DUMAS, Texas - A Baptist church in the Texas Panhandle plans to host concealed handgun training, saying it's offering the class as a community service because there's so much interest in the area.

People wanting to get a concealed handgun license in Texas must take the class.

The Rev. Brad Foster of Calvary Baptist Church in Dumas told the Amarillo Globe-News that a state-certified instructor will teach the first 10-hour class in the fellowship hall March 2. It covers how to safely handle firearms.

   Two more classes are planned and the church will offer more if there's still interest. Foster said people from across the region, not just church members, have expressed interest in the training. More than half of those enrolled are women and some are teachers.

   Jim Edlin, the church's Sunday school director and an organizer of the class, said he looks forward to sharing his experience.