London residents turn to music, faith adjusting to new normal after tornado
John Ward is the creator of 'The Appalachian Channel' on YouTube and Facebook. He has been in London several times since an EF-4 tornado came through on May 16.
He met with survivors and documented their stories.
Wanting to help, he gathered up some people he knew to provide food and music for this healing community.
KHSAA baseball, softball teams get ready for state tournament
London residents turn to music, faith adjusting to new normal after tornado
Man hospitalized after shots fired in Science Hill
The evening included free hot dogs from 'Happy Dogs' and gospel music from Gary Dugger and the Cupps, a family and faith-based southern gospel group from Williamsburg.
'Just getting together and having a little bit of church service, just to praise God for the people that did make it. You know, there's quite a few losses, but there's a lot of miracles that happened,' said Ward.
Bare ground marks where homes once stood, and piles of debris are reminiscent of demolished memories. The people in this community do not have much left.
But what many of them do have is something that can't necessarily be seen; it's a feeling. It's their faith. And it's what's kept them going these past few weeks. Especially those who narrowly escaped, like Monroe Murphy.
Read more of the latest Kentucky news
'I laid down on the floor. Next thing I know, my trailer just upside down explodes. I end up way over there by that deck, just hanging on for dear life. It was awful,' Murphy told FOX 56. 'God had his hand on me. Saved me from all that.'
He said the sheer fact that he's still alive is a sign from God in itself, but said finding a Bible lying next to him after getting picked up and thrown by the tornado is just another reminder that there was someone, or something, watching over him.
'I don't know where the Bible came from, and it had a cover on it. It was Psalms 91:11. It said, 'The Lord will give the charge over his angels to protect you all your ways.',' Murphy told FOX 56.
Now, he is trying to find the owner.
Read more of the latest Lexington & central Kentucky news
The Bible is blue with 'Wendall Hammond, Love, Nancy' inscribed on the front.
'That was truly just God letting me know that he was there with me and that he protected me. So, He's got some type of purpose for me. I'm not sure what it is yet, but hopefully I'll live up to His expectations,' Murphy added.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
3 hours ago
- USA Today
What was the NBA even thinking back in its sleeved jersey era?
What was the NBA even thinking back in its sleeved jersey era? Fans of the Boston Celtics in particular can remember the utterly vile 'sherseys' that looked something like the garbage can Sesame Street's Oscar the Grouch lived in that were somehow supposed to represent the Celtics. And truth be told, they were one of the better-looking monstrosities floating around in the ether thanks to the NBA's less popular marketing ideas. Mercifully, the shersey era quickly faded, to be replaced with an endless cavalcade of poorly designed 'City Edition' alternate jerseys in their place (recall the Boston Enya-In-An-Irish-Pub City Editions, as just one example). The man behind the eponymous "Kofie" YouTube channel put together a clip not too long ago that takes a closer look at the dreaded shersey era of the NBA. Take a look at the clip embedded below to see his snapshot of that moment it might be better if we all blotted out of our collective memories forever.
Newsweek
4 hours ago
- Newsweek
'Emaciated' Dog Travels Over 9,000 Miles to Forever Home
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A dog who was found on death's door has not only made a remarkable recovery but has also found a forever home over 9,000 miles away from where she was initially rescued. Poppy was a street dog living in Thailand who was rescued and brought to the animal welfare organization Soi Dog Foundation. She was "emaciated and too weak to stand," states text layered over a YouTube clip sharing her story. She was covered in mange, infested with fleas and ticks—"no one thought she'd survive." But she refused to give up and underwent months of treatment. Eventually, she was adopted by Kerrie, who lives in Houston, Texas, where they've lived happily ever after since. (L-R) Poppy, once reduced to skin and bone and suffering from severe mange, began to recover after receiving extensive medication and tender loving care. Over time, her fur grew back, revealing a much healthier and... (L-R) Poppy, once reduced to skin and bone and suffering from severe mange, began to recover after receiving extensive medication and tender loving care. Over time, her fur grew back, revealing a much healthier and happier dog. More Soi Dog Foundation She told Newsweek: "As soon as I saw her photos and read about her, I broke down in tears." "I knew this was my next soul connection," she added, noting that she had previously adopted a three-legged dog from the same charity in 2016. "Kwanjai was a senior pup with a resilient soul. She had three legs, one eye, four teeth, and a tail worn down to the bone," she said. "When she passed away, I created a short video in her memory, documenting our final day together on the beach. I sent it to Soi Dog to thank them. "I didn't expect much in return, but their response moved me. They told me that, whenever I felt ready, rescuing again could be a beautiful way to carry on Kwanjai's legacy." A month later, she flew to Phuket, Thailand, to meet Poppy for the first time. Now, four years on, Poppy is living the American dream. Left to right: Kerrie stands beside two dogs before embarking on the long journey back to America. She is seen embracing Poppy. Left to right: Kerrie stands beside two dogs before embarking on the long journey back to America. She is seen embracing Poppy. "When Poppy first came home, she was curious and ready to explore," said Kerrie. "She burst through the door like she had always belonged. "She's not high-energy unless cheese is involved, and to this day she has never barked—not once. "She is such a gentle and wise soul. People who know her say she's more cat than dog, and they're not wrong. She roams from bed to bed and quietly dreams by the window. "My nieces and nephews can climb into her bed and snuggle with her like she's theirs, and she welcomes them with tail wags and kisses. Every night, without fail, she hops into bed and gives me a hug—like she dips her head into my neck and collapses while I hold her. It's one of the most comforting, soul-filling feelings I've ever known." Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Washington Post
12 hours ago
- Washington Post
CatVideoFest meows its way back into theaters
If watching cat videos was a sport, Will Braden would be its world champion. Since 2016, Braden has spent his working days combing through thousands of submissions, YouTube videos, and other clips to construct the yearly 'CatVideoFest,' a theaters-only compilation reel of our fuzzy feline friends. As Oscilloscope Pictures gets ready to release this year's reel into nearly 200 theaters beginning Aug. 1, including AFI Silver and Alamo Drafthouse Bryant Street, Braden says that the formula remains simple: cats doing flips, cats making funny noises, cats surprising you in every which way.
