Prayer Requests
Gary Hagg (friend of Judy Norman) has a massive cancer on his liver and will be seeing an oncologist. (4/24/24)
Ron Pauley (friend of Judy Bumpus); Thanks for your prayers! Chemo so far this month has not been nearly so bad. Feeling pretty good. PSA dropped 13 points which is still very high, but moving in the right direction. Dr is concerned because PSA is not reacting to the treatment as much as he would like. The trip to Texas will tell the tale. Just some good news we wanted to share. Ron feels good and is thankful for that. Trying to cut back on pain meds some. (4/19/24)
Bev Patterson passed away on April 10th, 2024. Please pray for the family as they grieve during this time. Her visitation is Thursday, April 18th from 5:00pm – 7:00pm at Hamilton’s in Altoona. And Bev’s Funeral Service will be held at the Rising Sun Cemetery on Friday, April 19th at 11:00am with lunch here at Rising Sun Church to follow. (4/17/24)
Stefanie Gibson (Dave Gibson’s daughter) has breast cancer and it's an aggressive kind. Working on treatment plan and meeting with another oncologist tomorrow (4/17) to figure out treatment plan. Prayers appreciated for upcoming surgery, chemo, radiation, plus loss of income while going through this and most of all that she will find faith and strength in the Lord through all of this. She lives in Florida so that makes it more challenging with family in Iowa, too. (4/16/24)
Rod Haenschen (Dave Gibson’s brother-in-law) is in end stages of congestive heart failure and he and wife, Judy, are navigating that journey. He was given diagnosis of 2-6 months. Please pray for Dave and Lynda as they plan to go out to Colorado to see them soon and that we might be able to share faith and hope in Jesus as they travel this hard journey. (4/16/24)
Don Dickey (Dan Dickey’s brother) was in Methodist Hospital with pneumonia. Don had lung cancer in 2020, so anything related to the lungs puts him at high risk. He beat the cancer but will be on immunotherapy treatments for the rest of his life. Spiritually he is agnostic. He was raised in the church and was baptized but then fell away from the church and his belief in God. He is home now. He is feeling good and is thankful for antibiotics. (4/9/24)
Iris Swanson is now at rest with her Savior; she passed away on April 4th. Please pray for her family as they grieve. The services will be held here at Rising Sun. Her visitation is on Sunday the 14th, from 3-5pm. Her funeral is on Monday, the 15th at 10am, with lunch to follow. (4/8/24)
Pastor Keith & Jillian Kelley (by Sue Bouchard); Keith is a minister in one of our Iowa churches. Awhile ago they moved to Kansas, Jillian and another young woman, Veronica Butler, drove from Kansas to Oklahoma to pick up Veronica’s children. Their car was found abandoned near the Oklahoma/Texas border. The law enforcement was able to find them and they were murdered. Please pray during this tragic outcome - for their husbands and families. (4/16/24)
Todd Young (Bob and Kris Young’s nephew) His cancer has spread to his brain. We are continuing to pray for remission and for health. Also praying for Bob's brother John and the family as they go through this very difficult time. (4/8/24)
Ruth Lourens has had a little backset last week since coming home. She talked to a neuro surgeon from Mercy Neuro and they think she’s had a bubble of fluid develop and it is pressing on the nerves in the spinal column. This has caused a searing pain down her left leg. It’s a little better today than yesterday, but it can take days to weeks to completely go away. Keep praying for her recovery. (4/9/23)
Matt Grabau (John and Vicki Doerr’s co-worker) was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. His surgery is scheduled for April 17th. (4/4/24)
Evan (Liz Rhodes’ grandson) is 8 years old, and he was just diagnosed with Leukemia. He is in UIHC and started chemo. Please pray also for Israel and the release of hostages held by Hamas. (3/10/24)
Harrison and Krista Terrill (Chad and Staci Terrill’s kids) have prayed to 2 ½ years for a baby. Krista is pregnant (due early August) and their baby has been diagnosed with Dandy-walker syndrome. Their baby will likely have several health challenges. They are trusting God will help them be the parents this blessing needs. We are praying for health and minimal to no complications for their child. (4/1/24)
Michael (Joe and Sharlene Humphrey’s grandson) is 19 and had major surgery on 3/4/24 to save his life. The doctors had to remove all but 31 inches of his intestines. Michael has had a lot of progress and is eating lots more foods now. They’ve moved him last Friday (4/12) and are doing rehab. He’s been practicing standing and walking, continuing his speech therapy, and is doing very good. It’s been stretching and strengthening his muscles. His mom was able to get a pass to go out into the sunshine from the hospital the last weekend. We are praying he continues to improve and that his body adjusts well as he faces a long recovery. Keep on praying for his healing. Thank you. (4/18/24)
Don Smith (Dan Smith’s youngest brother) is having surgery today 3/28. We are praying all goes well without any complications and that there is no cancer. (3/28/24)
Keith Shivers’ blood work is showing that his leukemia is back, and that he needs to start treatment again. The medication he needs to take is extremely expensive. We are praying that he will be able to get some financial assistance to help defray the cost of the medication, and that it will put him in remission again immediately. We are praying for his healing and peace of mind and heart and for the family as they go through this battle again. (3/26/24)
Paul Stone (close friend of Marty Cook) is having issues with his eyesight and is concerned about losing it. We are praying he will not, and that he will have peace of mind through the process either way. (3/26/24)
Terry Whitney has been having respiratory issues for several weeks and now has bronchitis. We are praying the medication kicks in and clears up her lungs quickly and that she will gain her strength back soon. (3/22/24)
Jane Smith is dealing with a lot of back and neck pain caused by severe disk issues. She is having therapy and other treatments to hopefully help. We are praying for pain relief and a resolution for the problem. (3/21/24)
Nancy Slack had a stroke; we are praying for her full recovery. (3/21/24)
Gabe Lee's mother fell and fractured both of her arms. She is 85 years old and has been living in her own home with some in-home support. She is no longer able to return to her home. Gabe is currently in KL, Malaysia where his mother lives. Please pray for wisdom, clarity and peace in finding a place that can support her needs. Please keep Gabe in prayer as well for his health, safety and strength as he tries to be there at the hospital for his mom and also find appropriate placement for her. Your prayers are very much appreciated in this situation. (3/19/24)
Rita Lee would like to express her heartfelt thanks for the prayers, cards, and comforting words on behalf of her family, especially for her dad, in the loss of his wife and Rita’s mother. The kind words and actions are truly overwhelming as they go through this grief. They are truly thankful for our church family. (3/15/24)
Kelly Ball asks for your prayers; she is struggling with depression. She is having some balance issues and keeps falling - even when she is using her walker. She is scheduled for surgery next week. She is not comfortable in her living environment but has limited options. Her family has multiple issues, and they are not close. She needs a ride in order to get to church, and we have been trying to help meet that need. We are praying for her and her family, that they may find restoration with each other. We are also praying that she will find peace, hope, and joy in Christ Jesus. (3/22/24)
Linda Capps’ (Fay Thompson’s brother-in-law’s neighbor) husband passed away on 3/8 and we are praying for her as she goes through the grief process. Please pray for the family during this difficult time. (3/22/24)
Hazel Anderson is having an eye infection in her right eye; she has been taking medication and it is better than it was, but still having problems, so she is to see her eye specialist again 3/25/24. We are praying for improvement. (3/25/24)
Linda (friend of Hazel Anderson) is recovering well from her cancer and has a cat scan every month to be sure it stays in remission. We are praying for her continued healing and remission. (3/25/24)
Billy Blish (Craig Dooley’s plant manager) has MS and is scheduled for a five and a half infusion 3/22 and then again in two weeks. This treatment is his only hope for relief from the extreme pain he is dealing with from his MS, and it will hopefully shrink the lesions and possibly eradicate them. Thankfully, his insurance has agreed to pay for the treatments. He greatly appreciates everyone’s prayers. We are praying for positive results from the treatments and pain relief. (3/21/24)
Lucas and Arianne Rains are pregnant, and baby is doing great, growing, and kicking. We are praying for a healthy pregnancy and an ornery baby like Grandpa Mike! (3/21/24)
Jessica Fell (acquaintance of Dan Dickey) was sent home early from work because she was helping someone and apparently the supervisor didn't like it. (3/27/24)
Patricia Burch (acquaintance of Dan Dickey) Dan picked her up from UnityPoint where she had a doctor’s appointment and found out she has cancer. (3/27/24)
Donna Wiles (Sharon Shivers’ mom) age 89, had heart surgery in Columbia, MO. Her surgery went well, and she is back home in Milan, MO doing rehab and getting stronger. She is having ongoing health issues but overall doing well. She is able to be by herself which is a blessing. Pray that she continues to heal quickly and regains her strength and good health. (3/21/24)
Jim Hoffman has been working with On With Life - Outpatient Neuro Rehabilitation for his Parkinson’s. He started January 4th, and it appears to be helping with his memory and mobility. He has had a couple of falls, and we are continuing to pray for his health, strength, and balance when walking. (3/22/24)
Heather Webster has been having some trouble with her hip. The surgeon says she has a torn hip labrum but fixing it would be pointless because it would only last a couple of years before she needs a total hip replacement anyway. So, until then, they'll do steroid shots and physical therapy. Thankfully, the steroid seems to be helping a lot! Please pray also for David. He had rotator cuff surgery on the 2/21. (2/5/24)
Todd Norman (Judi Norman’s son) is still having a lot of pain and swelling in his leg after his surgery. He is to see a doctor this week. He is pushing through the pain to continue to deal with life and help others. We are praying for complete healing and the swelling to go away. (3/21/24)
Tedd Norman (Judi Norman’s son) is again having some major health issues, so we are praying for good health. The doctor indicated things are starting to get better. We are also praying God to lighten his load emotionally and spiritually as he continues to deal ongoing health issues in his life. (3/21/24)
Judi Norman has been dealing with a lot of issues. We are praying for the whole family’s health and physical strength as she continues to care for herself, her family and friends. Please pray for health and balance for the family. (3/21/24)
Craig Dooley is still experiencing pain in his legs. He is going to have some special shoes made to fit his feet to see if that will help with the pain issues. We are praying for pain relief and a solution that helps. (3/21/24)
Jenny Dixon (Sue Torres’s granddaughter) needs to treat her cancer, as she has a good chance of full recovery with it. She is a young mother of two special needs children and is their sole support. She is struggling with anxiety and depression. Her parents have intervened on her behalf and with counseling, she is starting to deal with her situation some better. We are praying for God to help her make good choices for herself and family. Praying for healing and strength to deal with her health and her children’s needs. (3/21/24)
Brad Davison (brother to Brenda DePauw and nephew of Phil Johnson) has stage two colon cancer. Brad has finished nine rounds of chemo; this last one was really hard on him. He still has three more rounds to go and should be done on May 1st. It could take six weeks for the effects of the chemo to wear off. We are praying that it will eradicate cancer from his body. (3/22/24)
Michelle McMillan’s (Cindy Melvin’s sister) tumor has shrunk! She starts chemotherapy again tonight 3/22. Praises to God!! (3/22/24)
Kayla Bennum (Donna and Bill Bennum’s daughter) is continuing to struggle with multiple issues and is in rehab. We need prayers for her to consistently stay on her medication which helps stabilize her. Praying for better communication with family that she will accept help not only for herself but for her family’s sake as well. (2/27/24)
Donna Bennum’s pinched nerve is doing a little better and so are her digestive issues. Donna and Bill are currently raising their grandson, Micah. They will be doing some testing with Micah in April. We are praying for their health and strength as they continue to love and care for their grandson. (3/21/24)
Carol Huntoon (Donna Bennum’s sister) got moved to an assisted living last week. She is on oxygen and is struggling with a bad cough. We are praying for her overall health and circumstances to improve with her new living environment. (3/21/24)
Petey and Erica Peterson (Tracy Hutchinson’s co-workers) had an appointment with his oncologist today 3/20. They are officially stopping the chemo he is on and going to try something new. The side effects he is having are just too much for him. He gets extreme fatigue to the point where he can’t keep his eyes open for more than a few minutes, and he is retaining a lot of fluid in his legs, arms, and face. The swelling is painful to the touch. They are going to try a new chemo. It does have side effects of its own, but we are going to keep trying. He said that if this does not work, they don’t have many other options. The doctor said that with Petey’s history of getting the worst side effects, they may eventually have to choose between treatment with side effects and quality of life. (3/20/24)
Jennifer Lourens (daughter of Les and Ruth Lourens) is going to Wesley Life on Tuesdays and Thursdays for half a day where they socialize and do activities. She knows a couple of people there and enjoys the interaction. She enjoys where she is living and is hanging on to her independent spirit. Her eyesight is deteriorating and there is nothing that can be done to change that. She is still cheerful and excited to go to work on Friday afternoons at Hy Vee. Pray for God’s blessing of peace and safety for the family. (3/22/24)
Richard and Joyce Brown Joyce is seeing improvement in her eye condition, but gets tired easily. Pray for good results for her eyes and that she gets back to good health. Richard is doing well and continues to get good reports. Pray that his blood count stays normal so he doesn’t have to go back on medicine. (2/22/24)
Mario Lara has ringing in his ears 24/7, and it is getting louder and causing some hearing loss. Specialists say there is nothing they can do to change it at this point. His left shoulder has been doing better but is not 100%. We are praying for relief from the problem and that he will not lose any more hearing. Also praying for continued pain relief in his shoulder. (3/25/24)
Cara Flavio (Lori Cox’s sister) is home and continuing therapy after her stroke. She is slowly improving and can take a few steps now, with someone nearby in case she needs assistance. We are praying that she will eventually gain complete mobility. Please pray also for the health of her husband, her chief caretaker, who often has back and leg issues and that they will continue to receive help with home care and therapy. They both appreciate your prayers and the cards from our ladies. Please pray that they will be able to purchase a wheelchair-accessible van soon; it would make so much difference in their lives. Cara has started more intensive walking therapy at the local hospital. (3/21/24)
Bob Helmick (Paula Seiberling’s dad) went back to his home on Saturday, 3-23-24, but we should continue to pray for his health, strength, balance, and wise choices so that he can stay there alone. (3/24/24)
Evelyn Shivers is currently staying at The Village in Indianola for rehab. She is progressing slowly; she will likely have another six weeks of rehab. She now has her cast off and a brace on to keep her from bending her leg too far as she continues her rehabilitation. We are praying for her to gain physical strength through her rehab and for her emotional and spiritual strength as she continues to recover. You may send cards to Evelyn at The Village, Juniper; Room 1211B, 1203 NE St. Indianola, IA; 50125. She appreciates all the thoughts, prayers, and cards from her church family. (3/22/24)
Janet Wickett’s had her neck rechecked and did not get a good report. They can’t do surgery on her neck, but she is to get shots again to help her knee pain on the 28th and then surgery on it in September. At least they have some answers as to what can and cannot be done. They both appreciate all the prayers and cards very much. (3/22/24)
Ken Wickett Ken’s heart test came back with a 10% improvement in the heart, which is an answer to prayer. He is still classified as having heart failure but does not have to go back for a year for another test. Pray for continued healing without further complications. (3/22/24)
Staci Gray (Brent Whitney’s cousin) has had a setback and is basically starting all over again with her abdominal healing process. This is major, and she and her husband are struggling. It has already been a long ordeal. Continue to pray for recovery and for her health and strength to be restored. (3/22/24)
Kenny Croson (Terry Whitney’s cousin) is continuing physical therapy and is gaining strength. Pray for his health to be completely restored. (3/22/24)
Catherine Ivers (Terry Whitney’s cousin) her mother was hospitalized again and is having trouble standing on her own after having gall bladder surgery. Catherine is still trying to help care for her parents. We are praying for health and strength for the whole family. (3/22/24)
Dean and Elma Smith Dean and Elma both had a bout with the flu. Elma has ongoing pain in her hip, knee and leg. She has peripheral neuropathy which has multiple negative effects on her muscles and bones which leads to a loss of sensation and feeling in body parts. It also affects balance and loss of feeling in limbs and other body parts. Dean also has it in his left hand affecting his thumb and fingers. We are praying for relief for them physically pain and their mental, emotional and spiritual strength in dealing with these health issues. (3/22/24)
Earl and Lillie Bailey, Lillie was in the hospital four days with C Diff but is back home now and is doing much better. Earl is still recovering from his shoulder replacement last November by doing therapy which is going well. He lost his sister, age 75, on Feb. 26th. We are praying for their continued health and strength and for Earl as he grieves the loss of his sister. (3/27/24)
Nicolas Cox (Gary and Lori’s youngest son) is doing ministry in Papua New Guinea. We pray for his physical health, as he has diabetes, and for God’s guidance in the work he is doing there, as well as physical safety in travels, etc. (3/27/24)
Bill Matheny (a family friend of Amy Dickey) is 91 years old and has been diagnosed with end-stage liver cancer. He is continuing to do immunotherapy and is stable at this point, and feels pretty good, but it will not cure the cancer. He is in good spirits, but tires very easily. His wife, Lois, has stage 5 Alzheimer's, she continues to decline and is confused and upset causing behavior issues which make it difficult for her daughter to deal with. We are praying for Bill’s quality of life until his death and that God will wrap his arms around both of them with His peace during their last days together on this earth. (3/25/24)
Walt and Deb Gaskins, Deb is having exploratory and gall bladder surgery in Iowa City on 3/28. Her mother passed away Sunday, the 17th at the age of 100. Walter is still in need of knee surgery, but everything has to line up in order to get that to happen. We are praying for Deb as she goes through the grief process and that her surgery will be successful and that she will heal quickly, completely and without complication. We are praying for Walter’s overall health and strength to improve and for everything to come together at the right time for his knee surgery. (3/23/24)
Mya McClaflin (Doug and Paula Kieler’s 11-year-old granddaughter) has brain lesions and they do not know what caused them. The lesions aren’t active, and Mya passed all the cognitive testing. She is doing well on the Enbrel treatment. She will have follow-up exams every six months. We are still praying for complete healing and that there will be minimal to no negative side effects from the Enbrel medication. (3/25/24)
Kristin Lampkin (Paula Kieler’s friend’s sister-in-law) is in her early 30s and has stage two or three triple negative breast cancer. She went to Chicago for a second opinion, and they did mastectomy, which Mission Cancer would not do. She just finished radiation and will begin chemo soon. She was chosen for our “Holy Smoke Fundraiser” this year. We are praying for her healing. She really appreciates all the prayers and cards. (3/25/24)
Jeff McDowell (Kris Wolf’s brother-in-law) has completed his 5th of 6 rounds of chemo treatments in his fight against liver cancer in his body. It appears to be helping, but he is tired and doesn’t feel like eating, so he has lost a lot of weight. He is regaining some energy and has a follow-up with his oncologist soon. We are continuing to pray for full remission, healing and strength on this side of heaven. (3/22/24)
Martha Miller (Kris Young’s mother) continues to feel her age. Overall is doing pretty well with a lot of help from her family. We are praying for her stability, mobility, and safety. We are praying for her and for Bob and Kris as they navigate this stage of life together. They appreciate all the prayers and cards and words of encouragement. (3/21/24)
Danisha Gilbert’s Mom, Mindy, is struggling through kidney failure. We are praying for her healing and recovery. No update. (1/30/24)
Josiah Waddle (Gary’s grandson) is not making good or wise choices with his life. He is on his own at this point. Thank you for all the prayers on his behalf. We are praying for him to make better life choices and to connect in relationship with God. (3/26/24)
Kathi Harris (sister to Louise Bennett, Michelle Boh, and Amy Dickey) She lives in Los Angelas, California and she has started attending a bereavement group there which is helping her some. She has several health issues and is struggling with the loss of her only son. We are praying for her to get stronger mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. She is encouraged by all the prayer and cards from our congregation. (3/22/24)
Donna Sieberling (Scott Seiberling’s mother) and husband are in independent living but with Donna’s failing health they may have to move into assisted living soon. She is having a hard time recovering after her fall and is still having a lot of pain and trouble getting around. We are praying for their health, strength, and her mobility to improve. (3/27/24)
Kyler Lenox (friend of Nita Hoffman) is 13 years old, living in Fremont, IA. He has a slow- growing brain tumor which is normally only in adults. He is still taking chemo, and they are monitoring him closely. He can go to school, which is good. We are praying for only good results and healing for his body. Pray for peace of mind for the whole family. (2/30/24)
Answered Prayers & Praises
Dan and Deb Snelson would like to put a praise on our prayer list. Dan is doing great right now best he's done for a long time! They want to thank everybody for all the prayers and cards that have helped him to get to this point! They sincerely appreciate it! (4/2/24)
Virginia Benda has healed well and is getting used to her new hearing device. She appreciates all the prayers on her behalf. (3/21/24)
Gary Cox had knee replacement surgery 2/21 and recovery has gone very well. He has a few more weeks of rehab but is walking without assistance again. He is to see the surgeon again on 2/28. Huge thanks for all the prayers and cards! (3/27/24)
Stewart Merrill is almost pain free since his back surgery and praising God for answered prayer. He is to see his doctor on 3/27 for a final checkup and to be discharged. (3/25/24)
Donna Montgomery had knee replacement surgery in January. She is slowly making progress and each day is a little better. In her words “Rising Sun family rocks!!”. We are continuing to pray for her recovery, full mobility in her knee and pain relief. Thanks to everyone for all the prayers, thoughts, and cards. (3/26/24)
Judy Howrey (Lucas Howrey’s mother); After her scare with blood clots, she is doing better. She is continuing to recover from the knee surgery and heal. We are praying for her complete recovery and healing from her knee replacement without any further complications. (3/22/24)
Tony Moore has a new job that is good, and he is adjusting well. God has answered our prayers, thank you everyone for your prayers. (3/24/24)
Jared & Cody Harford finally sold their home in Runnells! Praise God! They waited on His timing, and it all worked out. Thank you for the prayers. (3/3/24)
James Lyon (Carrie Howard’s brother-in-law) has recovered very well after his heart attack. He is back to work trucking and refereeing. His heart attack was not caused by any external factors, so he is able to continue with his normal lifestyle at this point. Thank you for your prayers! (3/23/24)
Christine Brown (Sue Torres’ niece) is finished with her treatment and the doctors are pretty confident she is cancer-free at this point! She will continue to have regular checkups and appreciates your prayers and cards. (3/22/24)
Military
Jacob Baird (son of Mike & Tina Rains) moved to 128 Sweeney Dr, Biloxi, MS 39531. Please pray for his safety and his faith walk.
Lucas Rains (son of Mike & Tina Rains) is no longer going to be deployed in April - an answer to prayer on a couple of levels.
Shut Ins
Evelyn Shivers: The Village, Juniper; Room 1211B, 1203 NE St. Indianola, IA; 50125
Evelyn Downing: Prairie Vista Village. 2785 1st Ave S, #165b Altoona, IA 50009
Dianne Scholtz: 3856 E. Broadway, Des Moines, IA, 50317. (515-664-5606)
Pat Wolfe: 4006 71st St Urbandale, IA 50322