The Real Story of the Boy Who Claimed He Went to Heaven
When the story of Colton Burpo first came out, it touched millions around the world. He was just a little boy from Nebraska who said he saw heaven, and his story became the basis of the best-selling book and movie Heaven Is for Real.
But that was years ago. So where is Colton now, and what is his life like today?
Who Is Colton Burpo?
Colton Burpo was only four years old when he nearly died during emergency surgery in 2003. After he recovered, he began telling his parents incredible things, that he had seen angels, met Jesus, and even talked to family members who had passed away before he was born.
His father was stunned to listen to all this at first. All the details that Colt Todd Burpo, a small-town pastor, was stunned by. The details Colton shared seemed impossible for a child to know. Together, they wrote the book Heaven Is for Real, which became a worldwide phenomenon.
What Happened After the Book and Movie?
The book’s release in 2010 turned Colton into a household name. Nearly ten years later, the movie version, with Greg Kinnear as Todd Burpo, was released in 2014, making more than $100 million in total sales and attracting a lot of new people to learn about the Burpo family.
Unfortunately, the rise in popularity of the story brought along disbelief and negative opinions as well. A lot of people doubted if the story of Colton was made up or if it was simply a product of a child’s fantasy. However, the Burpo family didn’t waver in their belief and they kept spreading the same message.
Where Is Colton Burpo Now?
Today, Colton is a grown man in his mid-20s. He lives a relatively quiet life in Nebraska, still close to his family. He’s no longer the little boy from the story, he’s an adult who has continued to speak publicly about his experience, faith, and how it shaped his life.
He is sometimes visible at parish functions, youth conferences, and interviews where he communicates how his close-to-death experience profoundly impacted his point of view. Though he is not after popularity, he still moves those who hold faith in hope and life beyond death.
What Does Colton Say About His Experience Now?
Colton still stands by what he said all those years ago, that his visit to heaven was real. He’s acknowledged that as he’s grown older, he understands it differently, but the core of his story hasn’t changed.
He used to say that his experience was not about him getting attention but rather it was a way of reminding people that heaven exists and that faith is a source of comfort in difficult times.
Is Colton Burpo On Social Media?
Sure, Colton is on social media, but he is not very active. From time to time, he posts religious messages or updates about his life. While most individuals get their fame at an early stage, he has still been humble and grounded, putting his focus on faith, family, and purpose.
You may also be interested in reading Is Heaven Is For Real Based On A True Story?
Final Thoughts
Colton Burpo, the boy who said he saw heaven, is now an adult living a simple, faith-filled life. While his story sparked both belief and debate, it continues to move millions around the world.
For Colton, it’s not about fame anymore. It’s about keeping hope alive, and reminding people that, in his words, “Heaven really is for real.”
