Overview: The Toronto Connection and Heavenly Visitations

The names on this list are primary figures within the "River" or "Renewal" movement, a global spiritual wave that traces its modern roots to the 1994 Toronto Blessing. This revival was characterized by "manifestations" (such as holy laughter and trances) and a shift in focus toward direct, personal encounters with the supernatural.

For these leaders, the Toronto Blessing served as a gateway to what they call "Open Heaven" theology. They believe that the spiritual experiences sparked in Toronto—being "slain in the spirit" or entering deep trances—are not just emotional moments, but functional "doorways" that allow a believer to step out of the physical world and into the heavenly realm. While traditional theology views heaven as a future destination, these preachers teach that it is a parallel reality that can be visited regularly to receive "prophetic blueprints," physical healing, or personal conversation with divine figures.

Heidi Baker (Iris Global)

Heidi Baker is the primary figure linked to the Toronto "River" movement. Following a radical experience in Toronto in 1997, she has claimed frequent visitations and "transportation" into the presence of God. She often describes being taken to a "body parts room" in heaven where new limbs and organs are stored for those needing healing on Earth. Her ministry is defined by a state of "holy incapacitation" where she claims to receive divine instructions while in trances.

Kim Robinson (Heaven is Real and Fun)

Kim Robinson claims to have had encounters with Jesus in heaven since 1988. Her ministry is centered on the idea that "Heaven is Fun," seeking to dispel the image of a boring or somber afterlife. She describes playing games with Jesus, sliding down treehouse slides, playing in the snow, and even riding rollercoasters in the heavenly realm. She also claims to have seen "Christmas Town" in heaven and provides "manuals" on how others can access the heavenly realm themselves.

The "Body Parts Room" Overview

Robinson describes walking with Jesus into an "ultra-white" room that appeared to have no ceiling or defined walls. She explains that these parts are "miracles in waiting" for people on Earth [08:41].

• Railings of Legs [09:08]: She describes seeing legs of all sizes—babies, men, and women—hanging on suspended rails "like what you'd hang your clothes on." She notes the skin and ankles were perfectly formed [09:42].

• Human Spines [12:10]: Robinson saw spines hanging on the same railings. She describes the cartilage between the vertebrae as "thick and squishy," noting they are intended for those with back injuries [12:43].

• Jars of Eyeballs [13:49]: She details seeing shelves with jars of eyeballs. She describes perfectly round black pupils and irises in shades of blue, brown, green, and hazel, noting the whites were perfectly clear [14:10].

• Trays of Lungs [17:54]: Robinson describes seeing trays of "moist and supple" healthy lungs. She contrasts these with the damaged lungs of smokers, stating these heavenly lungs are available for transplants [18:13].

• Jars of Sperm and Eggs [19:12]: She claims Jesus pointed out small jars containing "men's sperm and women's eggs" specifically for those who are barren or struggling with infertility [19:42].

• The Role of Angels [20:06]: She explains that believers do not need to "travel in the spirit" to get these parts. Instead, they should claim them through scripture, and angels will bring the parts from the heavenly storehouse to Earth [21:02].

Video Link: Body Parts Room in Heaven - Kim Robinson

Kat Kerr (The Revelation Zone)

Kat Kerr claims to have visited heaven thousands of times and provides exhaustive, often whimsical details. She describes heaven as having a "Great Entertainment Center," "Jell-O hills" for children to play on, and specific zones where people can participate in sports or visit movie theaters. She claims God has commissioned her to reveal these details to "take the fear out of dying."

Jesse Duplantis (Jesse Duplantis Ministries)

A mainstay in the Word of Faith and Prosperity Gospel circles, Duplantis wrote the book "Close Encounters of the God Kind." In it, he details a 1988 experience where he claims he was physically transported to heaven in a "chariot" or "cable car." He describes seeing "soul-babies" waiting to be born and meeting various biblical figures. His accounts often blend humor with claims of direct, conversational revelation from God.

Kevin Zadai (Warrior Notes)

Zadai claims that during a routine surgery in 1992, he died and spent 45 minutes in heaven. He asserts that he sat opposite Jesus, who revealed to him the "hidden agendas" of the spirit world and how the "courts of heaven" operate. He teaches that his "visitation" granted him a special mantle to help others access the supernatural realm and claims Jesus told him he was being sent back to "wake up" the church.

Todd Bentley (Fresh Fire Ministries)

A controversial figure who led the Lakeland Revival, Bentley was mentored by Toronto Blessing leaders. He frequently spoke of visits to a "third heaven" and claimed to interact with an angel named "Emma" who allegedly helped facilitate the manifestations at his meetings. He described heaven as a place where he received "prophetic blueprints" and literal "gold dust" or "angel feathers."

Choo Thomas (Heaven is so Real)

Thomas claimed that Jesus took her to heaven on numerous occasions starting in 1996. Her book, "Heaven is so Real," details her trips to the "Kingdom of God," where she claims she was shown the "Pit of Hell" and the "New Jerusalem" to warn the world that the "End Times" are imminent. Her work remains a staple for those following the "visitation" movement.

Rick Joyner (MorningStar Ministries)

Joyner wrote "The Final Quest," a book he claims is based on a series of visions and "open-heaven" experiences. He describes a massive spiritual war and his interactions with "The Hall of Faith" in heaven, where he claims to have spoken with saints who have passed on. He is a key leader in the movements that grew directly out of the seeds of the Toronto Blessing.