The film is based on the real life story of
Don Piper, who, driving home from a ministers' conference in 1989, crashed into a semi-truck which had crossed into his lane. Presumed dead, Piper lay on a bed covered with a tarp. A passing minister, who had also been at the conference, came to pray over Piper's body and sing to him, with Piper soon joining in. His arm had been severed and his leg was barely attached to his body, forcing Piper to endure a long and brutal recovery, which included being bed-bound for thirteen months. Piper claims to have seen Heaven while he was unconscious and believes he was on his way there before being pulled back to Earth. Piper has said he was infuriated with God, as his injuries meant he had to endure incredible pain before eventually regaining his mobility. After suffering in silence, he wrote the book up on which this film is based and became an accomplished public speaker. His account of the accident, and his life since, sold seven million copies and has been translated into 46 different languages.
