Prayer Updates - January 2026***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.***Kathryn Kueter has Parsonage-Turner Syndrome (PTS) which causes sudden and intense pain in the shoulder and upper arm followed by muscle weakness and an inability to use your arm. It can be triggered by pregnancy, and Kathryn is due mid-April with their third child. We are praying for her healing and pain relief and the safe delivery of their little one. (1/31/26)
Anne Hill (Terry Nereim’s son’s mother-in-law) had quadruple bypass surgery 1/27/26. She previously had lung cancer and just found another nodule on her lung. They will have to perform a biopsy ASAP to determine if the cancer has returned. We are paying for her full recovery from heart surgery and that the lung nodule is not malignant. (1/28/26)
Andrew Lwere is home from the hospital with blood pressure meds. Doctors don't have specific answers, but he is feeling much better and has a couple of follow-up visits. We are praying for answers, health and patience so he doesn't overdo it. The whole family has been experiencing sickness. (1/27/26)
Kathy Buell (Jordan Buell’s mother) passed away Monday, 1/26. We are praying for strength and peace for the family as they grieve her passing. (1/30/26)
Evelyn Shivers is out of the hospital and back at her granddaughter’s home under hospice care. She is still mentally sharp but very weak and tired. (1/28/26)
Tedd Norman is out of the hospital and staying with Judy for a few days. They are running labs on four polyps they removed from his stomach. He is feeling better but still has pain and is to see a gastrologist this week. We are praying for a diagnosis and cure. (1/27/26)
Brent Whitney's cousin, Stacey Gray, passed away this week. We are praying for the family as they grieve her passing. (1/21/26)
Steve Crocker’s X-rays show everything is healed well, no restrictions at all - which is a huge praise! He still needs to wear the bone stimulator for four hours a day for a couple more months. His final doctor's follow-up is April 20th. We are praying for long lasting results. (1/30/26)
Jason Smith knows what procedures are necessary for his cancer treatment. We are praying for wisdom in the next steps of procuring the best surgeon, setting the date, and getting it cleared with his insurance. We are also praying for complete physical healing without any negative side effects. (1/30/26)
Martha Miller (Kris Young's Mother) passed away Sunday, January 11th, 2026 at 8:30 AM. Please pray for the family during their time of grief. (1/12/26)
Myles’ Patterson (Tanner and Samantha’s son) is doing great on his medication and has a cardiologist appointment on Feb. 12th. We are praying he grows healthy and strong without further consequences. (1/28/26)
Gabe Lanz's coworker’s home is under demonic attack, and their son Liam has been placed in Orchard Place for treatment and protection for the family. We are praying for Liam’s spiritual freedom and Christ's presence in their lives and home. (1/30/26)
Cindy Crew (relative of Terry Nereim) recently lost her mother and has been struggling with Babesiosis, which is a rare tick-born parasite illness, for over a year. It is extremely difficult to get rid of it. She has been on a medication which is helping some. She still has a long recovery ahead. They are hopeful another round of medication will help her to continue to improve. We are praying for a full recovery. (1/28/26)
Terry Nereim has begun using her new eye drops made from her own blood plasma serum for her chronic dry eyes. Medical insurance doesn’t cover any of the expenses. We are praying for a marked improvement in her eyes and the ability to afford the expenses. (1/28/26)
Ron Pauley has suffered a major setback in his prostate cancer treatment. Doctors will have to come up with another new treatment plan. We are praying for God's leading, wisdom and will to be done. We are also praying for his strength and stamina as each treatment is harder on his body. He is grateful for the tremendous support of his family in this battle and his wonderful care providers. Ron has also asked for his grandson Landon who has neurological issues which are affecting his mind. (1/30/26)
Linda Gilbert (Linda Gibson) finished a rigorous cancer treatment regimen. She has been in a lot of pain and is healing still up from her radiation treatments. She is slowly getting better. We are praying for her healing, health and strength mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. (1/28/26)
Bryan and Cindy Herrin, Linda Gibson's brother and sister-in-law, both have health issues. Cindy is dealing with a very aggressive form of Alzheimer’s and is getting much worse. This is difficult for her husband Bryan to watch happen. They are blessed to live with Judy Herrin (mom), who is a loving, nurturing caregiver, helping care for them both, which is a lot on her. We are praying for wisdom for the whole family as they work through difficult decisions in how to move forward with health care and family needs for the future. (1/30/26)
Anna Pham (Lynda Gibson’s daughter) has breast cancer and it was in her lymph nodes as well. She is handling her chemo pretty well; it continues weekly through the end of March. She will also started radiation treatments in January. She will have surgery after her treatments are completed. She has been able to work some. Please pray that she will trust the Lord and remain hopeful through the treatments, surgery, and healing process. We are praying for full remission and healing. (1/28/26)
Karen Boeding (Linda Gibson is ministering to her) has cancer. Doctors are keeping an eye on her health. She has limited strength and energy. We are continuing to pray for her healing and recovery and her relationship with God. (1/28/26)
Jedediah Blauw is staying with his current employer for now and is driving a truck over the road. We are praying for his safety as he travels and for employment that will give him more consistent and regular time with his family. (1/30/26)
Tim Gibson (Gary Cox’s sister's pastor) has suffered some major setbacks since his cancer brain surgery. Doctors have found another malignant tumor close to his brain stem, and the cancer has also moved to his lungs. He remains positive and is still filling his pulpit as long as he is able. We are praying for his quality of life in the time he has left and also praying for their congregation as they search for someone to come along side of the minister to help now and in the future. (1/28/26)
Jim and Delaina Young are both doing well. Jim is progressing well, gaining strength and mobility again after having both hips replaced. They are watching services online to avoid falling and sickness. We are continuing to pray for continued good health and complete healing and strength restoration moving forward. (1/28/26)
Heather Webster is doing great after her hip replacement. She is working on building strength and flexibility. We are praying for complete recovery and continued health. (1/29/26)
Alexis (Liz Rhodes’ granddaughter) gave birth 5-6 weeks early, Alexis is out of the hospital, home and doing better. Baby Ruby is doing well but will have to be in the NICU in Iowa City for a while. She is improving and gaining strength and eating and doing better every day. We are praying for baby Ruby to grow healthy and strong without any health complications and for them to be together at home very soon. (1/29/26)
Michelle Boh’s daughter Margaret gave a kidney to Michelle’s brother-in-law. She is doing well and back to normal. Scott is feeling great overall and back to work again almost full time. We are praying for their continued healing without any complications or setbacks. (1/29/26)
Amaya Fuller (Vickie Brown’s granddaughter) recently experienced a second miscarriage in her life; she is doing much better emotionally. We are praying for her mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health and needs. Vickie’s younger brother, Ted, is fighting bone cancer. He is receiving outpatient treatment at Mayo Clinic. We are praying for his full recovery. (1/29/26)
Tammy Cohron’s (Terry Whitney’s cousin) mobility has improved with therapy, and she is using a walker to help stabilize her. She was able to be with family and friends over the holidays and is adjusting to being retired and alone after her husband’s recent death. We are praying for her strength and recovery physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. (1/28/26)
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. He is still determining whether to do treatments or not. We are praying for wisdom in how to proceed and improved health. (1/28/26)
Adelyn Wheeler (Terry Whitney’s cousin’s daughter), age 13, recently 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 in the beginning stages of a new treatment but seems to be doing ok so far. We are praying for her mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health and strength through this difficult lifelong journey. (1/28/26)
Denny Davis (Terry Whitney’s cousin) has finished his 15th lung cancer treatment. He is dealing with a compromised immune system, cough, fatigue and swelling in his ankles but is showing some improvement with his treatment. We are praying for his quality of life and healing. (1/28/26)
Dan Smith is doing well. He is still on weight restriction for now, and a nutritious heart healthy diet. He goes next week for an echo cardiogram to check his heart health and to decide how to proceed moving forward. We are praying that his heart has fully recovered and is strong so life can get back to “normal.” The family appreciates all your prayers and support. (1/28/26)
Cedric Hurley (Jim's youngest child) is only a few months old and had surgery to remove a tumor from his spine. We are praying that his body matures and grows properly, and that he will be healthy and strong. Praying as well for the family's peace of mind as they trust God for his future. (1/28/26)
Jaelynn Connett (Terry Nereim) is ten years old and has viral meningitis and brain stem encephalitis. She also had seizures and a stroke. She is continuing to recover well and had a very positive influence on everyone involved in her journey. Jaelynn is now able to return to school, which is a huge answer to prayer. She is continuing with therapy, and we are praying for her continued health, healing, and recovery. (1/30/26)
Dan Snelson has been getting good reports from his doctor. His cancer is not spreading throughout the rest of his body. He still has health issues to deal with, but is in good spirits, and we are still praying for healing and wisdom and discernment every day. (1/29/26)
Kurt Shivers (Joey’s Dad) therapy continues to help. His blood sugar is now under control. Pray for upcoming efforts for sleep apnea, heart monitor, esophagus issues. Pray for a great improvement in Kurts’ health and overall quality of life. Pray for Joey and family as they continue to care for Kurt. (12/31/25)
Jeff Busch (Vicki Skiles’ brother) is in stage 4 congestive heart failure, continuing to slowly get worse. Angie, his wife, is still healing from a brain concussion. The doctors are only giving Jeff a few months to live. We are praying for Jeff’s quality of life and Angie’s complete recovery as well. We are also praying for their son, Jerryd, who has spinabifida resulting in sores which require in-home wound care. (1/30/26)
Cindy Dooley’s recovery from a burst fracture of her L-5 Vertebra continues to be a very slow recovery. She is improving, more active, and experiencing less pain. We continue to pray for her mobility, full recovery, and to be pain-free again. (1/29/26)
Kelli Lee (friend of Terry & Demarko Nereim) has kidney cancer and had a kidney removed. Her cancer was not contained; therefore, she is continuing chemo treatments. We pray for a full remission and recovery without complications. (12/31/25)
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 he is in a new trial treatment program. We are praying for his full recovery. (1/30/26)
Brad Davison (Brenda Depauw’s brother) is still receiving infusions for his cancer and recovering from his shoulder surgery as well. He is on chemo indefinitely, but not as frequently as he was, so he is feeling a little better. We are praying for his health and strength and energy as he continues to deal with his health issues. (1/30/26)
Jenny Lourens is overall doing well; she 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 lose memory. We are praying for pain relief and that God restores her joy for life. Also praying for Les and Ruth as they go through this difficult time with her. (1/29/26)
Mike & Christina Minnick (Carli Schaffner's daughter and son-in-law) His post radiation scans showed no cancer in his lymph nodes! He may need to continue immunotherapy treatments long term however but should no longer need any chemo or radiation. We are continuing to pray for full remission and for the whole family to grow closer to God and each other through this journey r. (1/29/26)
Carol Huntoon (Donna Bennum’s sister) has pneumonia and still having trouble with her hips. She is doing ok; we are praying for her health and strength, and wisdom to make better life choices for her health. (1/29/26)
Denise’s (Donna Bennum’s stepsister) daughter Chelsea, who is in her 40s, has brain cancer. She is also in custody battle over her 11-year-old daughter. We are praying for Chelsea’s health and for the family to be reunited. (1/29/26)
Robert (Donna Bennum’s nephew) is getting out of prison until April and moving to Fort DSM. We are praying for wisdom in making better life choices and to come to Christ. His mother died a year ago, and he has 14-year-old twins, a son and daughter, who need our prayers as well. (1/29/26)
Shelley Biondi (John Bennum’s Mother-in-law) is doing well after her cancer and reconstruction surgeries. We are praying for her to be cancer free going forward. (1/29/26)
Kayla Bennum (Donna and Bill Bennum’s daughter): We are continuing to pray that she will overcome her destructive life choices and place Christ at the center of her life. (1/29/26)
Bill and Donna Bennum were able to attend a class on caring for children with trauma which was helpful for them in caring for their grandson Micah. There is a custody hearing in March to see if they will gain full custody. They are having Micah evaluated medically to understand his mental, emotional and physical needs. We are praying for their wisdom, strength, and health to deal well with life one day at a time. (1/29/26)
Janet Wickett is still dealing with age-related health and stomach issues. She has torn her rotator cuff; if all goes according to plan, she will have it fixed March 26. Kinesiology tape has been helping some with the pain, but it doesn’t fix the problem. We are praying for her health, strength, and mobility. (1/29/26)
Jeff (Kris Wolf’s brother-in-law) continues his monthly chemo shot. He had a great MRI; one of the tumors has decreased by 20%, and the larger tumor has not increased. He is feeling good. God is answering prayer. We are continuing to pray for healing and quality of life. (1/30/26)
Scott Seiberling: 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 restrictions with his arm and shoulder for now. We are praying his body will be completely healed and back to “normal” and to have a financial settlement as soon as possible! (1/30/26)
Todd Norman is still dealing with pain in his legs and feet. We are praying for good health and strength in 2026. (1/29/26)
Alan Rockhold is wearing leg braces and doing physical therapy at home to strengthen his legs and improve his mobility. We are praying for his health and strength in 2026. (1/29/26)
Jessica Scholz is still getting help from friends and searching for a full-time job she can handle. We are praying for her to have wisdom in making and maintaining good life choices and health. (1/29/26)
Mario & Maria Lara; Mario is still having some health issues and is still looking for resolution. We are praying for Mario and the family to be healthy and strong in the new year. Praying that God will use them in a mighty way in His Kingdom work in 2026! He is going to San Antonio, TX Feb 25-27 to host a meeting to organize the Hispanic convention which will be held in Marshalltown July 14-16. He is holding a church rally in San Antonio, TX on February 27th. Then, on Feb 29th he will be in Mexico, meeting with those enrolled in Bible correspondence courses. March 3rd preaching and church rally in Eagle Pass, TX to promote the convention. These are but a few of the outreach ministries in which he is serving. We pray for his health, strength and spiritual wisdom to lead and serve well. (1/27/26)
Harrison and Krista Terrill (Chad and Staci’s children) Baby Hudson is well. He is a happy baby, and his joy is a blessing. 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. Krista is expecting again. We are praying for healthy pregnancy and safe delivery. God is blessing the family as they learn and grow together. (1/30/26)
Jeannine Derrough (neighbor/friend of Vickie Doerr) Her cancer has returned; the new cancer treatment is not working. She is looking for a new treatment plan. Her faith is strong, and we pray for her healing and for her to stay strong mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. (1/30/26)
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. They have been able to spend some needed, positive time with family during the holidays. (1/30/26)
Josiah Waddle (Gary and Lori’s grandson) is doing better overall 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. He needs to find and keep a full-time job. (1/30/26)
Tara Thompson secured the 9-month short-term project job with Nationwide Life team. She is still looking for full-time employment. She has some good friends there and her current boss who are trying to help her find a full-time employment. We are praying for job resolution. (1/29/26)
PRAISES
Gabe Lee's mother praise overall doing well. Her bones are still healing slowly, and she is having less pain. Her stroke has affected her personality in a positive way, but her speech and mind are not quite as clear as they were. (1/30/26)
Joey Lee, Gabe & Rita’s youngest son, shares the big praise that he is back at work and 90% recovered after his surgery. (1/30/26)
MILITARY
Jacob Baird (son of Mike & Tina Rains) address: 128 Sweeney Dr, Biloxi, MS 39531. Pray for his faith journey. (12/30/25)
Lucas Rains (son of Mike & Tina Rains) address is 324 Borough Street, Cheyenne, WY 82007. Praising God that they found a church home. (12/30 /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. (12/30/25)
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
Send your requests and updates to the church offices or to Gary Cox by emailing garyc@risingsunchurch.org.
Birthdays
2/1 - Jessica Scholz
2/2 - Carli Schaffner
2/2 - Chris Cantwell
2/2 - Hallie Shivers
2/3 - Kathryn Kueter
2/4 - Meredith Webster
2/4 - Ray Anderson
2/5 - Elliana Gonzalez
2/5 - Jane Smith
2/5 - Randy Pelham
2/6 - Jared Brown
2/7 - Alan Rubenking
2/8 - Pam Juhl
2/9 - Darson Grantham
2/9 - Larry Wagner
2/11 - Hanna Townley
2/11 - Ryann Casebolt
2/11 - Sue Bouchard
2/12 - Jerry Montgomery
2/12 - Shaylee Howard
2/12 - Val VanHelten
2/12 - Zach Mecham
2/13 - Ruth DePenning
2/13 - Summer DePenning
2/15 - Barrett Tessman
2/15 - Tyler Curry
2/16 - Blake Templeton
2/17 - Isaac Schaben
2/17 - Nolan Norton
2/17 - Pat Huffman
2/18 - Dan Burke
2/20 - Kristin De Vries
2/21 - Joyce Brown
2/23 - Katelyn Quinn
2/24 - Candace Kramer
2/24 - Carol Smith
2/24 - Carson Curry
2/24 - Emmett Steinbach
2/24 - Hudson Steinbach
2/24 - Owen Grimes
2/27 - Allison Authier
2/28 - Nora Kumbier
Anniversaries
2/9 - Dale & Penny Clark
2/14 - John & Susan Ellis
2/16 - Joe & Shar Humphrey
2/18 - Gabe & Tasha Lanz
2/23 - Jim & Delaina Young