Claire's Friends Update

Mother's Day 2008 Thank you for checking in for an update! This is certainly a time of milestones for us ~ This Mother’s Day marks the 3rd anniversary of Claire’s Friends Ministry. How precious the dear families are that have allowed us to be part of their journey of grief and healing. This past fall, it became obvious to us that God was leading us to become a registered charity. Last November we became a Declared Trust, and early this April we received our Canadian charitable status!

After three years, Claire’s Friends has sent out over 1000 bracelets, with booklets,
around the world, reaching into 9 provinces, and 49 of the US states,
as well as 8 other countries. In addition, although most of our website viewers are
from the USA or Canada, in the past year, we have had visitors from over 50 countries.
We have been able to minister to hundreds of families through this little ministry
that began so simply as a desire to fulfil 2 Corinthians 1:4 – to “comfort those who
are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
It has truly been a blessing to be part of this unfolding ministry, watching God’s hand as He works.

This June, we are planning to hold a 'Butterfly Tea' as a time of celebration
and thanskgiving, as well as looking forward to the year ahead.

This year was challenging, but also encouraging for us personally.
In Fall of 2006, Cynthia was diagnosed with Progressive Systemic Sclerosis, (a form of Scleroderma).
After intensive Naturopathic therapy, she has now been declared 'in remission'! Thank God!
Her symptoms are almost completely gone, which is a tremendous relief.
Life is rarely simple, though, and we are now on a new journey
as we learn more about our 6 year old son's Asperger Syndrome, (a form of Autism).
Our daughter continues to pursue her career plans for working with sea mammals and
our Rainbow Baby, Jonathan, has turned two - seemingly overnight!

We would ask that you continue to pray for this little ministry. God has continued to bless
financially with people who have come alongside and helped support Claire’s Friends and has
blessed us with the conviction and means to continue on. So far we have managed to keep up
with requests, but it can be a challenge at times.

Thank you so much for your kind thoughts and messages and your faithful prayer support!
We look forward to serving and being a means of comfort to families in their grief.

May God bless you,
Cynthia & Heinz Dschankilic
May 2007