A former pharmaceutical executive who once approached life through science and skepticism says a near-death experience radically changed his understanding of eternity.
During a recent interview with minister Katie Souza, Randy Kay shared the extraordinary story of what he says happened after he was pronounced clinically dead for more than 30 minutes following septic shock, MRSA infection and multiple pulmonary embolisms.
Kay, who previously worked in the biotech and pharmaceutical industry, explained that he never expected to become a voice discussing heaven, spiritual warfare and eternity.
“I did not believe in near-death experiences until I had my own,” Kay said.
To order Randy Kay’s new book, Heaven Encounters, visit Amazon.com.
According to his testimony, after leaving his body, he entered what he later came to understand as the “second heaven,” where he witnessed an intense battle between angels and demons.
“I saw warring angels with demons,” Kay said. “They were battling over the rights to my soul.”
He described feeling the effects of the battle firsthand. When demonic forces appeared to gain ground, he experienced fear, oppression and sadness. When angels prevailed, he felt peace, confidence and joy.
In the midst of the conflict, Kay said he instinctively knew there was only one answer.
“I knew that my only recourse was to cry out the name of Jesus Christ.”
Moments later, he says he was drawn upward into the presence of Christ Himself.
The encounter left a lasting impression.
“I felt his whiskers on my right cheek,” Kay recalled. “I knew instantly this was Jesus Christ.”
According to Kay, the overwhelming reality of Christ’s love eclipsed everything he had ever experienced on earth. He said Jesus spoke only two words that would become a lifelong lesson:
“Trust me.”
The experience then shifted into what many near-death experiencers call a life review. Kay says Jesus walked him through key moments from childhood through adulthood, revealing how seemingly small actions had eternal significance.
To order Katie Souza’s new book, Star Gods, visit Amazon.com.
One particularly moving moment involved a young cancer patient Kay had met while still an agnostic. The dying child told him, “I’ll pray for you.”
Years later, Kay says Jesus revealed that the boy’s prayer had reached heaven and played a role in his spiritual journey.
Kay also described remarkable scenes of heaven itself—vibrant landscapes, blooming flowers, overwhelming joy and reunions with loved ones. One of the most emotional moments came when his childhood dog, Casey, ran into his arms.
Jesus then showed him a bottle containing every tear he had shed throughout life.
“He said, ‘I’ve turned your sorrows into joy,'” Kay recalled.
For Kay, the experience transformed his understanding of God’s grace. Though Jesus showed him moments of failure during the life review, he says those memories were ultimately erased from his recollection.
“I couldn’t remember them,” he said. “The Holy Spirit told me, ‘Because I’ve removed them as far as the east is from the west.'”
Kay’s testimony points believers back to a central biblical truth: Jesus Christ remains the source of hope, redemption and eternal life. In a culture increasingly fascinated by the supernatural, his story serves as a reminder that the greatest revelation is not merely heaven itself—but the Savior who reigns there.
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the newly released book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
