Visits from Heaven

“I have known Dr. Pete Deison for many years now and have utmost respect for his wisdom and love of people. In Visits from Heaven, Deison’s understanding and compassion shine throughout the book to help its readers work their way through the stages of grief, including from the loss of loved ones who have chosen suicide. He also encourages us with the hopes and wonders of what heaven will be like—for us as believers as well as for believers who may have committed suicide.”

Paul Meier

“Nothing shatters the soul like the sudden death of a loved one. Life explodes into fiery fragments, and we stagger to make sense of it all. My courageous friend Pete Deison not only dares to bare his heartbreak but boldly storms the portals of heaven and scours God’s Word to find answers. Like a seasoned fireman he guides his readers through choking debris into fresh air of understanding and exquisite hope. Here is a book perfectly suited for our distressing days.”

Jeanne Hendricks

“Out of tragedy and heartache Pete Deison discovered hope that heals. Now in Visits from Heaven he offers that inspiring gift to us. I highly recommend it.”

Dr. Robert Lewis

“A book written with the tears of Christ, Visits from Heaven provides perspective, hope, and inspiration from the valley of the shadow of death. Pete Deison faced the most excruciating loss one can face as a husband. As a pastor, he had to relearn to care for his own soul; and as a writer he charts the map for the deepest terrains of his soul for our sakes. This book is a true gift to those of us walking through the darkness of our earthly path, and a rare treasure of heavenly vision.”

Makoto Fujimura

“Pete Deison has done an outstanding job of embracing his grief and aggressively seeking answers to difficult if not impossible questions. He teaches us some valuable lessons about how to grieve. I recommend his book to anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one.”

Scott Susong

“Pete Deison has written a book of excruciating honesty. The depth of disclosure of the issues of mental illness, deep love, suicide, and recovery is explored in an uncommon, almost page-turning way. Pete and his wife, Harriet, have been friends of ours for a long time. Her death rocked us to the core. Pete has been given uncommon grace in unpacking an extraordinary set of circumstances that would have shattered a lesser man. This is a breathtaking story for everyone but a timeless book for anyone who’s been in the intimate orbit of mental illness.”

E. Peb Jackson

“With compelling evidence, biblical precision, and astounding life-changing encounters, fellow struggler Pete Deison shows us how our tissue-thin connection to heaven—from earth—is easily penetrated by faith. Read and be delighted.”

Dr. Emmett Cooper

“You have wisdom no one wants. Wisdom honed through an experience no one would ever want to endure, but wisdom nonetheless. Thank you for addressing depression and suicide in a head-on, authentic, and vulnerable manner. Most people in the church are afraid to broach these topics. Thank you for not being one of those people.”

Greg Murtha

“The minute Visits from Heaven arrived in the mail, I opened it and read it, finishing it in just a few hours. I laughed and cried, and cried some more, loving the way it was based on Scripture. Pete’s personal insights, and the beautiful picture portraying God’s Truth, touched my heart. It is certainly a book I will refer to again and again. No doubt God will use his walk through grief to help others and draw them to Himself.”

Judy Susong

“Pete Deison’s Visits from Heaven is a frank, biblically connected discussion of love, suicide, grief, comfort, and heaven. It discusses things we wonder about with a combination of care and mystery. His trust in God and resting in His sovereignty comes through clearly in ways from which we can learn, even if there are things we cannot ‘figure out.’ Read it, ponder what it says, and renew your trust in our gracious God.”

Darrell L. Bock

“Journey with Dr. Pete Deison, the mourner-learner (but ever the teacher), as he walks through the landscape of grief. Since none of us holds grief-exempt status, we can learn from his contagious vulnerability in the face of excruciating loss that we really are unforsaken. Sovereign purpose in permitting the harshness of premature death is softened by earth’s close proximity to heaven. While he does not make normative claims from his precious hagiography, we are nevertheless convinced that there is a custom tailoring of all grievous circumstances for our good. Having watched Pete throughout the grief- recovery process from hell’s attempted one-upmanship, I am so grateful my gifted seminary-mate wrote this book of honor and remembrance, but one of instruction and guidance too. May many a grief-weakened soul gain spiritual perspective and practical help during times of tears and fears through this authentic expression of grace in grief.”

Ramesh Richard

“In a world where people are driven by social media to stay connected, Pete reveals his love story and the beautiful connection he had with his wife, Harriet, long after she arrived in heaven. Though we don’t know much about the aspects of relationships in heaven, Pete shares hope in his own experiences and makes heaven seem so real. You will be brought to tears as you see God’s hand at work and the peace He has given to Pete after such a devastating loss.”

Keith Chancey

“Though an easy read, this book has significant theological depth. You will also find this book is one of the best on the subject of heaven. But on this side of eternity, you’ll gain in-depth insights on some of life’s greatest challenges, namely grief, depression, and suicide. I’m confident all readers will advance and have a greater understanding of some of the big mysteries of life—and death!”

Dr. Gene A. Getz