Prayer Requests

Jeannine Derrough’s (neighbor/friend of Vickie Doerr) cancer has returned. Please pray for her in this fight. (5/3/24)

Rory (Tanner and Sam Patterson’s daughter) is 3 years old and was diagnosed with 16% grade scoliosis. Pray for her and her family. (4/29/24)

Dick Story’s (Judy Norman’s brother) kidneys are not functioning like they should, so he should be on dialysis, but doesn’t want to start at the age of 88. (4/28/24)

Steve Rullestad and family; Steve’s mom passed away on April 28th. We are praying for God to give the family peace, comfort, and strength as they grieve. (4/29/24)  

Gene Kooker; a longtime member of our Rising Sun Church family, has passed. His visitation will be Saturday, May 4th from 10am – 12am with service immediately following at 12am at New Life Church in Pleasant Hill, 6036 NE 12th Ave. If you have questions, contact Brent Curry. (4/28/24)

Judy Howrey (Lucas Howrey’s mother) is still recovering after her knee surgery but is overall doing well. The doctors want to put a heart monitor on her in a few days just to keep track of her heart function. We are continuing to pray for her complete recovery and knee function as well as good results with the heart monitor. (4/26/24)

Cindy Melvin has shingles in her mouth, which is very painful and usually takes some time to clear up. We are praying for immediate pain relief and healing. (4/25/24)

Michelle McMillan’s (Cindy Melvin’s sister) last MRI showed that the tumor has shrunk again! God is really answering our prayers for her. We are continuing to pray for complete healing and her physical health and strength.  (4/25/24)

Gary Haag (friend of Judy Norman) has a massive cancer on his liver and will be seeing an oncologist. (4/24/24)

Evelyn Shivers is improving; she is able to walk with her walker, and her therapist has decided that she is back to as good as when she began her therapy, so she is to be released to go home April 30th. We are praying for her and the family as they transition to her new living situation. Specifically that she will be able to be at home safely on her own and for the family as they work out continuing to help her and care for her. She appreciates all the thoughts, prayers, and cards from her church family. (4/29/24)

Ron Pauley (friend of Judy Bumpus); Chemo so far this month has not been nearly so bad, so he is feeling pretty good. PSA dropped 13 points, which is still very high but moving in the right direction; the doctor is concerned because PSA is not reacting to the treatment as much as he would like. The trip to Texas will tell the tale! They wanted to share that Ron feels good and is thankful for that; he is trying to cut back on pain meds some. (4/19/24)

Stefanie Gibson (Dave Gibson’s daughter) has breast cancer, and it's an aggressive kind. She just got a good report from her Pet scan, and cancer is undetectable anywhere else in her body. 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. (4/25/24) 

Rod Haenschen (Dave Gibson’s brother-in-law) is full of cancer and nearing the end stages of congestive heart failure. Doctors have given him only 2-6 months to live and he and his wife Judy are navigating his end-of-life journey. We are praying for Dave and Lynda as they plan to go out to Colorado to see them soon. Praying they will be able to touch Rod and Judy’s hearts with the love and hope of Christ and draw them closer to God before the end. (4/25/24)

Kathi Harris (sister to Louise Bennett, Michelle Boh, and Amy Dickey)  lives in Los Angeles, California and has started attending a bereavement group there, which is helping. 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 doing much better and is looking to move to Iowa in the next 3-6 months to be closer to her family here. She is encouraged by all the prayers and cards from our congregation. (4/29/24)

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 will have another scan soon. 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. (4/29/24)

Pastor Keith & Jillian Kelley (by Sue Bouchard); Keith is a minister in one of our Iowa churches. A while 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 had been murdered. Please pray during this tragic outcome - for their husbands and families. (4/16/24)

Todd Young (Bob and Kris Young’s nephew) has a brain tumor, cancer and heart failure at the age of 57. His overall health is failing and he is having to fight with insurances for tests in order to do necessary procedures. 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. (4/25/24)

Martha Miller (Kris Young’s mother) continues to feel her age. Overall, she is doing pretty well with a lot of help from her family. We are praying for her stability, mobility, and safety and she has been doing better for the past month and half. 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. (4/25/24)

Ruth Lourens; The swelling or bubble in her spine has disappeared, and she no longer is in pain, which is a huge answer to prayer. She is going to therapy and just has to continue to be careful while her body continues to heal and recover and she gains her strength back. We are continuing to pray for strength, balance and healing without any further complication or setbacks. She is so very grateful for all the prayers sent on her behalf by everyone. (4/25/23)

Jennifer Lourens (daughter of Les and Ruth Lourens) is going to Wesley Life on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and she loves getting to gather with a group of friends there for social interactions and activities. She continues to tenaciously hold on to her Friday job at Hy-Vee which she dearly loves. She will be seeing another eye specialist, in hopes of being able to improve her eyesight. She is dealing with some memory issues but maintains her joyful and loving spirit. Pray for God’s blessing of peace and safety for her and the family. (4/25/24)

Matt Grabau (John and Vicki Doerr’s co-worker) had thyroid cancer and had surgery to remove it. The surgery went well, and they think they got it all. He is back to work. They scheduled another scan to ensure it is nowhere else. We are praying he is cancer free and that he will fully recover without and complications or setbacks. (4/26/24)

Evan (Liz Rhodes’ grandson) is 8 years old and has Leukemia. He is in UIHC and has started a more aggressive therapy as his type of cancer has a 75% remission rate compared to a 90% for most common childhood leukemia. We are praying he tolerates the treatment well. He also gets shots at home which he really doesn’t like and will be going through this treatment process for a year with increasing intensity. We are praying for Mark and Mandy (Evan’s parents) as they all go through this difficult season in life together. Yahweh is a God who heals, and we are praying for his healing, and they will all grow even stronger in their faith and trust in God. Liz also has a heavy burden on her heart for Israel and their nation and has just returned from two weeks in UK. She is asking us to join her in prayer for Israel and the release of hostages held by Hamas. (4/27/24)

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 made a lot of progress and is able to eat a lot more “real” foods now. He was moved on 4/12 to rehab. He’s been stretching and strengthening his muscles, practicing standing and walking, and continuing his speech therapy; over all he has made a lot of positive progress. His mom was able to get a pass to take him outside to enjoy some sunshine on the weekend. Michael still faces a long and difficult recovery. His physical body is having to make many major changes as he heals and recovers. We are praying that as he recovers he will be able to get back to a new “normal life” very soon. (4/26/24)

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, she is doing better and is more upbeat. Pray that she continues to heal quickly and regains her strength and good health. (4/25/24)

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. He is struggling with his health issues. He is doing therapy for spurs on his good foot which seems to be helping. We are praying that he will be able to get some financial assistance to help defray the cost of the medication if he can ever get through the recording roadblocks to speak to a live human being in person. We are praying for Keith and Sharon: mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health and strength as they navigate the medical and physical hurdles and for their peace of mind and heart as they go through this battle again. (4/25/24)

Jane Smith is dealing with a lot of back and neck pain and pain in her hands from carpal tunnel. She is having some medical procedures to hopefully help her situation. She will have first surgery on her hands on June 20th. We are praying for pain relief and permanent resolution for the future. (4/25/24)

Nancy Slack Is doing pretty good after her stroke. Her peripheral vision is affected, and she is not able to drive but is not having other physical problems to deal with. She is living with her daughter and son-in-law in Indianola and is enjoying attending the Indianola Church of Christ with the family and is reconnecting with other members of the church family there. We are praying for continued improvement. (4/25/24)

Gabe Lee has been in Malaysia for the past several months, caring for his mother who is 85 and fractured both of her arms. He has been able to find a care center that can help with her care. It has been a difficult transition for her, but she is beginning to adjust to and accept her new environment. Gabe is to be back home Saturday May 4th, so we are praying for his safe return. We are also praying that his mom will be able to appreciate, enjoy and make the best of her new home. The family has very much appreciated all the prayers, calls and cards on their behalf. (4/28/24)

Osker Lee (Gabe and Rita Lee’s grandson) is in the hospital with influenza, and both of his parents are sick as well. We are praying for the whole family to recover and be healthy and well again as soon as possible. (4/28/24)

Kelly Ball requests prayer for the pain in her hip and arm from falling. Her doctors say she needs an MRI on her shoulder to see if she needs surgery or not. She is not comfortable in her living environment but has limited options. 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 overall physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health and strength and that she will find peace, hope, and joy in Christ Jesus. (4/28/24)

Hazel Anderson is continuing to have some issues with blurriness in her right eye. We are praying for permanent improvement. (4/26/24)

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. (4/26/24)

Craig Dooley acquired Orthotics especially (shoe inserts) custom-molded for his feet which have really helped him with the leg pain he has been struggling with. He is praying for even more relief when they are fully broken in, and he is used to wearing them. (4/25/24)

Billy Blish (Craig Dooley’s plant manager) has extreme pain with his MS and lesions. He has been having infusions to shrink the lesions and help with his pain. In answer to prayer, he has seen about a 70% improvement in his pain level and hopes the treatments will continue to lessen his pain levels.  He greatly appreciates everyone’s prayers. We are praying for continued positive results from the treatments. (4/25/24)

Jim Hoffman has been working with On With Life - Outpatient Neuro Rehabilitation for his Parkinson’s. He started January 4th, and it has helped with his memory and mobility. He is taking the summer off, and they will see him again in the fall to re-evaluate him at that time.  He has had a couple of falls, and we are continuing to pray for his health, strength, and balance when walking. (4/24/24)

Todd Norman (Judi Norman’s son) is still having a lot of pain and swelling in his leg after his surgery. He is pushing through the pain to continue to deal with life and help others. The weather has a big effect on his pain level as sell. We are praying for complete healing and the swelling to go away. (4/28/24)

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. (4/28/24)

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. (4/28/24)

Jenny Dixon (Sue Torres’s granddaughter) has finally agreed to treatment. They had to put in a new feeding tube which was very painful because she can’t chew anything during her treatments. 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. She seems more determined to deal with it (4/25/24)

Brad Davison (brother to Brenda DePauw and nephew of Phil Johnson) has stage two colon cancer. April 29th will be his last chemo treatment; they have been very draining on him physically, and he feels very fatigued most of the time. It could take six weeks for the effects of the chemo to wear off. We are praying that his body is now cancer free. He really appreciates all the prayers. (4/28/24)

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. We are praying for a hedge of protection around her heart and mind to protect her from evil’s desire to destroy her mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. (4/25/24)

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 also praying for Micah to know Christ and to grow strong spiritually with Him. We are praying for their health and strength as they continue to love and care for their grandson. (4/25/24)

Carol Huntoon (Donna Bennum’s sister) is in assisted living now. She is on oxygen and is struggling with lung issues. We are praying for her overall health and circumstances to improve with her new living environment. (4/25/24)

Petey and Erica Peterson (Tracy Hutchinson’s co-workers) He has officially stopped the chemo he was on and is 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. (4/25/24)

Richard and Joyce Brown After 40 years as rheumatology nurse, Joyce will be retiring in June. Retirement will require a major paradigm shift mentally, physically and emotionally. We are praying for her as she transitions; she is excited to see how God continues to use her as His servant in new ways. She is still dealing with some aging health issues as well. Richard is doing well overall and continues to get good reports. He gets tired easily, we are still praying that his blood count stays normal, so he doesn’t have to go back on medicine. (4/26/24)

Mario Lara still has ringing in his ears 24/7; it has not gotten worse but is not better yet either. Specialists say there is nothing they can do to change it at this point. We are praying for the ringing to stop and for his physical health and strength as he goes on a mission trip to Costa Rica on June 8-17. We are praying for open hearts to God, and that many will come to know Christ during this time. (4/25/24)

Cara Flavio (Lori Cox’s sister) suffered a stroke nearly two years ago. She has had the best therapy since her stroke at a local hospital, helping her regain some movement on her left sides, walk a bits, etc. The insurance company will no longer pay for this therapy until they are able to get a doctor’s recommendation, so they are working on that now. Please pray also for the health of her husband, her chief caretaker, who often has back and leg issues at times. 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. (4-28-24)

Bob Helmick (Paula Seiberling’s dad) is able to be in his own home again, but we should continue to pray for his health, strength, balance, and wise choices, so that he can stay there alone. (4/25/24)

Staci Gray (Brent Whitney’s cousin) has had a setback and is basically starting all over again with her abdominal healing process. She is still on IV feedings and having issues with healing since her last surgery. She is very limited in what she can do and is basically home bound. This is major, and she and her husband are struggling. It has already been a very long ordeal. Continue to pray for recovery and for her health and strength to be restored. (4/28/24)

Kenny Croson (Terry Whitney’s cousin) is having issues with depression and thriving.  They are looking into palliative care for him.  We are praying for his health to be completely restored mental, physical, emotional and spiritual so he can move forward with his life in a healthy way. (4/28/24)

Catherine Ivers (Terry Whitney’s cousin) dad is in a care facility and her mother has several health challenges and needs Catherines help in order for her to be able to stay in her own home. If her mom has to move permanently to a care center Catherine will no longer have a place to live. We are praying for her mother’s health and that Catherine will continue to be able help meet her mother’s health needs so they can both remain in her mother’s home. (4/25/24)

Dean and Elma Smith; 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. They are trying some new things to help deal with the pain. We are praying for relief for them physically pain and their mental, emotional and spiritual strength in dealing with these health issues. (4/26/24) 

Earl and Lillie Bailey; Lillie has dialysis three times a week but is doing pretty good overall. Earl is doing well. Their youngest son Rusty is dealing with kidney stones and has to have them removed. We are praying for their continued health and strength. (4/26/24)

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. He and his fiancée will be heading back to Texas on May 14th to a YWAM convention on their way back to Omaha and Iowa. We are praying for their safe return home. (4/25/24)

Walt and Deb Gaskins; Deb had surgery the end of March and is to have the stents that were put in her pancreas removed the end of May. She is getting along pretty well but still has a ways to go in the healing process and recovery process. Walter is still in need of knee surgery, but Iowa City denied his referral, so they are trying to get a referral to Mayo. We are praying for a full recovery without complication or setback for Deb and that Walter’s overall health and strength will improve and for everything to come together at the right time for his knee surgery. (4/25/24)

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 says she doesn’t have pain which is an answer to prayer. She has another follow-up appointment in Iowa City in May. We are still praying for complete healing and that there will be minimal to no negative side effects from the Enbrel medication. (4/26/24) 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 has been in the hospital again with an infection on top of her other health issues. She was chosen as recipient for our “Holy Smoke Fundraiser” this year. We are praying for her healing. She really appreciates all the prayers and cards. (4/26/24)

Jeff McDowell (Kris Wolf’s brother-in-law) is doing well right now. He is off chemo now and there is no new growth or advancement of his cancer. They are monitoring him and will reassess further treatment in July. We are continuing to pray for full remission, healing and strength on this side of heaven. (4/25/24)

Josiah Waddle (Gary and Lori’s grandson) is not always making good or wise choices with his life. We are praying for him to stay away from alcohol and have balance in his emotions, and that he will reestablish his relationship with Christ. (4/25/24)

Donna Sieberling (Scott Seiberling’s mother) and her 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. (4/25/24)

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. He is doing pretty well; he is able to tolerate the treatments, and his lab work is back to normal for now. We are praying for only good results and healing for his body. Pray for peace of mind for the whole family. (4/24/24)

Answered Prayers & Praises

Kray and Shawna Shivers; A huge praise and answer to prayer! They have been praying for a child for a long time and God has answered their prayers. They will be having their first child in November. We are praying for continued good health of both mother and child and a safe delivery of a healthy baby. (4/29/24)

Lucas and Arianne Rains are pregnant, and baby is doing great, growing, and kicking. They both had a bout with the flu, but have recovered. We are praying for a healthy pregnancy and an ornery baby like Grandpa Mike! (3/21/24)

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) was not 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