Doctor Gave Him 2 Years to Live...Then He Died and Came Back

Summary

Podcast Summary

Imagine Heaven Podcast with John Burke

Episode: Doctor Gave Him 2 Years to Live...Then He Died and Came Back
Guest: Mike Olson
Date: February 19, 2026

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Episode Overview

In this powerful episode of Imagine Heaven, host John Burke interviews Mike Olson—retired pastor, Emmy-winning documentary subject, and lung transplant survivor who experienced a profound Near-Death Experience (NDE). Diagnosed with a terminal lung disease and given just two years to live, Mike's spiritual journey through suffering, advocacy, and ultimately a visit to "Heaven" offers hope, depth, and inspiration. The conversation deeply explores suffering’s purpose, the reality of grace, God's presence in adversity, and what Mike encountered on the other side.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Diagnosis and a Life Changed (04:39–07:06)

• Mike was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis—a terminal lung disease with no cure. Doctors gave him a prognosis of two years to live.
• Initially devastated (“My whole world was, like, rocked”), instead of falling into bitterness, Mike was compelled to “make a difference, even though I’m sick and dying.” (07:13)
• He turned his efforts to advocacy, raising awareness for the disease, meeting with politicians, and working with notable organizations.

Notable Quote:

“...And he said, no, it’s terminal. I’m sorry. When I think about that, it was heavy, you know. He’s like, it's terminal. I'll give you two years to live.”
—Mike Olson (06:25)

2. Choosing Mission Over Misery (07:26–13:04)

• Mike’s “Live Like You’re Dying” approach led to wide-ranging activism, including meeting mayors, senators, and even Vice President Pence.
• His remarkable life caught the attention of local news, resulting in an Emmy-winning documentary about his journey.

Notable Quote:

“...So I dressed my oxygen tanks up in tuxedos, and I went to this Emmy award...They call my name from the stage and go...‘Your documentary won. Come up to speak to the Emmy crowd.’ I'm up there giving testimony to the Lord, really, and I’m just holding this Emmy.”
—Mike Olson (12:10)

3. Glimpses of Spiritual Growth Amidst Suffering (14:50–17:02)

• As Mike’s illness progressed, he and his wife turned increasingly to prayer, though he candidly described his discomfort with “jump through hoops” healing rituals.
• He describes a personal prayer encounter where God told him, “Trust me. Trust me.” (17:17)
• Mike’s openness about not always understanding suffering but choosing trust anchors the episode’s spiritual tone.

Notable Quote:

“I just heard him say two words to me. Trust me...You’ve proved yourself over and over in my life. I can trust you. It’s scary, but I could trust you.”
—Mike Olson (17:45)

4. Miraculous Call: The Lung Transplant (19:36–22:29)

• A woman unrelated to his network prays for Mike and has a vision of lungs descending from heaven.
• Soon after, the long-awaited call for a donor comes—mirroring the vision.
• Mike describes the surreal moment heading into transplant surgery, thinking not only of his healing but also the sorrow of the donor’s family (“Almost feeling guilty, like, this person died. So it was just, like, a lot on my mind…” 22:30).

5. The NDE: Death, Darkness, and Light (22:57–33:20)

• During surgery, Mike “died” on the table due to a surgical error (28:05). He describes becoming aware above his body, surrounded by tumult and then by negative, demeaning voices echoing childhood abuse.

• He confronts these voices with the authority of Jesus: “In the name of Jesus. You shut up. Stop talking to me. And those voices stopped…” (25:39–26:02).

• Ascending, Mike witnesses swirling rainbow lights—realizing they are angels singing: “Mike’s Coming Home” (28:34).

• A vision he’d painted months earlier matched precisely what he saw in the NDE (29:42).

• He is enveloped with love, light, and cleansing in Heaven, overwhelmed by a sense of absolute peace and belonging.

Notable Heaven Encounter:

“It was like I was being bathed in light...It was like I was being purified...Every molecule was pulsating...like, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus...I was healed from being abused, but there’s nothing like being in his presence where every ounce of our earthly life is gone.”
—Mike Olson (31:00–32:30)

6. Life Review and Healing from Abuse (33:20–44:47)

• John presses for backstory so listeners can understand grace in context. Mike recounts deep childhood trauma: sexual abuse by his father and brother, feelings of shame, and confusion over his identity.
• He describes salvation, ongoing healing, and eventually being able to help others with similar pain—culminating in a life of ministry and testimony of God’s restorative power.

Notable Quote:

“We overcome the enemy by the word of our testimony and the blood of the lamb. And so there’s proof in the pudding.”
—Mike Olson (43:08)

7. The Core of Heaven: Oneness, Acceptance, and Identity (44:47–46:05)

• Mike describes feeling no shame, condemnation, or guilt in God’s immediate presence, only oneness and pure love.
• Material distinctions and earthly religious trappings faded—what matters is being with Him.

Notable Quote:

“It was like clarity of who I was…down on Earth, I was worried about, as a Christian, how much have I read the Word? Have I prayed enough? Have I witnessed enough? ... None of that really matters.”
—Mike Olson (46:05)

8. A Heavenly Assignment: The Return and Its Challenges (46:34–61:13)

• During his NDE, Mike asks to thank his organ donor and sees both the donor and Jesus, who assures him, “Mike, these are your lungs. Receive them.” (49:57)
• After being resuscitated (having died on the table), Mike faces a brutally difficult recovery, including over 100 post-transplant surgeries.
• Despite continuing physical trials, Mike becomes a source of comfort and ministry to hospital staff and others, seeing every assignment—even suffering—as a chance to serve (“This is funny to you, isn’t it? Because you know that I’m here...and I’m a captive audience. So you’re going to send to me anyone you want that needs help.” 61:13)

Notable Quote:

“I know it's going to sound really strange, but it just made me feel invincible...When you really realize Christ in you, the hope of glory...He really wants to dwell in us...He wants so badly to touch people's lives, to save souls, to minister to a broken world. And we are his hands, we are his feet, we are his voice.”
—Mike Olson (56:39)

9. The Problem of Evil, Suffering, and How to Help (63:08–end)

• John Burke closes the conversation by reflecting on how to approach suffering—personally and when helping others:
  • Suffering is not always punishment or God’s will; it's part of a fallen world.
  • God is present in our suffering and can redeem it—not by answering “why?” but showing us “how” to trust and move forward.
  • When comforting others, avoid easy platitudes; instead, be present and empathetic—like Jesus, “just sit with the person, pray for them, and don’t try to fix it.” (see 66:31–67:15)
• Both John and Mike emphasize the irrational but supernatural peace available to those who trust God through difficult times.

Notable Conclusion:

“The one thing that’s never left me is peace. Supernatural peace.”
—Mike Olson (64:15)

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Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On Facing Death:
  • “I could be bitter about this or I could get better.” (07:13 — Mike Olson)
• Advocacy in Action:
  • “I dressed my oxygen tanks up in tuxedos and I went to the Emmy Awards…” (12:10 — Mike Olson)
• On Suffering:
  • “I just heard him say two words to me. Trust me. Trust me.” (17:17 — Mike Olson)
• The NDE Climax:
  • “I was being bathed in light…it felt like every atom, every molecule was pulsating—Jesus, Jesus, Jesus…” (32:00)
• Heaven’s Cleansing:
  • “There was still a part of me…I think a lot of abuse victims always feel this…Like, when I get to heaven, what’s it gonna be like? But to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” (43:31)
• After Returning:
  • “When you really realize Christ in you, the hope of glory...He wants so badly to touch people’s lives, to save souls, to minister to a broken world. And we are His hands, we are His feet, we are His voice.” (56:39)
• Final Encouragement:
  • “Just rest in that deep love of the Father for us. Even when we’re going through suffering, even though things are happening we don’t understand…It’ll give us peace that passes all understanding.” (63:08)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Mike’s Diagnosis & Mission: 04:39–13:10
• Faith, Prayer, and Trust: 14:50–19:36
• Transplant Call & Preparation: 19:36–22:57
• The Near-Death Experience: 22:57–33:20
• Childhood Trauma & Story of Healing: 33:20–44:47
• Descriptions of Heaven: 44:47–46:05
• Return, Organ Donor Vision, and Recovery: 46:34–61:13
• John & Mike on Suffering and Ministering to Others: 63:08–end

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Tone and Language

Throughout the episode, conversation remains candid, gentle, and infused with faith-based hope. Both John and Mike speak plainly but pastorally—even humorously ("I dressed my oxygen tanks in tuxedos..."), offering both honest struggle and reassurance to those suffering. The language is empathetic, biblical, and practical, blending personal story with spiritual application.

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Summary Takeaways

• Profound suffering can become a platform for ministry and healing—both for oneself and others.
• Near-Death Experiences, like Mike’s, might reveal both the darkness we carry and the overwhelming love/grace available in God’s presence.
• The journey through pain may not answer “why?” but God invites us to trust and look for “what now?” and “how to move forward.”
• Faith, vulnerability, and presence—being with and for others—are central in times of suffering.

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For Listeners

Even without listening, you’ll leave this conversation with a deeper appreciation for the mystery of suffering, the reality of grace, and the possibility of supernatural peace—no matter your circumstance.

Transcript

[Mackenzie]

My name is Mackenzie and I started a GoFundMe for the adoptive mother of a nonverbal autistic child. The mother had lost her job because she wasn't able to find adequate care for this autistic child. So she really needed some help with living expenses, paying some back bills. So I launched a GoFundMe to help support them during this crisis. And we raised about 10, $10,000 within just a couple of months. I think that the surprising thing was by telling a clear story and just like really being very clear about what we needed, we had some really generous donations from people who were really moved by the situation that this family was struggling with.

[Mike Olson]

GoFundMe is the world's number one fundraising platform, trusted by over 200 million people. Start your GoFundMe today at gofundme.com that's gofundme.com gofundme.com this podcast is supported by GoFundMe.

[John Burke]

If you were told you only had two years to live, what would you do? How would you live those two years? Well, in 2014, Mike Olson was diagnosed with a rare lung disease and told he has two years left. And Mike decided not to ask God why. He started asking a different question. And you're going to be amazed at what God did through him leading up to his near death experience and then who he met and in heaven. And at the end, I'm going to talk about how you can help people who are going through suffering or difficulties and also how you can take more from your trials than they take from you. Well, I'm John Burke, author of the New York Times bestselling book Imagine Heaven. And this is the Imagine Heaven podcast. Well, hey Mike, how are you doing?

[Mike Olson]

Yeah, I'm good.

[John Burke]

Mike Olson, fellow pastor or former pastor? You still?

[Mike Olson]

I'm retired.

[John Burke]

We're formers. Mike, thanks so much for, for joining us today. Dive in and, and tell us what brought you to the day when you had a near death experience.

[Mike Olson]

Sure. So I, before we moved here to Louisville, Kentucky, we were ministering among the Amish Mennonite community. And. Which is a whole nother story. But anyway, we wound up here at the invitation of a Mennonite church to help out in their fellowship. And so we got here and things didn't work out as planned and kind of the story of my life. But we got here and I was supposed to be the youth pastor of this youth group and they got here and they're like, oh, I think we prematurely decided to have a youth pastor. And so like we were stuck here. No jobs, no place to live, a U Haul full of furniture. But you know what? God turned it all around and everything got set up so that we could be here. But, you know, in hindsight, I knew that the Lord wanted me in Louisville for a reason, but I didn't quite really know the whole picture, right. Sometimes he gives us kind of ideas of why he wants us somewhere, but then it clarifies as you live there and walk out the calling that you feel like you have on your life. So, anyway, we went up in Louisville, Kentucky. And so for the. When I first moved here, I had a lot of allergy problems. And I'm like, you know, we live in right by the Ohio river, so it's like, in a valley. And so we call it Ohio Valley Crud. And we just had horrible allergies from the mold and. And the stuff that comes off the water. So anyway, so I developed allergies really fast while we moved here and went to an allergist. And I kept on going every year having bronchitis every year. And then one the doctor goes, my allergist said, hey, Mike, you know, listen, you know, this isn't normal. People don't get bronchitis like every. Like a clockwork every year like you do. You know, I'm thinking there's something more wrong with you than just allergies. And. And the allergy shots weren't working and all that nine yards that they do at the allergist. So he sent me to. Over to a pulmonologist. So I went to the pulmonologist's office, and they looked at my lungs to CAT scan and X rays, and they said, he goes, wow. Like, wow what? He goes, you know, I'm looking at your textbook case here. Like, he was, like, happy that I look like something in his textbook. I'm like, okay, I don't want to

[John Burke]

be something in your textbook.

[Mike Olson]

Yeah, I don't want to be something in your textbook. So anyway, he said, you have interstitial lung disease. I'm like, what's that? He goes, it's not good, but we'll watch it and see, you know, how things progress. So, you know, going along, and we had an ice storm here in 2012, and I got pneumonia, and I went to the emergency room, and ER doc gave me the medicine for pneumonia. And then after that, you know, I still feel pretty cruddy. So one thing I didn't do is I didn't read the ER report. And I'll get back to that later. But I didn't read what he thought it was. So. So anyway, months went past. I was getting worse. I'm in my. I was working, selling draperies. You know, my bread and butter beside ministry always had. Had a side job. And so anyway, I was selling draperies. I'm in the back stock room, and I'm. I'm crying because I'm like. I'm short of breath. I can't breathe. I'm like, what is going on? So I went back to the pulmonologist, and he said, listen, we're going to have to do a biopsy because I have a feeling I know what this is. So they do a biopsy, and I went to surgery. They took some pieces of my lung and they extra. They, you know, microscoped it. And. And I got back and he goes, you know, go back to his office. And he goes, hey, Mike, you need to sit down a second. I have some news for you. I'm like, oh, no, this doesn't sound good. And so he goes, I'm really sorry to say. And by the way, after they did the biopsy, I was put on oxygen 247 because they cut into the disease, which I didn't know. And then I couldn't breathe after that. It just made it worse. So anyway.

[John Burke]

Like, spread it, you mean?

[Mike Olson]

Yes.

[John Burke]

Oh, gosh.

[Mike Olson]

So you. Lesson learned. And they don't do this anymore. They don't do the biopsies like they used to because it does spread the disease. So anyway, he sat me down and he said, mike, you have what's called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. He goes, I know it's a big word. Idiopathic, no known cause, pulmonary, your lungs and fibrosis, scarring. And. And I said, well, so what can we do about it? I thought I was going to just take medicine or something. And he said, no, it's terminal. I'm sorry. When I think about that, it was heavy, you know. And he's like, it's terminal. I'll give you two years to live. Wow.

[John Burke]

And that was it.

[Mike Olson]

That was it. And my whole world was, like, rocked. I'm like, what do I do? And then he's. He's going on and on. He goes, you're really gonna have to, you know, get on disability and. And take care of. Get all your affairs in order. And I'm like, well, you just, like, ruined my whole life, you know. And I'm like, all right. So then.

[John Burke]

Then when was that?

[Mike Olson]

That was in 2000. Well, I got. Died. I got the biopsy in 2014, and this was 2015 in January when I went back and. And he said, you know, get your affairs in order, because this, you know, there's nothing. There's no cure for this disease. And so then he researched, and there was a drug out there that was not yet approved by the fda, but they were using it on patients like myself. And so they said. He said, I'm going to see if you can get this medication. So I said, well, how much is it? Because 90,000 a year. I'm like, I can't afford that. I said, I probably will just die. And he said, no, we're not going to do that. So he. He contacted the pharmaceutical company, and they actually had a program for those who couldn't afford it. And I got the medicine for free. And so I got on that medicine, and what it did is slowed down the progression of the scarring, but it didn't halt it. So I was still in, you know, it wasn't going to cure me. It was just going to give me more time, more borrowed breaths. So I was taking that medicine. And during that time, I thought, you know what? I can be bitter about this or I can get better. You know, like, I can do something. I can make a difference, even though I'm sick and dying. And so I thought, you know, like, I always think of the scriptures, you know, in Jerusalem and Judea, into the uttermost parts of the earth, you know, where do I start? And I thought, I'm going to start here in Louisville, where I live. So I met with the mayor, and I. I said, you know, I want to bring awareness to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. So he made September Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month. And I got a little plaque and, you know, met the mayor. I got a key in the city. So then I thought, I'm going to keep going. So then I went and I met with the congressman. I met with both sides of the aisle. I didn't care as long as they listened to me. So I met with a congressman, and then I met with Senator Rand Paul and Senator Mitch McConnel. Those are my Kentucky senators. And it was interesting because my wife said, hey, I. I hear that Vice President Pence is going to be in Kentucky. Why don't you go, you know, share with him about your disease? I'm like, oh, I'm so tired of meeting with politicians and. And. And I was meeting with celebrities and anything to get the word out. So anyway, I said, let me see. So I. I called up Washington, D.C. and I because I had contacts with them. And I called the Vice president's office. Well, first I called Mitch McConnell's office, and they go, is this Pastor Olsen from Louisville, Kentucky? I said, yeah. He goes, wow, that is really funny because we're watching a documentary about you right here in the office right now. I'm like, oh, my goodness, am I in trouble? And they said, no. And I said, I hear Vice President Pence is going to be in Kentucky. They go, yeah, we're going to set you up a Secret Service and, and go over there and, you know, just get in the line, tell them who you are, and you'll meet with Vice President. I'm like, okay. So. Wow.

[John Burke]

So, so it was like, it was like you felt this. Okay, I, I, I can just sit in this, or I can do something to serve, to make a difference. And you start. And you just start. How did the documentary happen?

[Mike Olson]

Was that a part of the local. Yeah, and local news station? I was walking. These two new bridges were built over the Ohio river. And I thought, well, I'll just go there and it'll be media coverage and I'll talk to lung disease. So, because I worked with the Kentucky organ donor affiliates, I work with the American Lung association, all these organizations. So anyway, I went to this bridge opening, and this, this guy, one of this anchors from the TV show Local News, I said, hey, can you help me? I'm dying. And he goes, what? I said, yeah. I said, can you help me spread the word about this disease?

[John Burke]

Is that your, that was your opening line?

[Mike Olson]

That was my opening line.

[John Burke]

I'm dying.

[Mike Olson]

I said, hey, why not, you know, people's attention? Yeah. And my wife says, like that country song, live like you're dying, you know, like, you know, and I was, I was just giving him my all.

[John Burke]

Literally. Yes.

[Mike Olson]

So he, the guy says, yeah, I want to follow you around for a year. And they did this documentary. The funny thing was he, he was up for Emmy awards for two of his documentaries about Muhammad Ali, because he just had passed because Muhammad Ali was from Louisville. And so the other documentary was my documentary. So he calls my wife and I up and goes, hey, can you guys come to the Emmy Awards, to the region, Emmy Awards? I'm like, I'm on oxygen.

[John Burke]

Sure.

[Mike Olson]

So I dressed my oxygen tanks up in tuxedos, and I, I went to this Emmy award, you know, and my wife and I are there and, and they call my name from the stage and goes. Because it's the name of the documentary. And, and he goes, we won. Your, your Documentary won. Come up to speak to the Emmy crowd. I'm like, okay, so I'm up there and giving testimony to the Lord, really? And. And I'm just holding this enemy. And it just brought me back to this time. I was an actor in New York in musical theater. I gave it up when I was 19 to go into the ministry. So 35 years later, I'm walking a red carpet getting an Emmy for dying.

[John Burke]

I'm like, and isn't that. I heard you say that in another interview. And I was just thinking, you know, that is so like, God, isn't it?

[Mike Olson]

It is. And he's like, he has a sense of humor.

[John Burke]

Well, and. And as well, anything you give up for his sake, he has a way of bringing back around, right?

[Mike Olson]

And, yeah, it's funny because people come to my home and they go, is that an Emmy Award? I'm like, yeah. They go, what'd you get that for? I said, dying. So, yeah, it was pretty funny. So anyway, all these things were happening. I was getting out there and. But I was getting worse. And so, you know, it was like I got put on a transplant list, but I had to wait so long for that list to get called. And I didn't think I was ever going to get called because 1. I was older. I was 57, and I also had problems with my blood. Antigens were a little wacky, so they were really trying to find a pair of lungs that would match. So anyway, so I kept on continuing on. I sang with Dennis Quaid on stage, which was another funny thing to do because I'm a pastor, right? I'm going to go to go a honky tonk and sing with this actor. And I said, dennis, what will we be singing? He goes, a whole lot of shaking going on. I'm like, that's my life right now. And I always. Okay, think I always go, lord, is this something you want me to do? And I want to hear his voice, because I do not want to do something I'm not supposed to do or be somewhere I'm not supposed to be. So I did it, and it was fun, and I'm sure he loved it. Yeah, he did. And it was funny because at the time, Dennis wasn't really walking with the Lord that well. And I. I think he was, like, nervous around me being a pastor. And I said, dennis, just full out. I got issues, too. But, you know, you know, we. It's all under the blood, and, you know, we trust the Lord for that. So I don't know.

[John Burke]

His brother Used to come to our church and. And would sing a couple of times and.

[Mike Olson]

And now I hear Dennis has turned around. He's given his life to the Lord. So, hey, you never know what kind of influence you have on people.

[John Burke]

You don't.

[Mike Olson]

So anyway, okay, so then I started getting sicker and sicker and I'm like, wow, I just don't know what's going to happen here. And so anyway, my wife, she is so good, so she gets lots of people to pray for me, you know, and so one time she said, hey, I want this lady I met. I met her at the bank. She's one of my customers. She wants to come with girlfriend and pray for you. And it's not like I wasn't trusting in prayer or, you know, wanting more prayer, but I've been to some prayer situations where they would want to lay hands on me and they'd go, take off your oxygen. Do something you couldn't do before. I'm like, like, breathe, you know? And yeah, nothing. Nothing happened. Right. And I believe. I believe in miracles. Don't get me wrong. I do.

[John Burke]

No, I understand.

[Mike Olson]

I. But I just don't want to jump through hoops, you know, to get there. So anyway, I. I was. So my wife, she used some Catholic guilt on me because I'm a former Catholic, right? So she said, well, if you just want to die without getting a miracle, you know, these ladies could be your answer, right? So I'm like, all right, they can come to the house and pray for me.

[John Burke]

So one week, Mike, just real quick.

[Mike Olson]

So.

[John Burke]

So what was. This was like a five year period where you're waiting for a lung transplant?

[Mike Olson]

Yeah. Four years. Yeah. Almost five. Yeah. Because I got transplanted in January, so it was on the fifth year. Yeah. Long wait.

[John Burke]

And you're. And you're kind of like, okay, well, I don't know what's going to happen, but I'm going to try to make a difference through this as. As I can. And. And God takes you to all these places, from the White House to singing on stage with Dennis Quaid and all that. What's happening, though, in your heart and, and in your faith? And I know, you know, people think, pastors. Oh, well, we. But we're just human, you know, we struggle. What was going on with you and God?

[Mike Olson]

Well, okay, so when I first got diagnosed, I came into. I. In fact, I'm sitting in my chapel in my backyard. I have a chapel that I come to and kind of just have my time. And anyway, I came back here and I. I was like, lord, you know, I wasn't saying, why me? Why am I gonna. Why am I dying? Why do I have this lung disease? And I just came back, and I. Because I know the Lord's voice. And I said, lord, what do you want me to do? What? You know, is there something I need to do? Do I need to fast? Do you need to, you know, do something, you know, on my part? And I. I just heard. I just stopped saying words, and I just listened, and I heard him to say two words to me. Trust me. Trust me. And I'm like, okay, I can do that. You've proved yourself over and over in my life. I can trust you. It's scary, but I could trust you. All right. So anyway, these ladies come to pray for me. And this lady comes into the house. She had come the week before. She prayed for my wife. This week, this weekend, they came and prayed for me. And she says, you're not going to believe this because, you know, there's different denominations, different ways of relating to God. So she said, on my way to your house, I had a vision of a pair of lungs coming down from heaven and being placed into your chest. She goes, I know you don't know me. You might think I'm a wacko weirdo, but she goes, that's what I saw when I was praying on my way over here. So I. You know, anytime someone says anything like that, we kind of put it on a shelf and say, God, if that's you, you'll. You'll. You'll make it come to pass. Or, you know, we just don't judge. We just say, okay. So that happened. And then a couple of other things happened where I knew God was starting to kind of rustle the leaves, you know, the. The breeze was coming. I was trying to listen to any kind of sign that he was trying to give me, right? So then I'm in my art cabin in the backyard, and I was doing a lot of folk art for awareness for lung disease. And I was getting ready to go to a galley opening, and so I had to get all my artwork together. And I'm, you know, working on that. And. And all of a sudden, I. Again, I hear the Lord's voice. You need to put that stuff up. You don't have time. I'm like, what? Like.

[John Burke]

And just for just. Just for clarity, is. Is this an audible voice or.

[Mike Olson]

No, it's still in your mind, a still small voice that kind of permeates your being, you know, like, you just know you're like, I'm not hearing things right. I just knew the Lord was speaking to me strongly, so I'm kind of like, I wouldn't.

[John Burke]

Why would I be thinking, this is it, Right? That kind of.

[Mike Olson]

Yeah, right. So I'm like, I really got to get this done, Lord, but if you're saying to put it up, I will. So I. I start packing it all up, and I'm coming out of the cabin. I can see my back door, and my wife goes, come in. Hurry up. I'm like, what? This hurt? What's going on? What did I do wrong? Am I in the doghouse? No. So I. I go up into the house, and I could tell she's shaking. She goes, it's the doctor from the transplant center, your lung surgeon. They found a pair of lungs for you.

[John Burke]

We just.

[Mike Olson]

We looked at each other, like, dumbfounded, like, wait. The wait was so long. And we're like. I'm like, you're kidding me. No, come here. Get on the phone. Talk to him. And so I got on the phone with the lung surgeon, and he said, hey, Mike, you can. You need to get down here right now. We only have a short window of time to get these inside you. And. And I said, are you sure? Because a time before that, I had a false run where it did the mat. The. There was a. A tumor on the. On the lung. And they sent me home. That was like, six months before this call. So anyway, so I said, are you sure? And he said, oh, absolutely sure. So we go down to the hospital, and I'm like, you know, I'm on social media because I had so many people around the world praying for me who watched a lot of my videos. So I'm like, oh, I did it. I'm lungs. I was like, this is crazy. So anyway, I got to the hospital, and they're wheeling me down the hall, and this lady comes out of a room and goes, mike, I can't believe you got the call. She was on Facebook, and she saw me, and she goes, I was in the hospital, so, like, oh, hi. You know, like, my fan base.

[John Burke]

She's one of your followers.

[Mike Olson]

Yeah. So anyway, I get there, and they start prepping me, and the reality setting in that I may never not have to struggle anymore. I may be able to breathe without oxygen tubes. Tubes, like, trailing the house, tripping dogs and people. You know, morning came, I didn't sleep a wink. And they prepped me, and they wheel me into the or, and I'm saying, God, watch over me. Put your angels in this or watch every surgeon, everybody who's involved, you know, and.

[John Burke]

And then I.

[Mike Olson]

You know, in my. My heart, I was like, I'll be with that. The. The organ donor's family, they just lost their loved one, and I'm gonna be gaining their lives. And I just. It was so on my heart that, you know, almost like. Almost feeling guilty, like, this person died. So it was just, like, a lot on my mind before they put me on.

[John Burke]

Yeah, I can imagine.

[Mike Olson]

So I know, because people, you know, talk about organ donation, but they don't talk about, you know, the death that occurs to the person, you know, who signed their organ donor card. And because they wanted to. If they, you know, ever had an accident, they were or, you know, died. They want their organs to go to someone who needed them. So. Not. I did a lot of speaking about that, but when the reality came, it was me. So anyway, they put me out, and I guess everything was going hunky dory as far as I thought. And, you know, and all of a sudden, I'm aware that I'm on the operating table. I'm aware that there's people scurrying all around me, and I'm going to. What is going on? Like, I. I'm not supposed to see all this stuff, you know, to myself, I'm going, oh, my word. You know, and then I'm. As I'm laying there discerning everything, I hear these voices. And, you know, these voices were very negative. And they were saying, who do you think you are? You're not good enough. Just demeaning me. And I'm like, wow, this is a reminder of what my whole life, because I was abused as a child, the voices that I heard during my childhood, and those voices were the same voices, the same. You're not good enough. You'll never measure up to anything. And in fact, it's interesting because my wife, when I first met her, I took her home for dinner, and she's crying at the dinner table. I go, what's wrong with you? She goes, your family? I'm like, I know they're heathen. She said. I mean, I said. She says because she came from a very, you know, strict religious background, that, you know, people were kind of nice to each other. My parents were from the Bronx. They cussed and drank, and it was just very different from what she was used to. So I thought maybe she's culture shock there. But actually, she was listening to my family go, and, Mike, you're. You're crazy. What are you doing now? Going To Bible college, you idiot. They don't know you like we know you, you know, and just, just laying it on at the dinner table. And I'm used to it. This is how my family does and. But my wife was like, why do they do that? I'm like, they don't. They've done it my whole life, honey. So those voices were the same voices that I heard coming off the operating table, but it was like, I'm like,

[John Burke]

what do you think? Do you. What do you think is going on? You're. You're suddenly conscious?

[Mike Olson]

Well, I think there's a struggle for my soul, body, mind and spirit. I really, I think there was a fight going on that I wasn't aware of, you know, and most of us aren't aware. There's a unseen warfare that goes on that we don't even know and probably don't want to know, but know that the angels are fighting for us. Right? So I, I believe they were demonic voices. They were voices that were trying to scare me, to try to intimidate me. And I'm like, so everything I learned since being a Christian was the name of Jesus is power. So I said, in the name of Jesus. You shut up. Stop talking to me. And those voices stopped because there's power in the name of Jesus. There's power in proclaiming his name. So then I'm floating off the table and I'm like, wow, this is like. I felt like I was in a movie. It was so weird. I felt like I was like, this is so bizarre. And then I'm looking up and I see these swirling rainbows, lights, like, swirling. And I'm like, I'm like, wow, this fentanyl, this probable. They've got me on is pretty strong, you know, And I'm a jokester, so I'm going. At least I'm going up, you know, like, you know, like.

[John Burke]

So you're good.

[Mike Olson]

I'm going up.

[John Burke]

You're leaving. You're. You're leaving your body now?

[Mike Olson]

Yes, and I'm getting closer, closer to the or ceiling where the, these rainbow lights were. And then you're.

[John Burke]

Are you aware that you, you might have died?

[Mike Olson]

Oh, yeah, I was quite aware. I. I died because they were scurrying around. Couldn't really see exactly what they were doing, but they were frantic. And I found out later they were. But anyway, they were.

[John Burke]

What had happened again?

[Mike Olson]

So what happened was the surgeon, they had gotten one lung in. It's a 12 hour surgery. Then they got the other lung in and another. Then they were tired. That guy was tired. So they get. They tag team. And the other surgeon was going come in and close me up, suture me up. And when he was about to do that, he took the cl. The last clamp off. Probably too soon is what he told my wife. Took the clamp off too early, and I bled out all the blood in my body. So it was a mess. Can you imagine?

[John Burke]

Oh, my God.

[Mike Olson]

They had to contend with trying to find that artery or whatever that was unclamped. So there was a lot of stuff going on at that time. A lot of mess going on. And. But during that time, I wasn't aware of that, thank God, but I was aware of my body going up towards the ceiling. And then those rainbow swirling lights, they were angels. Because I hear them singing Mike's Coming Home. Mike's.

[John Burke]

They were singing a song.

[Mike Olson]

So excited. They were singing a song like, you know, like a melody. It was like nothing I've ever heard before. And it's like they were. They were so excited that I was coming home. And the Lord. How many.

[John Burke]

How many were there?

[Mike Olson]

I don't know. It was like a mirror. Okay. There's a picture of Dante. I think it was Dante. Where this rainbow lights. In fact, I'm going to tell you, I'm going to show you something. So I went to this church and they did soaking. Soaking prayer. So they put on music, and then you just painted or you journaled or did whatever you wanted. So I did this photo. No kidding. This was probably like six months before I went to heaven. So this is the photo I made here. Back it up a little bit.

[John Burke]

Yeah, yeah, down a little. If you take it down a little bit. There you go. And that was before you experienced that.

[Mike Olson]

And that's what I experienced.

[John Burke]

But you. You painted that before you experienced it?

[Mike Olson]

Oh, yeah, I painted that. Six months at this church having a soaking prayer meeting. And I'm like, I just was inspired to do that. I have no idea. I just got done going like this with my paintbrush. I'm like, oh, maybe it'll come out and look like something.

[John Burke]

Okay, so. So this is fascinating. How. How. How big was this circle of. Of angels?

[Mike Olson]

So it was like in the corner. Like, it was really weird because I'm kind of, like looking like this and I can. It's like in the corner of the. Or just swirling, like, swirling, you know, like, it was pretty and it was beautiful, but it gave me peace, you know, like the whole idea of being out of my body, it gave me peace. And Then when they start singing Mike's Coming Home, I'm like, like, oh, they know my name. You know, like, wow, this is.

[John Burke]

Was it like a tunnel? Was it like a tunnel that they were circling?

[Mike Olson]

It was like. It was almost like they were beckoning me, you know, like, anyway, after. And then the Lord interjected and said, no, he's just here for a visit. And it was like I was sucked into that. They were, like, escorting me into heaven. And then I'm standing there, and then I'm. Now I'm really. I'm not freaking out, but I'm going to. I. I looked at myself, and I was, like, illuminating, like, white. Like, glowing. And then I looked all around me and as far as I could see, like football fields long, with bright white light. Everywhere I turned, bright white light. I was engulfed. It was like a. I tell everybody this is what it felt like. I feel like I was being bathed in light. It was like I was being purified. Like. And then when I got stopped to think about what was going on around me, it was, like, pulsating. And I'm like. It was like every atom, every. I don't know how to explain it. Every molecule was pulsating. And it was like saying, jesus, Jesus, Jesus. Like, it was like his. Like, if you ever had a time of worship where you just really felt his presence, and you really felt like he was right there in front of you, and you really felt like, you know, just awesome love. That's what it felt like. It just felt like I belonged. You know, I was healed from being abused, but there's nothing like being in his presence where every. Every ounce of our earthly life is gone. Every ounce of it is gone. And my favorite verse in the scriptures is Galatians 2:20. I have been crucified with Christ. Nevertheless I live yet not I. But Christ lives in me. And the life I live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me. And so it was like. I want to sound weird, but it was like Jesus was in me. I was in Jesus. I was complete there in heaven. And I was like, my kind of life review. I was trying to pull it all together, and it was like it was gone. It was like. It was like a. I was trying to search for my sins in heaven because I thought, surely he knows all the things I've done, all the things that were experienced. Surely he does. And it wasn't there. It was, like, totally gone, Mike.

[John Burke]

You know, just so. So people understand. Do you mind kind of going back before we go forward?

[Mike Olson]

Yeah.

[John Burke]

And tell people some of the, some of the stuff that. Because, you know, as a pastor for so many years, people go through so much hell alone.

[Mike Olson]

Yes.

[John Burke]

And they think they're the only ones. And they think that God has turned his back on them or he's judging them or he's condemning them. And I think because those voices are the evil one who use someone to abuse or traumatize, you know, in some way, and then he starts seeding lies into their minds.

[Mike Olson]

Right.

[John Burke]

And so, and, and yeah, and so take us back because I want people to understand the, the grace of God that you experienced.

[Mike Olson]

Sure. So growing up, a large family, seven of us and my parents. And so anyway, growing up I was sexually abused by my father and he also my brother. And it was ongoing and I was probably in kindergarten when it started, so that's horrific. And it was just, I. I remember going to kindergarten and my sister in law was dropping me off and I'm like, I don't want to go, I don't want to go. You know, I just didn't want to face anything else. What was I going to face there? You know? But I remember feeling abused going into that kindergarten. Like everyone could see my filth, you know, and I know it was my fault, but the perpetrators always make it feel like your fault or, you know, and my mom had multiple sclerosis, so she had a whole lot of stuff going on that. Always sick and always on medication, Valium and all this heavy duty stuff. And so I just felt like stuck, you know. But so most of my life growing up, I was very confused. And my heart goes out to all these kids today, the transgenders and everything else, because when I hit my teenage years, I thought, oh man, I must be gay, you know, because, you know, I was abused and. But I love girls too, so, you know, I was kind of confused. So I hung out in soho, New York, in, In the Village. And oh yeah, I was in the punk rock. I was in the punk rock scene when I had hair. I don't have hair now. I remember dying at Magenta one time. My mother, my mother's like. And it was spiked. My mom like, yeah, you're not coming into the house like that. That. So. But anyway, quite rebellious. So anyway, I was riding home on a subway in New York City and I found a track and it kind of said, kind of explained about, we can have Jesus in our head, but not in our heart. 18 inches from the head to the heart. And I Realized, you know, I had a lot of, in my Catholic upbringing, I had a knowledge of who Christ was. Yeah, I knew he died on the cross for sins, but I didn't ever applied it to myself. And so after that subway ride home, I had gone out with a friend to a bar and he got stabbed that night. I didn't go that night. I just didn't feel like I wanted to go. He survived. But anyway, it was like so many things were, like hurling at me, and I knew I needed to do something about my life. Life. So my brother, who had molested me, got saved in prison and was a Christian. And I couldn't really believe it, but he told me.

[John Burke]

So he went to, did he go to prison for abusing or for something else?

[Mike Olson]

I think he went to prison for another abuse situation and not mine, but because back in that, back in the 60s and 70s, we. You didn't talk about abuse. You didn't talk about, you know, it was, everything was kept quiet. Shut your mouth, you know, and so anyway, yeah, so he, and what were,

[John Burke]

what were some of the accusations and condemnations that you would hear in your head growing up as a teen?

[Mike Olson]

Oh, you're not man enough. You're not, you know, you're not good enough. You're not, you know, you're, you know, I was an actor. So, like, I, I had an agent. I was, you know, I thought I was getting pretty successful. But then, even then, God was watching after me because they, I had just become a Christian when I was 19, and they wanted me to sleep for a part, you know, come to bed with me and I'll give you the part. And I'm like, you know, I just became a Christian. No can do. And so I gave up acting. I went to nyu. I went to school for acting. You know, that's the only thing I knew. I was good at it. And then I felt one time the Lord said, would you give that up for me? And I did. And.

[John Burke]

And he gave you an image.

[Mike Olson]

Yeah, it gave me image later on in life. So with all that.

[John Burke]

But in that, that's what I mean, you know, like, like the evil one was really trying to get hooks in you to keep you locked into seeing yourself as just an abuse victim.

[Mike Olson]

Right, right, right. And so I got, I, I, I went to this Nazarene church, and what fascinated me was they raised one hand when they worshiped. I'm like, wow, that's, I know you can do that. So, so they were raising one hand and they were singing contemporary songs, you know, and it was a real hit. I don't know a folk rock type of ministry they had. And I loved it. So I went down to the altar, gave my heart to the Lord, and I kept going every Sunday. No one told me I could stop after once, but I kept going. Want to make sure I was saved. So. So anyway, I was in my bedroom one time in that church. I came home, I thought, just got baptized in water. And I'm like, I got baptized a baby. I got baptized at the Nazarene Church, but I still felt empty. And I said, lord, I need the Holy Spirit. I need you to fill me. And he did in my bedroom. My parents thought I was absolutely crazy at that point. But the Holy Spirit came, filled my life, and gave me such peace. So then after that, went to Bible college and then started ministering to people like myself. One time we went on a short term mission trip, and it was in the Netherlands, in Holland. And my wife had known my testimony and I had gotten, like, inner healing. People would pray for me. And I got a deliverance where I just knew those things that were bothering me were no longer there. So anyway, the Lord really had a. That worked on me the whole time when I became a Christian. So anyway, we went to this mission trip and my wife goes, why don't you tell your testimony? I'm like, I don't tell my testimony that often. But I really felt like she was on target to say something. So I saw this girl crying on the curb, sitting down. We were trying everything in the Netherlands. We were trying drama, music. Nothing was reaching people. But when we worshiped in a circle, they all gathered around like, what. What is going on? What's in that circle? And because the presence of the Lord was there. So anyway, this girl was crying on this, on the curb. So I went up to her. Her name was Tenica. I said, tennika? Yeah. My name's Mike. This is my wife, Patty. I said, what's wrong? She goes, oh, I don't know. I. I'm just so lost. And. And I said, well, you know, let me tell you a little bit about myself. I said, you know, I was sexually abused when I was young. And then I said, you know, and shameful. You know, a lot of things were going on. I said, but, you know, I found Jesus. And, you know, when I found Jesus, he took away all that shame and guilt, and I know he can do that for you. She starts weeping. I said, what's wrong? She goes, I was sexually molested by my father, and he won The Olympics. Won the Olympics here in Holland. And he's known for being Olympic winner, but he molested me. And she goes. And I haven't. She goes, I haven't cried in 20 years. And when I heard your testimony, I realized I can be set free. She was a heroin addict.

[John Burke]

Oh, boy. Wow. I know so much. So much of the addiction and drug abuse is covering the pain so many times, the. The relational wounds. And it's just the way I see and have seen evil work, you know, is, yes, inflict a wound through a wounded person, then start lying to them, condemning them, tell them it's their fault, there's no hope. This is all you are. And then they get them to act out, to wound others, you know, and it's just this horrible cycle that Jesus wants to enter into and. And stop. And he did. In your life.

[Mike Olson]

Yeah. And then, so we leave, go back to the US and then I contact a pastor like a year later and said, hey, whatever happened to that girl Teneca that, you know, we were witnessed to on the street? And he said, she is changed. She has been delivered. She doesn't do heroin. She's been in the church ever since and just gave her heart to the Lord and just total turnaround. So.

[John Burke]

Wow.

[Mike Olson]

We overcome the enemy by the word of our testimony and the blood of the lamb. And so there's. There's proof in the pudding.

[John Burke]

Okay, so now fast forward back. You're in heaven. Is this heaven? And it's. It's. It's white. It's this light. Are you seeing other things as well?

[Mike Olson]

No, it's kind of like I was being in a car wash, you know, like I was being cleansed by this light, you know, And I was just letting it. I was kind of just letting. Letting it happen because I was like. Even though I became Christian, even though I got spirit filled, even though I had inner healing and prayer, deliverance, there was still a part of me. I think a lot of abuse victims always feel this. It's like a tinge of, you know, like, when I get to heaven, what's going to be like, you know, you know, you know, judgment. See the Christ. We're gonna. My whole life on a film, you know, like, what's it gonna be like? But to be abstinent with the body is to be present with the Lord. And that's what happened to me. I was right there in his presence. In his presence, there's fullness of joy. I was feeling lack of better word bliss. I was feeling so totally consumed with Him. With Jesus, with his presence. And I just wanted to stay there. I didn't even want to move. I didn't want to. I didn't care if I saw my family. I didn't care if I saw anything in heaven. I just wanted him. And I like to.

[John Burke]

And you felt that. I'm sorry, you were saying you. You felt that. John 17 Prayer of when Jesus said, you know, Father, just as you and I are one, they may they be in us.

[Mike Olson]

Yes.

[John Burke]

That the world might believe. And that. That one. That oneness. You felt that.

[Mike Olson]

That's what I felt. And I also felt, you know. You know, like something I always said a lot as a Christian, fast 40 years is I'd rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, then dwell in the tent of wickedness. And I'm like, that's it. I'm not expecting much when I get to heaven. I know he's building mansions, but, like, whatever he gives me, I'll be grateful, you know. And so that's. That was kind of my mindset when I was there. Like, I was grateful that I. I was in heaven. I was grateful that when I died, I was right in his presence. You know, I was there. It was just. Just unbelievably wonderful. So anyway, and you were.

[John Burke]

And you were noticing. You were noticing the lack of seeing, the shame and guilt of things you had done in the past.

[Mike Olson]

None of that came up. None of that. It's almost like a, you know, you're tuning into a radio and you try to get that station. Well, back when I was kid, and you try to get that station just perfect so you can hear it clearly. And that's what it was like. It was like clarity of who I was and who it wasn't about, you know, down on Earth. I was worried about, as a Christian, how much have I read the Word? Have I prayed enough? You know, have I witnessed enough? Have I done this or that? And, you know, and even long story short, I was. I. I was an Anglican priest, right? So I wore the clerical collar, the vestments, you know, the smells and bells. We had candles and incense, you know, and when I was there, I'm like. Like, I don't think any of that stuff matters. I mean, even in, you know, mega churches that. The sound machines and the fog and the, you know, the great. None of that really matters, you know, like. And when I, you know, as I'm standing there, you know, trying to take all that in, I had thoughts. I thought, I have my wife back on Earth. And My son, who we adopted, he's now 37, but, you know, sick, and I might have more to do there. And of course, I'm thinking, I want to stay here. But in my. In my consciousness, I was going, no, I think I. I think I have something more to do. I don't know what that is, but I think I have something more to do. And I really feel like Jesus gave me that thought process to think that through, because I'm sure if I say I want to stay, I maybe could have stayed. And believe me, I wish I would have stayed. But anyway, anyway, I. As I was thinking all that, and I. And I had those thoughts, I said, no, I have something more to do. And then I look over to my left, and I'm thinking in my spirit, I'm like, oh, I thought, oh, that guy died. It came back to my memory, my remembrance, that these are new lungs inside me in heaven. And that guy died. I want to meet him. So I said, out of my spirit. It wasn't out of my mouth and my spirit, I just said, I want to thank my organ donor. I want to meet them. And I looked to the left because I saw something stirring. And I look, and I'm like, it's Jesus and the organ donor standing there. There. They're just standing there. And I'm looking, and I'm looking at the organ donor, really. And I'm going, because I want to. Kind of curious what kind of lungs I got, who it was, you know? And it's so funny. This is just like the Lord, right? Because they were kind of fuzzy. I couldn't get a clarity of their being, right? Because he knows the kind of person I am, a very outgoing, and I probably would, like, boast. And, oh, yeah, Jesus had this gorgeous beard and, oh, you know. So I think the Lord purposely had a little fuzzy because he knew Mike Olson. So anyway, I'm trying to talk to the organ donor like a dude. I'm so happy. Thank you for those lungs. And I could tell he's like, dude, like, we're in front of the Lord Jesus Christ. I'm like, you know, I feel like, stop. Like a friend would say, okay, you're welcome. But, you know, so I'm looking at them, and then Jesus put his hand on my shoulder, probably to calm me down in my thoughts, and he said, mike, these are your lungs. These are your lungs. Receive them. And I just said, yes, because I think I had to agree with heaven what was going on in heaven on my behalf.

[John Burke]

I had to agree that it was a gift from heaven, a gift from God.

[Mike Olson]

And you know what, what that did for me, and then I came back into the or, and then I didn't know anything after that. I was in a coma for 10 days on heart and lung machine because I really wasn't alive. They're not sure they were keeping me alive on these machines. But what that did for me, and let me tell you what that did for me, I don't care who you are, how strong you are, when you have another person's organs inside you, it's kind of scary. It's kind of weird. Of course, it's the organs that you weren't born with. Right? Right. So what that did for me was, it's okay. It's okay to have someone else's organs inside you, because I was doing a little research before transplant, and I was, like, getting a little scared because some people had nightmares after getting a heart transplant. They started acting out things they've never used to use before.

[John Burke]

Right. You've heard stories of the memories of the organs, especially the heart.

[Mike Olson]

Right, right, right. And then I. Yeah. And I will say, you know, because you have someone else's DNA in you, there's a. I won't go weirding out on you, but there is a. There's something does happen. And. And I asked my lung surgeon, what. What. What part of me is me? And what part is that? Lungs, His. You know, like, do you know your DNA will eventually absorb everything? I'm like, yeah, I don't believe that. But. Okay, so.

[John Burke]

But, well, think about it.

[Mike Olson]

Our.

[John Burke]

Our cells, Every cell in our body dies and replaces itself every 10 years.

[Mike Olson]

Right?

[John Burke]

So eventually, I guess it. It will.

[Mike Olson]

It probably will. Yeah. But what it. What doesn't explain, what we can't explain is some transplant patients, like, would, like, maybe they hated peanut butter their whole life, and all of a sudden they love peanut butter. And they're like, this is so weird. And that happens. Like, I was in a sweet. I'm a meat and potatoes kind of guy, but after this transplant, I kind of like sweets a lot more now. So my wife goes, it's that organ donor.

[John Burke]

Why couldn't he have been a health nut?

[Mike Olson]

Yeah, I know, I know. And I'm a. I'm a. I'm a type of person. I like to shop a lot, thrift shop and go to auction, you know, different places. My wife goes, man, I wish your organ donor hated those things. Like, sorry, honey. So anyway, after that, my nde, my wife was home waiting to see if I'M gonna come. She asked the nurse the next morning, she said, why are all these machines in the room? Is this normal for transplant? And they go, well. And she said, the nurse said, well, he. There's a lot of complications. And so. So she said, well, the lung surgeon told me that they took off the clamp too early and he bled out. And so she asked the nurse, bled out, that sounds like he died. And the nurse said, he did. He died. And my wife was like, what? So she went home and you know, because she'd go home every evening and she went home, she was praying and just saying, God, you know, be with Mike. Help him to come out of the coma and help him to, you know, survive this. And so the next day, she's. They're working on the house. We had a mold problem in our bathroom, and they had to gut the whole bathroom because if I was to come home as a transplant patient, lung transplant patient, we couldn't have that in the house, right? So my wife was preparing all that, calling all the contractors and everything. And so she sat down on the couch next to my sister in law, Kay, and she said, kay, my wife's name's Patty. She said, kay, I'm sitting here, I don't know how I know this. She said, something has just come over me. Mike's in heaven. And he got to thank his organ donor, but I don't know how I know that. And so her sister goes, really? She goes, well, we won't know until he comes out of the coma, so you can ask her. So days passed, and my wife shares with my friend Jeff, and he's Swedish and I'm Norwegian, so we always banter back and forth with our nationalities. And so Jeff, Jeff goes, patty, I don't believe this. He goes, he goes, let me go into the ICU when they take out the breathing tube and let me talk to Mike first. So Patty goes, sure, come on with me. So days later, they call Patty up and says, hey, listen, we're going to excavate him. We're going to take the breathing tube out. You need to get here so he can talk to you, you know, as soon as he gets free of this breathing tube. So Jeff and my wife come to the hospital and the nurses, they're trying to get me. It's a heavy duty thing getting this plastic breathing tube out of your throat. So they're trying to get it out. They're having a hard time. But anyway, Jeff comes bounding in the room. They had just gotten out, like, I'm just breathing on my own for the first. And so I'm looking at Jeff and, and he goes, mike, when you out there in the Netherlands, did you experience anything? I'm like three octaves lower because my voice, I had lost my voice. I said, yeah, I went to heaven. I got to thank my organ donor. He looks at me wide eyed and he starts crying. My wife's in the hall, she hears it from the hallway. She comes in and she's crying. I'm like, what is going on with you two? What? And my wife said, mike, I knew that before you even said it out of your mouth. She said, the Lord told me before you even said anything. And she said, you know what? I probably wouldn't have believed you unless the Lord told me. And so she said it was well,

[John Burke]

and you, and you and your best friend testified that she had told him before and you told him after. That's amazing.

[Mike Olson]

So. So it was confirmation. And it's really beautiful that the Lord does that for us, you know, that he gives us a scripture or gives us an indication of. I'm with you. Yeah, I was with you the whole time.

[John Burke]

How would you sum up what that impression of identity was for you? In his presence?

[Mike Olson]

I was empowered. I know it's going to sound really strange, but it just made me feel. Feel invincible. You know, like when you have. When you really realize Christ in you, the hope of glory and not. And it's not just words. It's really like he is really in us. He really wants to dwell in us. He wants to be big in us. He wants to, you know, work signs, wonders and miracles through us, not so we could be elevated or our name could be recognized because he wants so badly to touch people's lives, to save souls, to. To minister to broken a broken world. And we are his hands, we are his feet, we are his voice.

[John Burke]

Yeah.

[Mike Olson]

And the enemy does not want us to believe that. He doesn't want us to believe who we are in Christ because then we're danger.

[John Burke]

Well, and when you came back, you know, I think people would assume, okay, well, God dad said, mike, these are your lungs. Receive them.

[Mike Olson]

Right?

[John Burke]

So of course you're going to come back. You're going to be completely healed, no worries, no problems. Definitely no more suffering. Right?

[Mike Olson]

Right. So when I got back, the first couple weeks in the, in the icu, they had a hard time bringing me back out of all the drugs I was induced with and also. But they couldn't take the breathing tube out. They tried so multiple times. So it Was, it was a really hard time. So when they finally did get the breathing tube out, if you're intubated that long, it scars you, your, your esophagus, your trachea. So then. And actually, you can see I've had over 100 surgeries. So anyway.

[John Burke]

A hundred.

[Mike Olson]

100. Yeah. So what happened was, I think a week or two after my transplant, I still couldn't breathe. And I thought, this is supposed to happen. I just had surgery. I just had new lungs installed. This should not happen.

[John Burke]

Blessed by Jesus. None other.

[Mike Olson]

That's right.

[John Burke]

Jesus said it's not supposed to.

[Mike Olson]

And I keep on reminding Mike, these are your lungs. So Jesus told me they were. So. But anyway, I developed what was called bronze bronchial stenosis. So what happened was when they, when they fast and furious blood transfused me during, when I died on the table, it. It burst all the capillaries in my bronchial tubes and scarred. So they scarred them so that they weren't opening up, letting the oxygen flow through. So they had to go do bronchoscopies. And what they do, when they first went in to my chest, they would scrape all the scar tissue inside. Can you imagine? Inside the tubes. And then they tried to stint, they tried to put stints in to keep them open so I could breathe. Well, I had some troubles with some of the physicians. They, they cracked my trachea when they were ballooning it and then they put the wrong size stint in and then oopsie. And then the next week they put the right size stint in. But by that time the flesh was growing over the stent, so they, they just couldn't do it. And I, look, I lost the upper right low. Gone. Didn't work anymore. So they said, we're just going to have to do these bronchoscopies probably every week. So they did every week for a year. And at first I was like, God, is this healing? Is this getting new lungs? Is this what you want from me? You know, like, yeah, I would.

[John Burke]

I mean, I think most of us, yeah, I think most of us questioning.

[Mike Olson]

And I had lovely, well meaning friends of certain persuasions that say, if you would just confess, wouldn't be there. I'm like, I've done it and it's still there. So because. So I believe that we can confess that Jesus is our healer. I'm not downing that, but I'm just saying sometimes I think people get frustrated when they don't see the healing and they blame the vic, the person who needs to be healed. They'll blame the healing.

[John Burke]

Yeah. And I, I, it's always confusing to me because it's like, well, that didn't work for the APostle Paul because three times he asked for this thorn in his flesh to be removed. And the Lord said, no, my grace is sufficient for you.

[Mike Olson]

Exactly. And then I also, yeah, it doesn't

[John Burke]

give God room to work, what he's trying to do sometimes, even through the difficulties, right?

[Mike Olson]

Absolutely. God works through suffering. I'm not saying I enjoy it. I'm not saying that he's the author of it, but things happen. We live in this fallen world. But it was funny. Even in that situation. The Lord said, mike, I'm here with you. You'll be okay. Some of it. You really have to trust the Lord no matter what. So anyway. But how many surgeries every three months? And you know what I find? Like, the first couple of times I went there to get, you know, prep for surgery, I had this nurse, like, pouring her heart out to me. I'm like, I'm the patient here, and I'm going, I look up to heaven. I go, God, you have a sense this is funny to you, isn't it? Because you know that I'm here getting an IV and getting all this stuff done, getting ready for surgery, and I'm a captive audience here. So you're going to send to me anyone you want that needs help. And I have 10 times I'm ministering to a nurse, I'm praying with them, telling them my NDE story. It amazing what God will do if we're just willing to open our mouths.

[John Burke]

Yeah. Yeah. Just be willing to be right where we are and do the next thing that he puts in our hearts to do. Right?

[Mike Olson]

That's right.

[John Burke]

Well, Mike, as we wrap up, what, what would you say from all that God has taken you through that would encourage others?

[Mike Olson]

You know, I would say this one thing I learned in heaven, this is what I tell everybody my brief visit there. We worry about too much stuff, even as Christians. We worry about our finances, we worry about our kids. They're not serving the Lord. We worry about, you know, our relationship with our spouse. You know, like, am I a good husband? Am I a good father? Am I? You know, and we're always, like, measuring up in every area of our lives. And I, I just say to everybody, you know what? I've been there. And we have a heavenly Father who loves us. He doesn't wink at our sins. I'm not saying that, but I'm saying he loves us deeply. And if we can just rest in that alone. Even when we're going through suffering, even though things are happening that we don't understand, just rest in that deep love of the Father for us. It'll change the way we think. It'll. It'll give us peace that passes all understanding. I tell the whole journey that I've been on, one thing that's never left me is peace. Supernatural peace.

[John Burke]

Well, thanks so much, man. I really appreciate it. It's great to finally meet you and to hear.

[Mike Olson]

Hear your.

[John Burke]

Your story. And can I pray?

[Mike Olson]

Absolutely.

[John Burke]

Before we wrap it up, God, thank you so much for Mike. Thank you for his many years of serving you. Thank you for redemption. Just how you take the. The horrific brokenness of this world and you heal us through what Jesus has done for us so that we can be wounded healers who can go and heal others. And thank you that Mike is doing that. And I pray for Mike for his continued healing in this journey and that you would just work through the doctors and Lord, that you would just fully heal his body to fully accept these lungs and be able to just enjoy the gift that you've given him. I pray this in Jesus name name, Amen. You know, after 30 years as a pastor, I've realized all people suffer, all people go through trials, hardships, and if you haven't, well, you have something to look forward to. Yeah, not funny, but true. Everybody goes through stuff. And I think it's so important what Mike said that he didn't ask why. He asked, what, what am I supposed to do, Lord? And he heard, trust me. And, you know, I found in my own life, as I've been through many different trials and times of suffering, I can think of one where I kept asking God why, Literally for years. Why, why? He never, ever answered me. And yet then when I shifted and I started kind of like Mike was saying, I started asking, how, how, how can I move forward in this? How do you want me to move forward? That's when everything changed. And I find that God honors that. He doesn't always tell us why. There's mystery to the. To the why. But I think it's important that we learn to go through suffering and help others go through suffering in a new way so that we take more from it than it takes from us.

[Mike Olson]

Us.

[John Burke]

A couple important things I think, to understand about suffering and trials. One is it's wrong to think that God causes evil and suffering. You know, the book of Job makes it really clear God can't do evil. And he's not the One behind it, causing it. Now, yes, God is sovereign. He does allow it for a time. But to think he's doing this to me, he's doing these awful things to us. I believe that's a demonic lie designed to push us away from God. You know, I remember when these two women came up to me after church and kind of told me their story. And one had brought her friend who didn't believe in Jesus to church with her to a different church that they were going to. And this friend didn't believe in God because her father had been abusive, horribly sexually abusive for many years. And so she's coming to church with her friend and, you know, she doesn't believe in God. And then they started talking, or at least this is what they heard them talking about how everything that happens in life is the will of God. And so what she heard is. You mean you're telling me. And this is what they said to me. You're telling me that my, the abuse that my father did to me was God's will then I want nothing to do with that. God, God now. It caused her to reject God. But fortunately, her friend persisted and brought her to our church because she knew that our church was a church where skeptics could come and a lot of people were finding faith and they came up and, and talked to me. And I explained to her some things that, that actually really helped her. First was what Jesus taught us to pray. And I know I referred to this a lot, but I think it's important he taught us, us pray like this. Our Father in heaven, hallowed or holy be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. All right, so why pray your will be done on earth if it's always done on earth? That doesn't make any sense. No, Jesus wouldn't teach us to pray that way unless God's will is not. Not done on earth most of the time. And I think that's the reality that God's will is done on earth only when willing people let it be done through me or through you. And that includes, you know, why people do bad things that are against God's will that hurt us and why we sometimes unintentionally, but we do, we hurt others too. So to say that it's always God's will, I think is missing the point. God is always sovereign and he willingly allows evil and what evil does and the suffering that we cause each other as well, but he doesn't cause it. The second thing is some, some people Think that if they're suffering, it's because they've done something wrong, they're being punished, or they think that God has abandoned them. But this too is a lie. And I've heard people say things like this. You know, they had a, a miscarried baby and they say, oh, it was because I did this, you know, a long time ago, or something like that. No, I, I really do not think God works like that. Now, there are some things, and if you can tie a direct correlation to cause and effect, then, then, yeah, like I drove drunk, I crashed my car. I'm now suffering and going through trials in jail. Well, yeah, and it was your fault, right? It's not God doing it to you. You're suffering because of your own actions, their consequences to our actions. But people go through trials and hardships and sorrows all the time, and it's not because someone or themselves did something wrong. Don't believe that. You know, Jesus said this his last night on earth in John 16:33. Three, I've told you all this so that you may have peace in me here on earth. You will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I've overcome the world. See, his promise is that in this world, the way this world is wired, we will go through trials and sorrows, many of them. But trust me, he says, I've overcome. So follow me through the valleys of the trials and sorrows and let me help you, you overcome evil and suffering as well, so that you take more from it than it takes from you. Now, you know, one other thing is when other people are suffering, it's very important, I think, to be like Jesus to them. You know, Mike mentioned that there were many well meaning people who caused a lot of harm and tend to do that with people who are suffering because they, they spout out, you know, little trite platitudes like, well, there's a reason for it, or God is doing this or that, and, and we don't always know. And oftentimes we do that when we have uneasy feelings when other people are suffering. In other words, their suffering makes us uneasy. So we try to fix it, we try to put a band aid on it, but it always makes it worse for the sufferer. You know, like Mike said people were telling him when he came back and his body is fighting to, you know, to accept this trans transplant. And, and people would say to him, well, you, you just need to confess it. You need to figure out what, what sin is unconfessed. You know, like it's some it's your fault that your body's not accepting this. Well, that's like Job's friends in the book of Job. And God rebuked them. So don't be like that. You know, interestingly, while Jesus was on earth, a horrific thing happened to some Galileans who were there at the temple in Jerusalem, Muslim. And just like today, the assumption was, well, God must be punishing them. They must have done something. And this is God's just punishment. And look at what Jesus says. He says this, this is Luke 13:1 3. About this time, Jesus was informed that Pilate had murdered some people from Galilee as they were offering sacrifices at the temple. Do you think those Galileans were worse sinners than all the other people from Galilee? Jesus asked, ask, is that why they suffered? And listen to his answer, not at all. No. Suffering is not always a cause and effect situation. Sometimes we don't understand and won't know the answer to why. And the best thing to do then is to just be with the person, empathize, care, you know, the shortest verse in the Bible, remember is Jesus wept and it happened at the scene of Lazarus, his good friend and Mary, Martha, Mary and Martha also his good friends who were sisters of Lazarus. Lazarus died and Jesus intentionally waited for four days to go. And then he's there with them. And they are, they are grieving and they're, they're crying and they're like, Jesus, why, why didn't you come? You could have healed him. And Jesus didn't rebuke them. He was going to fix it. He was going to make it better. He didn't say, don't you trust me? Come on, I'm going to do something about it. No, it says he wept. He sat in the grief with them. Why? Well, because life is hard and sad and God gets that and he wants us to be able to have empathy with those who are going through it it as well. So that's what we need to do, is be like Jesus. You can pray for people that you know that God would heal them, bring peace, give them strength to go through it, but resist trying to fix it or trying to quickly make them feel better, really to make yourself feel better. You know, when my father died, when, when I was younger and many of my friends just, they didn't know what to say. They were afraid they were going to say something wrong and make it worse. So they just stayed away. And honestly, that was the wrong thing to do. I'll never forget Randy and Karen. They were two of my friends and they weren't even my closest friends. And they came and just sat with me. I remember them just sitting there while, while I just bawled and while I ranted at God. Some, they didn't try to defend God or fix it or correct it it. And they even cried with me. And it was healing. And you know what? Not only will I never forget it, it actually in time helped me move toward God. So whether you're comforting someone else or whether you're going through it yourself, remember this. He's with us. He suffers with us. He takes us through it to deliver us from the other side. And he's just waiting for us to turn to him so that he can make something good out of it, that he can help us through it so that it. It does something good in us. That's the heart of God. Isaiah 63, 8 and 9 says, and he became their Savior. In all their suffering. He also suffered and he personally rescued them in his love and mercy. He redeemed them. He lifted them up and carried them him through all the years. When you're going through tough times or horrific suffering, God is with you. Turn to Him. Let him comfort you and trust him with the why. And let him show you how you can take more from this than it takes from you. And one day hold on to the hope what you thought was lost will all be restored. Well, I hope that this podcast has inspired you and will help you grow grow spiritually through the valleys of life. If it has, then share it with a friend or a family member. Subscribe. Like it. Do all those things if you would. And if you want to learn more, do a deep dive about near death experiences and the Bible. Go check out Imagine Heaven or the or Imagine the God of Heaven. My two books. They're also on audiobook and soft copy. You can see the links below. Well, until next time. Next time, be blessed.