A father of two kids who were killed in a car crash in North Carolina said he's already forgiven the driver of the box truck that caused the wreck.
"We have, in our hearts, forgiven the man who did this. It was not the easiest thing to do, but in some ways it was because we know – Hadley and I – that Jesus Christ has forgiven us our debt. ... So in some ways, it was very easy to forgive a man who made an accident," said Gentry Eddings, worship leader at Forest Hill Church, during a worship Sunday attended by about 800 people, according to the Charlotte Observer.
Eddings, his wife Hadley who was pregnant, and two-year-old son Dobbs, were travelling last May 23 when a box truck driven by 28-year-old Matthew Deans hit their vehicles near Wilmington, North Carolina.
The couple suffered injuries while Dobbs died. Hadley was rushed to the hospital for an emergency C section but the baby, named Reed, died three days later.
Deans was charged with two counts of misdemeanor death by vehicle and failure to reduce speed, the Charlotte Observer added.
A GoFundMe drive was launched online and has so far collected $195,490.
"While these incredibly tragic events are hard for us to understand, we know that God is always in control even in our pain. These are exceedingly demanding hours for Gentry and Hadley," according to the fund drive.
It added, "All funds donated will be given directly to the family to help with their medical expenses. Please continue to cover this family in your prayers!"
Eddings described his son as a boy who loved to dance and clap his hands.
He said they were also able to spend time with baby Reeds, "holding him in our arms before he went to be with his brother in heaven."
Pastor David Chadwick presided Sunday's ceremony, which was called a celebration.
The day before the accident, Eddings said, was a little hectic as he prepared for his sister's beach wedding.
"It was then that Dobbs's sweet voice spoke up with a timely reminder. He said, 'Be still. And know that I am God,'" he said.
He asked everyone to forgive Deans "and forgive anyone in your life who you hold anything against."
Chadwick told the couple, "We will stand with you. We will lift you up in our prayers. We will hug you when we see you. We will walk with you through the grief."
