Reporter-News Archives Wednesday, March 3, 1999 Howard County prays for rain BIG SPRING - Nearly 800 people crowded into First Baptist Church Monday to pray for rain. "We need to get back to the basics. God gave us this land, and he'll give us the moisture," said the Rev. Eddie Tubbs, host pastor. "Technology cannot pull us out of this hole. We can have the best seed, fertilize the soil, have the best tractors, but if we don't have rain we don't have anything," he added. "I believe we need to get down on our knees and ask the Lord to help us through this… to send us rain to heal the land." Fellow pastors, the Rev. Ed Williamson of First United Methodist Church and the Rev. Randy Cotton of Trinity Baptist Church, helped lead the nondenominational prayer rally. Mayor Tim Blackshear, area farmers and ranchers, business owners and community leaders helped stage the service to bring an end to the dry West Texas weather. Country band leader Jody Nix, who proposed the rally to help out his fellow farmers and ranchers, played the drums and led the crowd singing inspirational songs. Farmer Sherry Newton was one of those attending. She said last year the federal government started to take steps to help out the 11 states that were granted federal emergency relief money, but the help has been slow. "We've not gotten one time. I doubt that we do get very much. It won't be enough to pull us out," she said, but then added, "With God's help it will rain, and we will make a good crop." The evening ended with families joining hands and praying in groups. Howard County has received only .28 of an inch of rain so far this year, nearly an inch under the normal precipitation of 1.26 inches. Send a Letter to the Editor about This Story | Start or Join A Discussion about This Story Send the URL (Address) of This Story to A Friend: Enter their email address below:  texnews.com Reporter OnLine Local News Texas News Copyright ©1999, Abilene Reporter-News / Texnews / E.W. Scripps Publications