How is your Easter joy? A week later and the eggs may be gone, the ham consumed and the baskets put away for another year. But the real “importance” of the day will never fade. The real “importance” of the day cannot be over-emphasized. The real “importance” of the day is for you: As Paul writes, “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures…” (I Cor. 15:3-4).  All of this – for YOU!

Joplin, Mo. mission – Heavenly Father, thank you for the believers in and around Joplin, Missouri, who have the deep desire to spread your gospel in that town. The core group from nearby churches has dedicated their services, resources, and prayers to this important effort. Help the leaders and members to remain focused and energized despite any obstacles that may arise. Bless their evangelism efforts as they create and build relationships through worship services, events, programs, and personal contacts. Your Word does not return to you empty. We trust this promise as we keep your people in Joplin, Missouri, in our prayers through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

•  Lord God, we join Bob and Shirley Laabs in giving you thanks as they celebrate their wedding anniversary. Grant them good health and happiness as they live each day in your love. Keep them strong in their faith and confident of your gracious promises. We also rejoice with Armand & Ruth Goeden as they celebrated their 68^th wedding anniversary last week, Easter Sunday. Continue, dear Jesus, to keep them in your care and to remind them each day of your loving presence. And along with Armand and Ruth, we thank you for the prayers and support of their family of faith at Our Savior, through whom they receive encouragement and joy.
• We pray for Ray Fuerstenberg, who is back in the hospital. Grant clarity to the medical team as Ray undergoes further testing; and according to Your will, we ask that he may return home soon to recuperate and gain strength.
• Lord, surround Carol Berg with a special measure of your care and love as she struggles with health issues. Allow her to heal and gain strength as you keep her strong in her faith.
• Lord Jesus, we come to you on behalf of Annette Diener’s 10 year old great-nephew, John Diener, who had surgery yesterday (Wednesday) to remove a tumor on his brain. Because of where the tumor was located they were unable to remove all of it. We thank You for allowing him to live through the surgery and now ask for Your blessing, dear Savior, that he might heal completely. Grant his family patience as they await the pathology report.
• Dear Savior, grant comfort and peace to the Spietz family as you have called Candi’s grandmother home to heaven; and to the Wallendal family, as you have called home to heaven their aunt and also a good friend and neighbor. Draw these families close to you as they find strength and hope in Your resurrection.
• Continue to surround Lance Backhaus, Jeremiah’s father, with your care. And help Sue Reel to rely upon you for direction and peace in her life, even as you keep her strong in her faith and trust in You.
• Lord, grant strength and comfort to Dianne Robertson and her family as you recently called home to heaven her mother, Janet Stirmel. Remind Janet’s loved ones of your victory over death and your promise of the resurrection.
• We join Tim & Shirley Crosslen in prayer and concern for Tim, who has begun treatment for cancer again.  Bless them as they pray and trust you.