JACKSON, Miss. (AP) _ Families of the men who died in the April

20 rig explosion that left oil spewing into the Gulf of Mexico have been assured that their loved ones are alive now in heaven.

At a memorial service in Jackson, Miss., organized by rig owner Transocean Ltd., the Rev. Max Lucado (loo-KAY’-doh) said that when others witnessed the fiery blast, those 11 men saw “the face of Jesus.”

Lucado, a Christian author and pastor, said Jesus was “the good shepherd” who took them home.

Transocean CEO Steven Newman eulogized the victims and told their families, “May the Lord be your strength at this, your hour of need.”

Country music group Diamond Rio performed “I Believe,” “One More Day” and “In God We Trust.”