A church congregation in the US state of Oklahoma is mourning the loss of a youth leader who died in a car crash a few hours after preaching about the Bible’s promises of heaven.
Caylee Dugger, 30, was a student of Master of Theological Studies in Missions and a youth director at First Baptist Church North Kansas City.
During a sermon on Sunday, Pastor Mike Parrett of First Baptist Church, told the congregation Dugger had preached to the church’s Women Missionary Union a lesson based on Revelation 7:9-17.
He then read the passage, which addresses the worship of the Lord and God’s protection in heaven.
“Caylee is at the throne of the Lord,” Pastor Mike said as he finished reading verse 17.
“And He is there with her and she with Him, and she is worshipping Him, and He is loving her.”
A song composed and sang by Dugger was also played during the service, a way in which she “continues to minister to us,” Pastor Mike said.
During a memorial service held on Wednesday, Dugger was described as “always having a smile on her face” and being “full of joy”.
“She lived her life well. She lived it to the glory of God,” Dugger’s uncle said.
A GoFundMe page created for Dugger’s funeral cost and other expenses has reached over $24,000 (£19,700).