A group of about 30 Hartselle ministers and church members met Aug. 29 to announce the formation of “A Better Way” organization whose aim is to encourage citizens to pray about the wet or dry issue between now and the time they go vote on Nov. 6.

Previously, the organization had green and white ‘U Prayed?’ signs made and distributed to its supporters. Many of these small signs now dot the lawns of local churches and homes of church members.

A prepared statement was read by co-chairman Rev. Bobby Ray Halbrooks.

It stated in part, “It is our belief that the wet-dry issue is a moral issue. We believe alcohol is the number one drug problem facing American today. We feel it has caused more damage to human life than any drug a person may be addicted to in life.

“Because of this, we hope people will pray about their vote, and honestly seek God’s guidance in making the decision to vote wet or dry. We hope people will pray in all their decision in selecting those who will lead our city, state and nation in the coming years! The slogan “U Prayed? Is something we pray everyone will practice.”

Phillip Hines, minister of Hartselle Church of Christ, laid out plans for the organization’s activities in the weeks ahead.

“We will continue to print and distribute yard signs to families who are willing to place them in their yards, make a mail-out to families later this month urging them to pray about their decision on the wet or dry issue and conduct a “Pray for Our City” rally the week before the General Election.”

Co-chairman Rev. Mike Gunter stated, “I’m thankful for the kind of environment we have in Hartselle and I’m pleased that my children grew up here and I have grandchildren who are growing up here now. I urge you to pray and come together and let this area know how we stand on the alcohol issue.”

Gunter closed the meeting with prayer.