A national memorial service takes place this evening for Bahamas Faith Ministries founder Dr Myles Munroe and his wife, Ruth, who died in a plane crash on November 9.

The couple, who are recognised for their significant contribution to Christian ministry in the island nation, died alongside seven others when their private jet hit a construction crane and crashed at Grand Bahama International Airport.

Following a private ceremony for family and government officials, their closed caskets are lying in repose at the ministry's headquarters throughout Wednesday afternoon, allowing their many supporters to pay their respects and sign a book of condolence.

The memorial service, starting at 6pm ET, will be held at the Thomas A Robinson Stadium in the capital, Nassau, which has seating capacity for 15,000 people. The event will feature a number of tributes, as well as musical performances. The memorial service will be broadcasted at Mylestv.com

A state-recognised funeral or 'home going service' will take place on Thursday morning at the Bahamas Faith Ministries Diplomat Centre. Grammy award-winning gospel singer CeCe Winans is due to perform at the service.

The Munroe family have already attended the funerals of other victims of the crash. First Officer Frakham Cooper's funeral took place on Saturday 22 November, and the funeral of youth pastors Layard and Radel Parks, their son Johanan Parks and their unborn child took place on Friday 28 November.

Myles Munroe was 60 years old when he died, an inspirational speaker who was the author of more than 100 books. His deputy, Dr Richard Pinder, also died in the crash. The group were travelling to the Global Leadership Forum in Freeport.

Samuel Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, said of him: "Myles Munroe breathed, lived and died expanding the kingdom of God. His passion for Christ made him a true ambassador of grace and righteousness."