Evangelical Free Church of Hershey

Hershey Free Church
Weekly Prayer List – Sunday, March 22, 2015
Please forward prayer requests and updates to Craig Koskela:
[email protected] or 533-2092, ext. 2028
Please forward Missions prayer requests to Lyndsay Byler:
[email protected] or 533-2092, ext. 2008
MISSIONS
Tim & Debbie McIntosh, Peru
Tim’s ministry centers on education with two institutions and the local church. He is the
Leadership Department Director and a professor at ProMETA, an online Master’s program in
Spanish. Additionally, he is the Director of Distance Education at USEL. Tim also serves as the
President of the board of directors for the Evangelical Seminary of Lima and he preaches in the
local Free Church. Debbie continues to counsel individuals, couples and families of their
church. Debbie is a counselor at Live in Hope, a Professor of Pastoral Psychology at USEL and
the Director of Music at the local church. Tim was operated on for the remaining stone in the
left kidney. Unfortunately, even after three and a half hours, the doctors were unable to access
the stone this time either, because apparently it was stuck in a crevice they couldn’t get at. They
are going to insert another tube in his back, at a different angle, and then operate again later this
week. This has been a very long haul. This will be the fifth operation.
Debbie & Lowell, Southeast Asia
Lowell and Debbie are part of a Global Ministry Partnership in Southeast Asia. Among other
hats he wears, Lowell is the Asia Business Manager for ReachGlobal; he oversees the financial
accountability structure for ministry expense accounts, budgets, salary and transfer of project
funds. They participate in prayer walks and support groups who are working against humantrafficking in Southeast Asia.
 Please pray for health, strength and protection. After a recent successful conference, Debbie
experienced a scary flu. She is still regaining strength. Also, right after the conference, one of
their co-workers was detained in prison for five days trying to enter a neighboring country
where he has visited many times. They praise God that even though they took all his money
he was released even before his wife and some of the leadership arrived to negotiate his
release. He praises God that God gets all the glory for that. Debbie notes, that before the
conference, “We experienced a lot of spiritual oppression upon arriving [at their
destination].” One of their daughters had a terrible time sleeping with a lot of fear the first
two nights.
 In a location where there were 89 brothels, the number has decreased to 83. Please join with
Debbie, Lowell and their team in prayer that the whole thing would be shut down.
 On the plane ride home, Lowell’s name was on a list and he was pulled over and searched for
seemingly no reason. Please pray for protection and for God to continue to make a way in
such situations.
Gene & Linda Wilson, Global
Gene and Linda became part of the Hershey Free mission family in 2001. Gene serves with
ReachGlobal as the Director of Church Planting. He develops and equips both people and
support systems for the multiplication of healthy, transformational churches around the globe.
Gene works with key leaders from Latin America, Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East by
fostering partnerships with national leaders and through the coaching and training of both staff
and nationals for church multiplication.
Linda will be going to France with Gene! Gene is also thankful for her presence because most
of the team members and leaders are women. Gene’s knees and back are almost better – please
continue to pray. Please pray…
 Gene and Linda will be visiting a unique ministry in southern France that uses international
short-term volunteers from China, Germany and the USA to reach and disciple students. They
have planted one church and would like to see three more planted in the next ten years. Please
pray that they will have discernment as to how to help them chart the course forward. Pray
for unity and wisdom for everyone involved.
 That they would be good representatives of Jesus Christ toward all they meet.
 For God’s hand of blessing and direction over the elections in Israel.
Andrew Nilson, Boston
Andrew Nilson is a campus ministry intern with Cru (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ) for
one year. He lives and serves in the Boston area working on the campuses of Bentley
University (his alma mater) and Babson College. Andrew works closely with students in
discipleship relationships, small group bible studies and at the annual retreats that Cru hosts for
students. He hopes to reach students with the Gospel who will go on to be leaders in industries
around the world. Jeremiah 10:23, “I know, O LORD, that a man's life is not his own; it is not
for man to direct his steps,” has characterized his journey toward ministry. Please pray…
 You have been asked to pray for Athletes in Action at Bentley and Babson. God is answering
those prayers. At the beginning of February, Andrew had four athletes come with him to the
AIA Winter Retreat in Connecticut. Please continue to pray for the Athletes in Action
movements.
 Praise God for a successful winter retreat.
 That the hospitality dinners at Bentley would create a community of students enjoying
fellowship and building relationships. Pray that those who don’t believe may become curious
through AIA students serving them.
 For students’ hearts who are considering doing a summer missions project with Cru.
Outreach
 Please pray for our neighbors and friends as the Easter services approach – that neighbors and
family would feel invited and join with us.
 Please pray for Center for Champions and our developing partnership. Praise! Over 30 people
expressed an interest in getting involved. Please pray for ten mentors and their mentor
training.
CHURCH FAMILY
Surgeries/Hospitalizations
Betsy Brandyberry had same day surgery on Mar. 19 in LGH to treat severe pain in her Achilles tendon
on her right foot. Pray for full healing.
Leah Kramer had outpatient surgery for kidney stones on Mar. 16 in HMC. Pray for full healing.
Marge Leader had successful surgery for several hernias on Feb. 25 in Comm. Gen. Osteopathic
Hospital. Pray for full healing. Pray also for her arthritis pain. Having infusion treatments.
Emily Parker (10 year-old daughter of Cristi & Rob) has a pretty large mass on her face in front of her
ear. Had surgery in 2013 to remove a small tumor in same area. Praise! MRI results showed no
malignancy. Following up with her doctor and an ENT. Surgery date not set yet. Pray for peace for Emily,
a safe surgery and that no damage is done to surrounding nerves/tissue.
Julian Richter is having shoulder replacement surgery on Mar. 23 in HMC. Anticipates going home on
Wed. afternoon. Pray for a successful procedure and a full recovery.
Janet Wolgemuth had successful outpatient hernia surgery on Mar. 11 in Heart of Lanc. Regional Med.
Ctr. Returned to hospital ER on Mar. 13 due to very low oxygen level. Diagnosed with next thing to
pneumonia. Released with instructions for deep breathing and an antibiotic. Recovery progressed well
over the weekend. Pray for full healing.
Healing/Health Issues
Steve Bollinger is home following treatment in HMC for pneumonia. His lungs have cleared but he is
having a lot of difficulty with fluid in his legs. Pray for full healing.
Mark Brown has chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Mark requests a man from the congregation to
drive with him to the James Cancer Institute for his blood work and oncologist appt.’s on Apr. 12&13 (a
longer testing day-come home later Mon. night); Jun. 28&29 (short visit-leave for home by late afternoon
Mon.); Sep. 20&21 (short visit); Dec. 13&14 (short visit). Contact Mark at [email protected] or
717-599-9474.
Diane Coble is now receiving hospice care. Pray for the Lord’s peace for Diane and her husband, Bob,
during this time.
Gerry Clark had a mini-stroke on Feb. 10. Recovering at one of her daughter’s home (sister of Patty).
Having home therapy to strengthen her balance. (Gerry is Patty Shenk’s mother).
Joyce Gardner (90 years old) recently received a diagnosis of suspected gastrointestinal cancer that has
metastasized to both lungs. Joyce has chosen to receive comfort care at home rather than pursuing
treatment for the cancer. Pray for peace and comfort for Joyce and family as they care for her in the
coming days. (Joyce is the mother of Kathy Wingert).
Grace Kobler has Alzheimer’s disease and is receiving hospice care. She is eating very little. Has a
visiting nurse three times per week. Pray for the Lord’s peace for Grace and Bob.
Kathy Lehrman moved back home on Dec. 15 as she continues to recovering from a stroke. Friends are
invited to continue to visit Kathy, but please call ahead to set up a day and time. For complete details, log
on to: www.caringbridge.org/visit/kathylehrman
Stephanie Loomis requests prayer for her arthritis. The weather has not been kind and her pain is severe
and unbearable.
Jerlyn Newhouse continues outpatient PT at Penn State Hershey Rehabilitation Hospital as she recovers
from a stroke.
Nancy Santeusanio requests prayer for healing and for relief from side effects she is experiencing from
her medications – especially dry mouth syndrome.
Margie Schwartz is home following her recovery in Masonic Village after being in HMC for a UTI.
Some medications were changed and she was treated for various chemical imbalances (magnesium,
calcium and potassium). She is well improved physically, but is still rather foggy.
Linda Spangler Having chemo treatment for cancer found in some lymph nodes. Test results on Mar. 16
were great! The cancer has shrunk. She is on very strong chemo, which weakens her, but she is rejoicing
over the good news.
Family Life/Other
David & Carol Ann Brown Praise for a newly released federal program providing additional funding for
unresolved disaster losses. Pray for success by Dauphin Co. & Swatara Twp. as they apply for that special
disaster funding that the Browns are eligible for. This could allow resolution of their severely damaged
house by Storm Lee in Sept. 2011. They sincerely thank and appreciate the HFC family’s continued
prayers.
Bethany Herring requests continued prayer for her job search.
Sympathy to: Ann & Roger Fletcher, Ellen Deibel, Amanda Fletcher, Zach & Melissa Fletcher and
family on the passing of their father/grandfather, Don Deibel, who passed away on Mar. 19. Funeral
service will be held on Tue., Mar. 24 at 11 a.m. at Hershey Free Church. No visitation.; Gary Good and
family on the passing of his wife, Judy, who passed away on Mar. 18. The memorial service will held on
Saturday, May 9 at 11 a.m. at Hershey Free Church.; Bob & Grace Kobler and family on the passing of
Bob’s brother, Donald Kobler, who passed away on Mar. 12. Funeral service was held on Mar. 16 in Bel
Air, MD. Link to obituary: http://www.tributes.com/obituary/show/Donald-Hartley-Kobler-
102278217; Terry Lerew and family on the passing of her husband, Jim, who passed away on Mar. 17
after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Jim and his wife, Terry, were long time members of HFC; now
attending West Shore Free Church. A funeral service will be held at West Shore Evangelical Free Church
on, Mon., March 23 at 10:30 a.m. Viewing will be held on Sun., at the church, from 6 to 8 p.m. Link to
obituary:
http://www.malpezzifuneralhome.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=3010472&fh_id=10737;
Jess & Neil Cooper and family on the passing of Jess’ father, Doug Stott, who passed away on Mar. 17.
A celebration of Doug’s life will be held on Fri., March 27, at 11 a.m. in the Trefz & Bowser Funeral
Home, 114 West Main Street, Hummelstown. A visitation will be held Fri. in the funeral home from 10
a.m. until time of the services. Link to obituary: http://www.trefzandbowser.com/book-ofmemories/1905949/Stott-Douglas/obituary.php
SERVING IN THE MILITARY
(Names rotated weekly) LT Kimberly & SSG W. Blake Andrews (daughter & son-in-law of Gayle &
Steve Harris), 1LT Sarah Keller-Barnhill & SGT Jake Barnhill (granddaughter/husband of Steve &
Claudia Steinkamp), Sgt Eric Bucher (nephew of Sue Koch), CPT Jason Davis (son of Stephanie
Adams’ friend’s, Jeff & Cathy Davis).
EXTENDED FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Surgeries/Hospitalizations
Cheri Bupp (daughter of Jon & Carroll Koller) will have further testing of a cyst on her pancreas at
Johns Hopkins. Pray for wisdom for the doctors in their treatment plan.
Marie Convery (92 year-old mother of Corinne Sechrist) was treated in HMC on Mar. 16 for a heart
attack. Had a 90% blockage in an artery and a stent was inserted. Now recovering at home. Pray for
healing and also for her salvation.
Rachel Dodson (18 year-old granddaughter of Jane & Fred Hoch) passed out in school on Mar. 16.
Admitted to HMC for treatment of heart problems and difficulty breathing. Transported from HMC by
ambulance on Mar. 18 to Children’s Hospital of Phila. Pray for the doctors to make the right decisions on
her care.
Daleen Webster (mother of John Webster) is in the ICU at Holy Spirit Hospital. Has a blood clot to her
brain. Pray that she will have a peaceful passing. Pray also for the Lord’s peace for John and Deb as they
support her during this time.
Healing/Health Issues
Benjamin Bowman (oldest brother of Mary Davis) has been diagnosed with liver cancer. Pray for the
Lord’s peace.
Alex Hermann (9 year-old nephew of Pastor George & Rose Davis) Struck by a rogue bolt of lightning
on Aug. 26. Recovering at home. Pray that he begins to walk, for continued heart issues and overall
healing. God has been so faithful. Continue to pray for Rose’s brother and sister-in-law, Roger and
Jadwiga.
Family Life/Other
Matthew Brandyberry (son of Betsy & Jeff Brandyberry) Pray for safety as he travels throughout the
US on tour with his band. Pray that the uplifting message of their lyrics will encourage people. He returns
on Mar. 30.
CDR Tom Ulmer (brother of Jeanne Marie Ulmer) Pray for his safety as he is out to sea on the USS Fort
McHenry. Cards of encouragement can be sent to: Commander Thomas Ulmer, USS Fort McHenry (LSD
43), FPO AA 34091-1731.