When Will the Heaven Begin?

This Is Ben Breedlove's Story

By: Ally Breedlove, Ken Abraham

Narrated by: Ellen Archer

AN INSPIRATIONAL AND HEARTRENDING MEMOIR ABOUT BEN BREEDLOVE, WHO SHARED HIS NEAR-DEATHEXPERIENCES AND VISIONS OF HEAVEN IN HIS VIRAL VIDEOS—WRITTEN BY HIS SISTER, ALLY BREEDLOVE.

On Christmas Day 2011, Ben Breedlove’s soul went to heaven. But it wasn’t his first time there. Ben suffered from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a heart condition that posed a constant risk of sudden death. His condition, a thickening of the heart muscle, worsened over time, leaving him weak and fatigued. It also led Ben to some close calls medically, in particular cardiac arrest on four separate occasions, during which he felt the presence of angels and experienced the perfect peace of heaven.

Precocious and warm, Ben was close with his family and two siblings, and forged deep relationships with his friends. He loved to wakeboard and wake surf, and he had dreams of visiting foreign countries around the world. He created the YouTube channels TotalRandomness512 and BreedloveTV, and co-created the channel OurAdvice4You, where he posted videos about everything from dating advice for girls to more serious topics like his spirituality and heart condition.

Unbeknownst to his parents and family, Ben created a two-part video called "This Is My Story," in which he used flashcards to tell the world about his near-death experiences and his beckoning toward heaven.

When he died a short while later, at the tender age of eighteen, his family and the rest of the world stumbled upon these videos. The world responded with overwhelming acceptance of the message Ben shared.

Sharing his vision of heaven was Ben’s gift to his family, and to the world. And now this is the Breedlove family’s gift to us – an in-depth look at the life and near-deaths of Ben, the strength and faith of a family, and ultimately, the hope of heaven.

Do you believe in Angels or God? I Do. – Ben Breedlove

Critic reviews

“Reading these pages you’ll discover how one precious young man treated life as a gift from God and thus became a gift from God. Just as his many videos and devotion to family and friends touched many hearts, I pray that this book will, too.” —Don Piper, New York Times bestselling author of 90 Minutes in Heaven: A True Story of Death and Life

“When Will the Heaven Begin? shares Ben Breedlove’s profound message of hope and peace with the world. Ally Breedlove has done a remarkable job in this beautifully simplistic, heartfelt narrative that will endear every reader to Ben, while reminding us to live every day with joy.”—Elizabeth Bryan, coauthor of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Count Your Blessings

“Ben Breedlove’s story affected me deeply from the moment I first heard it. We are all lucky that Ally Breedlove shared Ben’s incredible experiences and discovery with the world in When Will the Heaven Begin? Ben’s life was filled with struggles that no person or family would ever wish for, but what he ultimately came to realize was that every life, and everything in your life, truly matters and has a purpose. His unshakable belief in God and the perfect peace that is waiting for all of us in heaven will provide hope and inspiration to millions.”—Glenn Beck

“Ever since Ben came into my life I have been on a new journey. He saved me. Not drugs, not liquor, Ben. I think it's safe to say that he single-handedly reignited the spark in me to keep going and to keep creating. I do believe that he was sent here on a mission from God.”—Scott Mescudi (aka Kid Cudi)

Choosing the End: knowing the outcome.

Knowing this would end with his death early did not remove the touching emotions from this story.

Amazing story

Very heartwarming and moving. I would highly recommend this book! what an amazing person and family.

Beautiful story

This this story is about a young man going through some health conditions. It talks about his walk with God And his wonderful faith. Use even if you're not religious this is a beautiful book and a beautiful story about his life. I ugly cried.

Great story from a wonderful family

What did you love best about When Will the Heaven Begin??

The story of Ben's life is told in such a way that you begin to feel that you know Ben even if you (as I) never met him. The story's being told from the point of view of his sister creates a relational aspect that is unusual, but pleasant.

Which character – as performed by Ellen Archer – was your favorite?

Ben's character is extremely compelling, and encouraging.

My review

From the start to the end of this book, i could not put it down. I first red about Bens and Ali’s story in a book called Imagine Heaven. It was so beautifully written, i felt like i knew his family. I would say that anyone should read this book but you will need to have Kleenex ready.