Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” John 11:21

The loss of a dear family members leaves a gaping hole in life. When a loved one is suddenly gone, emptiness follows. It fills the house, the schedule, even the heart. If only that dear one would not have died! This is what Martha was feeling. She would not be experiencing this void in her life if only the Lord had kept her brother from dying.

Dealing with death is tough. Emptiness and grief are tough. Jesus knows this and comes to us in those times. His temporary answer for Martha’s brother was to bring him back to life, only to die again. His answer for us lies in His enduring words to Martha – and to us, “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25b). Even in grief, Jesus brings life, filling emptiness with resurrection hope day by day unto eternity. Present pain will be erased in heaven on reunion day.

Mission Journeys program – Lord Jesus, by your Great Commission you directed us to go and make disciples. Make us eager to do that. Bless programs like WELS Mission Journeys, which provides the opportunity for WELS members to take a short trip to help with ministry at a WELS home or world mission. Fill participants with your Spirit so that they bring home with them the joy and enthusiasm for witnessing your salvation to others. Amen.

• Bob & Shirley Laabs grand-daughter (daughter to David & Michell) Samantha Burnett, age 25 and mother to two children, will undergo a difficult aortic artery repair at Froedert on March 5^th.  Guide the process and the surgeons to bring about a safe and healthy outcome.
• We rejoice with Joel & Sarah Guidinger at the healthy birth of a daughter, Adela Jean and now her new birth into the family of faith by the sacrament of baptism this Sunday. Bless her life as she enters this loving family and your continued grace.
• We celebrate with Paul & Jolene Prom at their 23^rd Wedding Anniversary, asking you Lord Jesus to be the heart of their unconditional love for each other.  Bless them as they continue to serve their family and community faithfully.
• Lord, we ask for your care and healing for Ray Fuerstenberg after he sustained a serious head injury due to falling on the ice. As he now follows a plan for rehab at the hospital, sustain him with faith, hope and love from all who support him.  If it is your will, grant him a full recovery.
• Lord Jesus, the time for a homecoming arrived for Norbert Netz who awakened in your presence last week. We rejoice first in your grace for him and by your gift of the Holy Spirit also in his assurance of faith.  Comfort all who will miss him in the days and months ahead, and remind each of them that our ultimate goal is to die clinging to your sacrifice and your resurrection.
• And we add an earnest and serious prayer of concern for Anita Gurgel, as they have discovered that she has pancreatic cancer. Over the months to come they will start with chemo treatments, move to radiation and then likely surgery.  Be with Paul & Anita and support them through family and friends as they have often done for others.
• Our continuing prayers go up for Casey Gahan, now immobilized for months. Lord, give her answers to the multiple symptoms and, according to your will, grant healing.

Additional Prayers:

Walter Parrott & Jackie Millee – Walter, Becky Baughman’s dad may have to have his leg amputated because of complications with diabetes. These issues have led to anxiety and depression.  Jackie, Becky’s sister, is dealing with hardships in her life.  Grant them your strength and encouragement, dear Lord.