Prayer Updates - December 2025

***Help us keep our prayer list current and up to date! After thirty days upon receiving a request, we will remove it if not updated. Thank you for your help and your diligent prayers.***

Jason Smith; the two options that he has been presented with so far to treat his cancer are surgery and or radiation. He will be seeking a second opinion before making a decision on treatment. We are praying for wisdom and discernment in how to proceed with treatment and that his body will be completely healed.  Also be praying for peace of mind for Jason and the family. (12/10/25)

Steve Crocker had a good check-up, and his healing progress is right on track. He doesn't have to see the doctor again for six weeks but has been set free from the neck brace, praise God! He is still on a ten-pound weight restriction for now and will need to use a PEMF device to promote bone growth stimulation for a year. We are praying for his continued healing and progress. (12/10/25) 

Jim Brummit (friend of Gary Cox) his last PET scan showed no new cancer spots in his body, which is good. He has had surgery on his arm because his kidney cancer had caused bone deterioration near his wrist and may have to have additional radiation treatments there. He is home but does not walk but can put weight on his legs for a short time, but not long enough to do a transfer. He continues physical therapy and is slowly gaining strength. We are praying for God’s healing without further complication. (12/10/25)  

Jedediah Blauw's work responsibilities will be changing in January. We are praying for wisdom in the situation and a smooth transition or a better job. (12/4/25) 

Norma Jean Townley (Greg's mom) She has recovered from her UTI and spent Thanksgiving with Greg and family. She is now back home in Missouri and is gaining strength. She still has trouble walking and some bladder issues, but other family members and church family are helping her as she recovers at home. We are praying for her full recovery and to regain her health and strength back. (12/3/26) 

Rhonda Pool (Beth Jordan’s friend) has a brain tumor. She had surgery, completed her radiation and is currently on chemotherapy. Please pray for the tumor to be gone.  (12/4/25) 

Tim Gibson (Gary Cox’s sister's pastor) has suffered some major setbacks since his brain surgery. He has another 12 days at Rusk Rehab in therapy. Doctors have found another tumor on the back of his brain, and he is to start radiation soon, which will slow his therapy progress. His speech is almost back to normal. His left arm and leg are still impaired but showing improvement. We are praying for his recovery and cancer remission. (12/3/25) 

Jim Young has been released to full weight bearing on his new porcelain hips and legs again. We are praying for the complete healing of both hips. Also, for continued strengthening of his hips, legs and back and that he will soon be able to walk without a cane. Delaina is back to normal after her surgery, which is a blessing. We are also praying they will be able to achieve their Christmas Eve goal (you’ll have to give them a call to see what that is). (12/3/25) 

Richard Baird (Tina Rains’ dad) has been released and is back home. He is weak and needs to gain strength and mobility. We are praying for his full recovery. (12/4/25) 

Heather Webster is doing great after her hip replacement. She has had very little pain and is walking with a cane for security but is doing and feeling better than she has for a very long time. We are continuing to pray for full recovery without any complications or setbacks. (12/3/25) 

Liz Rhodes recently returned from a mission trip to Israel and would love to share what God is doing and their needs with all. We are praying: 1: That the difficulties Israel (Jews, Arabs, other Gentiles) are facing will turn their hearts to the LORD and find Jesus/Yeshua as their Savior Redeemer. 2: For the great spiritual and emotional need of healing for the people of Israel. 3: For Israel’s leaders to seek the LORD and stand on the Scriptural promises God has made concerning the land of Israel. 4: For Carol Blomberg who was sharing the love of Jesus with the people there and suffered a fall. She has a fractured wrist and breaks her pelvis in two places. We are praying for her complete healing and mobility. (12/3/25) 

Tom Bennett has a low heart rate and needs a pacemaker, but he cannot have the procedure done at the VA Hospital. He is currently at home-on-home health monitoring daily and is doing well so far. We ae praying for him and Louise as the doctors figure out how to proceed. 12/4/25 

Michelle Boh’s daughter Margaret gave a kidney for Michelle’s brother-in-law, Scott, who needed a kidney transplant. They are both doing well after the kidney transfer. Both have been released from the hospital, and Margaret has returned to California, and Scott is home recovering. We are praying for their healing. 12/4/25 

Gabe Lee's mother has suffered a couple of falls and fractured her femur. Because of past heart issues, the doctor is not recommending surgery.  She is in pain, and her healing will be slow, and she will need to use a walker. We are praying for her pain relief and healing and the logistics of her ongoing health care. (12/4/25)

Joey Lee’s (Gabe & Rita’s youngest son): his last MRI showed everything is OK and going well in his recovery from his brain surgery. He is going back to work this week but has a two-hour round trip commute every day. He is still on lifting restrictions and is experiencing some fatigue and physical weakness which is to be expected. We are praying for his complete and speedy recovery without any long-term side effects. (12/4/25)   

Gabe Lanz’s business partner, Keegan and son Liam seem to be pretty stable relationally for now. Keegan’s mother is recovering from being septic from an abscess near her liver. The family needs prayer for healing and stability and to draw close to God through the challenges they are dealing with currently. (10/31/25)       

Amaya Fuller (Vickie Brown’s granddaughter) recently experienced a second miscarriage in her life she is struggling in dealing with the loss. We are praying for her mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health and needs. (12/4/25) 

Tammy Cohron (Terry Whitney’s cousin) is walking better after her therapy and is getting stronger and more mobile again. Her husband died last December, and she is struggling emotionally as she continues to adjust to life without him. We are praying for her strength and recover physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. (12/4/25) 

Doug Williams (Terry Whitney’s cousin) has another active spot of cancer on his lung. He has had two other problems with lung cancer in the past. They are currently determining whether to do chemo and/or radiation. We are praying for wisdom in how to proceed and good results. (12/4/25)  

Adelyn Wheeler (Terry Whitney’s cousin’s daughter), age 13, just found out she has a rare genetic blood disease where she is missing a clotting element in her blood. Only 100 other people are known to have had this problem in the past. She is facing many trips to Iowa City for IV treatment. She will have to deal with these issues for the rest of her natural life. We are praying for her mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health and strength through this difficult journey. (12/4/25) 

Denny Davis (Terry Whitney’s cousin) is in treatment for lung cancer. The drugs he’s on seem to be working and a couple of the spots on his lung appear to be cancer free now. He is a farmer and has a hard time asking for and accepting help. In his current health he is working too hard physically and needs to learn how to graciously accept the blessing of help. (12/4/25) 

Staci Gray (Terry Whitney’s cousin) The winter months are exacerbating her discouragement and depression as she still has a long healing process ahead of her with open areas after surgery incision that are not healing. She is homebound. She has had a lot of pain which her doctors are helping her manage. The doctor has told her healing will take months and possibly a year. We are praying for her pain control, healing, and encouragement through this difficult and challenging time in her life. (12/4/25)  

Dan Smith is doing well with his rehab and getting stronger. He must be careful not to overdo and follow his lifting restrictions to the end of the year and possibly longer. We are praying for his patience in the process and his full recovery without any setbacks or complications. The family appreciates all your prayers and support as well. (12/3/25) 

Cedric Hurley (Jim's youngest son) is only a few months old and had surgery to remove a tumor from his spine. The surgery went well but was more complicated than expected. He is doing well at this time. We are praying that he continues to grow and mature that he will be healthy without any negative side effects from the surgery. Praying as well for the family's peace of mind as they trust God for his future. (12/3/25) 

Jaelynn Connett (Terry Nereim) is ten years old and has viral meningitis and brain stem encephalitis. She also had seizures and a stroke. Jaelynn is now able to return to school, which is a huge answer to pray. We are praying her continued health, healing, and recovery. (12/4/25) 

Brent Williams (Dave Bouchard) was struck by a vehicle and had brain trauma. Brent is up and even walking with aid! He has short term memory issues but is doing better and is less frustrated than he was. The doctors say it is a miracle! We are praying for his full recovery and mobility moving forward. (12/3/25) 

Dan Snelson has been overall getting good reports from his doctor. His cancer is not spreading throughout the rest of his body. He is in good spirits, and we are still praying for healing and wisdom and discernment every day. (12/2/25)  

Kurt Shivers (Joey’s Dad) has had at least three strokes. He has moved to On With Life for continued rehab until he regains enough strength to at least be mobile again. It doesn’t appear at this time that he will be able to live on his own again. We are praying for his recovery and strength and for Joey and family’s wisdom, health, and strength as they continue to care for him and make decisions concerning his long-term care. (12/2/25)  

Ron Pauley has been dealing with advanced prostate cancer for five years. We are praying ultimately that his body will be cured of cancer. Also praying for his caregivers to have wisdom from God on treatments that will be minimally invasive and toxic to his system. Pray as well for his wife, Julie, as she continues to be a blessing in helping to carry this heavy burden with him. Their desire is to reflect their faith, love, and trust in God to others through this journey together. (12/3/25)  

Jeff Busch (Vicki Skiles’ brother) is in stage 4 congestive heart failure. The doctors are only giving him a few months to live. He is having surgery 12/4 to replace the pain pump in his back. He is at high risk for any surgeries in his current condition. Please pray for him and his family. (12/4/25)  

Cindy Dooley’s recovery from a burst fracture of her L-5 Vertebra continues to be a very slow recovery. We continue to pray for her full recovery and to be pain free again. (12/3/25)    

Kathy Buell (Jordan Buell’s mother) is still having her chemo treatments. She is on day 26 in a skilled nursing facility. She is gaining mobility and has walked with a walker several times. She is working on riding a stationary bike as well. The family is praying she can be at least close to release by Christmas. Jordan’s dad continues to recover from neck surgery, and we are praying for his healing without complication as well. We are also praying for the family’s mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health, and strength through this process. (12/3/25)   

Karen Boeding (Linda Gibson is ministering to her) has cancer. Her latest Pet Scan showed that she is stable, and she has been feeling pretty good. She had a fall down some stairs, several bruises, and escapes but no major injuries which is a blessing. She still doesn’t have much strength and energy. We are continuing to pray for her healing and recovery. (12/4/25) 

Anna Pham (Lynda Gibson’s daughter) has breast cancer, and it is in her lymph nodes as well. She had her surgery and has finished her second chemo treatment. It is a lot to deal with, but she is staying petty positive through the process so far. We are praying for full remission and that God will give her comfort and peace as she goes through the treatment and healing process. (12/4/25) 

Kelli Lee (friend of Terry & Demarko Nereim) has kidney cancer and had a kidney removed. Kelli had a pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in her lung) and was in the hospital for a week for that. Unfortunately, the cancer was not contained; she is continuing chemo treatments. We pray for a full remission and recovery without complications. (12/4/25)   

John Jackson (co-worker of Tracy Hutchinson) is over halfway through his cancer treatments; his scans show stability which is a win. He is in stage four, and his doctor wants him to be involved in a new trial treatment program. We are praying for his full recovery. (12/4/25)   

Brad Davison (Brenda Depauw’s brother) has some good news, his tumor on the peritoneal wall has shrunk by almost half and the doctor is amazed and pleased. They are removing one of his drugs while he is receiving infusions, which should give him more energy. He is still recovering from his shoulder surgery as well. He is on chemo indefinitely, but not as frequently as he was.  We are praying for his health and strength and energy as he continues to deal with his health issues. (12/2/25)  

Cindy Herrin (Lynda Gibsons’s sister-in-law) is dealing with a very aggressive form of Alzheimer’s; she is aware of what is happening to her and dealing with it as best she can. She loves the Lord and trusts He will walk with her each step of the way. She is struggling more all the time and needs a lot of care but is blessed to live with her mother-in-law, Judy Herrin, who is a loving, nurturing caregiver. Please pray for her and the family as they go through this journey in her life together (12/4/25)   

Jenny Lourens has severe scoliosis of the spine which has been causing her a lot of pain and stealing some of her joy in life. She has some new pain meds which we are hoping will help her manage the pain. She continues to do the best she can. We are praying for pain relief and that God restores her joy for life. (12/4/25)     

Mike & Christina Minnick (Carli Schaffner's daughter and son-in-law) His pet scan came back with mixed results, so he will continue immunotherapy treatments and radiation treatments. We are praying for healing and for the whole family to grow closer to God and each other as they go through this journey together. (12/3/25)   

Carol Huntoon (Donna Bennum’s sister) is doing better but still having trouble with her hips. We are praying for her health and strength, and wisdom to make better life choices for her health. (12/3/25)   

Shelley Biondi (John Bennum’s Mother-in-law) had a double mastectomy, which was her second surgery, and is on the mend. We are praying for her as she goes through treatment that she will be cancer-free going forward. (12/3/25)   

Kayla Bennum (Donna and Bill Bennum’s daughter): gaining custody of her son Micah is no longer an option for Kayla as she has been in three mental health facilities in the past month. Micah is staying with his grandparents at present. We are continuing to pray that she will overcome her destructive life choices and place Christ at the center of her life. Please pay for Micah as he deals with his life circumstances that are beyond his control. (12/3/25) 

Bill and Donna Bennum are praying to get full guardianship for Micah this month, which will make the situation much simpler for all concerned. Bill and Donna are both dealing with some health and life issues. Donna did receive a good report on a test today which is an answer to prayer. We are praying for their wisdom, strength, and health to deal well with life one day at a time. (12/3/25)  

Janet Wickett is still dealing with age-related health issues and will have a stomach scope 12/19 and if necessary, will see another specialist. We are praying for her health, strength, and mobility. (12/3/25)  

Jeff (Kris Wolf’s brother-in-law) continues to do well; his next MRI will be at the end of the month. He continues to take a monthly chemo shot.  One liver tumor has shrunk, but no change on another, but nothing is showing up in his lungs or stomach. God is good.  We are praying that God will intervene and heal his body if not that the time he has left can be quality time with family and friends. (12/3/25)    

Scott Seiberling’s It has been a long and stressful year of surgeries and financial battles with the insurance company over the car accident. He is still on weight restricted lifting at least to the end of the year. We are praying his body will be healed and back to “normal” and to have a financial settlement by the end of this year. (12/4/25)   

Michelle McMillan (Cindy Melvin’s sister) is unable to use the right side of her body, affecting her ability to chew food. It also affects her ability to speak clearly. Her health is continuing to deteriorate rapidly, and we are praying that she will not have to continue to suffer much longer. She is scheduled for another round of chemo in about 3 weeks. Pray also for her family, Kevin, and Kenzie, to be able to ask for and receive help in caring for her in the time she has left. (12/4/25)   

Tedd Norman’s is between visits to Mayo and is feeling pretty well. His kidney functions are continuing to be monitored, and he is on the permanent list for a new kidney, just waiting for a kidney. He is in good spirits. We are diligently praying that he will receive a new kidney very soon. (12/3/25)   

Todd Norman still has a lot of pain with his second knee replacement and still struggles with his legs and feet. He has therapy twice a week, and can drive again, which is a blessing. He is improving, and we are praying for his full recovery and to be pain free going forward.  (12/3/25)  

Alan Rockhold (friend of Judi Norman) can drive now and has leg braces and a cane to help him with walking. He still 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. We are continuing to pray for his mobility and a full recovery. (12/3/25)      

Jessica Scholz has settled into her new apartment. She is still in need of a full-time job in order to be financially stable. We are praying for her to have wisdom in making and maintaining good life choices and health. (12/3/25)   

Mario and Maria Lara: Mario has been having some health concerns and is waiting for test results for answers. We are praying for answers and good results. We are praying for their health and strength and that their lives will shine in the darkness for Christ. (12/4/25)  

Harrison and Krista Terrill (Chad and Staci’s children) Baby Hudson is doing as well as could be expected; he is over a year old already. He is a happy baby, and his joy is a blessing. He has started sitting on his own now, which is a big deal. 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. (12/4/25)   

Jeannine Derrough (neighbor/friend of Vickie Doerr) Her cancer has returned. She is still getting cancer treatments. Her current treatment regimen is easier on her physically and we are praying it eradicates the cancer from her body. She has a strong faith, and we pray for her healing and for her to stay strong mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. (12/4/25)    

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.  We are praying that God will work a miracle in her life. (12/3/25) 

Josiah Waddle (Gary and Lori’s grandson) is overall doing better but is still suffering some of the consequences of his past poor choices. He is facing some legal charges, and we are praying for leniency. We continue to pray for his physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual strength and health and the self-control and wisdom to make good choices and continue to walk with God moving forward. (12/3/25)

PRAISES

Liz Rhodes’ grandson, whom we prayed for so long, is now strong and healthy and in full remission from his cancer! What a blessing and answer to prayer! (12/3/26) 

Dave and Lynda Gibson: Sold their other home and got moved into their new home just before the big snowstorm.  (12/3/25)   

Tara Thompson secured the 9-month short-term project job with Nationwide Life team. She is still looking for full-time employment. (12/3/25) 

Melvin Miller's carotid artery surgery was successful, and he is healing and recovering well. We are praying for complete healing without any complications. (12/3/25)

MILITARY

Jacob Baird (son of Mike & Tina Rains) address: 128 Sweeney Dr, Biloxi, MS 39531.  Pray for his faith journey.  Mike and Tina are excited to spend Christmas with him in Wyoming. (12/4/25)   

Lucas Rains (son of Mike & Tina Rains) address is 324 Borough Street, Cheyenne, WY 82007.  Praising God that they found a church home.  Mike and Tina are excited to spend Christmas with them (especially grandson Theo) in Wyoming. (12/4 /25)   

Andrew Skiles and his wife Chantal (Mark & Vicki Skiles) Pray for Andrew and Chantal, as Drew serves in the Army in Germany. Pray for wisdom and favor as he manages soldiers under him and for them to find a Christian community to connect with. They are excited to have their first Christmas with their son Lachlan Gabriella. (12/4/25)

SHUT-INS

Evelyn Downing: Prairie Vista Village. 2785 1st Ave S, #165b Altoona, IA 50009

Martha Miller: 5230 E Oakwood Dr, Pleasant Hill, IA 50327 

Dianne Scholtz: Parkridge Nursing and Rehab Center, 5800 NE 12th Ave, Pleasant Hill, IA 50327 (515-664-5606) 

Pat Wolfe: 4006 71st St Urbandale, IA 50322

Jim Young: 12697 S 60th Ave W, Mitchellville, IA 50169

Send your requests and updates to the church offices or to Gary Cox by emailing garyc@risingsunchurch.org.