Southern grace: The Rev. E.D. Francis' mission hasn't changed in 42 years

In the 42 years the Rev. E.D. Francis has been serving as pastor, his mission hasn't changed: Preach the gospel and help get souls saved. That mission and drive is what led him to accept the calling to become pastor at Southside Baptist Church in 2005. One of things Francis says that he loves about his church is the fact that it is has members who are loving and caring. He said nonmembers can experience it for themselves April 25 when the church holds a concert by The Skys, a husband-and-wife duo who play several instruments while singing original songs and hymns. The concert will be from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

How long have you been a member of the Baptist faith? I've been a member of the baptist faith for over 52 years.

What drew you to serve the church in a leadership role? I felt the call from the Lord to serve.

What education/background/studies did you go through to become a pastor? I took courses from Dr. Messor at Southeast Missouri State University, Three Rivers College in Poplar Bluff, Mo.

Were you involved with Southside Baptist Church before becoming the pastor? I was involved with Southside before becoming pastor. I first came to Southside Baptist Church after the ministry work that me and my team were doing out of my basement had to be shut down because the city wouldn't allow us to have ministry work out of my basement. From there, I decided to go to Southside Baptist Church to work as the assistant pastor. I eventually was asked to succeed the head pastor once he left the church.

What's your favorite verse and why? 2 Chronicles 7:14: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

What program have you done with Southside Baptist Church that you are proud of and why? Some programs we are especially proud of are our vacation Bible school with New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, our bus ministry, working with Mending Hearts and the Mission for Christ in Perryville, Mo.

What events or occasions does your church have coming up? The events the church has coming up are the Jamaican Medical Team in June and vacation Bible school with New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church this summer. I am excited about the Jamaican Medical Team coming to our church because they actually sought us out and are allowing us to offer free medical clinics for members in our surrounding community and our church.

What's your favorite part of the week and why? Saturday is my favorite day of the week because I get to work in my garden and mow my lawn. But I haven't had the chance to do it much lately because I recently had open-heart surgery. I also use that day to study and prepare for service for Sunday morning. But every time Saturday comes around I get really excited for what the day might hold.

What hobbies do you have? My hobbies are having honeybees.

What else do you do besides serve as pastor? I work as a manger of Pro-Line Janitorial Supply.

Do you have a prayer, psalm or verse you would like to give our readers for the day? John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."