Congregation says ‘Thank You’ with water bottles for the community

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC (WWAY) — When you go to Wrightsville Beach, you’ll see tons of people out running, jogging or riding their bikes. But Wrightsville Beach Baptist Church is helping those people out every Sunday.

LT Hines is a member of the Wrightsville Beach Baptist Church and a big part of their Water Ministry program, which started more than a decade ago.

“Our Sunday school class started it and they did it for two weeks and we just picked it up and started running with it,” Hines said.

Every Sunday during the hot months, he and other congregation members will stay outside from nine until noon, handing out water to anyone who passes by. Even dogs can catch a break and grab a drink.

“You form a whole lot of relationships and people look for you to be here and the only time we’re not here is when the weather’s too bad. So they know if it’s a good day and they’re jogging or walking or just having a good time down here on the loop, we’ll be here to take care of them,” Hines said.

They give out 150 to 200 water bottles every Sunday. Sometimes, they reach up to 300 on holidays. They do it to deliver a message to the community.

“Us offering the water is just a way to say thank you for you being here and gives us a chance to invite people to come to our church,” Hines said.

People from the community took notice and are doing their part to pay it forward.

“It’s a good start and it helps you look in return to give. It’s like pass it on and it’s great. I really appreciate it. I look forward to it when they are out and they do this and by all means, all the time, I come by. I do give something cause they don’t have to do this, and it’s just like you say, it’ll carry on,” runner Derrick Blanks said.

They continue to pay it forward, one bottle at a time.