Mike McKinsey, a construction superintendent, recounted a profound near-death experience from 2004 where he alleges he encountered Jesus Christ. McKinsey's account, shared years later in interviews and as a published author, details two distinct spiritual encounters that he says transformed his life and led him to spread Christian teachings.

In 2004, McKinsey suffered a ruptured appendix that led to a severe infection and required emergency surgery. During the procedure, he claims Jesus entered the operating room in physical form. McKinsey described Jesus as having darker skin, blue-green eyes, and shoulder-length, wavy brown hair, with a short beard and wearing a white robe. He stated that Jesus took his hand and said, "I want to answer your prayer."

McKinsey described the interaction as an overwhelming sense of love and connection, stating that when their eyes met, Jesus looked into his soul. He perceived Jesus as a perfect father figure and the brother he never had.

Following the surgery, McKinsey developed pneumonia while recovering in the hospital. He reported that Jesus appeared to him again during this period, spending three hours in conversation. According to McKinsey, this spiritual presence sat with him at the end of his bed, a presence only he could perceive. He stated that Jesus communicated that he had to be "flat on your back away from all the distractions so you could hear me" and that he was being called to "do more for my kingdom." McKinsey claimed Jesus told him that "Millions are going to hear about our story."

Initially, McKinsey hesitated to accept the calling to become a Christian messenger, telling Jesus he was not like Billy Graham. He recalled Jesus chuckling at this remark, describing it as the closest he came to hearing him laugh. McKinsey now views Jesus as a friend and believes that the crucifixion of Jesus grants believers direct access to God.

McKinsey also shared a warning from Jesus that those who spread the word of God would face increasing "attacks from the enemy." He interpreted this to mean that the devil would cause more doubt, criticism, fear, and setbacks for believers. He said these "attacks" began impacting his life after his recovery, citing the loss of both his parents within six months of each other a few years after his near-death experience. However, he stated that his encounter with Jesus helped him view these tragedies not as personal attacks but as part of a fallen world, allowing him to focus on God's support.

After 12 days in the hospital, McKinsey began sharing his experiences, eventually becoming an author who details his NDE and his claimed conversations with Jesus.