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BABIES 

Caryn and Brian Owens welcomed Mackenzie Jane 4/2/26

Carly and Ryan Gregory welcomed Bo 3/5/26

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TRIPS 

Women’s Discipleship Trip (4/9-4/12) led by Vickie Baber, Sarah Browder, & Liz Wade

Pray for relationships to form quickly among the women, for vulnerability as they share life stories and get to know one another, for confidence to be built as disciple-makers, and for them to be further equipped as they return home.

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NEW 

Blas & Brandy Gomez 4/8/26

Brandy Gomez was admitted to the hospital Friday evening. She had an angiogram and they suspect a TIA (i.e. - mini stroke) as the initial reason for going in. When they ran a CT scan to rule out a full stroke they found aneurysms. She’s been discharged and is back to work but consulting with specialists for next steps and potential for significant surgery. Pray for doctors wisdom and her recovery! 

Staff/Elder: Parker 

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UPDATED 

Lori Olsen

Updated 4/7/26

The surgery went well and the cyst was benign! She is overall doing well, and getting up for short little walks every day. Continued prayers for her recovery and peace. 

3/23/26

Lori has been having lower abdominal distention for the past 3 months, and a CT scan revealed she has a cyst on an ovary. They are pretty sure the cyst is benign, but plan to move forward with a full hysterectomy scheduled for April 2nd. She will have a 6-8 week recovery. They are feeling overwhelmed, and would love continued prayers of trust in the Lord and wisdom for doctors. 

Staff/Elder: Ranelle

Sarah and Zach Mitchell

Updated 4/8/26

Clara Grace is at home recovering. Her brother Barrett has been sick with fever so the Mitchells ask prayer for a healthy household as Clara is still very fragile.

4/1/26

Sarah and Zach Mitchell’s 1 week old, Clara, has been hospitalized and diagnosed this morning with meningitis. Pray for no neurological damage, breaking of the fever, her body to relax and calm down from the discomfort.

Staff/Elder: Ranelle 

Jon Bonem

Updated 4/8/26

Jon is back home and recovering. He had septic arthritis, but they still don't know what caused it. Mostly feeling tired but hopeful to be back to full strength and have the staples removed from his leg soon.

3/30/26

Jon was hospitalized with an infection on Thursday night and ended up having surgery over the weekend. He is facing several weeks of recovery (immobility and a PICC line of medication) at home. Pray for Jon’s recovery and for Kellie as she supports and cares for him and two toddlers at home over the next few weeks.

Staff/Elders: Ranelle, Wes 

Michael Whitehead

Updated 4/7/26

The clot busting medication had minimal impact, but all the impacted organs are still receiving nutrients and the body is finding other / collateral pathways for blood to flow, which is very positive. His pain has improved significantly over the last few days as well, which allowed him to be discharged on Easter Sunday! The doctors still don't know the cause of the clotting, but he will be on blood thinners for at least the next six months while they continue to evaluate root causes. Overall Michael (and wife Jordan) are feeling so much better that this wasn't any more serious. 

3/31/26

Michael’s been in significant pain the last two weeks. He went to a few different doctors and was misdiagnosed. Ultimately, he was admitted Saturday night and they found extensive blood clots and full blockages of some of the veins in the portal system. He had surgery Sunday morning to take out the clots and is on significant blood thinners. He had a second procedure on Monday to remove the catheters that were administering the clot busting medication. One of the clots didn't show much improvement, but the doctor seemed okay with the outcome - it's likely the clots hardened over the past few weeks and will take time to dissolve. They are thankful that the clotting has stopped, and now need to figure out why it happened. Please pray for wisdom and answers. 

Staff/Elders: Lucas 

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FOSTERING FAMILIES

Aaron and Heather Brisendine are fostering Estephany, May 2025

Alex & Becky Massey – started fostering Kingsley, 12/2024 

Alexis and Blaine Coutant, in process  8/27/25

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ONGOING

Marco and Patricia Bernal

Updated 4/1/26

The family made it to Houston a couple of weeks ago. Marco's company is already sending him back to Qatar, but Patricia and Elena are staying behind. Pray for wisdom related to Elena's education - she is currently doing online schooling but on Qatar's time zone, and they can't figure out what the best temporary solution is to make this more manageable. Pray for Patricia's peace and strength while the family is divided, for Marco's safety, and for their other daughter Emma to focus on her studies at UT while carrying the burden of her family's odd and stressful situation. 

3/5/26

Marco and Patricia Bernal along with their daughter Elena live in Qatar for Marco’s work.  They were evacuated and made it to Istanbul with a final destination of Houston.  They are very scared, anxious and worried about safety. They have a very long journey home with a lot of unknowns. Please be praying for their safety, peace, and for God's provision. 

Staff/Elder: Matt 

Owen Escarra, son of Jeff and Shannon (former GBC folks, now live in New Orleans)

Updated 4/1/26

Owen finished radiation this month on 3/16. Praise God for sustaining him throughout this portion of his treatment. Pray for a miracle of healing (that the tumor would be destroyed and gone), continued strength, and comfort in body, mind, and spirit as he transitions into the next phase of treatment (perhaps a clinical trial). Pray for divine wisdom and peace in choosing treatment plan. 

1/20/26

6 year old Owen has been diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor following a hospitalization at the beginning of January. After an initial surgery and weeklong hospital stay, he is back at home with his family. He started his first of 33 daily sessions of Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) January 28th. They praise God for his growing faith in Jesus, his joyful attitude whatever the day may bring, and his increasing tenderness. Pray for healing and endurance for Owen. Pray for peace and strength for the Escarra’s as they navigate medical decisions for Owen, and care for their three other sons. 

Staff/Elder: Wes 

Courtney Hammon

Updated 3/25/26

They found a new cystic mass on her remaining ovary after recently having a scan that showed nothing. There seems to be concern that it's grown so rapidly, but she isn't sure what next steps would be. She will see her gynecology oncology surgeon soon, so please pray for wisdom and clarity! 

10/1/25

Courtney had a large (but accessible) cyst on her left ovary. The cyst/left ovary and fallopian tube removal went well and the tumor was benign! She has lots of scar tissue from previous conditions and surgeries, and on Dec 16th she went to the ER where they found small bowel ileus (a slow down of the bowel). They put an NG tube in her nose to help her bowel to start moving again on its own. They started IV nutrition at the hospital and then sent her home with an IV nutrition plan that she was able to wean off of. She appears to be healing well, but struggling to gain weight. 

Staff/Elder: Brandon, Mimi 

Autumn Hugo's dad, John

Updated 3/25/26

John stopped chemo and hospice is coming 3 days a week. He is pretty much bed bound but still eating. Pray that God will call him home. For strength and patience for Suzann, and a singular focus on the hope of Heaven for Autumn and the rest of the family. 

12/18/24

Autumn's dad had several small strokes and found lung cancer, which they think must be the source of the strokes. Prayers for healing from the stroke damage, and strength as he starts PT and OT. He was working with a functional oncologist who was treating his lung cancer with some some alternative therapies, but have now decided to go ahead and start with chemo. Pray for John’s body to endure the chemo and doctors’ wisdom on any changes needed in protocol. Prayers for effective treatment, for his comfort, and for peace over him and the family. Prayers for wisdom and unity for Autumn and Heather and their mom (Suzann) as they discuss how to best manage his care.  John had scans on Saturday Nov 15th which showed that the treatment was working, with lung lesions shrinking and lymph nodes completely healed. 

Staff/Elder: Kristin, Lunden

Ruthie Lewis

Updated 3/25/26

Her fractures haven't healed like they had hoped, so they had to recast her. She uses a walker and a wheelchair to get around, and she has to be entirely off her foot. Her surgery is likely delayed to either mid-April or fall. 

10/7/25

Ruthie Lewis (4 years old) was diagnosed with Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma, a soft tissue cancer, last November. She has completed 42 weeks of frontline chemo, and is in the maintenance phase currently. At this point in her treatment, she has no evidence of disease! The family is continuing to ask the Lord to protect her body from the harsh chemo, and to spare her from any recurrence or long-term side effects. In December, she was in the hospital for a week fighting an infection. Her routine scans in January showed scar tissue, but nothing else! She'll most likely need a surgery soon where they break her leg amongst other things to increase her mobility, but her surgery has been delayed due to a recent bone break on her shin and femur. 

Staff/Elder: Travis

Tricia Gittemeier’s dad, Rick Kruger

Updated 3/25/26

Rick is doing well. He’s 2 rounds into his 6 round treatment plan. They will do a scan in a few weeks to see how things are working. He’s feels a solid ok, but definitely isn’t fully himself. Pray that as the rounds continue he’s able to manage the meds well. Pray that at the end of the 6 round process that the go forward treatment plan will be abundantly clear and that he’ll be at peace with it.   

3/3/26

This is somewhat sensitive as Rick's grandkids do not yet know - Rick was recently diagnosed with bladder cancer.  The past two weeks have been difficult with each test bringing somewhat more difficult news and a more challenging prognosis. Rick has an appointment at MD Anderson on March 3rd where they hope to have consensus on a treatment plan.  Please pray that Rick and his wife, Kerry will have clarity and peace with how to move forward.  Also, pray for Tricia and Joel, that they would be able to support her dad and mom well in this difficult time. Rick and his wife often attend GBC.    

Staff/Elder: Fritz 

Abby Sonnefeld

Updated 3/25/26

Chemo is on pause. After the third round, her mom was in the hospital for 11 days with an infection and during that stay they discovered a blood clot. She’s home now on a 35 day course of antibiotics and waiting for her platelets to return to normal so she can begin blood thinners to treat the clot. Once that’s treated, chemo will start back up. The oncologist is cautiously approaching chemo since she hasn't handled it well, so it will be a new regime OR a dose reduction from current drugs. Both her mom and dad are worn out from the regiment and hospital stays so pray that this respite can be restful. Pray for wisdom for the doctors on how to adjust for when they resume treatment.

1/14/26

Several tumors have been found on Abby’s mom’s lungs. They have begun a very aggressive chemo treatment for the next 18 weeks. They are prayerful the treatment can extend life as long as possible; prognosis indicated 2-3 years. After each chemo treatment, she's been hospitalized for about a week.  Pray her immune system can remain strong and for this week of rest before going back for another round of chemo. Pray for Abby’s dad as primary caregiver and for Abby and her siblings to support in ways that are encouraging.

Staff/Elder: Ranelle, Fritz

Kerry Stovall, 3/16/26

Kerry Stovall’s mom has just been placed into hospice care. Simultaneously, Kerry’s brother Chad has been diagnosed with cancer. Please be praying for Kerry and Mike as they navigate the loss of Kerry’s mom and for unity with Kerry’s siblings at this time as they grieve and face this loss together.

Staff/Elder: Ranelle, Bobby 

David Wicker, 3/18/26

David Wicker just lost his dad, Bob Wicker, who worked for Elijah Rising. Please pray for him and his family as they mourn their loss, especially while David is still trying to build community after moving to Houston from Dallas not long ago. 

Staff/Elder: Lucas 

Jessica Marshall's mom

Updated 2/18/26

Her mom has been experiencing a lot of pain and nausea. Her last brachytherapy treatment (of 5) was today (3/30). They will know if it's worked in about a month. Please be praying she will feel better and that the treatment would be effective!

10/29/25

Jessica's mom was diagnosed with Stage 3 anal cancer in September. The chemo and radiation were hard on her, but she was able to head home mid-November. The treatment did initially shrink the tumor, but then it grew back to where it was. She seems to be feeling even worse compared to before treatment. She is in a lot of pain and discomfort, and not eating or sleeping much. They saw a new specialist in Feb 2026 and were moving forward with brachytherapy. Please pray for God's nearness in all of this, for doctor's wisdom, and for Jessica's moms healing. 

Staff/Elder: Stacie, Amy, Travis 

Baumgarten Family

Updated 1/21/26

The surgery was successful but not the outcome they were hoping for. The surgeon found a small tear in his retina. It had to be repaired and then stabilized with a silicon oil that will be in his eye for 3-4 months, then surgically removed. The hardest part in the interim is that Beau is not allowed to be on his back at all.  Please pray for Stephen and Meg as they care for Beau, and pray for Beau as he is restricted and cannot understand why. Pray for full recovery for his eyes. 

9/3/25

Stephen and Meg just had their baby, Beau, and found out he has a significant sight threatening issue with his left eye. The cataract was so dense in his eye they couldn't see behind it to figure out what's going on. He had surgery October 13th to remove the cataract, and everything went well! Thankfully the retina in the left eye was not detached. They also found some abnormal blood vessels in his right eye, and did a laser procedure to help dissipate these. Initially MRI's showed the blood vessels gone and everything stable. Unfortunately a while later, what they repaired had grown back and he needs another surgery on January 16th. 

Staff/Elder: Lunden

Benno and Jan Bauer

Updated 12/16/25

Jan was at Methodist ER on San Felipe this week. She has been experiencing weakness in her legs and trouble with her gait. Imaging showed a blockage in her neck, so she was transferred by ambulance to Methodist Medical Center for a brain MRI to rule out any brain damage. They discovered she has had several mini small strokes, and believe its related to her cholesterol. She is back home now and on a new medication. Please pray for peace for Jan and their family, and for complete healing.

8/24/25

Benno has been diagnosed with Progressive Supra Nuclear Palsy. It’s a rare neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement, balance & speech.  There is no cure and more tests are scheduled. Prayers for peace for him and his wife Jan as they process and move forward with testing. Mid November he was diagnosed with Parkinsons. Pray as he and Jan seek further medical evaluation, clarity on the diagnosis, and a wise treatment plan. Please lift up Benno’s healing, strength for Jan as she cares for him, and that the Lord would use this season to draw their hearts closer to Christ. 

Staff/Elder: Lucas, Bobby 

Car Rides for Barbara

Barbara, an elderly woman who lives near the church, is in a wheelchair, and depends on others to get her to the 10:45 service to worship on Sundays. For the past few months, Mike Tosoni has been the only person signing up. Wes and Stacie have been trying to recruit people, but come up short with every attempt to find people willing to consistently do this. Please pray we could find 8 people or couples who would be able to joyfully do this!