Oklahomans take time Sunday to pray for rain

Churches across the state joined the Governor in prayer on Sunday. One Washintgon County church knows firsthand the dangers of drought. It is affecting how some church members make a living. And last

Sunday, January 8th 2006, 6:25 pm

By: News On 6

Churches across the state joined the Governor in prayer on Sunday. One Washintgon County church knows firsthand the dangers of drought. It is affecting how some church members make a living. And last week the church saw flames racing toward their doorstep.

News on 6 reporter Ashli Sims visited Happy Hill Church in Ramona were they were singing "send your rain."

In a state ravaged by wildfires, the lyrics "send your rain" are more than just a spiritual request but a plea for relief. It's been close to 100 days since rain has fallen on Green Country. Now the Governor is asking everyone to saturate the state with prayer a prayer for rain.

Happy Hill pastor Robert Boyle: "I think that's great and we're really serious about it. we've gathered this morning for that purpose, worship the Lord and to pray for rain. And we respect our Governor and thank him for proclaiming this day cause I believe God will help us."

Happy Hill Church knows firsthand the wrath of wildfires. Church members had just finished service last Sunday, when they saw smoke.

Pastor Robert Boyle: "flames were as tall as the building as they came across and there are houses there and we were all real afraid, but good fire departments."

20 fire trucks from five different departments responded to the fire. It took much of the afternoon, but they got it under control before it could damage any homes.

Happy Hill avoided the fire that blackened this pasture, but the drought has touched the congregation many members are farmers and ranchers.

Rancher Steve Milligan: "our ponds or holding up pretty good but the creeks are drying up. This wind makes you very nervous when its this dry."

Pastor Boyle's message to his congregation was simple. "But its always rained folks."

And with that in mind, they prayed for fire victims and fire fighters and they prayed for rain. Ask and you shall receive, hopefully we'll be receiving soon.