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On May 16, 2013 Br. Joseph spoke for two hours to St. Mary Magdalene's fourth grade class in Southern California. Because the kids were highly engaged, afterward, a teacher gifted each child a copy of the book. The children had much to say after reading their copies of "Proof of the Afterlife" . . .
Thank you Brother Gary for telling that amazing true story. It is so cool to know about that. Love, Isabella + One of the things that impressed me was when you saw the gigantic cross. Srensierly, Nathan + Brother, [I remember about] love, mercy, marated grace and unmarated grace. Thank you, Nathan K. + Brother Gary, Thank you for the speech, it was really cool. Ethan + Br. Gary, You were great, you got me in to the book. I read it for like 30 minutes. You took me on a journey. Your Pal, Keanu + Dear Brother Gary, Thank you for the wonderful book. Yes, like you said: "If your sister is being mean, go clean her room." Ha, ha, ha, funny! Thanks to you 1000,000,000,000 times 2000, 000, 000,000 = 3000, 000, 000,000 thank yous. Your Fan, Angelina O. + Dear Br. Gary, I loved it! I liked it when God talked to you. Your story is inspirering. I love your book! Love, Sydney S. + Dear Brother Gary, First of all the book you made was so good that my family read it. The way you put it in such detail, I felt I was with God and with Jesus. All I have to say is thank you! Your Friend, John + Dear Brother Gary, Thank you so much for visiting our fourth grade class. My grandma and I are such a big fan of you! I got hom I told my parents and my grandma all about your visit! From Kaela + Dear Brother Gary, One of the things that made an impression on me was that said that it was peaceful when you were about your body. I love your book. Love, Paige + Thank you Brother Gary, I didn't know your chest could go that high. Your Friend, Stanley + Thank you! Mercy made an impression on me. Thank you, you changed the way I look at things. A Student, Isaac + Dear Brother Gary, When you said you were peaceful when you were dead, when I'm dead, I want to feel like that. Student Unknown + Dear Br. Gary, *I remember everything. *Thank you for sharing your journey. Love Brandon, P.S. I'm the Philipino man. + Dear Brother Gary, I remember when you had to trust God through the darkness, it was my favorite part. From William L. + Brother Gary, Thank you! Thank you for the book. I will never forget you and your story was great. God bless, Omari
The afterlife is a common topic of discussion for a religious brother in Santa Paula, Calif., since the publication of his book, "Proof of the Afterlife -- The Conversation Continues," a book of hope, forgiveness and mercy.
"People can say, 'Oh that wasn't just a dream.' God was having a conversation with their life," said Brother Gary Joseph, a member of the Servants of the Father of Mercy, an association of vowed and lay members in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
Brother Gary said he has had encounters with God and been involved in conversations with the afterlife ever since his "near-death experience" Sept. 27, 2005: At 1:15 a.m., "an out of control" heart arrhythmia caused him to collapse and his heart to stop, and he felt the overpowering presence of God.
In that state, according to his book, he was immersed in the embracing love of Christ and absorbed spiritual messages. When he was resuscitated, Brother Gary said, he awoke and noticed the clock read exactly 1:45 a.m. "I had been like a dead man, immersed in this encounter for exactly 30 minutes," Brother Gary told Catholic News Service in a Feb. 8 telephone interview.
A priest guided him to a spiritual director who at the time was planning on doing a film on spiritual encounters. The spiritual director encouraged Brother Gary to keep a journal and eventually write a book. The manuscript was sent to Los Angeles Cardinal Roger M. Mahony [Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles] for theological review prior to its publication last November by the Servants of the Father of Mercy.
When people read his book, it helps them to connect the stories and dreams they have had in their life, Brother Gary told CNS. "They never knew how to interpret them."
There was a woman who had told him of her dream about her deceased husband, who was wandering helplessly and in need of her prayers. The book helped her understand the dream, he said.
Saying people have a fear of death, "a fear of dying," and they remain in the dark about it, Brother Gary said he hopes his book will trigger hope for people.
"This (book) shows there is proof of the afterlife and what you do in this life will affect you in the next life," he said. In the few months his book has been out, Brother Gary said he has already seen its effect on families in three cases. One family ordered 16 copies to be handed out to other family members and friends.
He believes the book can help people who have a terminal illness, referring to his mother and a cousin, who both fought cancer. "It's a perfect match for those with illness. It can give a lot of hope."
Although the book has been well-received by many, including Cardinal Mahony and the head of the Eternal Word Television Network, Brother Gary sometimes worries people will take it the wrong way.
"I still wonder if people are ready to hear this, that God is talking with us," he said.
When asked by CNS how one can tell if an encounter is from God, one's self or the devil, he offered two basic filters to distinguish the difference. He said the first is that the dream, vision or physical encounter will inspire greater acts of charity. Secondly, he said, the experience would increase the person's faith.
Sometimes a person can encounter the devil, he said, but when one says, "Jesus is Lord," the devil will dispel. Since Christmas 2010, "Proof of the Afterlife -- The Conversation Continues" ($19.95, softcover) is being sold by Barnes and Noble in its stores nationwide and online.Brother Gary said BookMasters also plans to stock the book in its national warehouse in Ashland, Ohio, promoting it to clients such as Ingram, Baker & Taylor and their retail outlet, AtlasBooks.
"All proceeds of the book are going to Servants of the Father of Mercy congregation serving homeless men, women, and children in America with food, water, clothing, blankets and spiritual supplies," said Brother Gary.
The Servants follow the Rule of St. Benedict. The community's religious brothers and sisters take vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. Its lay members must commit themselves to practicing basic Catholic spirituality and serving homeless people at least five hours a month. --(Emily Lahr)
The book has been featured in the magazine, The Priest - published by OSV, SpiritDaily, Catholic Television Network (CTN), Catholic News Service (CNS) of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Mediatrix Radio, The Archbishop's Hour - Archdiocese of San Francisco, Archbishop George H. Niederauer, WBZL Jordan Rich Show - Boston, Nite Line - Greenvile, SC and many others. Nationwide, it has been loved and reviewed by cardinals, bishops, monsignors, priests and laity.
Br. Gary Joseph is the founder of Servants of the Father of Mercy, a Private Association serving the homeless in America in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
CONVINCED
Bro. Gary . . . I purchased your book at SCRC over Labor Day Weekend along with a number of other books. I have always been interested in NDE's & when I saw your book I was trying to decide whether or not to spend the monies on another book on the subject. We spoke and you convinced me to purchase it. My husband and I work on the SCRC Sacristy Team so when we arrived home, we needed to rest for the remainder of the weekend to prepare for the fall activities! I placed all the books and tapes we had bought on a shelf and hadn't gotten to them until our Christmas vacation. Once I began reading your book, I couldn't put it down. I learned so much from it. I have encouraged our youth minister (he works with the youth in outreach activities with the homeless) and our local bookstore owner to read it. You named one of our parishioners whom we feature in our Ministry Fair in September as making Rosaries for your ministry. I had to email her to inform her that she was in your book! I'm sure your writings will have far reaching effects on many folks . . .
--Cecilia Marks, St. Raphael's Parish Santa Barbara/Goleta Ca
EXTREMELY CAPTIVATING
I was captivated by the book to the point that I did not want it to end. It was hard to put down. It brought back a lot of my own personal memories and helped make some spiritual order out of them. There was a sense that I was talking with the Lord and the message was so crystal clear and easy to understand. I would recommend Proof of the Afterlife by Br. Gary Joseph for all ages. We need more books and authors like this. Msgr. Joseph C.
MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW: 5 STARS!
For thirty minutes, Gary Joseph was dead. ‘Proof of the Afterlife’ is a Christian and devotional tale as Brother Gary Joseph offers his own testimony to the existence of the afterlife, as he relays his story of his death and return to the world of the living, saying that there is something after and to remember that no one is gone for good, that they wait on the other side. Of metaphysical and Christian interest, 'Proof of the Afterlife' is very much worth considering for anyone looking for tales of real people's brushes with the afterlife. The Midwest Book Review, May, 2011.
ADDITIONAL COPIES PLEASE
Having read Proof of the Afterlife, I would like to order additional copies [20] for our church. As a priest and psychologist, I can truly relate to your work. Will keep you in prayer. Fr. Joseph, Pinconning, MI
IT WAS AS IF THIS BOOK WAS WRITTEN FOR ME
As I read the book, Proof of the Afterlife The Conversation Continues, I could not stop myself from crying (oh and I couldn't put it down either). As I leaf through the pages questions that I have wondered for a long time were mysteriously answered. It was as if this book was wrtten for me; our Lord talked to me through your words, through your stories. Carolyn P., San Jose, CA
THANK YOU!
Your book was a delight. I lost my wife 4 years ago from a brain tumor, she was only 52, and your book has given me a great insight into my dreams and what they mean. I have ordered another 3 books from our diocesan library to give to friends who have lost loved ones. May God bless you for all you do. Paul L., Interlochen, MI
HARD TO PUT DOWN
I read the book cover to cover in one sitting. The exerience I had was one of the renewal of my faith, increased spirituality, more hope and the true meaning of reconcilliation. I enjoyed it so much, each of my adult children received a copy. Anita P., Santa Paula, CA
THOUGHT PROVOKING & UPLIFTING
I found "Proof of the Afterlife" more than just a story about a near death experience. Brother Gary also shares his journey about learning about forgiveness, love and faith. Through it, one feels compelled to not only reflect on what we can expect from beyond but on the changes we can make today to make life better for us and those we love. I believe Brother Gary's book is a must-read for everyone. Adele, Ventura, CA
CONVINCING!
The inspiring stories in Proof of the Afterlife give evidence to the importance of our lives and relationships here in this life. What we do here is important and has meaning! Through out the book these amazing stories illustrate the importance of forgiveness, love, and authentic relationship with God and with each other. We will see our loved ones again. Death is not the end. God is real and He cares deeply about us. This is a great read! Simona, Tempe, AZ
BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN!
Br. Gary's account of his "Afterlife" experience is deftly written and deserves the attention of anyone who ponders questions of faith and life's meaning. Well done! Peter T., Phoenix, AZ
A MESSAGE OF MERCY
I enjoyed the book very much. The way it is written is very different and interesting. The message of mercy and not being judgmental is certainly coming through. I have been sharing it and the response has been very good. Margaret M., Alberta, Canada
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