see that everything is already prepared for everyone here?” That, I then knew, was precisely why the Lord had taken me to heaven so many times--so that I would see that He had almost completed His work. The time of His return is truly at hand. This is the burning message that must be told. This is the theme of my book and my life. Jesus wants everyone to know that the end is coming. He has already prepared an eternal home for all who believe in Him. It is no longer accurate to say that He is preparing a place for us because the place is already prepared! Isn’t it thrilling to know that half of the unbelievers in the world will be saved before the Lord returns in the very near future? Many millions of people will be ushered into the church of Jesus Christ, and the church had better be prepared for them. I can’t wait to start building the church of my vision. I have embraced the vision God gave me, and I am beginning to run with it. My confidence is building, and all of my inner insecurities, worries and fears are being absorbed by the love of God. I know, beyond all shadow of doubt, that God’s love is everlasting, His kingdom is real and He will keep His Word. Through the experiences I’d had in heaven, I was learning that God enables those He calls. He fills in the empty places and provides strength in our weakness. Like the handicapped people I’d seen in the vision of the church, we’re all limited or handicapped in one way or another. But God is able to give new strength to the legs of the lame, and as He heals our handicaps, we are able to walk in newness of life--in the strength and power of His Holy Spirit. On that early March morning I learned an all-encompassing truth anew: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13).
A NEEDED REST
FOR ONE AND a half months the Lord had been waking me from my sleep in the early hours of many mornings to take me to heaven so He could prepare me for the work He had called me to do. I was tired, and my body was weak. Recognizing my need for more sleep, the Lord said, “This is the last time I will bring you to the kingdom, and I will not wake you up any more.” My heart sank as I thought that His wonderful visits would be over. But He continued, “My daughter, I have shown you enough for a while.” I began to cry. My heart was filled with sadness. I wanted to be with the Lord forever. I protested, “Lord, I don’t want to leave You.” “I will be with you everywhere. You will see Me and hear My voice.” He then reached over and embraced me as He said, “Choo Nam, I know you need rest.” I acknowledged my need for rest, but my desire to be with the Lord overtook my physical needs. I saw my spiritual needs as being vastly more important than my physical needs. We left the pond and went back to the white building to change into our regular robes. Then we were transported back to the beach where we sat and conversed for a little while. “I know how tired you are right now, so I will not be waking you from your sleep. You must rest for a while.” A sense of dejection threatened to overwhelm me as the Lord spoke these words I did not wish to hear, but then He clarified what He was saying, “I will take you back to the kingdom again, but now you need your rest.” Even with this reassurance, I could not stop crying. Truly, I was devastated by the thought that Jesus was leaving, and that He might stay away for a long time. I love Him so much, and the thought of His departure left me feeling very empty and somewhat insecure. I imagined what it must have been like for the original disciples who had to say goodbye to their Lord and Master. How must His mother, Mary, have felt when she saw Him crucified, dead and buried? How did she feel when He ascended into heaven? It was the loneliest feeling in the world. By this time every waking moment of my life was filled with thoughts of Jesus and heaven. I had been in the Lord’s company daily for more than one and a half months. I had been to heaven and had seen the streets of gold, the mansions over the hilltop, the River of Life. In fact, I had tasted the sweet water of life. I had been escorted by angels and had fellowshiped and worshiped with the saints, martyrs, apostles and prophets. I had walked into the eternal dwelling Jesus had already prepared for me. I knew I could never be the same again. Nothing in this world could compare with heaven--my true home. I had seen the pit of hell--that raging inferno of violence, corruption and shame. I had seen the signs of the End Times unfurl before me like a living video of what is yet to come. Most importantly, I had been with Jesus--and all of life had taken on an entirely new meaning. I had a purpose, a mission, a calling. I had seen a vision of some of the things God has planned for me. To think that I would be spending time sleeping when there was so much to do seemed entirely incomprehensible to me. I was really disappointed. The Lord departed from the beach, as did my transformed body, and the shaking of my body stopped. My crying ceased as I realized what He had said, “I will take you back to the kingdom again.” That was enough. It would be OK. Then it occurred to me that the rest He was wanting me to take was a part of the preparation He was doing in my life. I certainly knew I needed the rest, because there were times when I felt disoriented. A lovely passage of Scripture came to my mind and settled me down: “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul” (Psalms 23:1-3). The Lord, my Shepherd, was permitting me to lie down in the green pastures so my soul could be restored--further preparation for the ministry that lies ahead!
“EVERYBODY WILL KNOW YOU”
THE NEXT MORNING, March 6, was difficult because I woke up at 2:30 A.M., half expecting the Lord to be there. I had believed what He had told me, but a part of me still wondered if He would come. I waited for Him from 2:30 until 6:30, then I fell back to sleep. When I awoke again at 9:30 in the morning, I realized the Lord was not there. I missed Him, and I began to weep. Soon my whole body began to shake, accompanied by the anointing of heat. I groaned in the spirit for more than fifteen minutes. Then, as had happened so many times before, the Lord appeared. He was sitting by the window next to the bed. He said: “My precious daughter, Choo Nam, I told you I will be with you always. You are going to see Me anytime you want, and you will hear My voice. I am visiting you now because I know you waited for Me all morning long.” “Lord,” I said, “I want to do everything You tell me. I still feel I do not know anything.” “That is precisely why I chose you. Never forget that I will take care of you. I have given you this special gift because no one knows you. Soon, however, everyone will know you. I found it hard to accept those words. Everyone will know me? It seemed so unlikely, but the Lord, in His mercy and patience saw fit to visit me again to give me this reassuring message. He concluded His visit by saying, “Daughter, I want you to rest.” Then He left and my shaking body quieted down. For the next ten days I enjoyed the soundest sleep and quietest rest I had ever known. Once again, the Lord was faithful to His promise:
There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His. Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall after the same example of disobedience. For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. --HEBREWS 4:9-13
The Lord wanted me to rest because He was preparing me for a ministry that would usher countless unbelievers into the kingdom of God. Knowing that He was coming back to escort me to heaven again brought such peace to my soul that I was able to truly enjoy His rest. I was finally beginning to understand that the book I was to write, the church I was to build, the ministry I was to begin were His work, not mine. This restored my soul, erased my anxieties and brought total trust to my heart. The truth communicated by the psalmist so many centuries ago echoed deep within me: “Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it” (Psalms 127:1). Jesus reminded me of His great invitation to the weary and downtrodden, from Matthew 11:28-30: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
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