A December to Remember

Hello Our Dear Friends!

I can hardly believe it is already December! We last touched base in September and we want to give you a general update about our family. Thanks for taking time to read and perhaps whispering a prayer for us. We appreciate you!

1. We are so grateful for Jonathan and David! Jonathan is excelling in kindness and recently made a flyer for our neighbourhood to gather items for the food bank. Together the boys and the church's Kids Group gathered a large amount of food!

Heaven smiles. As Proverbs 19:17 says, “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.” In our last update in September we mentioned Jonathan's care for our local refugees, and I am also happy to report that he raised over $2300 in the Ride for Refuge!! Thank you to those who generously supported him/us. May Jonathan’s kindness grow as he cares for others!

David is excelling at sports and beating us all at board games! God has given him a strategic and competitive mind. He is enjoying reading and drawing pictures or making us books these days. He has a creative edge to his character.

David (Donkey) and Jonathan (Shepherd)

Both boys are presently practicing a church Christmas play as I write this update. They are very cute!! The play is called, "The Night Shift Before Christmas." Contact us if you would like to come to the play!

2. Melanie has been busy this Fall as she is involved weekly with welcoming people to church as a greeter, reading scripture in the services, helping co-lead the mid-week Kids Group and hosting a growth group in our home. She has also been serving on the Christian Education committee and has provided food, prayers, a listening ear and words of wisdom and comfort to families in need. Melanie has also been working on making intentional connections with many of our neighbours and being a positive influence on those she comes across while waiting for the boys at swimming lessons, soccer practice, music lessons or just while standing in line at the grocery store. I love her. She is a gift of God. I would like to request your ongoing prayers for Melanie as she still has daily pain which is sometimes debilitating due to our 2015 car accident in New Brunswick. There has been progressive healing in her jaw issues but more prayer is always welcomed!

Left to Right: Post-Covid Goatee on Phil; David; Melanie; Jonathan

3. Phil is simply grateful. As a diabetic, I got a new insulin pump in late September. Then, in October, I tested positive for Covid-19. My Covid symptoms were "common" but adding my diabetes to the mix made it a very difficult journey. I've learned to be grateful for each day that I have. As a husband, we've been enjoying our weekly date nights and serving together in ministry. As a dad, I've treasured growing and learning with my boys in their developing personalities and character. As a Pastor, I am deeply grateful for the privilege and honour to serve God's Bride, the church. Every ministry situation has its own wonders, delights, and challenges. Some of my Fall ministry highlights have been preaching the final chapters of Revelation, some sweet God moments while praying and fasting, and witnessing people fall in love with Jesus. Pray for myself and our church leadership as we navigate the blessings and challenges of ministry. I know you've been praying for us because we had a most excellent Deacon's meeting this past week. I walked away whispering, "We have a GREAT God! I love God's church!" Thank you. ❤️

As we sign off, we again want to speak blessing and life over you and your family! We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! May the LORD God Almighty bless you with peace in your home, joy in your heart, and the wonder of life in your soul! We send our love, hugs, and prayers. Thanks for staying in touch with us! We value you! ❤️❤️

Love,

Phil, Melanie, Jonathan, David Styles