‘Olive hasn’t been raised’: Bethel Church ceasing attempts to resurrect 2-year-old

Instagram / @kalleyheili

“A lot of influential Bethel people spent a lot of energy declaring that this little girl, Olive, should come back to life. And she did not. Bill Johnson, Kris Vallotton and all of the gigantic Bethel staff could not help her, in spite of being a church that proudly claims to experience miracles every single day.” — Steven Kozar, Messed Up Church

(Adam Ford – Disrn) Bethel Church announced on their Facebook page early Saturday that they are ceasing attempts to resurrect two-year-old Olive Heiligenthal, who died one week ago.

The girl was the daughter of a Bethel worship leader, and after her sudden and unexpected death, church leaders and members had been trying to bring back her to life through prayer, worship, ceremonies, songs, commands, and “believing God” for the miracle.

“Olive hasn’t been raised,” the update reads. “The breakthrough we have sought hasn’t come. With the same heart of confidence in God’s goodness, we receive the comfort of the Good Shepherd as Andrew, Kalley, and Olive’s big sister Elsie, their family, and our church walk together through the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23). And so, we are moving towards a memorial service and celebration of her life.”

A GoFundMe which was launched along with their efforts to raise the child from the dead, and which has, as of Saturday morning, raised $56,000 of the $100,000 goal, now says:

We don’t want the parents to have any concerns over finances throughout this situation, nor do we want to limit the generosity of those who want to support the family. GoFundMe requires a “goal” however any amount for the family will be a blessing to them. All funds will go directly to the Heiligenthal family. View article →