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Dear Members of the Our Savior Lutheran Church Email Prayer Chain, Prepare to Be ShotHow, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" --Romans 10:14-15 If you're old enough to read this, then you've probably heard someone say "Don't shoot the messenger" before. This caveat has always sounded good in theory. But it doesn't always work, does it? How many times have you had to deliver some news that you knew would not be received with open arms? It might have been bad or controversial or news that could hurt feelings, and you knew going in that you could be caught in retaliatory crossfire. But then, you also knew that the message you were carrying was of such great importance that it didn't matter to you. You knew in your heart that you were doing the right thing and that the recipient would ultimately be better off hearing whatever news you had. Perhaps this is how you've felt when you've shared the Gospel with someone before. You were compelled. You were convicted. And as the messenger, you knew you might get "shot" if someone was hostile toward anything to do with Christianity. But still, you shared the Good News no matter what "bullets" might hit you in return. It's what Jesus must have felt like when he came to earth. He was the messenger by which the message of the Good News was delivered. And you either loved him or hated him (Isaiah 53:3). He already knew what his outcome was going to be, but he was obedient—even to death. "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near," Jesus preached (Matthew 4:17). Those who really understand our condition and how much we need a Savior to save us from our sin know that this is unbelievably good news (Romans 8:1-3a). It's a lifesaving gift that only proceeds from the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives enabling us to believe (John 3:16). Jesus not only carried the Good News, he was the Good News. He embodied his message, and the glory of the Father was revealed through the Son. Those of us who love Jesus and give our lives to him are challenged to become messengers, too. "To go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation" (Mark 16:15-16). As we are still in the Easter season continuing to celebrate a risen Lord and victory over death, I challenge myself to step up my messenger game and be willing to be "shot" when it comes to delivering this Good News with others. As I remember the message Christ delivered for me, may I be bold and do whatever is necessary to share the Gospel with others, so that the Father might say of me, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" ReflectionHow long has it been since you've shared the plan of salvation with someone else? Whether through words or actions, ask God to equip you and display himself in your life today so that you will reflect his glory to others. Remember, this world is a life or death situation. You are the messenger. And your message can save lives! PRAYER REQUESTS -- Week of May 2, 2010 * indicates a new or updated Prayer Request FOR THOSE WHO LOOK TO THE LORD FOR HEALING:*Lawrence Henkel [son-in-law of Ken & Lil Rogers] hospitalized after a serious fall and anticipating neck surgery.
*Prayers are requested for the family of Karen Rogers [daughter of Ken & Lil Rogers].
*Steve Lindgren Reoccurrence of previous health issues.
*Danny Shorter [Brother-in-Law of Karen Shorter] hospitalized with pneumonia, kidney infection and anemia.
*Marilyn Lose Awaiting surgery on May 13 for a brain tumor.
*Herb Henry [Brother of Cindy Oberhaus] had a heart procedure on April 30, awaiting additional prognosis.
Elaine Gookin [Friend of Sherry Ederheimer] We pray for continued healing of serious burns and pneumonia.
Alice Puckett [Sister in law of Marsha Puckett] preparing for surgery to remove colon and vertebrae.
Troy Hartman [Friend of Kathy Eskridge] critically injured in a motorcycle accident on Thursday evening; prayers for Troy and his son, Max.
Charlotte Williams [Mother of Tracy Hannon] suffered a stroke on April 3; hospitalized in St. Louis
Catherine Shultz-Unger Continued healing of fractured hip
Ben Richner [Brother of Dorothy Van Sant] complications following heart surgery.
Jerry Skaggs [Brother of Jane Stopher] in rehab following a motorcycle
Accident in Minnesota.
Bill Collignon Please include Bill and Betty in your prayers.
Bill Berger [Father of Billie Detroy] Health problem have improved significantly with treatment and is out of the hospital. Prayer for thanksgiving and continued improvement.
Norma Brown Recovering from surgery at Oak Lawn
Dave Sheldon [Terry Lindgren’s Uncle] Diagnosed with Hepatitis C and Liver Cancer
Alice Bacon Recovering from surgery to repair a fractured wrist.
Nora Horecny Fracture of vertebrae, having pain
Leah Robison Recovering from a broken foot
Pat Otten Recovering from a broken foot
Craig Lowry [Father of OSLS preschool childcare student, Marissa] serious health concerns
Frank Walker Recovering from another surgery attempting to save his leg
Solissa Arms [Friend of Pat Kuecker] Recovering from injuries from auto accident
Rosina Walker Strength
Pauline Rye [Mother of Noble Rye] recovering from a stroke
Sarah Austin [Family friend of The Mueller Family] undergoing testing
Linda White [Sister of Sharon Coleman] Cancer, praying for comfort and peace,
and for God’s will to occur
Bob Wolke [Brother of Pat Otten] suffering from severe pain
Orval Bestian [Brother of Shirley Atkins] heart problems
Kim Hunter [Friend of Pat Kuecker] 37 yr. old suffering from multiple health concerns
Karen Jackson [Friend of Melissa Nelson] waiting for a transplant FOR THOSE SUFFERING CHRONIC ILLNESSBill Berger, Daniel Shorter, Bob Farley, Christopher, Lance Muessle, Erin Brady Worsham, Nick Zimmer FOR THOSE SUFFERING FROM CANCERAlice Puckett, Pastor Don Dengler, David Sheldon, Thomas Davidson, Phil Sanders, Barbara Robertson, Lorna Benkendorf, Ruth Smith, Lu Aiella, Jim Bush, Kay Mitchell, Leona Walker, Pam Russo, Brock Douglas, Joan Beck, Kim Phillips, Karen Gardner, Roger, Jana Maher, Judi Rice, Jack Quinlan, Mark Hayden, Joanne Leeming, Venessa Brady, Joey Eckler, Jim Siegfried FOR THOSE CONFINED AT HOME, A NURSING HOME OR REHABILITATION CENTERRay Wahlbrink, Isabella Tappendorf, Dorothy Ordel, Mary Rose Crask, Jim Ashley, Ricky Hayes, Inge Kaulitz, Lydia Eggers, Nancy Heiden, Myrtle Wiggins, Glenna Goepfert, Elvera Weltzin, Jerry and Marge Tauscher, Virginia Alexander, Helen, Dennis Krause FOR THOSE SERVING IN THE MILITARYMatthew Kuecker, Jason, Chris and Kim Wolter, Matt Fitzgibbon, Joshua Burkett, Roy Oberhaus, Don Wheeler, Lori Alix, James Marshburn, Tony Crespo, Donnie Tyler, Zachary Holland, Michael Alexander, Jeffrey Davis, Erik Sheldon FOR THOSE SUFFERING FROM CANCER OR CHRONIC ILLNESSDave Sheldon [Terry Lindgren’s Uncle] Diagnosed with Hepatitis C and Liver Cancer
Alice Puckett [Sister-in-law of the Puckett’s] has colo-rectal cancer that has spread to her spine
Pastor Don Dengler Diagnosed with advanced lung cancer
Johanne Thonney [Friend of Kathy Baki] 25-year old diagnosed recovering from brain surgery
Brock Douglas [Brother-in-law of Melanie Douglas] Advanced cancer, in hospice care
Brooke McGrew [Sister of Scott Smith] Diagnosed with Cervical cancer, awaiting treatment
Alice Bacon Recovering from surgery to repair a fractured wrist.
Nora Horecny Fracture of vertebrae, having pain
Leah Robison Recovering from a broken foot
Pat Otten Recovering from a broken foot
Craig Lowry [Father of OSLS preschool childcare student, Marissa] serious health concerns
Frank Walker Recovering from another surgery attempting to save his leg
Solissa Arms [Friend of Pat Kuecker] Recovering from injuries from auto accident
Rosina Walker Strength
Pauline Rye [Mother of Noble Rye] recovering from a stroke
Lt. Daniel Berschinski [25 year old fellow soldier and friend of Matt Kuecker] at Walter Reed fighting infection in his amputated legs, which were the result of injuries sustained in and IED explosion.
Sarah Austin [Family friend of The Mueller Family] undergoing testing
Linda White [Sister of Sharon Coleman] Cancer, praying for comfort and peace, and for God’s will to occur
Bob Wolke [Brother of Pat Otten] suffering from severe pain
Orval Bestian [Brother of Shirley Atkins] heart problems
Kim Hunter [Friend of Pat Kuecker] 37 yr. old suffering from multiple health concerns
Karen Jackson [Friend of Melissa Nelson] waiting for a transplant
Joanne Leeming [Cousin of Karen Shorter] Healing from a stroke and Lymphoma
Hannah Dirkse [Friend of the Detroy’s] 18 yrs. old diagnosed with Leukemia
Ty Hassler, Jr. [Friend of the Lindgren’s] health and life concerns
Phil Ritz [Friend of Joe and Doris Deuth] recovering from a heart attack
Kay Mitchell [Friend of Barbe Lamkin] major health concerns
Barbara Robertson [Mother of Debbie Novak] recovering from heart attack and cancer treatment
Thomas Davidson [14 y.o. neighbor of the Coleman’s] Responding well to treatment
Lorna Benkendorf [Friend of Tony Arnold] Undergoing treatment for cancer
Leona Walker [Friend of the Belza’s] Recurrent lung cancer that has spread to her brain
Jim Ashley [Brother of Larry Ashley] suffering from health concerns
Ruth Smith [Mother of Scott Smith] In remission
Phil Sanders Suffering from throat cancer, in discomfort
Lu Aiella Undergoing chemo treatment for breast and brain cancer
Kay Mitchell [Friend of Barbe Lankin] suffering from cancer
Jim Bush [Father of Julie Yeager] diagnosed with cancer, undergoing testing for treatment options
Bill Berger [Father of Billie Detroy] Alzheimers
Joan Beck [Mother of Karen Young, a friend of Caron Fausel] diagnosed with a serious brain tumor
Kim Phillips [Cousin of Steve Lindgren] breast cancer
Karen Gardner [Daughter of Jean Pillischafske] breast cancer
Roger [Uncle of a friend of the Lindgren’s] cancer
Jana Maher [Friend of the Belza’s] Recurrent breast cancer, has young children at home
Jack Quinlan [Friend of the Haller’s] Leukemia
Joanne Leeming [Cousin of Karen Shorter] Lymphoma
Venessa Brady Hodgkin’s Disease
Joey Eckler [Grandson of the Kendt’s] cancer
Lance Muessle [Friend of Nelson’s] paralyzed from an accident
Erin Brady Worsham [Friend of Marty Belza] Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS)
Nick Zimmer [Nephew of the Coleman’s] MS And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. --Colossians 1:10-12 In Christ,
Paul Nickel
Director Of Christian Education
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