Raymond L. Burroughs

Generally I have been asked to speak around thirty minutes plus time for questions and answers later if the format allows. My testimony seems to touch audiences of all ages who are seeking faith, hope or strength to handle the challenges in their lives. My story begins at the age of thirty-three, married, with two young children. One moment I was on top of it all, the "great American hero", the next I was told I had an inoperable tumor and six weeks to live. Our Christian faith and the Grace of God allowed us to face, survive and turn to positive advantage the plan God had for the rest of our lives following my death on the operating table and my grief glimpse of heaven. A prevailing comment following my presentations had been. "If your family with God's help could survive your experience, I, my family or my loved ones, also with God's help can handle the challenges we are facing too. My memoir is the story, not only of one man, but of a multitude of miracles that began subtly at first but then, with ever growing momentum, literally redefined the purpose and direction of a very complex life. It is my personal experience with hope and promise, the power of prayer and the healing grace of God.

An award winning design architect practicing for the past forty eight years, I am also a land developer and author. For the last forty years I have been testifying about the miracles of God in my life, speaking to church, student, prison, and social groups sharing my message of hope, promise and commitment with all who would listen. In 1984 These Times Magazine and the Presbyterian Journal published my article THE DAY I ALMOST DIED, reaching over a million people around the world. In 2008 my memoir GOD SMILES FOR ME, WHY DEATH COULD NOT HOLD ME, was published by Ambassador International. The book has proven to have a very positive impact on those who have read it and has resulted in frequent request to speak at churches and social groups in the Gulf Coast area that have given me the opportunity to share with others the miracles in my life; my life, death, and life after death experiences; and the brief glimpse of Heaven I was privileged to experience.

Due to the tumor at the base of my brain and the experimental operations that followed I lost the hearing in my left ear and my inner ear balance. So I need a stable podium to speak from and a rail or help balancing if I have to climb more than a few steps. Damage that occurred to my left eye requires good lighting to see my notes. As I only have one-half of a tongue that works, it helps to have a microphone. Fortunately, when I Iearned to talk again, I learned very well. Sounds like I am a mess, but not so. I am blessed and one of the most fortunate men in the world.