By Will Hall, Baptist Message executive editor ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – Matt Endris, pastor of the Fairview Alpha Baptist Church near Coushatta, will be nominated for the office of first vice president with the Louisiana Baptist Convention during the 2023 annual meeting of church messengers. Philip Caples, pastor of the First Baptist Church in Coushatta, contacted the Baptist Message, Oct. 23, to share that he was “excited” to make the nomination because Endris “loves Jesus, loves and leads his family to follow Jesus, and leads his church to embrace the community, state and world for the purpose of reaching the lost for Jesus.” The yearly gathering of Louisiana Baptists is scheduled to be held in the facilities of the Franklin Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans, Nov. 14. STATEMENT OF SUPPORT Caples said he has known Endris for 10 years and has been impressed with his faithfulness and service as a Baptist leader. “Matt has served as moderator of the Red River Association for two years and with numerous committees of the association as well,” Caples said. “He has served with the Louisiana Baptist Convention Executive Board for two terms, and he now serves as a board member with Gateway Seminary on behalf of the … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer PINEVILLE, La. (LBM) – Louisiana Baptists will have the opportunity to join thousands across the world to share the ultimate gift to children in other countries during the 30th anniversary of Operation Christmas Child. Formed in 1993 by Samaritan’s Purse, OCC allows churches and individuals to bring gift-filled shoeboxes to relay stations across the country that are then processed and shipped to local partners around the world with a means of reaching out to children in their communities with the good news of Jesus Christ. National Collection Week is Nov. 13-20. Though the gifts are simple [small toys, hygiene items and school supplies] they still bring a smile to children who may be affected by war, poverty, natural disaster, famine, and disease. Mary Deen, an OCC regional spokesperson in Louisiana and a member of Journey Church, Pineville, told the Baptist Message the effort provides an opportunity for Christ followers to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children who may not receive any other gift. “Operation Christmas Child is one of the most effective evangelistic ministries,” she said. “According to our statistics released last month, because of our … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer WALKER, La. (LBM) – Merelin McCon re­tired from Judson Baptist Church in 2010 but re­turned “home” in 2016 to teach a Bible study and dis­ciple others at the church he pastored for 33 years. “It’s been awesome, and I have thankful I was able to return here,” McCon told the Baptist Message. “I didn’t even want to come to Judson to pastor here years ago. But I’m thankful I said, ‘Yes’ to that opportunity, and it’s been so special coming back and helping others grow in their walks with Christ.” McCon (who actively pastored 55 years) was named a Louisiana Baptist Convention Exemplary Bi-vocational Pastor of the Year for his dedication to ministry. A native of Colyell, Mc­Con was 13 years old when he surrendered his heart to Christ during a service at Emmanuel Baptist Church, Baton Rouge. Four years later, McCon submitted to the call to preach the Gospel. He began his education to prepare for ministry at Louisiana College (now Louisiana Christian Uni­versity), in 1957, and dur­ing his senior year began a pastorate with the Twin Bridges Baptist Church in Alexandria, two days after he married his wife, Edith. Later he served as pastor with Magnolia Baptist Church, Holden … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer GILBERT, La. (LBM) – For 26 years, Bobby Arnold has faithfully served Eu­reka Baptist Church amid his own personal trials. Arnold, who suffered a stroke in April 2020, said while he has faced difficult moments, he never has considered resigning from a church who has support­ed him throughout. “The Lord hasn’t led me to go anywhere else,” Arnold told the Baptist Message. “It’s a definite call and is something that I have been blessed to be a part of for all these years.” Arnold was named a Louisiana Baptist Con­vention Exemplary Bi-vocational Pastor of the Year for his dedication to ministry. Born in Franklin Par­ish in 1949, Arnold gave his heart to Christ as a 17-year-old at the weekly Sunday service at New Hope Baptist Church, Crowville, where he had started attending with his girlfriend at the time, Ruth Weems. A year later, Arnold married Ruth, became a deacon at New Hope Baptist and felt the call to preach the Gospel. How­ever, he denied the call multiple times even amid service as a deacon and lay renewal leader at Wayside Baptist Church, Vicksburg, Mississippi. Finally, at 36, he surren­dered to God’s call and be­gan to fill the pulpit at Tur­key Bluff … [Read more...]