Phil’s Friends Newsletter – November 2008
Phil’s Corner
As I was preparing to write "Phil's Corner" for the November newsletter, I was thinking about what point God wanted me to get across. I was trying to decide what makes Phil's Friends different than most other cancer organizations. What came to mind, after prayer, is that it’s not what makes
Phil's Friends different; it is what makes
us different. What makes us different is Christ. He has changed us from the inside out. The point IS the CROSS! Our ministry is important and our lives are important because we have the Holy Spirit living inside of us. God has given us His power to provide hope and support to those in need who struggle with cancer. The words are in us and all we have to do is be the hands and feet of Christ. Through His Spirit, He will work saving grace among those we support, according to His will. We have witnessed people come to Christ, and we have seen those who have rejected the message. The point is that everything will happen in God's time. Some people receive a care package, and it is their turning point. Others are also supported through personal visits, phone calls, cards, emails, prayer, etc. These people come to Christ in God's timing. We are all part of the big puzzle. Phil's Friends may be the last piece for someone in their walk with Christ, or it may be the beginning. How will you be a piece of that puzzle today?
~Phil Zielke
5K Walk/Run Update
Our 2
nd Annual 5K was a big success! Thank you to all who participated, donated, and volunteered! We were blessed with plenty of food, prizes, give-aways, and a great turn out. The registrations were tripled from last year, and we hope that this growth continues in the years to come. We want to thank the volunteers - the Walther High School Cross Country Team, Trinity Lutheran School parents, Phil’s Friends Chicago-land chapter members and more. We also want to thank Angela Adkins for organizing the entire event! Congratulations to the two top runners of the day: Katie Rolf with 19:29 and Zach Bickel with 22:37. We hope to see you again next September!
Click
here to see pictures from the 5K!
Bank of America Chicago Marathon Update
Thank you to our faithful runners who participated in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon! We thank you for supporting Phil’s Friends with your fundraising efforts as well as your major physical efforts in running this race! Many cancer patients will be reached and blessed because of you. Our deepest thanks to each of you!
One of our runners, Mari Jo Hecker, said the following about running for Phil’s Friends:
I have known the Zielke family for several years. I met them at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Elmhurst, where both of our families are members. I remember praying for Phil and his family when he was diagnosed and when he was receiving treatment for his cancer. Phil and his family had overwhelming strength, courage, and most importantly faith during this time.
Phil has started this great foundation, helping others during their times of need. I was honored to be asked to run for Phil’s Friends. I have been a runner for 28 years, and this Chicago Marathon was my 40th marathon. I was happy to help raise funds for Phil’s fantastic organization.
Inaugural Celebration of Hope Dinner
Please consider joining us for our Inaugural Celebration Dinner! The celebration will be held on Friday, November 21st, 2008, at Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace, IL. The evening will include information on the ministry, speeches from Phil's Friends volunteers, cancer patients and survivors, a keynote address by Ray McElroy who is the Chicago Bear’s Chaplain, and the founder of the ministry, Phil Zielke. The dinner is free, and there will be an opportunity to become involved in the ministry through volunteering, prayer, and donation. We would love to have you join us!
Schedule of events:
6:30 PM: Reception
7:15 PM: Dinner
8:00 - 9:30 PM: Program
Click here to register for this event! Reservations are required by November 10th.
If you would like to help in the organization of this event or act as a table host for the dinner, please contact Bernadette Long at
.
Click here for information on being a Hospitality Team Member and here for an invitation to the dinner.
Volunteering for Phil’s Friends
THANK YOU to our many, faithful volunteers who pray for our cancer patients and who support them in a variety of ways. We appreciate all you do!
One of our faithful volunteers, Doria, wrote the following about her involvement:
Why I Volunteer for Phil’s Friends
My name is Doria Martuzzo, and I’m a volunteer for Phil’s Friends. In 2001, at the age of 44, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and underwent two surgeries and six rounds of chemotherapy. Then in September 2007, I was diagnosed with cancer again -- this time it was melanoma, a potentially deadly skin cancer, and I had two more surgeries. Currently cancer-free, I am happy to volunteer for “a ministry that provides Christ-centered support and hope to those affected by cancer.” I know first-hand how important it was to me when people reached out and supported me when I needed it most.
Phil’s Friends offers a variety of opportunities to plug in and make a difference. I have “adopted” a cancer patient and her family (beautiful 16-year-old Taylor who is battling brain cancer.) I met Taylor’s mom Kathleen (by God-coincidence) at a Christian concert. I noticed Kathleen was holding a Phil’s Friends Care Package that she had just received at the booth. We started talking and things just clicked. Though Taylor’s mom and I live miles apart, she says is thankful to have me as her “cyber-friend.” Taylor’s picture is on my refrigerator as a reminder for me to pray every day and to stay in touch. I’ve also had the honor of sharing my testimony at the Walk-A-Thon, enjoyed making homemade cards for care packages, and will be spreading the message of the ministry of Phil’s Friends this fall by doing chapel services in schools. Why do I volunteer? Truthfully, I get more than I give.
Phil’s Friends Chicago-land Chapter
Would you like to be a part of our Phil’s Friends Chicago-land chapter? We generally meet on the last Thursday of each month in Elmhurst; please see the calendar on our website for specific dates. We discuss and implement various ways of fulfilling our mission of offering hope and support to cancer patients. Attendees are cancer patients, cancer survivors, volunteers, caregivers, those who are indirectly affected by cancer, and those who want to help in making a difference. All are welcome! For more information, please contact us at info@philsfriends.org or call us at 630-577-7695.
Phil’s Friends Support Groups
Immediately following our Chicago-land chapter meetings (see above) in Elmhurst, IL, a support group meeting is held. Again, all are welcome to attend this support group. It is led by a cancer patient/ survivor and Phil’s Friends volunteer, and it’s a time to discuss how cancer has affected us directly or indirectly, how to deal with it, helps for care giving, and how we can turn to Scripture for comfort, peace, joy and guidance. Please email us at info@philsfriends.org for details and for any questions you may have. We would love to have you join our Chicago-land Chapter and Support Group!
For information about another current Christian support group in Libertyville, IL, please contact Farrel at ffort@sbcglobal.net or 847-362-8155. Also, if you are interested in the possibility of having a support group established closer to your home, please contact Farrel.
Phil Receives Volunteer Award!
Recently Phil was the recipient of the 2007 Volunteer Excellence Award from Thrivent Financial, a Fortune 500 company. He was chosen as one of a few recipients from the country. Phil accepted the award on behalf of the ministry, highlighting the amazing volunteers who make the ministry run day to day. He explained that the role of each of the volunteers is very important in fulfilling the mission of providing Christ-centered support and hope to those affected by cancer. He explained that it is actually difficult to think of himself as a volunteer because bringing the Gospel message to cancer patients and their families is really a life calling. He emphasized that he is grateful for the many things that God has done through Phil’s Friends, for the growth that has taken place thus far, and for all that God will continue to do.
Thrivent awarded Phil with a plaque as well as a gift of $500 to the ministry. Phil expressed his thanks not only for the award, but moreover for the continuing partnership with Thrivent through their generous volunteers, assistance, and matching funds that they provide.
Would you like to send a care package to a cancer patient?
If you know of someone who has cancer, feel free to request a care package to be sent to them. Our care packages contain numerous comforting items as well as spiritual material including the Gospel message. We have care packages for women, men, teenagers and children. We can mail them directly to their home, we can mail them to you if you would like to deliver them personally, or we can deliver them to the patient if they are in the Chicago area. There is no cost to have these assembled and delivered. If you would like to request one, please click here.
To date, Phil’s Friends has sent out over 380 care packages!
Prayer
We believe in the amazing power of prayer, and we have volunteers who pray regularly.
If you would like to add a cancer patient's name to our prayer list (with their permission) please click here.
Do you have specific prayer requests for a cancer patient? Feel free to email them to info@philsfriends.org at any time. These requests are updated continually, and our volunteers are ready to pray for your specific requests!
Adopt-a-Cancer Patient
Would you like to walk alongside a cancer patient? If you would like to be in communication with someone who is dealing with cancer to offer support and encouragement, please click here. For any questions, contcat us at info@philsfriends.org.
School Opportunities/Youth Group Opportunities/Vacation Bible School Opportunities
If you would like to highlight Phil's Friends for a chapel service, service project, mission of the month, ministry offering, or would like to be involved in any way, please feel free to contact us at info@philsfriends.org. For chapel services or care package drive information, please click here. We would look forward to partnering with you!
Phil’s Friends Merchandise
Want to sport some Phil's Friends Merchandise? Click
here to view and purchase our merchandise.
Chapters
If you would like information about starting a Phil's Friends chapter in your church, school, university, or organization, please click here. Chapters can be established and operated according to your schedule and availability.
Donating
Click
here to make a donation for a cancer patient. Every $50 we receive allows us to assemble and deliver a care package.
Click to make a donation for a cancer patient. Every $50 we receive allows us to assemble and deliver a care package.
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13
Phil's Friends is an official 501(c)3 public charity. All donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.
Phil's Friends
405 S. Rush Street
Roselle, IL 60172
630-577-7695
www.philsfriends.org
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