Julie Bonn Blank is an award-winning author, certified domestic abuse advocate, speaker, afterlife survivor, and founder of the advanced faith-based abuse recovery program Broken Souls Restored—a résumé she never planned on assembling, but here we are. She oversees Julie Bonn Blank Ministries in all its varied (and occasionally surprising) facets, and in August 2024, she briefly went to Heaven when her heart stopped following a severe allergic reaction. Yes—Heaven. Long story, but an important one.
Julie writes and speaks with honesty, hope, and a healthy dose of humor, because eternal truths don’t have to be delivered with a furrowed brow. She shares reflections on her experience and what followed at heavenblog.org, and is the author of Routed to Heaven, which includes her own story, 23 additional accounts, and a practical roadmap for discerning your Heaven-Minded Mission Manifesto in this last season of days. A companion study guide is also available for individual or small-group study.
As a living example of the phrase “God makes beauty from ashes,” Julie draws abundant inspiration for her speaking, writing, and daily ministry work.
We know Julie’s busy! What else is she up to?
1. Releasing Routed to Heaven and enjoying interviewing people who have stories. :-) Being very grateful to her contributing authors for their amazing help: Randy Kay, Pam Farrel, Lea Peters, Kelly Fritz, B.B. Brighton, Jason Cotter, Jeff Schmidt, Kevin Conner, Kim Robinson, LeaAnn Neilsen Sweeney, Karen G., Jenna Rose, Laura M., Dawn Andresen, Claudia Martin, Rhema Whitlow, Michele Weisman, Jennie Ersari, Sally Cave, Linda Heath, Holly Kingensmith, Lindsay Wessinger and Patti Tasa! What incredible people! She’s hoping they will be all in her Heaven Neighborhood someday.
2. Providing abuse recovery services. She is more than just a survivor of abuse and trauma—she is a certified advocate with hundreds of hours of specialized training in abuse recovery and healing. Julie has also received training in abuse intervention and has extensive experience in the business world, specializing in leadership and marketing. This last year birthed Julie Bonn Blank Ministries and recovery groups, Broken Souls Restored. Wow, God!
3. Julie is the current President of Cascade Christian Writers, previously Oregon Christian Writers. She leads a Board of Directors and over 340 members to help them write well, publish, and follow the specific mission God has for each of them. She also runs critique groups and teaches and mentors non CCW writers who love Jesus.
4. Julie comes alongside others, not to be seen, but to serve. She is an award-winning author who has sold thousands of her books. She is a frequent guest on varied podcasts and also makes other appearances.
As you can imagine, a trip to Heaven necessitated a deep dive into priorities – and this is still happening. You can read about her experience and more on her Heaven Blog. Your prayers are appreciated as she discerns and wades through the recovery process of coming back to earth.