Are you going to heaven? Fair vendor asks the question

Animals, rides, food and demolition derby are not the only attractions at the Lake County Fair in Grayslake.

Set to conclude Sunday, the fair has a couple of buildings filled with vendors ranging from a woman hawking water-free cookware to a guy cleaning eyeglasses.

Working amid the various products and businesses at the fair Friday was Mike Olhava, 64, of Hebron. Instead of some gizmo or food item, what he offers is a chance to answer two questions to learn if you're headed to heaven.

Olhava, representing Irvine, Calif.-based Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship International, has been coming to the fair for about eight years. He took time to discuss his offbeat booth during some down time.

Q: What's the typical reaction to your soliciting fairgoers to answer two questions in an effort to determine if they're going to heaven?

A: The first year I started doing this, the reaction was really interesting. I would have people walk by, maybe 15 to 20 feet, then stop and take the test. So there have been varied reactions in the amount of time I've been doing it.

Q: How many visitors usually answer the two questions?

A: Ten to 15. It varies day to day.

Q: So what are the questions?

A: Do believe you'll go to heaven when you die? Question two, why do you believe this? Then there is a series of possible (test) answers. ... None of these answers will get them to heaven. Although they are good in their own right, they won't get them to heaven. ... So after they go through this (test), I tell them the answer. These (answers) aren't going to get you to heaven, and I give them a little explanation as to why because of the Scriptures.

Q: Does this approach cause confrontations?

A: Well, I've done that. And sometimes I've gotten on the heated side. But I've learned to calm down over the years, because it doesn't do any good. We want to get into discussions. You want to give explanations and answers. Most of the people that take this test are younger people.

Q: Are you selling anything here?

A: No, we're giving out the good news. That's the whole point. This is all about reaching people with the gospel of Jesus Christ and the message of salvation. And also the power of God.

Q: What is your response when visitors ask if you're going to heaven?

A: Yes, I am. No question about it.