pastor mike's annual report
~ 2025~
I want to begin my annual report by saying what a joy and privilege it is for Brenda and I to serve as your pastor and spiritual leaders to such a loving and caring congregation. Your love and support of the ministry the Lord has called us too is truly a blessing. We are much appreciative of everything you do for us throughout the year; the pastor appreciation month, and your kindness shown to us during the Christmas season. You are a true example of a New Testament Church, and we are blessed to be serving alongside you.
It is Brenda and my joy to be serving with you these seventeen years, and even more; it has been a blessing to be served by all of you. As a congregation and as individuals you have brought a multitude of blessings to us and our family. You mean more to us than I can ever express. I am exceedingly thankful to God for placing us here at Versailles Baptist Church. My annual report is as follows:
We were blessed with new church members, profession of faiths in Christ, and baptisms this year. Teresa Schredl joined our church by Statement on 3-30-25. I baptized her back on 07/13/11 when she was visiting from California, but she did not join our church at that time. Caitlin Wood joined by profession of faith on 6-29-2025 and was baptized on 7-6-2025. Deven Draper joined by profession of faith on 7-13-25 and was baptized on 7-20-25. Matt Mills and Angel Mills joined our church fellowship by statement of faith on 8-17-25. Jaymeson Leja made a profession of faith on 8-17-25 and was baptized on 12-28-25. And Aubrey Leja made a Profession of Faith on 12-24-25 and was baptized on 12-28-25. We had others come to renew their commitment and others for prayers needs. In addition, the Lord is truly blessing our lives, and we can give thanks for all the ministries the Lord is providing and those that we are looking forward to in 2026.
Our Wings Ministry that started in 2022 is an ongoing blessing and growing with new people. The Wings Support Group Ministry provides support and encouragement to everyone whose spouses have gone to be with the Lord. Vicki Ahaus continues faithfully leading the group sessions and scheduling outings monthly. I am so thankful to be a part of this ministry and in the fellowship group outings each month.
Met with the Prayer Shawl Ministry praying over shawls and lap shawls on number of occasions. Throughout the year, this ministry is able to minister to so many lives in our church families, extended families and community.
Attended the Laughery Association Brotherhood (ABM) meetings at our local churches this year which starts each year in March. The Brotherhood does not meet in January and February due to the cold weather, but will resume starting March 2nd at Osgood 1st Baptist Church.
Met monthly with the Southern Ripley Ministerial Association (SRMA) which plans two main events throughout the year, such as National Day of Prayer held on the first Thursday in May each year on the courthouse square. Another event is the annual Pumpkin show worship service held on the downtown square as well. Both of these events are always well attended.
Met monthly here at Versailles Baptist Church with Laughery Baptist pastors and church leaders in the Laughery Association. We plan yearly activities, one being the “Together for Resurrection” services which is always well attended. We have around 8 to 10 pastors and church leaders that attend monthly.
Versailles Baptist Church hosted the 2025 Scholarship Celebration for the Laughery Association Men’s Brotherhood Monday, June 2nd. One scholarship of $1000 each was given to our own Roman Hite and Eric Antras, which are both a part of our youth. This scholarship program began in 1993 initiated by a donation from the Jess Todd family. This year marked the 115th scholarship, for a total amount awarded over the last 32 years of $55,000.
A Marge Olds College Scholarship Award was given to Lily Welch this year, and Eric Antras was given the Marge Olds High School Scholarship Award. These two were well deserving of the two Awards.
Taught the Wednesday Bible study which is a great time of Bible learning and ministry of Versailles Baptist Church. Our participation has been very good, and the Lord is truly blessing our time together. This year we continued studying the “Great Truths of the Bible.” These studies give us greater opportunities to learn more about Biblical Truths from Scriptures. We also spend time praying for our congregation and people with all types of needs and enjoying our time together in Christian fellowship.
Participated with the deacons by delivering 14 fruit baskets and mailing 3 Christmas cards to widows, widowers, and shut-ins of Versailles Baptist Church Saturday, December 13th. This is a great ministry, and it is an enjoyable time praying with persons receiving fruit baskets.
Participated and officiated the Christmas Eve Service held Wednesday evening, December 24th @ 5:00 PM. The Christmas Eve theme was “Jesus Is the True Light.” Our worship time and sharing of the Lord’s Supper is always a highlight of the service. It was a wonderful time of celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Brenda and I provided the big lighted star that hangs over the cross during the Hanging of the Greens, December Christmas Eve and worship services.
Wrote a Christmas article entitled “Emmanuel – God with us,” for the month of December. The article is a part of the Southern Ripley Ministerial Association (SRMA) ministry and was published in the Versailles Republican.
Participated in the National Day of Prayer Thursday, May 1st from 12 noon to 12:30 PM and the Pumpkin Show Worship service Sunday, September 28th at 1:30 to 2:30 PM. Both of these events are held on the Versailles Town square and were well attended.
Officiated the deaths of the following persons: George Poling 11-10-25 and Bill Jones 12-30-25. These funeral services were close friends in Versailles and a brother-in-law to Brenda and I, which is Brenda’s sister, Jean Jones.
Taught Bible lessons for the Good News Club in the spring and fall session at South Ripley Elementary School. The Spring session was “The Life of Jesus” and fall session was about “Daniel and his friends” and an additional lesson on “Whose Birthday Is It,” (Jesus’). The kids learned and enjoyed the lessons. We had 19 kids on the average consisting of Grades 3 and 4.
In addition to conducting regular worship services, Wednesday evening Bible study, attending meetings such as Church Boards and Committees, Community events, Laughery Baptist Association of churches, Laughery Baptist Men’s Brotherhood; I also attended church/organizational meetings. I made various visits to our church families at their homes, shut-ins, hospitals, and new prospective church members.
Year 2025 was good in terms of church, association ministries and extended ministries staying in touch with our church families and meeting needs along with our community. All the activities and ministries that Versailles Baptist Church provides are well worth the time and effort as we witness continue serving each other and additions to our church family.
As the Lord continues to lead us, let’s continue to pray God’s blessing and new opportunities for ministries as we seek His Will and advancing His kingdom. Brenda and I look forward to serving with you, and we will be praying continually with you and for you this coming year. Brenda and I covet your prayers and will continually pray for each of you. All things are possible through Christ our Lord. Let us prayerfully make 2026 a great and exciting year in the LORD!
In Christian Love & Service,
Pastor Mike Cantrell
