Dessicated corn field in Garvin County, Oklahoma, July 2011. oklahomafarmreport.com

By MICHAEL MCNUTT, CAPITOL BUREAU
15 July 2011
 
With no forecast of rain in sight, Gov. Mary Fallin suggests Oklahomans seek help from a higher power. The governor on Thursday asked Oklahomans to set aside time Sunday to pray for rain. Dry conditions have contributed to more than 140 wildfires this year, resulting in the loss of dozens of homes, according to the governor’s office. “I encourage Oklahomans of all faiths to join me this Sunday in offering their prayers for rain,” Fallin said. “For the safety of our firefighters and our communities and the well-being of our crops and livestock, this state needs the current drought to come to an end. The power of prayer is a wonderful thing, and I would ask every Oklahoman to look to a greater power this weekend and ask for rain.” State Agriculture Secretary Jim Reese said he appreciated the governor’s call for prayer. “Farmers across the state are really suffering under these conditions,” he said. “I’m glad the governor is issuing this call to prayer, and I hope it helps deliver the rain we need soon.”

Oklahoma governor asks for prayers for rain