Laurel County, KY, community finds hope in unity and prayer after deadly tornado

Just days after a deadly tornado ripped through Laurel County, Kentucky , many in the community held a prayer vigil Wednesday to honor those killed, as well as the survivors of the storm.

“Just to pray for families, pray for people who’ve lost things. Pray for people who lost loved ones… lost their homes, lost their cars, lost their businesses," said Brad White, lead pastor of Creek Church.

A small church in the county is opening its doors — and its heart — to a community in crisis after one of the deadliest tornadoes in the state's history.

“We believe in the power of prayer, and we believe it will help us. God can do more than we can, and we need His help," said Carla Pennington, who attended the event.

The EF-4 tornado killed 19 people across the state, including 17 people in Laurel County, hitting just before midnight with 170 mph winds.

“I’ve been here 58 years. Born and have lived here all my life. It’s home to me, so I know a lot of the people affected," she said. “We’ve always been a family in Laurel County, but we’ve never experienced grief on the level that it is right now."

The church where the vigil was held has also been handing out supplies and helping families financially. However, leaders say the spiritual response matters just as much.

“It’s been overwhelming in ways. The heartache is immense," said an attendee of the vigil. “I’ve never seen a group of folks in this area, in this church, that has come together as much as they have.”

The message at the vigil was simple, according to leaders — God is near to the brokenhearted and this community isn't facing it alone.

“He is here. He’s not caught off guard. He is sovereign and in control and ready to help people rebuild their lives," an attendee said. “Just pray for us… because we have a God who is on the move. And He is going to restore Laurel County.”