Nashville, Tennessee, is known as the home of country music, but in recent years, it has become a haven for Christians and Christian ministries.
Comedian couple Kelsey Cooke and Chris Guerra were both born and raised in California as Chrisitians.
They fell in love on stage while pursuing their acting careers, got married and never dreamed they’d ever leave Hollywood.
But during the pandemic their views changed after visiting a friend in Franklin, a popular Nashville suburb.
‘WE HAD PEOPLE PRAYING ALL OVER US IN NASHVILLE”
Even as Christians, they couldn’t believe what happened.
“We had people praying over us in downtown Franklin.”
“We went into a shop and the owner said: Hey, I need to pray for you guys right now.‘”
“We don’t even know who she is, and she was like: Lord, whatever they’re going through, they have big decisions to make.”
LOS ANGELES COUPLE DECIDE TO MOVE TO NASHVILLE
That convinced them to eventually move to Tennessee permanently.
They started Oddity Improv, a clean comedy theatre and training centre at the Franklin Theater.
They even opened for top Christian comic Nate Bargatze.
“We have worked more than ever in our industry here than we ever did in L.A., and I’ve had an agent since I was seven years old,” said Kelsey Cooke.
‘WE PRAY BEFORE SHOWS WHICH IS UNHEARD OF IN HOLLYWOOD”
“We pray before shows, which is unheard of. You wouldn’t do that in L.A.,” husband Chris Guerra added.
“People wanted to rub crystals on me in L.A. and they’re like, is this, okay? If I pray over this group, it’s not okay. But the crystals are okay.”
Nashville realtor Kellie Seboa told CBN News the trend of more Christians and Christian ministries feeling called to Nashville and the surrounding areas is real.
She recalled Christian actor and author Kirk Cameron, who moved his family from California to Tennessee, saying there are three things that are important for people to consider when moving to a conservative state — faith, family, and freedom.
“And I said, Wow, that’s really the theme of a lot of transfers here,” the realtor responded.
RAPID GROWTH OF NASHVILLE POPULATION
According to recent census data, more than 130,000 new residents have moved to the Nashville area since 2020, bringing the total greater metro population to over two million.
Last year, the region grew by 6.4% compared to the US growth rate of about 3%.
And although international migration plays a part, most are moving here from other states.
“We’re seeing a huge increase of Californians, but also people from Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York,” revealed Kellie Seboa.
“Amazon and Oracle are among many big companies that have opened up businesses here because of the affordability and no state income tax.”
“GOD HAS A TARGET ON NASHVILLE”
“I believe God has a target on Nashville. The Holy Spirit does that.”
“I believe this is going to be ground zero for revival,” said Barbara Ann Jeter who runs of the Kings Hill House of Prayer as well as a her own realty business.
She believes God is calling His people to Nashville for a purpose.
“The Lord showed me that there will be day and night prayer from this strategic high place — that we have an opportunity to take back Nashville from the prince of the air.”
“FOUR YEARS AGO, STUFF STARTED SHIFTING HERE”
Long-time missionary, author, and President of the CityTable ministry Jon Peterson and his wife Mindy moved to Nashville from Colorado three years ago for one reason.
“Friendship. The Kingdom operates on friendship. It moves at the speed of friendship.”
“I’ve been coming in since the nineties to Nashville and four years ago, stuff started shifting here.”
“You could feel it. You could feel the move.”
“People were moving here and had no clue why, but they knew God had called them.”
“PEOPLE ARE RESPONDING TO PRAYERS TO MOVE TO NASHVILLE”
Jon Peterson believes the migration of believers also has to do with prayers prayed years or even centuries ago.
“Yes, prayers were prayed, covenants were made, people were brought by God, and they were high-impact people, and they loved Jesus.”
“I think God brought us here for us to get closer to Him, ” reflected comedian Chris Guerra.
“I don’t think it has anything to do with the film industry or improv or any of that stuff,” he added.
“IT’S A KIND OF GATHERING OF THE LIGHT”
“I don’t think He’s really revealed the greater purpose right now,” Kelsey Cooke believes.
“But we’re grabbing people going: Oh my gosh, you’re here for the exact same reason. Oh my gosh, your story is exactly the same as mine.”
“That’s so weird. And we’re all kind of gravitating towards each other.”
“So, I’ve just been saying it’s kind of a gathering of the light. We don’t all know why we’re here, but we know we’re supposed to be working together.”
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