Pastor Gary Bankson, and his wife Tammy, arrived at the First Pentecostal Church of Rosepine in June of 1994 along with their precious children Chris and Brittany.  

The Banksons came to Rosepine with a vision and heart for revival and found a beautiful congregation with the same vision and flame of love for people.  

The Banksons also discovered in Rosepine a wonderful community of caring, friendly people with great schools and some of the finest people on earth. The journey since their arrival has been one of redemption and new discoveries of witnessing what God's transforming power can dothe awesome power of Jesus Christ's love to forgive the past and to heal broken dreams. Hundreds have found in The Pentecostal Church in Rosepine a door to joy and new hope as they join in the lively worship, exult to spirit-filled music and singing, and hear the life-changing preaching and teaching of Pastor Gary Bankson.  

People who walk through the doors of the Rosepine First Pentecostal Church continually remark on the presence of God they feel in this praying, worshiping assembly. 

Brother Bankson was born in New Orleans, Louisiana to Earl and Una Bankson.  He is a graduate of the University of Louisiana at Monroe with degrees in Geology and Computer Information Systems. He has ministered in much of the United States as well as the British Isles. His ministry began by sharing the testimony of the mighty miracle of redemption in his own life.  His life is a story of God's power to save and heal and also God's "keeping power" to bring us safely through life's "fiery trials.  Brother Bankson literally took a journey into the flames in which he nearly lost his life and his eyesight, but never his faith in Jesus Christ, which was only made stronger by the ordeal. His incredible testimony is shared in his book, Journey Through The Flames."  The tension will mount with each page as you walk with Pastor Bankson on an incredible journey from darkness into the glorious light of Jesus and then. . . INTO  THE  FLAMES.

Tammy Bankson is a native of Start, Louisiana (Monroe area) and is a Registered Nurse and a dedicated wife and mother. She is the school nurse over both Rosepine schools, Rosepine Elementary school and Rosepine Junior High/High School.  She gives of her time selflessly in many aspects  of the church, leading the ladies group, organizing Sunday School, and many other activities in the Church.            

Pastor and Sister Bankson's children are Chris and Brittany.  Chris and his lovely wife, Christine, reside in Shreveport, LA along with their beautiful daughter, Mackenzie Nicole. Chris is employed with Pioneer Rx, a pharmaceutical software company. Christine is employed at Specialist Hospital of Shreveport. Brittany and her wonderful husband, Alex, reside in Rosepine with their two beautiful daughters, Addilyn and Blakelyn. They also attend the Rosepine Church. Brittany is the Assistant Manager for City Savings Bank in Leesville, LA. Alex is an Operator for Phillip 66 in Lake Charles, LA.