VANDALIA - The threat of rain didn't deter those who attended a prayer rally at Roger Park pavilion in Vandalia Sunday afternoon.

A large crowd gathered to pray and lend support to the more than 500 employees of the Vandalia Correctional Center, who may be out of a job if the facility is closed due to state budgetary constraints.

"We believe that prayer can make a difference in keeping this prison open," said Vandalia resident Jim Bowen, summing up the feelings of those in attendance. "My son works there, and I don't want to see him out of a job."

Keeping the prison open is not only important for the economic well-being of prison workers but to the entire community, said Matt Hall, event co-organizer and prison employee.

"This will impact the whole area. They think they are saving money, but they will end up losing millions," he said.

The reason behind the event, Hall added, is to show that "God has the power to change the minds of politicians."

Prison Chaplain John Klein told the crowd that the facility is needed not only for economic reasons but also for the spiritual health of inmates. He said donations from area churches to the prison have allowed many inmates to become religiously involved and thus more productive citizens.

"Closing this prison hurts both the employees and the inmates," said Klein. "One Sunday, a female staff member asked if I could pray for her because if the prison closes, she would lose her home; this hurts everyone."

Gov. Rod Blagojevich has said closing Vandalia would save the state more than $32 million in the next fiscal year. The state is currently facing a $1.7 billion budget shortfall. Critics counter that savings from the closure would be offset by the loss of jobs and county revenues.

Despite fears surrounding the proposed closing, recent news from Springfield has given Vandalia employees and their supporters some hope. With the solid support of Illinois Republicans and some key Democrats who oppose Blagojevich's plan to close the prison, hope remains.

"We will continue to meet, pray and let our voices be heard until we know it is going to stay open," said Hall.

Correctional officer and event co-organizer Tim Desherlia echoed Hall's sentiments, adding: "You must have faith that God has got your back. I think he has the back of all of us here today and all of us at the prison."