ORANGE BEACH, Ala., — Hours before the gates were to open at The Wharf Amphitheater on Sunday afternoon, hundreds of people were waiting to get inside for the Worship at the Wharf event.

During the past several weeks, more than 50 churches of all denominations had been working and planning for the event that would feature popular contemporary Christian musicians in a concert and prayer event to benefit those along the Gulf Coast affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

But two hours before the 4:30 p.m. event, torrential rains began to pour causing a last-minute change of venue from the 10,000-seat amphitheater to Christian Life Church in Orange Beach which seats around 800.

As it turned out, there was standing room only in the church and many were turned away, but the praise and worship service went on as planned.

Free tickets had been distributed across the region and there were tickets available for purchase as well, with proceeds going to assist those in need. Organizers were hoping to raise as much as $75,000 at the event.

“There were a lot of people already at The Wharf before the rain came,” said Oyster Bay Baptist Church Pastor Jerry Peebles. “I honestly believe if it had not rained, the place would have been packed.”

Christian artists including Mark Harris, Alicia Williams Garcia, Deluge and Big Daddy Weave still played.

People representing different segments of the community were called up on stage during a prayer time. Even BP representative Ray Melick was present and was greeted with applause.

Worship at the Wharf was being presented by University of Mobile’s Center for Leadership Develpoment under the direction of Joe Savage, along with the Restoring Hope Project.