Since the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon oil well in the Gulf of Mexico on April 20, many lives have been changed. Eleven souls were lost on that fateful day, and numerous others were injured. Businesses that normally thrive during the summer months have been lucky to break even, home sales are almost nonexistent, and the fishing and tourism industry has come to a screeching halt.

Presently, the cap seems to be holding and the hope of the completion of a relief well which would put a permanent end to the catastrophe in the Gulf has everyone holding their breath.

Companies from all across the country have brought supplies, Jimmy Buffett presented the Concert for the Coast, and local elected officials still work around the clock, doing their best to keep the heart of the local economy beating.

Now, 100 days since the tragic event that spilled millions upon millions of gallons of oil into the waters and onto the white sandy beaches of our shores, there is fear that many of our long-time local businesses may not make it until the end of August if financial assistance doesn’t arrive soon.

There are those who are hurting, and many seeking guidance from above.

On Aug. 15 at The Wharf Amphitheater, Christians and churches from all across our region are going to join together for worship, for prayer, and to give to those who have been most affected by the oil spill situation. The event is appropriately being called “Worship at The Wharf.”

A number of local church pastors from Mobile and Baldwin County met last week to organize and plan the event, under the direction of Dr. Joe Savage.

Jerry Peebles, pastor of Gulf Shores’ Oyster Bay Baptist Church said while locals have had to deal with adversity in the past, the oil spill situation has been, in many cases, worse than a hurricane.

“Our hope isn’t in someone coming in and fixing it, our trust and our hope lies in something far greater,” Peebles said.

Big names in the Christian music industry such as Big Daddy Weave, Alicia Williams Garcia, Mark Harris and Deluge, among others, will be donating their time to lead the gathering that will begin at 4:30 in the afternoon.

“We are calling Christians to come together as one body and reach in to our pockets and give and help those who have been most affected by this crisis,” Savage said.

Tickets will be offered free, although front special up-front seating will be sold to assist those in need. Attendees are encouraged to bring groceries to donate to families that are in need.

There are volunteer opportunities available and additional information at www.Restoring

HopeProject.com.