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'Stay strong' | Messages of hope from Cookeville to Chattanooga

Minister John Nichols lost members of his congregation to the Putnam County tornado. Now, he's sharing hope and healing to those in Chattanooga.

TENNESSEE, USA — When night fell on Easter Sunday, strong storms made their way through Tennessee and many other parts of the U.S. By the next morning, tornadoes were reported in several parts of the country including the Chattanooga area.

Authorities said at least three people were killed and over a dozen were injured. 

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It is an experience people like Minister John Nichols knows all too well. Over a month ago in Putnam County, his community experienced a tornado too. Nichols' church, the Collegeside Church of Christ, lost some of its members and several were injured. 

"I know that those in Chattanooga witnessed the same things over the last couple of days and I just want them to know we are praying for them," he said.

In response to the tornado, many teams across the state deployed to help with the recovery process, including Rural Metro in Knox County and according to Nichols, help is coming from Cookeville as well.

"We are thinking about you and we have folks on their way right now to help come and clean and pick up and rebuild," he said.

Credit: WBIR

Support for Southeastern Tennessee reaches from corner to corner of the volunteer state. April Stover is the owner of a baking business in Byrdstown, Tennessee. When the tornado hit Putnam, her business gave out free birthday cakes to those affected.

"Cookeville is the heart of the Upper Cumberland and our hearts were completely broken for our neighboring county," she said. "People all over the upper Cumberland and parts of Kentucky stepped up to offer a much deserving young lady whose home was completely destroyed a sweet 16 to remember."

But now she wants to offer some words of love, prayer and support to the rest to the state. 

"I share this to let you know your community is behind you just like it was and still is in Nashville and Putnam County," Stover said. 

Her message echoes much of what Minister Nichols said — you are not alone. 

"Don’t be afraid to ask for what you are needing, don’t be afraid to offer some sunshine to your neighbor big or small," she said. "One small seed can most definitely grow into something beautiful."

While Cookeville and much of Putnam County are still working to recover, Stover wanted those affected in the southern part of the state to know this.

"Hang in there and know our love and support is here for you all across the Upper Cumberland and beyond," she said. "Stay strong." 

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