Watch this video from founder and two-time cancer survivor Phil Zielke, and prayerfully consider joining us on mission by making a financial donation to PF.
Thank you to Urban Acres Studio for generously donating their talents to Phil’s Friends! To learn more about what they have to offer, please visit their website!
Dear Rodrigo,
You are a humble servant with a smile that can light up the room. Thank you for picking up care packages each week from our Hope Center to be sent to those in need across the country. Even when an urgent request for help comes in you come back as many times as necessary to ensure hope gets where it needs to go. Rodrigo, it is a joy for me to see your faith grow over the years as we partner together to carry out this mission. Thanks for being a great friend and letting your light shine wherever you go!
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
Dear Women of the LWML,
You are the most faithful army I have ever seen assembled in this country. Former LWML President and Phil’s Friends board member Betty Duda said it best at the 2010 convention in Peoria, “Phil, recieving funding from the LWML is great but even more powerful than that is having 5,000 women praying for you and this mission.” Wow was she ever right! Your partnership with us over the years has ensured God’s Word and the Gospel get to patients and families with cancer in hospitals and homes across the country. Thank you for your gifts from the heart, the blankets you make, the cards you create and the grants you give. It is an honor to meet so many of you personally, take part in your events and partner with you in God’s work of visiting the sick. See you in Lexington!
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7
Dear Richard and Lynda,
You bring strength to this mission. Yes, you give generously of your time and resources, but your impact goes well beyond that. Together you model what a couple in ministry is supposed to look like. Your priorities are in order-God first, family second and work third. The Bible is your compass and you lead by serving in the same way Jesus did. Thank you for building into us, praying daily and giving grace along the way. The healthier we are together the stronger this mission will always be.
“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:12
Dear Kids,
Thank you for leading by example. The cards you create, the packages you pack and the collection drives you carry out inspire us. Often we hear from the patients we support how special and encouraging it is to get a card made from you. Many of your families are involved because you led by example, stepped out in faith and served. Thank you for carrying out this mission in your neighborhood, at your church, school, clubs and community organizations. Thank you for loving your neighbor and making a difference.
“Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.” Psalm 127:3
“Observe my Sabbaths and have reverence for my sanctuary. I am the Lord.” Leviticus 26:2
Dear Marilyn,
Thanks for picking up a care package for your friend in the hospital and sharing your story with us. You are proof that love is contagious.
“Towards the end of my treatments I received a box from Phil’s Friends. I had never heard of them before. Upon opening the box (which was very cute and colorful) it had everything that I would need in it. It brought me to tears. It came at a perfect time during my treatment. God bless you Phil, your staff and all of your volunteers for bringing warmth, hope and smiles with your box of LOVE!!”
Love never fails.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34
Dear Kathy, Judy and Cindy,
Every time I walk into the Hope Center you have a piece of fabric in your hand and a smile on your face. No one could possibly question the unwavering commitment and love you have for others facing difficult times. Each piece of fabric you cut and blanket you tie is done with excellence and ensures the end recipient knows they are covered in God’s love. Thanks for a job well done.
“I will be glad and rejoice in Your unfailing love, for You have seen my troubles, and You care about the anguish of my soul.” Psalm 31:7
Dear Carrie,
When we met in 2002 I knew you were the one and I’m even more sure of that now than I was back then. We have been through our share of joys and challenges over the years and I’m thankful that with each challenge we faced our faith in God and each other has grown. I hated telling you I had cancer on our 2 year dating anniversary and even more so for the second time months away from our wedding. When we finally made it to our wedding day and entered into a covenant with the Lord and each other we knew what we were signing up for, especially with the vows in sickness and health. Carrie, thank you for always being there for me. You are the best wife I could ever ask for, the best mom to our children and the best partner in ministry. You are beautiful on the outside but even more beautiful within. Looking forward to stepping into what God has planned for us next. I love you today and always. Happy 15th Anniversary!
“He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.” Proverbs 18:22
Dear Lauren,
Working together with you has been one of the greatest joys of my career. I’ve seen you grow personally and professionally as you served in every capacity possible at Phil’s Friends from a volunteer, intern and longest tenured employee. The personal care and attention to detail you show each person you interact with is a reminder of how much God cares for every detail of our lives. Lauren, you exemplify the heartbeat of this mission. Thanks for being a great listener, praying fervently and standing up for what’s right, even when its unpopular. Thank you for serving faithfully and sharing God’s love with so many people through this ministry. We believe in you and look forward to seeing you reach your God given potential. You have blessed Carrie, the boys and I beyond measure. And before I forget, thank you for taking care of the details, every single last one.
“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” Psalm 91:4
