76 Days Later ...

Hello Beloved Friends and Family!

Two months ago, on August 9th, 2020 we communicated in our bi-monthly prayer update that we were in a season of transition due to Covid-19. The outpouring of love and care that followed has been so encouraging!

From prayers, to notes, to financial gifts, and hospitality offers we have been deeply encouraged and blessed! Thank you so much for your kindness! It reminded us again of why we so deeply love our friends and God’s family! We’re deeply grateful!

Since that time, we could have sent an update every week about what has been changing in our lives! Here are our biggest updates:

ACCOMMODATIONS: Phil was laid off on July 16. We soon thereafter put our house up for sale. After multiple house showings we accepted an offer on our house in Lindsay Ontario on August 10! Melanie finished her employment on September 14. The house closing date was September 15 and we moved on that day! Our time involved packing; interviews; goodbyes; a community funeral; researching schools for children; acquiring storage; researching real estate; and etc.

On September 15 we moved into Melanie’s brother’s trailer on her parent’s farm in Ancaster, Ontario. The boys love playing with the farm cats, helping grandpa in the barn, or playing with their cousins who also reside at the farm. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed being with family. But as the Canadian weather is getting colder and the confined space has its own challenges with young children and pets, we are in the process of negotiating a lease to rent a small townhouse in Hamilton starting in December.

SCHOOLING: Melanie is homeschooling the boys! Jonathan is so excited about learning to read simple books as he is in Grade 1. David is in Junior Kindergarten and seems to be excelling in mathematics. David told me this past week, “Daddy, in 42 years you’ll be 91 years old.” That's correct! Phil is pressing on with his Doctor of Ministry studies which I do at my parent’s house in Grimsby when possible. I am about to start my final chapter and then edits which is exciting!

EMPLOYMENT: Melanie and I are resourceful and adaptable which is why most of our life journey has been missional and dynamic. Historically, we’ve had 23 foster children whom were all very different but dearly loved! We’ve served short-term in 11 different international countries where we witnessed, for instance, the ending of child labour in Tuni India, or teaching an intensive week leadership course in a seminary in Indonesia, or showing teachers in Rwanda a new pedagogy in the post genocide generation. We’ve also served in very contemporary churches and traditional churches. We’ve served in the city and in rural contexts. Therefore, we are open to wherever God may lead us and are grateful for the privileges. In my devotions this week I was reminded, “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people” (Colossians 3:23 NLT).

Due to Covid-19, churches are moving cautiously and there is still uncertainty about what this next chapter will look like for us. There have also been provincial travel bans with requirements to isolate for 14 days which also makes certain opportunities challenging. In this time of transition and waiting, and to help with finances, Phil started a part time janitorial job at a condominium in October.

Hence, I am currently focussing on my studies “two day” a week, working in a janitorial role two days a week, helping with homeschooling one day a week and weekends are a mixture of household chores and adventures, like nature walks!

During this whole process, God has been guiding my Spirit to Romans 12:9-13 again and again, which says:

“Love from the center of who you are; don’t fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle. Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality” (MSG).

And God willing, we will do so. Thank you for thinking and praying for us as we navigated our new realities. We love you! May our next update at Christmas continue to reveal the kindnesses of God and people.

In His love and care,

Phil, Melanie, Jonathan and David Styles