Imagine Heaven Podcast with John Burke: "Jewish Woman Surprised by Jesus in NDE"

Release Date: June 24, 2025
Host: John Burke
Guest: Heidi Barr, Hospice Nurse from Montana

Introduction

In this compelling episode of the Imagine Heaven Podcast, John Burke delves deep into the transformative near-death experience (NDE) of Heidi Barr, a Jewish woman who, despite her agnostic upbringing, encounters Jesus during her brush with death. This episode not only explores Heidi's personal journey but also examines how her experience aligns with biblical descriptions of Heaven, bridging faith and science in understanding the afterlife.

Guest Background: Heidi Barr's Journey

Heidi Barr shares her challenging upbringing, marked by emotional struggles and trauma. Raised in an orthodox Jewish community, Heidi navigated a household influenced by her father's staunch atheism. Despite her environment, she maintained a personal belief in God from a young age, seeking solace through conversations with Him during her childhood.

Heidi [03:39]: “I believed in God for as long as I can remember. Being a very small child, I believed in God. I would talk to God every night in a very personal way.”

Heidi's early life was fraught with hardships, including sexual abuse and subsequent struggles with drugs and negative influences. These experiences shaped her resilience and her eventual path towards spiritual awakening.

The Life-Altering Accident

At 16, Heidi was involved in a severe horseback riding accident that led to her near-death experience. Driving her sisters to the ranch in Montana, she encountered a controlled horse conflict that resulted in her falling off her horse, leading to significant physical injuries.

Heidi [07:57]: “I dropped the reins and just grabbed her mane and held on. The second time she reared up, she stepped with her back feet off the trail, over, down onto the float, flipped over backwards and fell across my body, breaking my pelvis, breaking some vertebrae in my back and crushing my chest.”

Experiencing Death: The Near-Death Experience

As Heidi's body was injured, she felt herself leaving it, observing the scene from above. Her perception during this moment was vivid despite her physical blindness at the time.

Heidi [11:48]: “The instant she left my chest, it felt like every cell in my body stood still and I left. I saw my body, and I knew it was my body.”

Heidi describes her consciousness detached from her physical form, witnessing the chaos of the accident without fear, signifying her understanding of her death.

Encounter with Jesus: A Surprising Revelation

Unexpectedly, Heidi encounters Jesus during her NDE. This encounter is profound, especially given her atheistic Jewish background.

Heidi [18:13]: “I recognized him immediately. I recognized him as Jesus. He didn't say anything. He just smiled at me. He looked me in the eyes, and I knew immediately.”

Jesus appears not with grandeur but with relatable imperfections—crooked nose and unstyled hair—making the encounter deeply personal and comforting. Their interaction includes a life review, where Heidi experiences a 3D reflection of her life actions, focusing on her impact on others rather than a judgment of herself.

Heidi [27:02]: “I could see when I did something good and people were happy. And I could see when I did something bad and it hurt someone’s feelings.”

Life Review and Personal Accountability

During her life review, Heidi emphasizes the importance of treating others well, aligning with biblical teachings about compassion and forgiveness.

John Burke [28:19]: “He was the God of compassion. Who... I mean, you don't want to leave him, let alone look away from him. You just... He's like a magnet. You just want to stick to him.”

This experience profoundly changes Heidi's perspective on life, instilling a desire to live meaningfully and cultivate positive relationships.

Returning to Life: The Reluctant Return

Despite the blissful experience, Heidi is called back to her body urgently. Her reluctance to return stems from her desire to continue experiencing the divine presence.

Heidi [48:47]: “He grabbed my hand and he said, 'You didn’t die, we need to go back.' And I said, 'No, I’m not going back.'”

The return process is tumultuous, characterized by physical pain and a panic attack as Heidi's consciousness struggles to reintegrate with her damaged body. Jesus assists her in this transition, ensuring she returns safely.

Heidi [51:03]: “He smoothed me into my body. He meshed me into my body so I was one thing again.”

Life After the NDE: Transformation and Faith

Post-accident, Heidi experiences significant life changes. She abstains from drugs, distances herself from negative influences, and dedicates herself to education and personal growth. Her journey leads her to Israel, seeking a deeper connection with Jesus and understanding her newfound faith.

Heidi [33:44]: “I wanted to find Jesus. I wanted to follow him. I didn’t know what I was, but I knew wherever He was, that’s where I wanted to be.”

Heidi's faith strengthens, reconciling her Jewish identity with her belief in Jesus. Her baptism reinforces her Jewish heritage while embracing her Christian faith, highlighting the harmony between the two.

Heidi [56:32]: “My dad even has blue, blue, green, green eyes... I thought, well, wait, why am I struggling? I can just be a Jew. And it's been easy ever since.”

Impact and Redemption: Healing Family Ties

Heidi's transformative NDE ripples through her life, influencing her relationships and bringing healing to her family. Notably, her father's passing becomes a testament to redemption and forgiveness, illustrating the profound effects of her spiritual journey.

John Burke [58:01]: “God created the Jewish people for a purpose. He said very clearly to bless all the nations. And he did what he did through Jesus so that all people, no matter what background or religion, can know.”

Her father's eventual acceptance and peace with God further underscore the episode's theme of divine compassion and the possibility of redemption, even in the bleakest circumstances.

Concluding Insights: Embracing Life and Faith

Heidi imparts a powerful message rooted in her experience: God's unwavering presence and the importance of personal responsibility. She emphasizes cherishing life, fostering meaningful relationships, and striving to be a positive force in the world.

Heidi [53:34]: “God has always cared. He does always care, and he's always there... I need to make the most of this life that God gave me and appreciate the people who love me.”

Her story serves as an inspirational testament to the possibilities that NDEs present, encouraging listeners to reflect on their lives and relationships through a spiritual lens.

Final Reflections

John Burke closes the episode by highlighting the broader implications of Heidi's story, including her role as a frontline nurse and her continued journey of faith and forgiveness. The episode underscores the podcast's mission to explore the intersection of faith, science, and the mystery of the afterlife, leaving listeners both inspired and contemplative.

John Burke: “Be sure to subscribe. I will be doing these live episodes, and then I'll start a new Imagine Heaven podcast, more of a teaching episode as well, in the fall. And until then, be blessed.”

Key Takeaways

• Personal Transformation: Heidi's NDE catalyzed profound personal and spiritual growth, leading her to embrace faith and make positive life changes.

• Intersection of Faith and Experience: Her encounter with Jesus challenges preconceived notions, illustrating how personal experiences can reshape religious beliefs.

• Redemption and Forgiveness: The healing of familial relationships post-experience highlights the power of forgiveness and divine compassion.

• Responsibility and Accountability: The life review emphasizes the importance of how one treats others, aligning with biblical teachings on compassion and kindness.

Heidi Barr's story is a poignant exploration of faith, redemption, and the profound mysteries surrounding life after death. Through her narrative, Imagine Heaven Podcast invites listeners to ponder the possibilities of the afterlife and the enduring presence of the divine in our lives.