Happy New Year!
- Phil Styles
- Jan 1, 2021
- 3 min read
Happy New Year, Beloved Friends!
We deeply treasure you and pray that you are staying safe! Thank you for being our friends! As is our tradition, it's time for our bi-monthly update. We have some encouraging updates:
We moved... again! In September, we were laid off, sold our home, and moved to Melanie’s parent’s dairy farm. The first two months we lived in Melanie’s brother’s trailer. Then, when the weather changed and the water lines froze, we moved into the farmhouse with Melanie’s parents, brother and our three nieces. During a time when so many people have been feeling isolated due to COVID we have been blessed to be in a house full of family! We are so grateful for Melanie’s family’s hospitality and generosity! Phil's family has also been very supportive with meals and acts of kindness.
Now, after a substantial search, by the grace of God we were able to find a townhouse for rent in Hamilton. This past week we moved into our new home and are rediscovering the joys of increased space for studies and autonomy. It is temporary housing as we wait for God’s next steps. Our new address is:
175 Queen Victoria Dr.
Unit 102
Hamilton, ON, L8W 1W6
Canada
A God of miracles! As many of you may know, my 86 year-old dad had a fall down the stairs that broke his nose, a rib, and fractured his C6 vertebrae (Mon. Dec. 21). He was in critical condition. On Tuesday, we invited many of you to pray. To our utter amazement, by Wednesday dad was up and walking about on his own! From not being able to move his arms to putting on his own socks is … well, miraculous! Dad was home by Wednesday and spent Christmas with my mom! He still has pain but is grateful to be home. As many of you would know, the “wait” between the initial news and the doctor’s findings can feel like “forever.” In that wait, my confidence was in the hope of when Jesus will return and we will be with our beloved ones who have gone before us. I am thankful that the wait for dad’s recovery was short but I still long for that day when “there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain” (Rev. 21:4). Come Lord Jesus!
Pressing On! I, Phil, have had the joy of working in a part-time janitorial role in a condominium to earn extra income. As I “wait” for what God may have in store for us, I’ve used my leadership skills in my job to help the Superintendent update policies and procedures and I occasionally get to pray or help a resident struggling with grief. Besides that, I can mop, vacuum, and shine with excellence! In another vein, I’ve also had the privilege to preach weekly at St. George Baptist church during December until the Ontario-wide lockdown took place. Melanie continues to homeschool the boys who have been thoroughly enjoying their one on one time. Whatever our future holds, it will result in us delighting and waiting for Jesus’ return as we are faithful in the small and bigger things of life! We press on!
Well, thank you so much, dear friends, for caring and thinking about us! If you have a moment to whisper a prayer to God on our behalf we would be eternally grateful! We love you! We trust you are doing well! Thanks for staying connected!
Phil, Melanie, Jonathan, and David Styles
p.s. On January 11, David will turn 5 and on January 22, I'll turn 50! It's a BIG year! lol
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