In 1979, I preached at three churches which were located on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. At the Church in Courtney, we had a young American woman who was a guest singer named Aretha Franklin. Her phenomenal voice and faith in Jesus filled the church. She shared her dependence on the Holy Spirit.

However, she apologized that she would not likely be able to stay during the ministry time because she had to be at another church in California the next day. Her music prepared people for my message.

When I gave the invitation for prayer, people flooded the altar and received Salvation, the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, healing and their needs were met. She came and thanked me for allowing her to sing her “songs of praise to Jesus” (Mk. 16:16–18, Heb. 2:4).

However, in a short time, she returned. She explained that when she and her companion went to their car in the parking lot, there was suddenly a vision of Jesus in the sky over the church with a light being poured into the church. She threw her books and materials she had carried all over the parking lot!

She said, “Okay, Lord, I’m ready to go!” The vision of Jesus was seen all over the town and was confirmed by the RCMP officers on patrol. The local newspaper and many other people witnessed it as well.

Then on August 16th, 2018, Aretha Franklin, a tremendous musician and sister in the Lord, passed away to be with Jesus her loving Saviour. She was ready to go!