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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. The surgeons performed another surgery, and the parents were concerned about what?

2. __________ days after the second surgery, Colton was in serious pain because he couldn't have a bowel movement.

3. Todd reflected on the fact that Colton meant everything to his wife. Why did he mean everything?

4. As a pastor, he has seen it numerous times before as he stayed with families who were with a relative who was what?

5. Usually he saw it where?

Short Essay Questions

1. What had happened on the last Burpo family vacation in March? How was this affecting their preparations for their current trip?

2. How was Colton's recovery miraculous? Do you believe the prayers helped? Why or why not?

3. What was significant about Colton's response that he was in heaven for three minutes?

4. What did Todd confess? Why was this not a full confession?

5. What might Todd mean by the shadow of death?

6. Who was stronger in this situation, Todd or Sonja? Why?

7. Why did the flu or food poisoning seem to be likely causes for Colton's illness?

8. Why did Colton yell for his father? How is this important?

9. What challenges occurred prior to the ordering of a CT scan?

10. How did the Burpos realize something unusual has happened to their son?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Colton claims he sees the power of the Holy Spirit.

Part 1) What is the Holy Spirit? How does Colton describe the Holy Spirit? What is its role while Colton is in heaven? How does this compare to your previous understanding of the Holy Spirit?

Part 2) When does Colton see the power of the Holy Spirit? How is this significant? What does this say about Colton, post-trip to heaven?

Part 3) Do you believe that Colton actually saw the power of the Holy Spirit? Why or why not? In what other ways can one see God's power, or the power of nature?

Essay Topic 2

Colton wants readers to know that "heaven is for real."

Part 1) How is this purpose seen throughout the book? Might this be what God wants? Why or why not?

Part 2) Will all readers read this book and believe that heaven is for real? Why or why not?

Part 3) Do you believe that heaven is for real, as seen from Colton's point of view? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

On January 28, 2007, the family goes public with their story.

Part 1) Why does the family choose to go public with this story? Why does it take them so long to choose to go public? How might the publicizing of this story affect the family?

Part 2) What might the family be like now, several years after the book was published? What might they have to say about Colton's story and this book? Use the book to support your response.

Part 3) How can being in the public eye be both good and bad? What should one do to stay healthy and happy when constantly being in the public eye?

(see the answer keys)

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