SOCCER, SWIMMING, AND SERENITY
Hello dear Family and Friends!
We are so grateful for your continued prayers and encouragement as we step into an exciting new season of life! Our hearts are overflowing with gratitude for all that God is doing in our family, and we wanted to share some wonderful updates with you! ❤️
⚽ David’s Exciting Soccer Adventure!
As we shared in our September family update, David has been playing excellent soccer, and he had a thrilling opportunity to train in Barcelona, Spain, with Barcelona FC (October 8-17)! There were many meaningful memories built including plenty of goals and assists! It was an incredible experience and blessing! Video of one of David's goals below...
Upon our return, on October 18, 2026, David signed with APEX FC who compete in the Youth Super League in Mississauga and various opportunities like the Miami Dreams Cup tournament. We are thankful for the opportunities God continues to place before David. It does make our life very busy, but God placed these unique gifts in David that we want to fan into flame. Please pray for David as he continues to grow in his skills, confidence, character, and love for the game!
🏊 Jonathan’s Incredible Achievement
Jonathan recently completed his Bronze Medallion swimming course! This is an amazing accomplishment at only 12 years old! Watching Jonathan in action is a delight as he is so compassionate and gentle in his “lifesaving” tests. We are so proud of his dedication, perseverance, and determination!
Jonathan also continues to excel in school, and we are incredibly thankful to see him growing academically, athletically, and spiritually! May the LORD, who put a heart of gold in Jonathan continue to grow and develop him in caring for people in various ways.
🙏 A New Chapter for Phil
On October 31, 2026, Phil retired from his Pastoral role at First Baptist Church Fort Erie! Phil feels called by God to invest in his family in this next chapter of life. We are embracing the serenity and joy of new opportunities to explore life together as a family and pursue new interests. Snuggling Melanie, supporting the boys, playing pickleball, reading and writing, as well as coaching soccer are a few of the adventures that await me!
One of the things Phil is especially looking forward to is spending some Tuesdays with his dad who is 92. Together, we will discuss and journal our thoughts about Heaven, creating meaningful moments of connection, faith, and longing! What a beautiful opportunity to slow down, reflect, and cherish the gift of family!
As I am 55, I've had many questions about how we will "survive." God is faithful and we have been wise stewarts with what God has entrusted to us. We don't have any debts, own our house and vehicle, and Phil's pension plan has done well enough to sustain us as God wills. We will use our giftings and calling to love poeple in whatever we do. God is not done with us yet, and for this time he has called me to use my gifts and skills to care for my family,
❤️ Making Memories Together
We are learning to embrace the simple joys of life, laughing together, and treasuring the moments that God entrusts to us! Through every opportunity, milestone, and new beginning, we are reminded of God’s goodness and faithfulness! We are excited to see how God continues to lead our family in the days ahead!
Thank you for praying for us, celebrating with us, and being part of our journey! Please continue to pray for David and Jonathan as they grow in their gifts, for Phil as he embraces retirement, for Melanie as she adapts to Phil’s presence in the house all day 😉, and for our entire family as we seek to make the most of this beautiful new season! To God be the glory!
With love and gratitude,
Phil, Melanie, Jonathan, and David Styles
Congratulations again Phil, Melanie, Jonathan and David.
We missed David in Sunday School but will continue to pray for his soccer games as it’s almost a requirement now in our class. Don’t worry though, we have ALL of you on our prayer list as you start this new chapter together. When Dan and I were newlyweds we signed up for a plan called freedom 55 that that was insurance/ weak Investment plan. However, we quickly dropped out and I ended up with the “freedom 65” plan at my work instead! lol.
Congratulations to David I saw him play during vbs and being a soccer fan I. Was very impressed .To Johnathon too we send congratulations for his swimming certification .Johnathon has a very caring and loving personality .He was very helpful in the vbs looking after his group .
We wish you all the very best you will all be missed .I regularly checked in with David on how many goals he had that week .Would love to hear updates .Our thoughts and prayers will be with you all God Bless Carole &Lawry