Day 18

Dear Anj,
You have journeyed through so much loss in such a short amount of time. What I love most is how your faith continues to grow through all of it. When we first met I couldn’t believe you stood in a long line after you had finished your treatments just to say thank you. As you walked away with your nurse I remember whispering to God. “What are you going to do with this woman?” Saying thank you to me was one thing but most importantly I could see how thankful you were to God. Anj, God saw your heart then and he still sees your heart today. When I think of you I’m reminded how God heals many but only a few come back praising him.
Keep the faith!

“One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him.” Luke 17:15-16a

Day 17

Dear Nuku,
I can’t imagine how much it hurts you to know that so many women are sick and suffering in Liberia with no access to medical care. As you shared your heart for the people of your country and explained that women with terminal breast cancer have no hope it was clear something needed to be done. As you stepped forward in faith to support the sick it was clear that God wanted you to proceed because he provided for every detail. What a joy it was to gather with women from your church to pray, pack care packages and work on cards. God provided the supplies, the shipping container and surgeons to perform masectomies for patients with terminal cancer. As each woman’s dignity is restored through surgery they now receive hope for eternal life.
May God bless you and the people of Liberia!

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Although Nuku isn’t pictured – her work in getting PF care packages to cancer patients in Liberia are below:

Day 16

Weston,
Under your leadership the PF mission launched its first walkathons, packing parties in Florida and its first hospital program in Missouri. Only God knows how much time you have dedicated to taking care of the sick through this mission. You serve alongside congregation members who are called by God inside your church, local hospital and community. As a pastor you understand the local church is the hope of the world and it shows by the way you faithfully carry out your duties. Thank you for serving with all your heart and carrying out this mission carefully through prayer. We look forward to seeing what else the Lord has in store!

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the LORD, not for human masters” Colossians 3:23

Day 15

                                                 Memorial Day 2021 🇺🇸

Today we pause and remember those who have served and laid down their lives for our country and for our freedom. We pause to honor the brave men and women who have served our country and now rest in peace.

God Bless America, Land of the Free!

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” John 15:13

Day 13

Steve,

You have defied the odds. Less than one percent of the American population will run a marathon and you have done twenty-five! Stage 3 colon cancer didn’t stop you. A brain tumor didn’t stop you. Running into burning buildings for nearly 30 years as a firefighter didn’t stop you. Today we celebrate with you, your wife Amy and your 4 children that your faith in Christ is an encouragement to so many. Thank you for organizing and running the marathon team at Phil’s Friends so that many patients and families can find perseverance in Christ too.

Steve, Its quite possible that perseverance is your middle name.

“And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” Hebrews 12:1b-2a

Watch Steve’s story here

Day 12

Dear Judy,

For over a decade you have served cancer patients and their families with passion and excellence. Not only are you one of the most creative people I have ever met in my life but also one of the most joyful. You spread joy on hospital visits, in the Hope Center and to each volunteer you interact with. Every care package box you decorate is made with attention to detail and is a reflection of how much God cares about every detail of our lives. Thank you for turning many ideas into reality.
We are glad you don’t believe in retirement!

“Make a Joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness!”
Psalm 100:1-2

Day 10

Dear 4th graders,
I remember how excited you were to welcome me into the classroom in late September. In many ways it was not easy to have a teacher with cancer. The conversations we had together about faith were real and authentic and prayerfully had a lasting impact on you. In April when the cancer returned I dreaded having to tell you I couldn’t finish the year with you. It was a memorable and emotional time for all of us.

Thank you for all your prayers and support. One of my favorite memories together is when you helped me ask Carrie to marry me. I was relieved and overjoyed when she said yes 🙂 All the cards and care packages you created for cancer patients met a real need and brought hope in a tangible way. I remember feeling surprised when you held the first fundraiser and raised $133 by selling PF wristbands. This organization will always be focused on engaging youth because of its humble beginnings in a classroom with you. After all, the youth is our future.
You will always have a special place in my heart.

1 John 3:18 Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.

Day 9

Dear Anya,

No child should have to face a disease like cancer but you did and survived. Not only did you survive but then you decided to give back to ensure others had similar support on their journey too. Thank you for being an example of what it is to love one another.
We thank God for your good health.
Enjoy Jr. High!

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13