Prayer Updates  -  November 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.***

Heather Webster has a left total hip replacement surgery on 11/17/25. We are praying for a successful surgery with minimal pain and a speedy and full recovery with out any complication’s or setbacks. (11/12/25)

Jason Smith's biopsy shows favorable intermediate risk cancer.  He will be meeting urologist in a week or so to discuss options and treatment. We are praying for wisdom and discernment in how to proceed with treatment and that his body will be healed.  Also be praying for peace of mind for Jason and the family. (11/12/25)

Liz Rhodes Just 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. (10/30/25)

Steve Crocker’s neck surgery was successful and he now has relief from the pain it was causing. He gaining some freedom from his neck brace but still needs to wear it at certain times for stability and protection.  A huge praise he is having very little pain. We pray for quick and complete healing without any infection or setbacks , he is still facing several weeks of healing and recovery.  (11/12/25)

Tom Bennett is in the VA hospital with a low heart rate. If he needs a pacemaker put in, he will have be transferred to a different hospital for that procedure. We ae praying for him and Louise as the doctors figure out how to proceed. 10/29/25

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 is returning to California, and Scott is home recovering. We are praying for their healing. 10/29/25

Staci Gray (Terry Whitney’s cousin) 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. She is discouraged but knows she has to be patient and diligent in her care. We are praying for her pain control, healing, and encouragement through this difficult and challenging time. (10/27/25) 

Joey Lee’s (Gabe & Rita’s youngest son): surgery went well, and he is home and healing after his surgery. He is still experiencing pain, but his headaches have diminished significantly. He is having a cerebral spinal fluid leak that needs to be taken care of ASAP. He will have 6 to 12 weeks of restricted healing and recovery time in getting “back to normal.” He is experiencing physical weakness which is to be expected. We are praying for his complete and speedy recovery without any long-term side effects. (10/27/25) 

Richard Baird (Tina Rains’ father) has recently moved here to live. We are praying for his mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health and needs. (10/27/25)

Amaya Fuller (Vickie Brown’s granddaughter) recently experienced a second miscarriage in her life. We are praying for her mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health and needs. (10/27/25)

Kayla Bennum (Donna and Bill Bennum’s daughter): gaining custody of her son Micah is no longer an option for Kayla. Micah is staying with his grandparents at present. We are continuing to pray that she will overcome her destructive choices in life and place Christ at the center of her life. Also be praying for Micah as he deals with his life circumstances that are beyond his control. (10/27/25)

Tammy Cohron (Terry Whitney’s cousin): her leg gave out due to a sciatic nerve issue. Tammy is home doing physical and occupational therapy and is getting stronger and more mobile again. Please pray for her strength and recovery. (10/27/25)

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. (10/27/25) 

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. (10/27/25)

Denny Davis (Terry Whitney’s cousin) is in treatment for lung cancer. He is also dealing with pneumonia and partial collapsed lung. He is currently able to be at home. We are praying for his full recovery and health. (10/27/25)

Dan Smith is home and recovering as well as can be expected after having double bypass heart surgery. He is receiving good help from family and home nurses. He will be seeing his doctor again on 11/4 to evaluate his progress. It is important to limit his exposure to any outside germs to avoid any and all infections. We are praying for his full recovery without any setbacks or complications. The family appreciates all of your prayers and support. (10/30/25)

Cedric Hurley (Jim's youngest son) is only 4 months old and had surgery to remove a tumor from his spine. The surgery went well but was more complicated than expected. He is now home and recovering. We are praying that he will heal completely without any side effects or complications. Also praying for the family's peace of mind as they go through this together. (10/30/25)

Anna Pham (Lynda Gibson’s daughter) has breast cancer, and it is in her lymph nodes as well. She is to have surgery to put in a port on 11/6 and will begin chemo on the 7th to shrink the cancer and help the five impacted lymph nodes before having breast surgery. We are praying for her healing and that God will give her comfort and peace as she goes through the treatment and healing process after surgery. (10/30/25)

Danielle Moore just got the splint off her right elbow after her surgery. She is experiencing a lot of stiffness and pain which is a part of the rehab and recovery process. We are praying for her to have the tenacity and drive to push through the pain to a full and speedy recovery without any complications. (10/30/25)

Jo and Bob Bell were long time neighbors of Virgina Benda. Jo Bell passed away on October 5th and Bob passed away November 9th. Please pray for the family in their loss.  (11/12/25) 

Rhonda Pool (Beth Jordan) is the wife of the pastor of Lynnville Heart of Worship. She has a cancerous brain tumor. We are praying for her healing. (10/30/25)

Jaelynn Connett (Terry Nereim) is ten years old and has viral meningitis and brain stem encephalitis. She also had seizures and a stroke. They have removed the drain tube from her brain; she is still having some discomfort. She has passed her swallow study, and they have removed her NG tube, so she can finally eat sold food again which is a huge answer to prayer. She is still nonverbal, which makes it difficult to communicate her needs. We are praying God will continue to heal her body and restore her speech and health. (10/30/25)

Ben Williams (Dave Bouchard) was struck by a vehicle and is in the hospital with brain trauma. Praying for his survival and the family. (10/30/25).

We are praying for Sharon Shivers and family as they go through the grieving process for Keith. (10/28/25)

Jace (previous co-worker of Steve Crocker) is a young married man in his thirties who lives in Cedar Falls; he has a small tumor on his hip close to his spine and a blood clot in an aorta in his stomach area and a second restricted aorta. We are praying for good results in dealing with his health issues and healing for his body. (10/31/25) 

Jane Smith is doing much better. She is getting around with a cane and walking some on her own at home. We are still praying for complete healing strength and health. (10/29/25) 

Dan Snelson has been getting overall good reports from his doctor. While one of his numbers is not going in the right direction, everything else is stable, and the cancer is not spreading throughout the rest of his body. We are still praying for healing and wisdom and discernment every day. (10/30/25) 

Jim and Delaina Young: Jim is to see his doctor on 11/13 to see if his hips have healed and are stable enough for him to begin to bear weight on them again. He is hoping to be able to begin therapy to rebuild strength and mussel again.  Delaina Young  had laser surgery on her kidney to break up and remove her kidney stones on 11/11. Her surgery was successful and she is home recovering and doing well.  We are praying for her pain control and full recovery. Their son Caleb has been a primary helper with their care since Jim’s double hip replacement. Caleb is now, and will be for several more weeks or months, in Jamaica with 60 other linemen, helping to rebuild their electrical system after Hurricane Melissa destroyed 80% of their power delivery netwrk. We are also praying for Caleb’s safety and safe return home. (11/12/25)

Jason Hampton (Angi Ruport's son) is still facing legal challenges and possible prison time. Things are looking a little more promising; he has more restrictions and is waiting to hear the results.  He needs prayer to make wise life choices and to mature and grow in his faith and walk with God. Praying also for his family as they go through this process with him. (20/28/25) 

Gabe Lanz’s business partner, Keegan and son Liam seem to be pretty steady relationally for now. Keegan’s mother is in ICU in Dallas Texas, because she has become 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 at this time. (10/31/25) 

Travis Brannen (Fay Thompson) had a brain tumor and surgery in his teens which caused many health and mobility issues. He also has seizures; he has moved into a rehab center here in Des Moines after the death of his mother who was his primary caregiver. He is doing what he can to improve his health and life situation. We are praying for improved physical health and life circumstances. (10/31/25) 

Kathy Good’s brother, Doug, received a good report from his oncologist. His tumor is gone.  He is finished with chemotherapy now and will have a recheck in about 6 weeks. We are praying he is cancer free. (10/30/25)    

Kathy Good had her foot surgery and has been having a lot of recovery pain. She had her stitches out on 10/31 but the pin in one of her toes won’t come out for another 3 weeks. She needs to keep her foot elevated, so she has not been able to do much, which gets discouraging. She has not been able to drive, so is dependent on others, which is difficult. We are praying for her complete recovery without any complications or setbacks. (10/30/25) 

Kurt Shivers (Joey’s Dad) had a second stroke which has affected his strength and the use of his legs. Kurt is currently receiving care at Mercy hospital. When it is time, Joey hopes to get him transferred to in patient On With Life rehab until he regains enough strength to at least be mobile again. The whole family is in need of prayer. (11/12/25) 

Ron Pauley has been dealing with advanced prostate cancer for five years. He goes back to Houston (MD Anderson Cancer Center) in November. 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 also 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. (10/30/25) 

Bill Hutchinson: with the medications, Bill’s heart is doing fine. However, both knees need replaced, and he is having issues with his feet. We’re praying for wisdom in making future health decisions. (10/30/25) 

Todd Norman still has pain and still struggles with his legs and feet. He has therapy twice a week, but he 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.  (10/30/25) 

Jeff Busch (Vicki Skiles’ brother) is in stage 4 congestive heart failure. The doctors are only giving him a few months to live. He has some additional health issues they are trying to sort out as well. Please pray for him and his family. (10/30/25) 

Cindy Dooley had a fall several weeks ago and had a burst fracture of her L-5 Vertebra. She is finally getting better, able to walk more with less pain. We ae praying for her full mobility without pain. (10/30/25)   

Kathy Buell (Jordan Buell’s mother) is still having her chemo treatments. She has lost the use of her legs and may have to move to a rehab center for therapy. Her numbers continue to improve some. She suffered a seizure, and they are trying to figure out why. She doesn’t have much appetite and is losing weight. Her doctors are trying to figure that out as well.  We are praying for full remission. The family is struggling with the diagnosis and working through the emotional trauma of illness together. Jordan’s dad is recovering from neck surgery, and we are praying for his healing without complication or setback too. We are also praying for the family’s mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health, and strength through this process. (10/30/25)  

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 still doesn’t have much strength and energy but was able to visit her 90+ year old mother which was a blessing for both of them. We are continuing to pray for her healing. (10/30/25)

Hazel Anderson is dealing with age-related health issues; We are praying for her physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health and stamina and wellbeing. (10/31/25)  

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 recovery without complications and complete remission of the cancer. (10/30/25)  

John Jackson (co-worker of Tracy Hutchinson) is a little over halfway through his cancer treatments; his scans are showing stability which is a win. He is tired but fighting 100%. We are praying for his full recovery. (10/30/25)  

Brad Davison (Brenda Depauw’s brother) The good news is his cancer scan shows it hasn’t grown. He is still recovering from his shoulder surgery. 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. (10/31/25) 

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 (10/30/25)  

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. (10/30/25)    

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 will discontinue chemo 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. (10/30/25)  

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. (10/31/25)  

Shelley Biondi (John Bennum’s Mother-in-law) had a double mastectomy and is recovering well; she will be having a second reconstructive surgery in December. We are praying for her as she goes through treatment that she will be cancer-free going forward. (10/31/25)  

Bill and Donna Bennum are both dealing with some health and life issues, and they are grandparents/guardians of Micah. We are praying for their wisdom and strength to deal well with life one day at a time. (10/30/25) 

Janet Wickett is still dealing with health issues, and her knee surgery has had to be postponed again indefinitely. We are praying for her health, strength, and mobility. (10/20/25) 

Jeff (Kris Wolf’s brother-in-law) latest MRI 9/2 shows he is stable, and he will not have another one until the end of the year.  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. (10/30/25)   

Jim Brummit (friend of Gary Cox) is feeling good, though his immunotherapy meds have affected his lungs some. They are changing some of his medications to try and get him off so many steroids. He is still doing physical therapy to gain strength and will have another PET scan in November to see where he is with the cancer. He is slowly making progress; he can stand some, but is still unable to walk. We are praying for God’s healing without further complication. (10/30/25) 

Scott Sieberling’s shoulder is feeling better than he has for months; he is healing well with physical therapy but will be on a 2lb. weightlifting restriction through the winter. We are still praying for complete healing, mobility, and strength and that he will be able to fully use his arm again. He is to find out on the 19th about his settlement with the insurance company, and we are praying for a good outcome. (10/30/25)  

Michelle McMillan (Cindy Melvin’s sister) she 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 deteriorating 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. We are also praying 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. (10/30/25)  

Tedd Norman’s kidney functions are continuing to be monitored; he has taken all his classes on kidney transplant care. He is feeling pretty good and 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. (10/30/25)  

Alan Rockhold (friend of Judi Norman) is still struggling with his legs and feet because he 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 is able to walk and is doing much better than he was. We are continuing to pray for his mobility and a full recovery without further complications. (10/31/25)     

Jessica Scholz has settled into her new apartment. She is still in need of a full-time job. We are praying for her to have wisdom in making and maintaining good life choices and health. (10/30/25)  

Mario and Maria Lara, pray that God will direct INHIM with His vision for the Hispanic convention in Marshalltown in July 2026. For Marias good health as she serves. For the next generation of leaders to help continue the work and carry the Gospel to future generations. For the Hispanic population’s hearts and minds to seek Christ’s presence in their lives and for Mario and Maria’s ministry and the family’s health and strength as they serve the Lord together. (10/31/25) 

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. (10/30/25)  

Jeannine Derrough (neighbor/friend of Vickie Doerr) Her cancer has returned. She is still getting cancer treatments. She has a strong faith, and we pray for her healing and for her to stay strong mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. (10/30/25)   

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. We recently had a good visit with her and her husband, and both seem to be in good spirits. (10/30/25)

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. (10/30/25)

PRAISES

Dave and Lynda Gibson: A big praise, Dave and Linda have a buyer for their home in the country! God is good.  (10/28/25)  

Tara Thompson secured the 9-month short-term project job with Nationwide Life team. She is still looking for full-time employment. (10/28/25)

Mark and Vickie Skiles who became grandparents again on 10/31/25. Lachlan Gabriella Skiles was born in Germany to her proud parents, Andrew and Chantal. (10/31/25)

Hayden Mavis (Gabe & Rita Lee’s new granddaughter!) was born on 10/11 at 1:14pm, weighing 7lbs and 1oz, 18.75in long. She is a little jaundiced but doing well. Josh, Lindsey, and little Hayden are all home together and doing well. Praise the Lord! (10/27/25) 

Melvin Miller's carotid artery surgery was successful, and he is healing and recovering well. We are praying for complete healing without any complications. (10/30/25)

Larry Slaughter is over the shingles and back to playing golf, so life is good.  We are continuing to pray for his health and strength.   (10/30/25) 

Rita Lee is recovering well after her knee replacement. She is walking well on her own and continuing to gain mobility and flexibility. We are continuing to pray for complete healing and full mobility in the knee. (10/29/25) 

Stuart Merrill is doing well after his hip replacement. His follow-up X-ray showed everything is as it should be. We are praying for his full healing and mobility without pain. (10/30/25) 

Terry Nereim has been upgraded to “activity as tolerated” in the use of her arm and elbow after her surgery which is getting better all the time. We are praying for full recovery and the wisdom to not do more than she should until she is completely healed. (10/31/25) 

Andrew Skiles and his wife Chantal (Mark & Vicki Skiles) Became the proud parents of Lachlan Gabriella born 10/31/25.

MILITARY

Jacob Baird (son of Mike & Tina Rains) moved to 128 Sweeney Dr, Biloxi, MS 39531. Pray for Jake, he is a project manager for air show in Biloxi. (10/31/25)  

Lucas Rains (son of Mike & Tina Rains) was not deployed. Baby Theo is now over a year old. Their new address is 324 Borough Street, Cheyenne, WY 82007. (10/31/25)  

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. Baby Lachlan Gabriella was welcomed into their family on 10/31, so pray for recovery from pregnancy for Chantal and for Andrew to lead his family well. (11/1/25)

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.