Oklahomans Turn to Faith During Tough Times

By Jacqueline Sit, NEWS 9

EDMOND, OK -- Although a recent Gallup Poll shows no evidence that church attendance jump when the economy sags, in the Oklahoma City area, more Oklahomans are turning to their faith.

At Sunday service at an Edmond church, it was so packed they had to add a few more rows of chairs for their guests.

Not only has bad economic times boosted church attendance, people are being more generous about helping those in need.

"Given the state of the economy, that is a surprising thing. And I think it just shows the heart of people when you begin to follow the Lord, it affects everything about your life," Pastor Dennis Newkirk said.

The Henderson Hills Baptist Church in Edmond has seen about 1,900 people in attendance, that's 100 more than the norm.