In memory of Kristie Wessel.

When Kristie fund-raised for a Phil’s Friends Walk for Hope in Columbus, IN in 2013, she wrote her testimony on her fundraising page. This year, that testimony was read to everyone who attended that same Walk for Hope a year after Kristie has passed. These were very encouraging words. Please read on:

On December 20th, 2010, my life changed—forever. I was told I had “some sort of lymphoma”. I will probably never forget where I was and what I was doing when I got that phone call. In January of 2011, it was officially diagnosed as Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. In that same January, I got my first Care Package from Phil’s Friends. Inside was a card, drawn by a little boy, just a couple of years older than my own son. He had written a Bible verse inside and it was none other than my confirmation verse—Joshua 1:9! Since that January, I have received many cards and much support from Phil’s Friends. It has been increasingly evident over the last few years how much God id in control—even when I feel like it is all spinning out of control. I seem to get a card or letter from Phil’s Friends at just the right time. They seem to pertain to just what I am going thru at that particular point in time. God most definitely has us all in the pal of His hand. One particular day when I was having a really rough time, I got a letter from Phil’s Friends in the mail with the Bible verse, Philippians 4:6-7 written on it:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard you hearts and your minds in Jesus.

I immediately taped it to my bathroom mirror where I could see this verse every day. It had since become a very important and meaningful verse to me!! I tend to recite this verse as I am getting test done or sitting in the doctor;s office awaiting test results. I could not imagine my life now without my Phil’s Friends friends. I have gotten so much encouragement and support from them over the last couple of years. I find it very comforting to know that there are others out there praying for me. Every card I get drawn by the kids makes me smile. I can only hope that others out there on this journey have the support like I have been given. Phil’s Friends, in addition to my family, my church family, and my friends is an HUGE part of that. I wish everyone traveling down this road could know Phil’s Friends like I have gotten to know them!! Please help raise money for this wonderful organization, so that even more people traveling this road can find the hope, the comfort, the support, and that peace—the peace of God, which transcends all human understanding.