Prayer RequestsJoey Lee (Gabe & Rita’s youngest son) had a MRI yesterday and was diagnosed with Chiari malformation type 1 (CM1). It is a congenital anomaly where the tissue in the lower part of the cerebellum protrudes into the spinal canal through the opening at the base of the skull. This herniation can disrupt the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which cushions the brain and spinal cord and is essential for their health. The cerebellar tissue and the disrupted CSF flow can put pressure on the brainstem and spinal cord, leading to a variety of symptoms including dizziness and sharp headaches. His doctor is scheduling a visit with a neurologist most likely in Iowa City. They are seeking God’s blessing in this, that they continue to trust in His faithfulness, and that Joey and Jenn find comfort in God. We are praying for a good medical team and timely treatment, healing, and a positive outcome. (6/12/25)
Terry Nereim has a dethatched tendon in her right elbow. Her surgery to fix it is scheduled for June 19, and the recovery time will be around three months. We are praying for a successful surgery with minimal pain and a speedy recovery without any complications or setbacks. (6/3/25)
Kelli Lee (friend of Terry & Demarko Nereim) has kidney cancer and is to have a kidney removed. Unfortunately, the cancer was not contained and she will have to begin chemo treatments. We pray for a full recovery without complications and complete remission on the cancer. (6/3/25)
Jessica Scholz’ friend, Tracy has cancer in her lungs and other places in her body. We are praying for full remission. (6/3/25)
Sarah Cox had 12 pounds of weight accidentally dropped on her bad foot and had to get five stitches. She has previously had multiple surgeries on the same foot to remove tumors. We are praying for quick healing without complication and pain control. (5/59/25)
Larry Slaughter had a fall and has a small brain bleed. He is currently in the hospital, as they are figuring out how to best proceed. We are praying for wisdom for those caring for him and for healing for his brain. Also praying for Janice and the family as they go through this with him. (5/29/25)
Hazel Anderson is having an MRI on her brain 5/30 at 12:45 PM. We are praying for good results for her. (5/29/25)
Bob and Jo Bell (neighbors of Virgina Benda) are dealing with multiple health issues. Jo just moved into a new assisted living environment a week ago and has fallen three times. We are praying for their health and strength. Their daughter Lisa is their primary caregiver and decision maker at this time and needs prayers for wisdom, health, and strength as well. (5/23/25)
Brad Davison (Brenda Depauw’s brother) is done with chemo for now. His CT scan revealed the tumors have shrunk significantly. He will continue to do treatments, but two of the four chemo drugs he no longer will have to take. We are praying for him to be in full remission. (5/27/25)
Dave Gibson brother-in-law, Rod Haenschen, passed away Friday evening 5/23 after a long hard battle with bone cancer. We are praying for Dave's sister, Judy, and nephew, Eric, especially for their hearts to be drawn to the Lord as they go through the grieving process. Dave and Linda had just left Friday morning to head home after spending the week with Judy at his bedside. (5/27/25)
Karen Boeding (an individual Linda Gibson is sharing Christ with): Doctors just see dead cancer cells right now after eye radiation. Right eye is 20/70 and that won't change, and her left eye is 20/20. Her oncologist was pleased with the results of the brain radiation treatment. Nothing new has appeared. She said that it was answered prayer. Her first chemo treatment was very difficult. She had six days of no food or water and couldn't keep anything down and ended up in hospital for four days. Please pray for strength to endure further treatments and keep fighting, along with the peace and comfort that only comes from God. (5/20/25)
Cindy Herrin (Lynda's Gibsons’s sister-in-law) was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's, and her family is trying to decide how to help her moving forward. She is a believer who loves the Lord, and she is holding strong to her faith through all of this. Please pray for wisdom and guidance for her care and needs to be met. (5/20/25)
Ruth and Les Lourens: Ruth's surgery on her left hand continues to heal, and she is regaining strength and the use of it. She will hold off on having surgery on her left hand until the fall. Jennie had some minor surgery and is healing; she is staying with Les and Ruth until at least the first of August. Having Jenny back home and getting outside in the sunshine has brightened Les’ spirits as well. We are praying for the whole family’s health, strength, and wisdom as they live life one day at a time. (5/27/25)
Chad and Marsha Halbach, Marsha has been dealing with bladder cancer for a couple of years. She has regular checkups, and we are praying specifically that she stays in remission and that her bladder remains tumor/cancer free. We are praying for Chad as he is in job transition currently and figuring out how and where to continue to serve the Lord moving forward. Praying for them both to be strong, physically, mentally, physically, and most importantly spiritually as they continue to journey through this season in their lives and serve together with Christ. (5/29/25)
Karen Carvine is diagnosed with bone cancer after having successfully beat breast cancer twice. Praying for full remission. Prognosis is favorable. (5/29/25)
Gabe Lee's mother is doing better and no longer needs the feeding tube. She is recovering from her stroke and is back at the assisted living facility. She is happier, and Gabe and grandkids video chat with her weekly, which lifts her spirits. Her swallowing is improving; however, aspiration, and then pneumonia, are still concerns. We are praying for her quality of life to continue to improve as well as her memory. Thanks for the prayers. (5/29/25)
Nita Hoffman, we are praying for Nita as she deals with all the legalities of losing a loved one and as she continues to grieve and adjust to the new normal without the blessing of Jim’s presence in her life. (5/29/25)
Mike and Christina Minnick (Carli Schaffner's daughter and son-in-law) Is home now and continuing his immunotherapy. A home care nurse comes regularly to help with his therapy and draw blood for labs. Mike was diagnosed with bladder cancer in March; the cancer is also in the lymph nodes. Doctors were able to remove most of the mass in the bladder. Mike and Christina are on an emotional roller coaster as they figure out how to deal with this together. Mike seems to be dealing pretty well with the side effects and fatigue. His infectious disease doctor keeps watch on his immune system. We are praying for their mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health and strength and for his physical healing this side of heaven. (5/27/25)
John Jackson (co-worker of Tracy Hutchinson) had extensive complex surgeries and found more cancer. He is home recuperating. Was receiving his chemo through a port but has transitioned to manual injections going forward. He is keeping a journal on how his treatments are affecting him. He is not giving up but is facing a long hard road ahead. We are praying for remission and a full recovery. Also, for his mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual strength through this ongoing process. (5/28/25)
Lillian Bennum is to graduate from boot camp June 12th as a Combat Medic. She has done well, and we are praying for her success and safety in her new profession. Praying also for her to remain strong mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually as she goes. (5/27/25)
John Bennum is getting married in September; his future mother-in-law Shelley Biondi found out she has breast cancer. She is scheduled for a double mastectomy on June 12th. We are praying for her as she goes through treatment - that she will be cancer-free going forward. (5/27/25)
Kayla Bennum (Donna and Bill Bennum’s daughter) is taking her medications and doing better at following DHS guidelines; she hasn’t had any support from Micah’s biological father Jerry. Kayla has let Micah know he will be with his grandparents until he is 18. She has had a good attitude and is working through some of her issues. We pray for her ability to stay on track with life and find peace with God in her life. (5/27/25)
Janae (Donna & Bill Bennum's oldest daughter) seems to be settled in and is living on her own and moving forward with her life. We are praying that she can remain financially stable, responsible, and independent. Also, pray for her to grow spiritually in her relationship with Christ. (5/27/25)
Bill and Donna Bennum are finishing up their training and paperwork to become certified for foster care. They are planning to adopt their grandson, Micah. They have a court hearing scheduled for June 12th. Please hold them up in prayer for wisdom and physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health and strength as they continue to care for and share Christ’s love with their family and others. (5/27/25)
Virginia Benda, Tracy Hutchinson’s mother: the skin on her head is all healed up and she can hear from the ear that they said she would not be able to hear from, which is a big praise. She is still hurting and healing from a fall which will take a while. Praying for her to continue to hear better, feel better with no more falls. (5/27/25)
Bill Ruth has tears in both shoulders and will need surgery on both in the next couple of months. His right one is worse and will need complete reconstruction surgery and he needs rotator surgery on his left one. He is doing as much physical therapy as he can. He is still having difficulty getting any sleep because of the pain. Pray for successful surgeries with complete healing, and for rest and recovery. (5/28/25)
Keegan and Liam (Gabe Lanz’s business partner and his son): Liam is Keegan’s son, and he is struggling with mental and emotional health. We are praying for his wisdom, patience, and peace and for his family and all those who are trying to help Liam through this difficult time in his life. (5/29/25)
Janet Wickett is scheduled for knee replacement surgery on her left leg on June 23. They are replacing the top part of her last knee replacement on that leg. We are praying that all goes well and for a speedy recovery. (5/27/25)
Karie Gilchrist’s dad is doing better, but he is going to need to have shoulder surgery soon. We pray all goes well and for his peace of mind. (5/29/25)
Tara Thompson is anticipating a sixty-day notice at the beginning of this summer, with her last day with the company toward the end of summer. She is still applying for jobs within the company at this point, but there aren’t many options. We are praying she will be able to remain with the company, or that God will open another door that will be an even better job for her. So far she has no job prospects. (5/28/25)
Tim Gibson (Gary Cox’s sister's pastor) has stage four internal melanoma, which is a very aggressive cancer. It is contained in his pelvic area currently. He is in treatment, and doctors are confident they can beat it. He’s in Clifton Hills, Missouri. Praying for remission and full health restored. (5/28/25)
Jeff (Kris Wolf’s brother-in-law) will have his last infusion treatment June 6th. Then they will do another scan to see how effective the results are. We are praying that God intervenes and heals his body of cancer; if He doesn’t, this is not a cure. We then pray that the time he has left can be quality time with family and friends. (5/29/28)
Jim Brummit (friend of Gary Cox) is back home. Is dealing with two kinds of cancer and has had several surgeries, radiation treatments, and immunotherapy which seems to be going pretty well. His stomach is doing better, and his eating is starting to improve some. He hasn’t needed any more blood transfusions, which is good, but he is still not able to walk or stand. We are praying for God’s healing without further complications and full remission of his cancer. (5/28/25)
Ron Pauley (friend of Judy Bumpus) Five years ago in August, when Ron’s battle with cancer began, the doctors said his life expectancy was five years. Last May, they said he only had three or four months. NOW: He is better than ever! His cancer is not growing at present. Blood work, meds, remission are looking good. Nothing is showing up in his liver. What is in his bones is all regeneration (new growth); they are keeping their eye on PSA. He is praising God for His blessing. (5/29/25)
Diane Sholtz had her first cataract surgery, and all went well and she is recovering. She will have her other eye done on June 6th. Praying for good results and continued improvement in overall health and strength. (5/29/25)
Scott & Paula Seiberling have a lot on their plate right now. Scott is recovering well from surgery. They are caring full-time for Lars' two toddler children. We pray for their wisdom, health, and strength mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We are praying for wisdom in future decisions for the grandchildren’s long-term care as well. (5/27/25)
Dan Snelson has been in extreme pain and recently found out he has bone cancer in his back. He and Deb are trying to process and figure out how to proceed. We are praying for his pain relief and wisdom as they move forward. (5/29/25)
Kelly Revell (friend of Sue Torres) had esophageal cancer and hernia surgery. It’s all good news: she is considered cancer-free at this point! She was able to return to work, at least part time. We are praying for her continued health and strength. (5/28/25)
Jennie Muggenburg (Sue Torres’ niece) had cancer in her tongue and had to have it removed and a cadaver tongue replacement. The surgery was successful; she is having physical therapy to learn how to swallow and talk again using her new tongue. We are praying for her in her continued recovery. (5/28/25)
Michelle McMillan (Cindy Melvin’s sister) has more growth from an offshoot of her original tumor. They are not able to do surgery, because it is too close to her speech and vision centers. She is starting a new treatment that is to smother the cancer cells and kill them. It is done by infusion every two weeks for six months. It is in God’s hands. We are praying that He will show up and show off and remove the cancer from her body. (5/28/25)
Carol Huntoon (Donna Bennum’s sister) health is improving. We are continuing to pray for her health and strength. (5/28/25)
Kathy Good: Her neck and hand are much better; back issues and pain are on-going. Being able to sleep again at night has been a huge blessing. We are praying for continued pain relief. (5/29/25)
Tedd Norman’s kidney functions are continuing to be monitored; he is feeling pretty good and is on the permanent list for a new kidney, just waiting. He just completed four weeks of classes in Rochester in preparation for replacing his kidney. We are diligently praying that he will receive a new kidney very soon. (5/29/25)
Todd Norman’s sinuses are doing some better; he is waiting on a new consultation for his knee as it is still causing trouble and pain. We are praying for long-term health and pain relief. (5/29/25)
Alan Rockhold (friend of Judi Norman) had extensive heart surgery and has Guillain-Barre (gee-YAH-buh-RAY) syndrome, a condition in which the body's immune system attacks the nerves, causing weakness, tingling and numbness or paralysis in the hands and feet. He was released from one of his vascular doctors for a year. We are continuing to pray for his mobility and a full recovery without further complications. (5/29/25)
Staci Gray (Brent Whitney’s cousin) She is continuing to heal from her last failed digestive surgery. She struggles with hydration which must all come through IVs. She can eat a bit of soft food but nothing that is difficult to digest. She will probably have to live on IV feedings the rest of her life, she just turned 56 years old. She has very limited energy and ability to get out and about. She tries to maintain a positive attitude in spite of her situation. We are praying for the family’s comfort and peace and that God help them to find joy in life even in the face of all her ongoing physical trials and adversity. (5/29/25)
Kyler Lenox (friend of Nita Hoffman) is 13 and has a slow-growing tumor. His current medications appear to be working to stabilize and even reducing its size at this point. He is monitored closely. We are praying for good results and healing. The family is grateful for your prayers. (5/29/25)
Jessica Scholz is still in need of a full-time job and housing she can afford on her own. She has had dental work done and is doing better with that. We are praying for her ability to provide and care for herself. 5/28/25)
Mario and Maria Lara, Maria is looking for a job in which she can serve the Lord with her life, talents, and gifts. She has experience, many skills and a servant’s heart, and is bilingual. Mario’s brain is adjusting somewhat to the constant ringing in his ears; we’re praying for him to be able to sleep peacefully through the night. He is organizing a bus trip to the Latino Convention 2025; we are praying for 55 people and the funds to charter the bus. The garage sale fundraiser June 19-21 (bring donations to the GYM at Rising Sun Church). Mario is also organizing a mission trip to Costa Rica for July 30-Aug. 11, for Rising Sun. Mario is praying for the next generation of leaders to help continue the work and carry the Gospel to future generations. We are praying for the Hispanic population’s hearts and minds to seek Christ presence in their lives We are praying for the family as they serve the Lord together. (5/29/25)
Vanessa Merrill (Valerie Merrill’s twin sister) has pancreatic cancer. Unfortunately, her tumor is growing instead of shrinking. The doctors are giving her a treatment every other Wednesday with a new kind of chemo, and she has two more before her next CT scan. The treatments have increased her neuropathy pain (burning or shooting pain, numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness or atrophy) and creates sores in her mouth. She needs to supplement her nutrition and calories through a feeding tube directly into her intestine. This has helped her have more energy between treatments and she has been able to work some in her real estate business, to supplement her income. We are praying God will show up and show off and heal her body of this cancer. (5/29/25)
Evan (Liz Rhodes’ grandson) is finally done with the heavy chemo treatments and ready to get back to being just a nine-year-old boy in full remission from his cancer. Mark and Mandy are his parents, and they are relieved to be through what is hopefully the worst for Evan and are trusting God for a long cancer-free life for their son. The family has greatly appreciated all the prayers and cards on their behalf. (5/29/25)
Harrison and Krista Terrill (Chad and Staci Terrill’s children) Baby Hudson is doing as well as could be expected. He is a happy baby, and his joy is a blessing. He can almost roll over; we are praying for God to heal his body, and that, as he continues to grow, he will be able to communicate with his family. God is blessing his family as they learn and grow together with him. (5/29/25)
Jeannine Derrough (neighbor/friend of Vickie Doerr) just found out her cancer has returned. She is in treatment again without a lot of change at this point. They had to lower the dosage of her chemo as it was causing breaking out and burning on her feet. We are praying for her healing and for her to stay strong mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. (5/29/25)
Evelyn Shivers still has her age-related aches and pains and challenges but overall is hanging doing Ok. Her granddaughter and husband are bringing her to church on Sundays, which she loves. She also loves visitors, and you can visit her at any time at her granddaughter Brooke’s home, where she now lives: 5926 160th, Indianola (go out past the Casey’s and Fiss’ in Carlisle). If you’d like to send her a card, still send them to 18298 Elthon St, Carlisle, IA 50047. We continue to pray for her health, strength, and mobility. (5/1/25)
Martha Miller (Kris Young’s mother) is getting along pretty well, still dealing with age-related challenges and continues to grow weaker. Bob and Kris are her primary caregivers. Your prayers, cards, and words of encouragement are greatly appreciated by the whole family. (5/29/25)
Cara Flavio (Lori Cox’s sister) is still not able to walk without assistance and has limited-to-no use of her left side after her stroke. We are praying for improved mobility and strength and for her husband/caregiver Max’s health and strength as well. Thank you for all your prayers and cards! (Box 61, Concord, IL 62631. (5/29/25)
Josiah Waddle (Gary and Lori’s grandson): is currently in a yearlong rehab program. He is still facing consequences from poor choices. God has been with him, and we are praying for the best possible consequences for his future. We are praying for his physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual strength and health and the self-control and wisdom to make good choices and walk with God moving forward. (5/28/25)
Mya McClaflin (Doug and Paula Kieler’s 11-year-old granddaughter) is doing well with her regular medications for her brain lesions. She loves being able to play softball and run track again. God is blessing, and she is doing great. We are still praying for long term healing. (5/29/25)
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. (5/2/25)
Lucas Rains (son of Mike & Tina Rains) was not deployed. Baby Theo is healthy and almost nine months old already. Their new address is 324 Borough Street, Cheyenne WY 82007. (5/2/25)
Andrew Skiles and his wife Chantal (Mark & Vicki Skiles) is in the army in Germany. He639000 and Chantal are doing well. Pray for a healthy pregnancy for Mom and baby; the due date is November 7. Pray for wisdom for Drew in his leadership position at work. Their address is CMR 467 Box 1621, APO AE 09096. (5/5/25)
Shut Ins
Martha Miller: 5221 Village Run Ave, Unit 302, Des Moines, IA 50317
Evelyn Downing: Prairie Vista Village. 2785 1st Ave S, #165b Altoona, IA 50009
Dianne Scholtz: Parkridge Nursing and Rehab Center, 5800 NE 12th Ave, Pleasant Hill, IA 50327 (515-664-5606)
Evelyn Shivers: 18298 Elthon St, Carlisle IA 50047
Pat Wolfe: 4006 71st St Urbandale, IA 50322
Gary Gatewood: 6608 SE Sundancer Swing, Pleasant Hill, IA 50327
Birthdays
6/2 - Thea Howard
6/2 - Isaiah Burke
6/3 - Dan Dickey
6/3 - Ruth Sharp
6/3 - Fay Thompson
6/3 - Stuart Merrill
6/5 - Mike Rains
6/6 - Ron Schall
6/6 - Jennifer Foster
6/7 - Elijah Lwere
6/8 - Hank Smith
6/8 - Kyndal Chiles
6/8 - Rylie Mathes
6/9 - Jake Rogers
6/10 - Noah Moss
6/11 - Penny Clark
6/13 - Ekisah Lwere
6/13 - Madison Webster
6/13 - Blaine Mathes
6/14 - William Foudree
6/15 - Evelyn Johnson
6/15 - Lucy De Bruin
6/15 - Weston Curry
6/15 - Dekker Grantham
6/16 - Ed Wiedmann
6/16 - Kathy Good
6/16 - Hannah Burke
6/17 - David Webster
6/18 - Phil Johnson
6/18 - Addie Schaben
6/19 - Dave Bouchard
6/19 - Ashlyn Nelson
6/19 - Jermaine Simmons
6/20 - Lizzy Dickey
6/20 - Calvin Knutson
6/20 - Daniel Birch
6/21 - Kray Shivers
6/21 - Grace Worcester
6/22 - Asha Fadden
6/23 - Grace Rowland
6/23 - Charlotte Egland
6/23 - Jennifer Birch
6/24 - Richard Smith
6/26 - Amber Egli
6/26 - Harrison Moore
6/26 - Wyatt Moore
6/27 - Gabriel Lanz
6/27 - Tristian Fry
6/28 - Macy TatroAnniversaries
6/3 - Stuart & Valerie Merrill
6/4 - Ron & Cindy Melvin
6/5 - Daniel & Melissa Grandon
6/6 - Jerry & Donna Montgomery
6/7 - Cliff & Kris Wolf
6/8 - Kirk & Sandy Nelson
6/10 - Jeff & Kristin De Vries
6/13 - Ric & Teri Janes
6/19 - Les & Ruth Lourens
6/24 - Eric & Lenna Rae DePenning
6/25 - Dan & Debbie Snelson
6/25 - Collin & Kathryn Kueter
6/26 - David & Heather Webster
6/27 - Nathan & Ashley Shivers
6/28 - Richard & Joyce Brown
6/29 - Mark & Crystal Egland