Lillian Bennum left for boot camp. She will become a Combat Medic. We are praying for her to succeed in this new journey in life. Praying also for her to remain strong mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually as she goes.  (4/2/25)

John Bennum is getting married in September, his future mother-in-law Shelley Biondi just found out she has breast cancer.  We are praying  her she goes through treatment that she will be cancer free going forward. (4/2/25)

Gabe Lee's mother is doing much better. They had her NG tube removed and she has been feeding herself. The speech therapist asked her food to be diced up. She can move around, albeit a little shaky. She can speak short sentences slowly. She is improving in both the PT and speech therapy. Keep praying for her and giving thanks for her continued improvements! (4/3/25)

Virginia Benda is doing well from her skin and hearing aid surgery. But she fell last Saturday; nothing was broken but she is very sore.  Praying for her to feel better and no more falls. (4/3/25)

Sara Fouch (Gary Cox’s aunt who is nearly 90 years old) is home now and doing well.  Using a walker and staying on the main floor, home for the time being.  Looking at options for other living arrangements but haven’t decided anything. (4/1/25)

Bill Ruth was assaulted by a 17-year-old. He has a broken nose and concussion. He is not able to drive for a time and it will take three weeks for his nose to heal. He will have to sleep in a chair as he cannot use his cpap machine until he heals. Pray for speedy recovery without any complications. (4/1/25)

Marvin Pete Curry (Ralph Curry’s brother) passed away on March 26. The visitation (Sunday from 4-6pm) and funeral service (Monday at 2pm) will be held at Woodland Hills Church of Christ. Interment will be at Lowman Cemetery in Runnells with Military Honors. Please pray for the family during this time of grief. (3/28/25)

Keegan and Liam (Gabe Lanz’s business partner and his son); please pray for Liam’s mental health and for the family to persevere and endure through trials they are currently having. (3/18/25)

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 emplacement on that leg. We are praying that all goes well and for a speedy recovery. (3/28/25)

Gary Cox had a laser procedure to help reduce the glaucoma pressure in his right eye. His pressures remain too high, affecting his vision, He is continuing to treat them with eye drops to reduce the pressure. Praying the pressures go down so that his vision will stabilize. (3/29/25)

Karen Boeding (an individual Linda Gibson is sharing Christ with) had cancer surgery at the end of September, and the cancer has returned and spread to her bones, eye, and brain; she is having a lot of pain. She began radiation on her brain and eye in Iowa City last week. This week she is sick with flu, plus the effects of that treatment. Her vision isn't improving yet and still hopes treatments will help with that along with treating cancer. (3/26/25) 

Rod Haenschen (Dave  Gibson’s brother-in-law) had a spinal fusion procedure done to help with pain caused by the cancer in his spine. He is managing with strong drugs for pain but having trouble walking and getting around. Lynda and Dave are planning a visit in May. (3/26/25)

Karie Gilchrist’s dad was badly hurt; we are praying he has no internal injuries. (3/18/25)

Gary Gatewood’ brother-in-law was in a bad accident and passed away. We are praying for the family in this time of loss.  The family is planning a celebration of life service in April. (3/28/25)

Sonya McNeal Scadden (Carol Smith’s cousin) passed away. We pray for the family during this time of grief and loss. A celebration of her life with family and friends was held on Saturday, March 22. (3/29/25)

John Jackson (co-worker of Tracy Hutchinson) has bile duct cancer. John is scheduled for surgery on May 12th.  The surgery is an 8–9-hour procedure after which he will need chemotherapy for 6 months. He is facing a long hard road with a positive attitude and expecting a good outcome. We are praying for successful surgery and complete healing. (3/28/25)

Jim Hoffman is working hard to walk again, and his mind is clearer again. He is having speech therapy which is helping. We are praying he gets well enough to return home very soon.  (3/27/25)

Tara Thompson’s 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.  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.   (3/27/25)

Tim Gibson (Gary Cox’s sister's pastor) has internal melanoma, which is a very aggressive cancer. It is contained in his pelvic area currently. He is beginning immunotherapy soon to shrink the mass before surgery to remove it. He’s in Clifton Hills, Missouri. Praying for remission. (3/27/25)

Jeff (Kris Wolf’s brother-in-law) is feeling well and has another infusion treatment soon. 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. (3/27/28) 

Steve and Kim Crocker’s mothers are both dealing with age-related health issues. Kim’s mom is not progressing as well as hoped and will be having some health assessments to understand how to better help her. Steve’s mom is doing well for now. We are praying for their health and strength and for Steve and Kim as they care for their aging parents in this season of their lives. (3/27/25)

Jim Brummit (friend of Gary Cox), after six weeks in the hospital, is back home. He has two kinds of cancer and has had several surgeries, five radiation treatments, and is beginning immunotherapy which seems to be going well with few side effects. We are praying for God’s healing without further complications and full remission.   (3/28/25)

Ron Pauley (friend of Judy Bumpus) has been dealing with cancer for some time. He is responding very well to his current treatment. He’s facing more fatigue and pain, but not bad. God is not done with Ron yet! Please pray for Ron, wisdom with his meds and dosage, his pain and fatigue, and for God’s leading in his ministry. His desire is to serve well until he steps into eternity. (3/27/25)

Diane Sholtz is to have a cataract removed from her right eye April 30th and left June 3rd. She is gaining some strength and mobility. Praying for good results and continued improvement in overall health and strength. (3/27/25)

Scott & Paula Seiberling have a lot on their plate right now. Scott is recovering well from surgery. They are also car full-time for Lars' two toddler children. We pray for their wisdom, health, and strength mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We are praying for future decisions for the grandchildren’s long-term care as well. (3/27/25)

Dan Snelson is doing much better. They were able to enjoy a much-needed vacation without any complications. We continue to pray for Dan’s overall health and strength, and God is answering. (3/27/25)

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! We are praying for her body to completely heal physically so they can remove her feeding tube. Praying also that she will remain cancer free going forward. The good news is God answering our prayers.   (3/28/25)

Michelle McMillan (Cindy Melvin’s sister) found another tumor that has grown.  They are not able to do surgery, because it is too close to her speech and vision centers.  She will continue with radiation and then chemo. The doctors continue to monitor her closely for allergic reactions. God is blessing her, and we are still praying for her full recovery. Thank you for all the prayers and cards. (3/27/25)

Carol Huntoon (Donna Bennum’s sister) is improving health wise. We are continuing to pray for her health, and strength. (3/27/25)

Kayla Bennum (Donna and Bill Bennum’s daughter) is taking her medications and doing better at following DHS guidelines and is working toward reunification with her son Micah. We pray for her continued and consistent improvement and a hedge of protection around her heart and mind to protect her from evil’s desire to destroy her and her family.  (3/27/25) 

Janae (Donna & Bill Bennum's oldest daughter) was able to get into her own apartment. She is applying for SSI to continue to live on her own and move forward with her life.  We are praying that she can become more financially responsible and independent. Also, for her to grow spiritually in her relationship with Christ. (3/27/25)

Bill and Donna Bennum are beginning the process for foster care/adoption licensing. They are currently their grandson Micah’s caregivers. They are trying to figure out how to retire and slow down, and still help their family help themselves. Please hold them in prayer for wisdom and physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health and strength as they continue to share Christ’s love with their family and others. (3/27/25)

Kathy Good: God is good, she is doing better with her back pain, fewer bad days. With physical therapy, she is recovering well from her hand surgery. Being able to sleep again at night is a huge blessing. We are praying for continued pain relief. (3/28/25)

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. We are diligently praying that he will receive a new kidney very soon.   (3/28/25)

Todd Norman’s sinuses are doing some better, but his knee is not.  We are praying for long-term health and pain relief. (3/28/25) 

Judi Norman has several health issues. We are praying for pain control and successful solutions for her health needs, and for those she serves and loves for Christ. (3/28/25)

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 praying for his mobility and a full recovery without further complications. (3/28/25)   

Andrew Skiles and his wife Chantal. We are praying for peace and guidance in their new career and for developing new relationships in a foreign place. (3/27/25)

Staci Gray (Brent Whitney’s cousin) She is continuing to heal from another failed digestive surgery. She struggles with hydration which must all come through IV’s. Staci, her husband, and the medical team are starting to figure out a routine that works for them.  Staci is still not able to get out and about, but she is in fairly good spirits for all she has been through.   We are praying her healing, and that God will give her and her husband comfort and peace and help them to find joy in life even in the face of all her physical trials and adversity. (3/27/25)

Kyler Lenox (friend of Nita Hoffman) His current medications seem to be working well. He is 13 years old, living in Fremont, IA. He has a slow-growing brain tumor. His labs show that his tumor is stable and possibly even smaller, and they are monitoring him closely. He is doing well. We are praying that his treatments will keep the tumor from growing, and for only good results and healing for his body. The whole family is extremely thankful for our prayers. (3/28/25) 

Brad Davison (Brenda Depauw’s brother): his cancer has returned, and he is still going through treatment. The treatments seem to be producing positive results. We are praying for him to gain strength and feel better and to go into full remission. (3/27/25)

Jessica Scholz is in need of a full-time job and housing she can afford on her own. We are praying for her ability to provide and care for herself. (3/27/25)

Mario Lara continues to have ringing in his ears, but his brain is adjusting, and he is at least able to sleep at night now. 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 for the convention is in the third week of June. Mario is also organizing a mission trip to Costa Rica for July 30-Aug. 11 for Rising Sun. Mario is trying to prepare the next generation of leaders to help shoulder some of his burden of responsibilities for the future. We are praying for him and his family’s health and strength and ability to work some family time and rest into their lives as they continue to serve the Kingdom. (3/28/25) 

Patty Manny (friend of Fay Thompson) is 80 years old, and her cancer has returned; she is opting for no treatment. She is still able to be in her own home with family help but is pretty much homebound. She is hoping to spend more time in the sunshine and get out more. We are praying that she will be able to enjoy each day God gives her as she ends her life journey and prepares to step into the presence of her Creator. (3/29/28) 

Marylin Evans had her gallbladder removed and is now having some heart problems, so she is to have an angiogram soon. We are praying for good results. (3/28/25)

Vanessa Merrill (Valerie Merrill’s twin sister) has pancreatic cancer. Unfortunately, her tumor is growing instead of shrinking.  The neuropathy caused by the chemo has gotten worse and is causing pain.   She is not having nausea and is still able to get around for which she is thankful as she celebrates every positive in her life.  The family is inviting everyone to join them in a day of fasting and prayer on April 2nd on Vanessa’s behalf. We are praying God will show up and show off and heal her body of this cancer. Valerie, and her daughter Tiffany were able to visit Vanessa and family in Indiana recently. (3/28/25)

Evan (Liz Rhodes’ grandson) had a rare form of cancer and is in remission. He is finally coming to the end of his treatments, which is a big blessing for the whole family. Going forward he will be periodically checked to be sure he stays in remission. We are praying for him to remain cancer free for the rest of his life. Mark and Mandy are his parents, and the whole family has grown so much in their faith and trust in God as they have watched God at work in Evan’s full recovery in this season of their lives. God is good all the time. (3/28/25) 

Harrison and Krista Terrill (Chad and Staci Terrill’s children) Baby Hudson is off the cpap, but still on oxygen. His left lung is partially collapsed, and he had pneumonia. They are starting antibiotics. We are praying God to heal his body with a speedy recovery. Also praying for God to be with the family as they go through this time.  (3/29/25)

Jeannine Derrough (neighbor/friend of Vickie Doerr) just found out her cancer has returned. She was just trying to eat clean and healthy and trust her body to stay healthy. She had to have 9.5 lbs. of fluid drained from her stomach area. They changed her treatment, and she is feeling better again. We are praying for her healing and for her to stay strong mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. (3/29/25) 

Evelyn Shivers granddaughter and husband have been bringing her to church on Sundays which she loves. She 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. (3/28/25) 

Martha Miller (Kris Young’s mother) is getting along pretty well, still dealing with age-related challenges.  Bob and Kris are her primary caregivers.  Your prayers, cards, and words of encouragement are greatly appreciated by the whole family. (3/28/25) 

Jennifer Lourens (daughter of Les and Ruth Lourens) has been taking new medication which has definitely been helping with her memory. We continue to pray for her memory and health and ability to continue to enjoy a good quality of life. (3/29/25)  

Ruth and Les Lourens; Ruth is dealing with pain in her hands; her right hand is doing well but her left-hand trigger finger is still very painful. We are praying for their health and strength, mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually as they navigate life’s challenges. (3/29/25) 

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. She continues to need therapy. We are praying for improved mobility and strength and for her husband Max’s health and strength. He has ongoing back and leg pain, monitored regularly by his doctor.  Lori was able to drive to Illinois and spend a few days with them earlier in March. Thank you for all your prayers and cards! (Box 61, Concord, IL 62631. (2/25/25)  

Josiah Waddle (Gary and Lori’s grandson) is struggling with addictions. We are praying for his physical, mental, emotional and spiritual strength and health to make good choices and walk with God. (3/28/25) 

Mya McClaflin (Doug and Paula Kieler’s 11-year-old granddaughter) has regular six-month checkups in IA City for her brain lesions. She is taking daily methotrexate pills, and weekly Humira shots. She is ready for softball to start, and she is going to be a sprinter for track. God is blessing and she is doing great. We are still praying for long term healing. (3/28/25)

Answered Prayers & Praises

Stefanie Gibson had her check-ups, and the doctor said she is free of cancer. Praise God for that! Still doing a few more treatments, but she said she is doing well. (3/26/25)

Jane Smith’s stitches are out, no longer irritating and her eye healed up and all is going well.  Big answer to prayer.  Thank you to everyone for all the prayers and cards.  (3/27/25)  

Dave Bouchard had cataract surgery; everything went well, his eyesight is great, and he has his last follow-up this week.  Big praise. (3/27/25)

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. (10/1/24) 

Lucas Rains (son of Mike & Tina Rains) was not deployed. Baby Theo is healthy and almost 5 months old already. Their new address is 324 Borough Street, Cheyenne WY 82007. (12/29/24) 

Shut Ins

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

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

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

Birthdays

4/3 - Brooke Casebolt
4/3 - Michelle Wiedmann
4/4 - Adalinn Whitney
4/4 - Ethan Howrey
4/4 - John Knutson
4/5 - Jim Hoffman
4/5 - Joshua De Bruin
4/6 - Aleah McBee
4/6 - Donna Montgomery
4/7 - Dennis Erickson
4/8 - Amy Dickey
4/8 - Josiah Rowland
4/9 - Gage Moreno
4/10 - Jett Authier
4/10 - Lucy Kramer
4/13 - Brent Curry
4/13 - Elsa Rose DePenning
4/14 - Kenton Kyer
4/15 - Tony Moore
4/16 - Kyleigh Dooley
4/17 - Sydney Moore
4/18 - Jill Walker
4/18 - Phillip Van Klompenburg
4/19 - Aurora Patterson
4/19 - Sawyere Roberts
4/20 - Maria Lara
4/21 - Kate Stahowick
4/21 - Tanner Patterson
4/25 - Joshuah Lwere
4/27 - Mabel Birch
4/27 - Tom Bennett
4/30 - Danielle Moore

Anniversaries

Steve & Kim Crocker - 4/2
Don & Nancy Rogers - 4/5
Doug & Paula Kieler - 4/12
Chuck & Sandy Patterson - 4/15
Mike & Tina Rains - 4/17
Pat & Lynn Stahowick - 4/18
Bob & Kris Young - 4/21
Don & Charlotte Anderson - 4/23