Imagine Heaven Podcast with John Burke Episode: Why Would God Let Children Suffer? Crystal McVey’s NDE Reveals a Surprising Answer
Release Date: June 10, 2025

Introduction

In this profoundly moving episode of the Imagine Heaven Podcast, host John Burke delves into one of the most challenging theological questions: "Why would God let children suffer?" Drawing from the powerful near-death experience (NDE) of Crystal McVeigh, a schoolteacher from Oklahoma, the discussion explores the intersection of faith, personal tragedy, and the mysteries of the afterlife.

Crystal McVeigh’s Background and Struggles

Crystal McVeigh opens up about her harrowing childhood, marked by severe sexual abuse from the ages of three to twelve. Raised in a small Oklahoma town, her early exposure to church provided a fragile anchor amidst her suffering. At eight years old, Crystal was baptized in multiple denominations, seeking salvation from her torment. However, despite her spiritual efforts, the abuse persisted, leading her to question the very existence and nature of God.

Crystal McVeigh [06:08]: "By the age of eight, my sexual abuse started at the age of three, about between three and four. And so at the age of eight, when it was continuing, I was ready to be saved from that."

As Crystal grew older, the cumulative weight of her abuse eroded her faith. By twelve, she faced the painful reality that perhaps God was either non-existent or, worse, indifferent to her suffering.

Crystal McVeigh [05:45]: "At the age of 12, when the baptisms in my mind hadn't worked, I felt worthless... When I became a mother, I began to hear a quiet voice that told me the only way to solve this issue was to go to an abortion clinic."

The Turning Point: Crisis and NDE

In her late twenties, after enduring tumultuous marriages and raising four children, Crystal faced a life-threatening medical crisis. Diagnosed with acute pancreatitis following an endoscopy, her body failed to filter pain medication, leading to respiratory arrest.

Crystal McVeigh [15:09]: "Yes, everything. My breathing stopped. My heart went out of rhythm."

This critical moment became the catalyst for her NDE, during which Crystal confronted her deepest questions about God's nature and presence amidst suffering.

The Near-Death Experience

Upon her clinical death, Crystal recounts a vivid journey into what she identifies as heaven. She describes a realm suffused with indescribable light and the presence of angels, which she recognizes as her guardian angels—beings who had guided her earthly life unbeknownst to her.

Crystal McVeigh [17:04]: "I remember everything very vividly about that day. I remember opening my eyes and seeing my mom sit at the foot of my bed, and her back was towards me... I remember knowing that I wasn't breathing."

In heaven, Crystal experienced a reality that defied earthly perceptions of time and space. She felt an overwhelming sense of peace devoid of fear, her body liberated from the constraints of physical pain.

Crystal McVeigh [16:16]: "I have been terrified of death my entire life. Like, biggest fear was death. How is it gonna happen? When is it gonna happen? Is it gonna hurt? What's it gonna be like? And instantly, this peace overwhelmed me, comforted me, and there was no fear."

Confronting God and Finding Answers

The crux of Crystal's NDE was her profound encounter with God. Standing in the divine presence, she was enveloped in tangible love and confronted the residual questions of her earthly pain.

Crystal McVeigh [29:15]: "I remember falling to my knees and putting my hands up, and then I couldn't even stay on my knees. I went straight down to my face. And it was out of a reverence. It was out of a love. And instantly as I went down in front of him, I remember I just started crying."

Rather than receiving instant answers to her initial questions about God's goodness, Crystal was shown a deeper understanding of divine love and the role of free will. God communicated with her without words, offering a comprehensive perspective on her suffering and the broader human experience.

Crystal McVeigh [32:54]: "He explained how he gave humans the gift of free will. And if he interferes to help me, then he's also interfering in another human's free will... He does not interfere with the free will that he has given humans."

Revelations and Healing

A pivotal revelation during her NDE was the understanding that her suffering was not a reflection of an unloving God but rather a consequence of human free will. God’s perfection lies in allowing free will, which enables genuine love and moral choices, even though it permits the existence of evil inflicted by humans.

Crystal McVeigh [50:40]: "He healed me, you know, he freed me from the inside out."

This realization liberated Crystal from a lifetime of shame and self-blame, replacing it with an unshakable belief in God's enduring love and presence.

Crystal McVeigh [50:40]: "He healed me, you know, he freed me from the inside out."

The Path Forward: Living with Understanding and Purpose

Upon returning to life, Crystal emerged transformed. Her NDE instilled a profound sense of purpose and forgiveness, particularly towards those who had inflicted pain upon her. She emphasized that while earthly life remains fraught with challenges, her experience assured her of eventual reunion and the fulfillment of divine justice and love.

Crystal McVeigh [56:54]: "He is love. Like I never understood that until I met him, until I stood there, everything through him."

Key Insights and Conclusions

1. Free Will and Divine Love: Crystal’s experience underscores that God’s allowance of free will is fundamental to authentic love and moral agency, even though it permits suffering.

2. Eternal Knowledge vs. Temporal Understanding: NDEs provide a glimpse into a reality where time is non-linear, offering answers that transcend human temporal constraints.

3. Healing Through Divine Encounter: The tangible experience of God's love during NDEs can facilitate profound personal healing and a redefined sense of self-worth.

4. Enduring Relationships Beyond Death: Crystal’s assurance of eternal connection with her children offers comfort to those grappling with loss and the fear of separation.

Notable Quotes

• Crystal McVeigh [16:16]:
  "I have been terrified of death my entire life... and instantly, this peace overwhelmed me, comforted me, and there was no fear."

• Crystal McVeigh [29:15]:
  "I remember falling to my knees and putting my hands up... Instantly as I went down in front of him, I remember I just started crying."

• Crystal McVeigh [32:54]:
  "He explained how he gave humans the gift of free will... He does not interfere with the free will that he has given humans."

• Crystal McVeigh [56:54]:
  "He is love. Like I never understood that until I met him, until I stood there, everything through him."

Final Thoughts

Crystal McVeigh’s story is a testament to the resilience of faith amidst unimaginable suffering. Her NDE offers not just solace but a compelling narrative that bridges the gap between human suffering and divine purpose. John Burke expertly navigates this complex dialogue, providing listeners with both emotional resonance and theological insight.

For those seeking comfort and understanding in their own struggles, Crystal’s journey illuminates the possibility of finding peace and purpose through divine encounter, even in the darkest of times.

Tune in to the Imagine Heaven Podcast to explore more stories that bridge faith, science, and the profound mysteries of the afterlife.

Note: Advertisements and non-content segments have been omitted to focus on the core discussion between John Burke and Crystal McVeigh.