Andrew and Kalley Heiligenthal were left devastated when their young daughter Olive Alayne Heiligenthal died early Friday morning after she stopped breathing as she slept at home in Redding, California.
Kalley broke the heartbreaking news in an Instagram to her 240,000 followers and told churchgoers “it’s time for her to come to life.”
Her post continued: “We are asking for bold, unified prayers from the global church to stand with us in belief that He will raise this little girl back to life.
“Her time here is not done, and it is our time to believe boldly, and with confidence wield what King Jesus paid for.
Members of the Bethel mega church rallied in support of Kelley who is a popular member of their congregation and is heavily involved with the church’s music group.
Hundreds of people gathered at the church for songs and prayer at a ceremony that called for Olive’s resurrection.
“Since that night, and at the continued request of the Heiligenthal family, Bethel church has hosted prayer and worship gatherings which consist of singing and prayer,’ the church said in a statement.
A church spokesman told the Mail Online that this was the first time that the church has gathered for a ‘resurrection’.
Alongside the calls for prayer, a GoFundMe appeal was launched by the church and has since raised $38,000 (£28,000) of a $100,000 (£76,000) goal – a move which some critics have branded as a ‘scam’.
Bethel Church said in a statement that the fundraiser is “to help cover unknown expenses for the family during this time and any future expenses for Olive, a GoFundMe page was set up by friends and co-workers of Kalley with all funds going directly to the Heiligenthal family.’
“Bethel Church believes in the stories of healing and physical resurrection found in the Bible (Matthew 10:8), and that the miracles they portray are possible today,” the statement added.
Olive’s body is reportedly being held at the Shasta County Coroner’s Office after being transferred there from the hospital on December 14.
The church says it is supporting the Heiligenthal family by offering counselling to help them deal with their grief.
“As a church family, our hearts are with the Heiligenthals, and we are both praying for Olive and walking with them through their deep grief and sorrow,’ the church said in a statement.
