.jpg)
An American Christian doctor and author is sharing her experiences of people's visions of God and heaven just before their death.
Dr. Pamela Prince Pyle has been caring for the terminally ill for over 30 years. She has served medically in the U.S.A. and Africa, serving as the chair of Africa New Life Ministries.
Pyle hasn't always been a Christian though. Her husband was the first to come to faith in Jesus after he experienced a near-death experience (NDE).
"Jesus reached him in the middle of the dark where he saw Hell," says Pyle. "And the only thing he knew was his child-rearing in the church — 'Every knee will bow, every tongue confess. Lord, save me.' And Jesus saved him in that moment."
Initially Pyle didn't know what to make of the experience and thought perhaps her husband had a mental breakdown. However, two years later she came to her own belief in Jesus.
Over the course of her career, helping the terminally ill around the world, she's witnessed one of two experiences that people often describe before they die.
"In medicine, we're always trying to describe things that we see, that we're observing," she said. "And there's two ways that people may die. One is called terminal restlessness — that's the medical term. It's described as fear, not being settled, crying out, talking about darkness, seeing snakes. It's a fearful, terrible description."
The other way Pyle has observed medically is a truly peaceful moment she calls 'Near Death Awareness.'
"It's often described as peaceful. The patient may begin talking to those who have already passed. They will sometimes describe getting on a train, packing their bags, and being ready to go. It's a preparedness, a readiness and a peacefulness." said Pyle in an interview. "I have seen so many people see Heaven, see Jesus."
Pyle has been so fascinated with these sacred moments from her patients that she compiled them in her new book Anticipating Heaven: Spiritual Comfort and Practical Wisdom for Life's Final Chapters.
Rather than just focusing on stories, Pyle also shares practical information to help people navigate end of life care for their loved ones.
"I really wanted to address how to navigate healthcare, the principles of it so it could be applicable in any healthcare system, but how to be heard, how to prepare with questions, what to expect when you go to the hospital, what your rights are as a patient."
For those who are praying for a miracle for their dying loved one, Pyle says the miracle that can always happen is that of salvation.
"I would see so many pray for a miracle, and we're taught in our faith, 'As you have faith, so you will be healed.' But the reality is, not all prayers are answered with a [healing] miracle. Regardless of where your loved one has been in the past, continue to speak faith and truth and love and Jesus. Even in an unconscious state, Jesus can still reach them."