Just what I needed to read after my husband was diagnosed with cancer I've learned so much from this book. The story will help so many people.
Judy, Professor Emeritus
I have been encouraged by Phil since the moment we met over a decade ago. Seeing his story become available to the masses is so powerful because it convincingly demonstrates that our hope is stronger than our painful circumstances.
Nick Roach, 8-year NFL Veteran as Linebacker for the San Diego Chargers. Chicago Bears, and Oakland Raiders
What God has done in Phil's life is nothing short of amazing! Phil's story needs to be heard. It is such an encouragement.
Ted
About
Phil Zielke
At age 22, Phil Zielke was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer and immediately began aggressive chemotherapy treatments at the University of Chicago. Once he was showing no signs of cancer, he began his first year as a fourth-grade teacher. But then in April 2005, three months away from marrying his fiancée Carrie, Phil received the devastating news that his cancer had returned. He not only had to postpone his wedding but also step away from his teaching job to undergo treatments again.
At the height of those treatments, Phil endured several days of lethal chemotherapy, followed by a stem-cell transplant and aggressive radiation. Those were some very dark days for Phil, and he often cried out to God, “Lord, if it's time for me to go to heaven, I'm ready. But if it’s not my time, I'll dedicate the rest of my life to you and what you have planned for me.”
God answered that prayer by gifting Phil a cancer-free life. Phil was able to marry Carrie in June of 2006; and then, in keeping with his promise, founded Phil's Friends to encourage others impacted by cancer with Christ-centered support, just as he had been. For Phil, that support included a care package, hospital visits, a Bible, cards in the mail, and prayer. Now, through Phil’s Friends, thousands each month receive this same support.
Phil, now 43, is now a regularly sought-after national speaker, presenting on various topics at schools, churches, companies, and other venues. He also has a weekly segment on Moody Radio, "Consider This."
He is currently pursuing a degree in Ministry Leadership at Wheaton College Graduate School,
“Seeing the Good in It” is Phil’s first book.
Phil and Carrie live in the western suburbs of Chicago with their two sons, Graham and Hudson.
“When I finally did close my weary eyes, it was as if I heard a clear whisper from God. “Are you ready to stop fighting this with your own strength? You will keep struggling like this if you continue to try to do it all on your own. Why don’t you give the cancer to me so can fight this battle for you?” In that moment, it hit me—I didn’t need to feel alone in my battle if I didn’t want to. The ultimate reason I was struggling so much with the recurrence of my cancer was because I was trying to fight it on my own. I finally realized that it was time for me to give the situation completely over to God. He became my lifeline.”
An excerpt from "Seeing The Good In It"
Seeing the Good In It
Where is hope found in times of deep suffering?
In your darkest times, who is there for you? What is your source of strength and peace?
What promises can you cling to that actually bring hope? These are the questions
Phil wrestled with as he learned that his determination and self-confidence were no
longer enough. This wrestling led him to a greater intimacy with God and a desire
to help others in similar situations. This is how Phil’s Friends—a ministry that sends
cards and care packages to those with cancer—was born.
