Like so many churches in Fayette County, the Fayette Assembly of God began in an empty store, then an office building and finally into its own church building.

The congregation began in 1989 and entered its very own facility in 1994.

The pastor, Chuck Griffith, explained that the church is strong on missions, whether it be local or overseas. He is the Presbyter, or overseer, of 15 Assemblies of God churches in the South Fulton area The churches all come together for a cooperative venture in missions, and support those in Columbia, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Currently they are all collecting blankets, and supplies to be sent to Nicaragua.

Sunday morning worship service is at 10:45 a.m., with Sunday School at 9:45 a.m. The Sunday evening service is at 6 p.m. and on Wednesday evening at 7 p.m., various family activities take place. "Honorbound" is a men's ministry that meets each second Saturday and "Sweet Endings" offers a Bible Study for the ladies. Wednesday evening offers an adult Bible study, "Rainbows" for children 3 to 5 years old; "Missionettes" for girls 6 years and older and "Royal Rangers" for boys 6 years and older, and "Hyberfaith" is available for the older youth.

Pastor Griffith was born and reared in Columbus, Ga. While yet in grammar school, a teacher kept telling him he would be a preacher and in his teen years, he began to feel the pull in that direction.

After high school he entered the Southeastern College of Assembly of God in Lakeland, Fla., and graduated in 1986. He served as a youth pastor and interim pastor in Illinois, later came to Union City and served two years, and in 1989, the Griffiths and another couple came to Fayette County to start a church here.

Pastor Griffth and his wife, Sherry, married in 1985 and are parents of two daughters, Maci, age 8, and Cami, age 3.

"My personal goal for the church," he said, "is to see that it is a progressive, Bible-based, pentecostal outreach center. I want it said that this church `made a difference.'

"We firmly believe in the three `E's: Exalt God, Edify and Equip Believers, and the need to Evangelize the World."