Decatur, GA, (August 7, 2012): Many people in the City of Atlanta and Decatur are unaware of the diamond in the rough that is available to them. The Rainbow Park Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Steven N. Dial, Sr. offers FREE GED classes to individuals living within the City of Decatur and the Metro Atlanta area. The church’s Literacy Mission Ministry led by Mrs. Sandra Ferguson is committed to educating and empowering children, youth and adults to gain and improve academic success through literacy education, and assist the community in providing citizenship classes to non legal individuals and families. “We want to continue our mission of providing FREE GED classes to people in our community that want to have a better chance at a better life. Our annual golf tournament is a perfect way for people to enjoy themselves while donating money to an extremely worthy cause.” said Mrs. Ferguson.
In 2010, the Reverend Clifton Dial, Sr. Scholarship Foundation was established to provide FREE scholarships to deserving students seeking their GED and hosted the 1st Annual Reverend Clifton Dial, Sr. GED Golf Tournament where all of the proceeds go to support the scholarship foundation. The legacy continues this year with their 3rd Annual Golf Tournament which will take place on September 14, 2012 at Heritage Golf Links, located at 4445 Britt Road, Tucker, Georgia 30084. All proceeds of this golf tournament will go toward providing FREE GED classes and testing for the people in need throughout the community. The registration cost for a golfer to participate is $125.00 and the cost to participate as a four person team is $400.00. In order to register, please visit www.rainbowparkbaptist.org and click the “Golf Tournament” link located directly under the homepage banner. If you cannot participate in the tournament and you wish to simply donate to the FREE GED program by clicking the donate link on the golf tournament website. All donations are 100% tax deductible.
The classes that are currently offered are Basic Math, Algebra, Geometry, Science, Social Studies, Language Reading and Language Writing. They also offer Adult Basic Education in Reading and Math. All students are required to take the Test for Adult Basic Education (TABE) so that the Literacy Ministry can assess where they need the most assistance. Once they complete the program, they can participate in a formal cap and gown graduation which is held every May or June at Georgia Piedmont College (formerly Dekalb Technical College) once they meet the requirements for obtaining their GED diploma. Many students move forward with furthering their education after completing the GED program offered at Rainbow Park and attend various colleges and universities. Former GED student Brianna Smith of Decatur, Georgia just recently picked up her GED transcripts from the church so she can complete her enrollment at Georgia Perimeter College this fall. She stated, “Completing my GED with the help of the FREE GED program offered at Rainbow Park Baptist Church has opened my life up to new opportunities. I am now able to pursue my dream of becoming a nurse – helping others while gaining a decent income. My mother could not be more proud.”
“It has always been my vision to enrich our community by providing them with the opportunity to grow spiritually, emotionally, physically and academically,” said Senior Pastor Steven N. Dial, Sr.
Classes are held quarterly, Monday and Thursday Evening from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Day and online GED Classes, ESL and Citizenship Classes will be offered in the near future.
Rainbow Park Baptist Church is located at 2941 Columbia Drive, Decatur, Georgia 30034. Rainbow Park Baptist Church has Sunday School every Sunday morning starting at 9:00 am, Sunday Worship Service starting at 10:00 am, with a fellowship meal provided for all members and guests.
For more information about the golf tournament and the church, please visit www.rainbowparkbaptist.org or contact Rainbow Park Baptist church at 404.288.1910.
About Rainbow Park Baptist Church
Our mission is to equip Kingdom members utilizing spiritual and practical life principles, by being an outwardly focused beacon of faith and becoming “The Church of Triumphant storming the gates of hell” (Matthew 16:18). We permeate families and individuals with the Word of God by building relationships through promotion of spiritual principles in a practical way. The Park is a place of rest, relaxation, renewal and restoration. It is our PLEASURE to have you worship with us every day.