Book

Back with a Message: Bishop David S. Reed Sr. Shares a Life-Altering Testimony After Surviving COVID-19

August 7, 2025

By: David Reed

Wichita, KS – For many, COVID-19 was a global event that brought disruption, fear, and loss. For Bishop David S. Reed Sr., it was all of that—and more. In his new book, Back with a Message: After a COVID-19 Vision, Bishop Reed tells the unforgettable story of how the virus nearly took his life and how he believes God used that moment to give him a renewed sense of purpose.

Bishop Reed is no stranger to ministry. He has served as the pastor of Upper Room Apostolic Church in Wichita, Kansas, for decades. However, what happened to him in the spring of 2020 changed his life in ways he could not have anticipated. After holding a church service despite a personal feeling that now, in hindsight, he believes was God’s warning, Bishop Reed fell ill. He did not realize at the time that this single act of disobedience would result in a life-or-death struggle.

“I thought because we had a small congregation, we could still meet safely. I didn’t understand the full implications of my decision,” he writes. Soon after, both he and his wife tested positive for COVID-19. His symptoms escalated quickly, and by April, he was placed on a ventilator with only a 2 percent chance of survival without it. The odds were not in his favor.

While sedated in the hospital, Bishop Reed had a vision that deeply impacted him. He describes the moment he stood near what he perceived as the pit of hell. He could feel the heat, smell the stench, and hear the cries of those lost. “I asked the Lord, ‘What is this place?’ And He said, ‘This is where the wicked dead go.’”

In that place, he heard the voice of God telling him that he had sinned. God reminded him of the church service he should have canceled. “This was sin,” Bishop Reed says. “And sin in God’s eyes is considered wickedness.” But instead of receiving punishment, Bishop Reed believes God showed him mercy. “Because I repented,” he says, “He allowed me to live.”

The message he brought back with him was clear: warn the people. Teach them about the importance of obedience. Remind them that God sees all. His book is not just a memoir but a call to reflect on our lives, to turn away from wrongdoing, and to seek reconciliation with God before it is too late.

Each chapter of Back with a Message follows the spiritual journey he undertook while fighting for his life. The titles speak to the spiritual themes explored: Disobedience, Sin, Prayer, Repentance, and Obedience. He shares his raw emotions about fear, about feeling helpless in the hospital, and about the separation from his wife while both were unwell. He also discusses God’s love, His power to restore, and the peace that came when he fully surrendered.

“This world is in bad shape due to sin,” Bishop Reed writes. “But each person can choose to stop sinning and live for God.” His words are not theoretical but come from a place of lived experience. He came very close to death, and in that moment, he understood the gravity of the message he carries.

The book serves as a reminder of the verse from 1 Samuel 15:22—“obedience is better than sacrifice.” Through the pages, readers can sense the urgency in his voice. Life is fragile, and we are not promised tomorrow. Bishop Reed sums it up well: “If you pray, you will stay. If you fast, you will last.”

About the Author

Bishop David S. Reed Sr. is the founding pastor of Upper Room Apostolic Church in Wichita, Kansas. After over 40 years of dedicated service, he faced his greatest trial during the COVID-19 pandemic. His recovery and the vision he received inspired him to write Back with a Message. Today, he continues to preach, teach, and call others to repentance and righteousness.

Join the Daily Inspiration Hour Prayer Show

As part of his ongoing mission, Bishop David S. Reed Sr. now hosts the Daily Inspiration Hour Prayer Show on Facebook Live, where he encourages believers to pray, repent, and stay rooted in God’s word. The show airs Monday through Friday at 6:00 AM, 12:00 Noon, and 6:00 PM, and on Saturdays at 12:00 Noon and 6:00 PM.

Listeners can also call in live to request prayer or share their own petitions. The prayer line is open during the show at:
605-475-220
Access Code: 6588057#

You can tune in directly at facebook.com/bishop.david.reed or visit his official website at bishopdavidreed.com for more updates, messages, and ministry resources.