Tupelo Church Partners With Itawamba Community College

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TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – For four days every week, Words of Faith Deliverance Ministries opens its doors to adults  who  sit through classes in reading, writing, language, and math.

They’re taking GED prep classes. Earlier this summer, the church realized there was a need for a test prep site in the area and that led to a partnership with Itawamba Community College.

“We’re providing the facility and just trying to serve them the best way we can, make sure they’re comfortable and anything we can give them, ICC provides books, the testing, instructors, and it’s been great,” said Pastor Gerald Patterson.

With a sluggish economy and a competitive job market, those without a GED or high school diploma face many obstacles.

“That means it might be harder to find a job, that job they want to go into, they might not be able to continue their education like they want to, a GED opens so many more doors for them,” said Instructor Gloria Wallace.

Whether they’re 20 something, or in their mid 50s, these students say earning a GED is not only a big achievement, but also a matter of pride.

“When I was in school, I didn’t care about school.  It took God to bring me to where I am now to get my GED so I am proud of myself and a lot of folks are proud of me, ” said David Earl Gathings, Jr., a student in the class.

“It’s important to me because I need it.  It’s for a better job,” said Student Ronda Bluitt.

“It’s good to have a pastor to help us out like this , they are so good to us and they are very nice, today, they treated us to breakfast, lunch, whatever you want to call it,” said Student Mary Taylor.

“Once I pass that test and walk across that stage, everybody and my teachers I’m going to hug them and take them out to eat,” said Student Letha Dixon.

GED prep classes continue to grow since Words of Faith Deliverance Ministries started offering them and most who take the course don’t go to church here.  Brother Patterson says that’s alright, he says the goal is not to increase church member rolls, instead he wants to help others to increase their opportunities for success in life.

For information on the GED classes, text “educate” to 69302 or go to www.words-of-faith.com