For Debbie and Dennis Galbreath of Pittsfield, IL, a simple hobby became a ministry. And an answer to prayer.
At 73, Debbie spends many of her days doing something she loves: coloring. It began a decade ago as a relaxing pastime but has now grown into a meaningful way to encourage cancer patients across the country through the Phil’s Friends Cards of Hope program.
“Coloring is something I love to do,” Debbie said. “It’s relaxing for me.”
Her initial foray was with paint-by-number projects. But then an unexpected conversation changed everything. “I had colored a Valentine’s page, and a waitress told me that if I liked coloring that much, I should get some coloring books and colored pencils,” Debbie recalled. “That was back in 2016, and I’ve been coloring ever since.”
The hobby became a large part of Debbie’s life. Then she began praying. “I asked God to help me find something or somebody who would enjoy my coloring pages.”
Not long afterward, she sat down at her computer and something caught her attention. “Phil’s Friends came up on my screen. I clicked on it, and when I saw the square that said, ‘Coloring Cards,’ I clicked on that. I told my husband, Dennis, ‘God answered my prayers’.”
Debbie contacted Phil’s Friends and spoke with Mary Paula. “When Mary said, ‘Yes, you can color Cards of Hope.’ I was on my way again.”
This opportunity means more to Debbie, however, than simply finding a place to use her artistic talents. It’s personal. In 1996, Debbie’s first husband was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and he later passed away from it. The experience left a lasting impression on her heart.
“There was nothing like this for us at that time,” Debbie said. “Now I can see how much something like this would have meant.”
Debbie now views her work as much more than an art project. It’s a ministry of compassion and evangelism. “It means that someone took the time to share about Jesus,” she said. “I pray over every card as I color. If the person receiving it doesn’t know Jesus, I pray that the Card of Hope will draw them closer to Him.”
Each card becomes an opportunity to encourage someone facing a difficult journey, she said. “I think it would be uplifting for patients and their families to know that someone really cares about their daily walk.”
The ministry has also deepened Debbie’s own faith. “I’ve learned more Bible verses and repeat them as I color,” she said. “It gives me something to enjoy while uplifting others.”
What began as a personal ministry soon became a family one. Dennis Galbreath, 71, eagerly joined his wife in supporting the program.
At first, Dennis helped by sharpening the colored pencils. Before long, however, he found another important role. “I started writing the messages in the cards,” he said. “I want to cheer someone up.”
Together, the couple creates cards that bring encouragement, hope, and reminders of God’s love to cancer patients nationwide.
Recently, Debbie and Dennis had the opportunity to visit the Hope Center in Crown Point, IN, and see firsthand how their volunteer efforts fit into the larger ministry. “I wanted to see how they did all the Cards of Hope and everything else they do for cancer patients,” Debbie said. “I was surprised by all that Phil’s Friends does.”
After speaking with staff members and packing a few Care Packages, Debbie knew she’d found a place where she belonged. “Everyone was so friendly. I just knew I wanted to be part of what they do.”
Dennis was equally impressed. “It’s a very nice setup,” he said. “We want to go back.”
Today, Debbie continues coloring cards from her home in Pittsfield while Dennis writes the messages inside them and helps prepare supplies. Together, they have transformed a simple hobby into a familial ministry.
Debbie hopes to one day invite others to join her. “I’d like to get people together for an afternoon or evening of coloring cards,” she said. For now, though, she remains grateful that God answered a prayer she prayed years ago.
What started as a search for someone who might appreciate her coloring pages became an opportunity to share Christ’s love with cancer patients they may never meet. And with every carefully colored card, Debbie and Dennis remind recipients that they are loved, prayed for, and not alone.
As Debbie puts it, “Someone took the time to color that Card of Hope.”
And sometimes, that simple act of kindness can mean everything.
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