HOUSTON — Forecasters and hurricane hunters are using every high-tech tool available to help keep Gulf Coast residents informed about Hurricane Ike. Others are using what they believe is the most powerful tool at their disposal:  prayer.

It’s something that’s practiced at Windsor Village United Methodist Church in southeast Houston.

“We speak to Hurricane Ike and we command the winds and the storm to dissipate,” prayed the parishioners on Tuesday.

“We are people who do believe in miracles and healing and Godly intervention, but we didn’t know that we might have the authority and the power to effect the weather,” said Pastor Suzette Caldwell.

But since Hurricane Rita, members of Windsor Village United Methodist Church have offered the “ severe weather prayer.”

Does it work? 

Well, they’ll tell you Edouard slowed and turned right. Gustav went to Louisiana. And so far, Ike is veering south.

Despite those positive results, church members admit there is the concern that some people will find this a little eccentric and a little crazy.

These believers say that it is not about atmospheric sciences or barometric pressures. For them, it is a question of faith.

“It’s definitely by faith that we know we have an impact,” said Pastor Caldwell.

“We know that we are a peculiar people. We believe when others do not. We know what hope is. We know what faith is,” said Thurman Hicks, who attends the church.

11 News photo

Praying storms away

Experts say that faiths of every culture have prayers for it to rain more, for it to rain less and for weather to change its course.

And whether you believe or not, these Houston believers promise to keep facing the storm.

“Whenever one comes in our direction we will always pursue it with prayer,” said Rejeana Warren.