My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
— John 15:12–13, NIV
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s focus on others.
I was asked to add Jean Easley’s name for prayer today. Please pray for her.
We need to keep praying the the little Simmons girl. David and I were at the home of Mrs. Barbara Hutchinson yesterday when she received the call that the surgery was finished, but not complete. Another surgery will be needed Wednesday to complete the process. That gives us time for more prayers. The family is greatly appreciative of your prayers and encouragement.
Obituary
Louise Morales Crusturner
August 20, 1930 – May 16, 2026
A resident of Greensburg, LA, passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, LA. She was born August 20, 1930 in Juigalpa, Nicaragua and was 95 years of age. Preceded in death by her husband, Sankey Lee Cruseturner; and her parents, Dolores Morales and Pudencia Solis Morales. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00AM until Religious Services at 11:00AM on Friday, May 22, 2026. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Today, let’s pray for students as they complete a school year and face the summer opportunities. I pray adults will make wise decisions about how the summer holidays are spent by each and every child (new opportunities, vacation time, learning a new creative hobby, time with distant relatives, reading, new friendships, VBS, camp, and much more. Let’s also pray for it to be a safe season for each and every child.
One More Scripture
“Jesus spoke to them again: ‘I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.'”
— John 8:12
Have a wonderful day as you serve Him and minister to others.
I trust you had a great day yesterday as you celebrated the Lord’s Day. Today, we welcome a new day. I wonder what great things He has planned for us.
Today’s Scripture
Dear children, let us not love with words or speech
but with actions and in truth.
— 1 John 3:18, NIV
Read the Bible in 2026
May 18
Numbers 11-13
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s pray for each other as we begin another week. Monday’s can be hard in the real world. Let’s pray this Monday will be a wonderful day for each other.
Obituary
David was told Marty Guy passed away. That is not listed as an obituary yet.
I will share this obituary with a Roseland/Amite connection.
Charles Estus Gatewood
February 19, 1936 – May 12, 2026
Charles Estus Gatewood died May 12, 2026 at home at the age of 90.
He was born in Bay St. Louis, MS on February 19, 1936 to Charles and Jessie Necaise Baynes.
After their deaths, he was adopted at age 6 by Aubrey and Mable Forbes Gatewood.
He was raised in Roseland and attended Amite High School where he met the love of his life, Barbara Spring. He excelled in football. As a senior, he was the Amite Warrior’s candidate for all-state honors with 146 carries for 955 yards and scored 58 points. Described as one of the mighty mites of the prep gridiron, he was 5’8” tall and weighed 155 lbs.
After high school in 1955, he and his best friend, HC Callahan enlisted in the United States Air Force. He excelled in every job he was assigned. His evaluations showed exceptional knowledge of processes, attention to detail, his insistence on maintaining the highest degree of professionalism in any area of assignments were some of his strengths. He had a “can do better” attitude in every task he was confronted with. Some of his strongest assets were the use of sound judgment, his loyalty, keen sense of responsibility and his selfless devotion to duty.
He married his high school sweetheart on May 18, 1957. The Air Force took them to Salina, Kansas where Kelley was born, Fairbanks, Alaska where Jeff and Barry were born, then Roswell, New Mexico, Fort Worth, Texas and finally Biloxi, Mississippi.
After 23 years of active duty, including a tour of duty in Vietnam, he retired to Walker, LA. He started his next job as maintenance supervisor to the then Doctor’s hospital and later Parkland Hospital.
Livingston Activity Center was his passion for the next 18 years. It was more than a job. He made a difference in their lives and they in his. “Mr. Chuck” was truly loved. He cared about them and treated them with respect.
His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were a joy to him. He loved to spend time doing things with them. “Pops” was always up for fun. He set a good example of how to be a grandfather.
Everyone who met or knew him enjoyed his good-natured, easy-going attitude. He was industrious and if something needed fixing, he would set about doing it. One of his famous sayings when faced with a challenge was “Oh, that’s easy.” He was a joyous soul who was always lighthearted, but a little mischievous. He will be truly missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Jessie Baynes, Aubrey and Mable Gatewood; sisters, Theda Baynes Lake, Essie Baynes Bourgeois; brother, Garland Baynes; grandson, Jeremy Gatewood and great-grandson Reilly Berger.
He is survived by his spouse of 69 years, Barbara Yvonne Spring Gatewood; children, Kelley Mitchell (Alan), Jeffrey Gatewood (Phyllis), Barry Gatewood (Tina); grandchildren, Jenny Mitchell Pastore, Ashley Mitchell Pittman (Alex); great-grandchildren, Caleb Gatewood (Katie), Lola Pastore, Frankie Pastore, Quinn Pittman, Colton Tate, Aiden Berger; and a host of family and friends.
Special thanks to the ladies of Healing Waters Sitter Services, LLC.; Sonja Foster, Balivia Willis, Peggy Howard and Kim Adams. You were such an inspiration of care, love and encouragement to Dad, Mom and us. I truly felt he was in great hands. Your reliance on your faith in Jesus to guide his care brought great comfort to me. I could tell he felt your love. Tammy Davis from At Home Care, LLC started just in time. You were a great asset in Dad’s last weeks and I know Mom will continue to need your loving care.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at McKneely Funeral Home in Amite, LA from 10:00 to 11:00. Service to follow by his friend and “preacher” Mark Dunn then Military Burial at Spring Cemetery in Amite.
(I remember the Gatewood name, but not any particular individuals from my childhood. Charles Gatewood was a person my parents would have known.)
Special Prayer Request
Mrs. Barbara Hurchingson requested prayer for a great, granddaughter from the Simmons portion of her family. The child broke her hand playing softball. While having the break checked, testing showed another possible concern in that hand. Surgery, this morning, will give the doctors more information and a plan for treatment of the fracture. Please join in the praying for tis child.
Vacation Bible Schools will be held all across our communities in the coming summer months. The first one is usually at FBC, Kentwood which will be June 1-5 this year from 8:30 – 11:30 each day. Registration has begun online. If you need additional information, please contact the church office (229-8111).
The theme verse for the Lifeway VBS is “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” — Matthew 4:19 (NLT). That sounds like a lot of fun. Please encourage the children of your family to attend at least one VBS this summer.
Happy Lord’s Day! Don’t forget to include Him today!
A Verse for Today
As we live here, we have to trust God. We do not yet see the things that belong to heaven. II CORINTHIANS 5:7, EASY
Sunday School Teaches the Bible to Us.
Don’t miss the opportunity to learn more from the book of Matthew this morning and to hear the pastor’s message as well, as to learn from the hymns we sign today.
Pray for the opportunities available in all the area churches this morning. Let’s pray people take advantage of this opportunity in a chosen church today.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” – Philippians 4:6
A Challenge for Today
When you are at church today and see someone you do not know, introduce yourself. Then ask about them. Write their name down and try to remember them. Call that person by name today and again when you see them. Keep your list of “new friends” handy to refer to as needed. If you know a couple things about them like family, location of home, job, etc., you will find it easier to speak to them the next time you see them and hopefully, you will remember something about them from each conversation. It not difficult! Pray now, then meet someone new today.
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 1Ephesians 6:18, NIV
Prayer Focus Today – Others
What should we pray concerning a friend, a teacher, a neighbor, a pastor, a relative, a grandchild, etc.?
Read the Bible in 2026
May 16
Numbers 7
Obituary
Clay A. Bankston, Jr.
November 6, 1948 – May 13, 2026
Clay A. Bankston, Jr. also known as Butch or Brother, he was resident of Amite, LA, formerly of Baton Rouge, LA. He passed away on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at Hood Memorial Hospital in Amite, LA. He was born November 6, 1948 in Baton Rouge, LA and was 77 years of age. He loved his grandkids, animals, and Harley Davidson motorcycles. Clay was a member of Mt. Nebo Baptist Church and a proud graduate of Istrouma High School. He is survived by daughter, Ash-Leigh Bankston Garcia and husband, Omar; son, Jonathan Clay Bankston and wife, Kelly; grandchildren, Adam “A.J.” Calais and fiancé, Ashlee, Ana-Grace Garcia, Grant Bankston, Carter Bankston, Easton Garcia, and Everett Bankston; 2 sisters, Mary Ann Kofron and husband, Bob, and Margaret Wascom; and numerous other family members and friends. Preceded in death by his parents, Clay A. Bankston, Sr. and Bessie Morris Bankston. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00AM until Religious Services at 12:00 Noon on Monday, May 18, 2026. Services conducted by Rev. Randel Camardelle. Interment Bankston Cemetery, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 1Ephesians 6:18, NIV
Prayer Focus Today – Others
What should we pray concerning a friend, a teacher, a neighbor, a pastor, a relative, a grandchild, a graduate, etc.?
Read the Bible in 2026
May 16
Numbers 7
Obituary
Clay A. Bankston, Jr.
November 6, 1948 – May 13, 2026
Clay A. Bankston, Jr. also known as Butch or Brother, he was resident of Amite, LA, formerly of Baton Rouge, LA. He passed away on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at Hood Memorial Hospital in Amite, LA. He was born November 6, 1948 in Baton Rouge, LA and was 77 years of age. He loved his grandkids, animals, and Harley Davidson motorcycles. Clay was a member of Mt. Nebo Baptist Church and a proud graduate of Istrouma High School. He is survived by daughter, Ash-Leigh Bankston Garcia and husband, Omar; son, Jonathan Clay Bankston and wife, Kelly; grandchildren, Adam “A.J.” Calais and fiancé, Ashlee, Ana-Grace Garcia, Grant Bankston, Carter Bankston, Easton Garcia, and Everett Bankston; 2 sisters, Mary Ann Kofron and husband, Bob, and Margaret Wascom; and numerous other family members and friends. Preceded in death by his parents, Clay A. Bankston, Sr. and Bessie Morris Bankston. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00AM until Religious Services at 12:00 Noon on Monday, May 18, 2026. Services conducted by Rev. Randel Camardelle. Interment Bankston Cemetery, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
— 1 Timothy 2:1-2, NIV
Prayer Focus
The above Scripture tells us pray for those in authority so we can live quiet, peaceful, and godly lives. Be sure your personal prayer list has a list of people in authority for you to pray for. It can include world leaders, local leaders, political leaders, giants of your profession, etc.
Let’s pray for our newest graduates to live a life that is a reflection of Christ on a daily basis.
FBC, Kentwood will honor our graduates Sunday.
If you would like to mark a Scripture in their Bibles, you may do so today in the hallway of the fellowship hall during office hours. Be an encourager! The graduates will be honored during the 10:30 service Sunday morning.
Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
— Philippians 2:4, ESV
Missions
Missions projects are always ongoing at church. Each one has its own focus. I hope you will find one at your church and volunteer to participate in that mission ministry. If you need assistance, I will be happy to help you with information and/or guide you to more information. Mission projects require time. If you want to volunteer time, your help would be greatly appreciated. Bro. Darryl may be good in guiding you to a leader of one of our mission projects. Just ask!
Coming Soon – VBS
June 1-5
8:30-11:30 A.M.
Nursery is provided for young children of those working in VBS.
I apologize. I forgot to write when I got home after working on shoeboxes. I got a lot accomplished this morning! My driver had an early schedule!
A Verse to Ponder On
Let each of you look not only to his own interests,
but also to the interests of others.
— Philippians 2:4, ESV
Obituary
Hilda Diane Buckley
May 16, 1946 – May 13, 2026
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at her home. She was born May 16, 1946 in Kentwood, LA and was 79 years of age. She is survived by her husband, Guy Franklin Buckley, Jr.; 1 daughter, Chantell Buckley Cortez; 2 sons, Guy Franklin “Trey” Buckley, III and wife, Rachel, and Trenity Wade Buckley and wife, Shelli; 1 sister, Donnie Mae Givens; 8 grandchildren, Tayler Buckley and wife, Jade, Calin Buckley and wife, Samantha, Tyler Cortez and wife, Rachel, Chesney Cortez, Gage Cortez, Trevor Buckley, Tanner Buckley and wife, Hailey, and Turner Buckley; 10 great-grandchildren, Eva Cortez, Adler Cortez, Sayler Cortez, Willow Cortez, Cora Buckley, Easton Buckley, Charleigh Buckley, Taton Buckley, Beau Buckley, and Lexi Buckley. Preceded in death by her dad, Luther Strickland; mom, Hilda Mae McElveen Strickland; brother, Gene Strickland; and sister, Trenia Faye Feldman. A Memorial Service will be scheduled at a later date. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
PRAYER FOCUS
Pray for the Buckley family and other families during their time of loss.
Read the Bible in 2026
May 14
Numbers 3-4
Pine Ridge Bible Study
The group will take a summer break and resume in September. If you would like to join the group, ask me. I will help you get connected. You can get your book and be ready to join us in September.
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
— Ephesians 6:18, NIV
Don’t Forget
Senior Dedication at FBC, Kentwood Sunday at 10:30.
Paul “Mike” Reeves passed away on May 8, 2026, at the age of 76. Mike had longed to go to Heaven to be reunited with his Savior, his mother, and his beloved son, Hunter Reeves.
Mike enjoyed the simple things in life and found great happiness spending time fishing and making memories with his grandson, Christian Reeves. He also had a special fondness for Chocolate Lab dogs, which brought him much joy throughout the years.
Above all, Mike loved his family deeply. He is survived by his daughter, Christy Reeves Harrison; sons, Christopher Reeves (Kachada) and Austin Rushing (Delaine). He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Harley Jones, Dustin Reeves, Seth Reeves (Rhea), Ainsley Reeves, Chelsey Harrison, Hannah Crapanzano (Michael), Christian Reeves (Macy), Caitlin Reeves (Skylar), Kali Reeves, Miles Coleman, Landen Coleman, Journie Rushing, and Amelia Rushing, along with numerous great-grandchildren.
Mike is also survived by his sisters, Paula Gennaro (Emile), Lisa Cutrer (Andy), and brothers, Bubba McCory (Sherri), Johnny McCory (Annie), Tommy Kelly (Callie).
He was preceded in death by his sons, Paul Michael Reeves Jr and Hunter Reeves; his mother, Maxine Wallace; stepfather, Warren Wallace; sister, Sharon McNutt; and son-in-law, Roy “Trey” Harrison.
A graveside service will be held Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Wetmore Cemetery, officiated by Bro. Darryl Miller.
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
(This passage is referred to as the “Hymn of Christ”!)
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s continue to pray for our graduating seniors as they begin their post high school days, trade school, or college. Pray for them as they make plans for their future. Pray for maturity and good guidance in their decision making.
Read the Bible in 2026
May 12
Leviticus 26-27
This completes another book of the Bible! Tomorrow, we begin reading Numbers.
Obituary
Audrey Young Milton
May 11, 1937 – May 10, 2026
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Sunday, May 10, 2026 at her home. She was born May 11, 1937 in Kentwood, LA and was 88 years of age. She is survived by her 3 sons, Marlon Milton (Kim), Kenneth Milton (Toye), and Doug Milton (Brandy); daughter, Stacey Milton; grandchildren, Matthew Milton (Ashley), Ashley M. Boesch (Danny), Jason Milton (Haley), Dusty Milton (Timberly), Jamie Milton (Natalie), Jesse Milton, Hailey McDonald (Jesse), Jenna Springer (Eric), and Donna Milton; great-grandchildren, Easton Milton, Emarson Boesch, Jorja Boesch, Grayson Boesch, Lawson Milton, Bregman Milton, Jerry Christopher McDonald, and Audrey Lauree Milton, Bailey Burdette, Braelyn Milton, Brantley Milton, Leanna Milton. Preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, James Milton; mother, Vivian Young; father, Jesse C. Young; infant sister, Alice Irene Young; infant brother, Walter Euliss Young; brother, William Clayton Young; infant great-grandson, Sawyer James Milton. Pallbearers are Dusty Milton, Jamie Milton, Jesse Milton, Matthew Milton, Jason Milton, and Danny Boesch. Visitation at Spring Creek Baptist Church from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. Services conducted by Rev. Matthew Gazaway. Interment Spring Creek Cemetery, Spring Creek, LA. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Spring Creek Baptist Church or a charity of your choice. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
After reading a little from this site, and looking forward to reading more, I foresee you wanting to read some of these articles too.
Senior Recognition
We at FBC will recognize our 2026 graduates Sunday morning at 10:30 A.M. Until then, we have the opportunity to mark a passage and/or write a brief message in Bibles for each of them. The Bibles will be available in the hallway of the fellowship hall all this week during church office hours. I haven’t been there yet, but will be sure to do so. Be sure you do so too.
Coming Soon – V.B.S.
Traditionally, we have VBS the first week of June. This year, VBS will be June 1-5, 8:30-11:30 A.M.. Registration can be done now in the church office or online.
Now is the time to begin praying for our leaders as they are already preparing for another wonderful week. A nursery will be provided for the children of adult leaders.
A program is usually held Friday night. Plan to attend at 6 P.M.
Special Prayer Requests Today
Homebound
Families who recently had deaths
Families of Graduates
VBS Workers
Children who will be attending VBS in 2026
New Deacon Selection at FBC
Families with Sickness
Families making travel plans for the summer
Children and youth who will participate in camp
Senior adults
Families with new babies
As you pray, ask God to guide you in service to Him.
This is the first Vacation Bible School verse I remember learning.
32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.“
Ephesians 4:32 KJV
FBC VBS
Vacation Bible School at FBC, Kentwood will be the first week of June. If you have children who would be interested in attending, please get them registered.
Last Tuesday, another reader of TPL introduced themselves to me. I knew her mother, but don’t remember meeting her before. Her mother was involved in missions in one of our area churches and a special friend. I’m thankful for her investment in my missions “journey”.
Have a great day, but don’t be selfish with it. Spend part of this day doing something meaningful for someone else.
The Prayer Link 
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