God is Faithful! (December 2021)

Hello Beloved Friend!

We are most delighted to wish you and your family a belated "Merry Christmas" and a most blessed New Year! ❤️ We appreciate your friendship and are deeply grateful for you! These bi-monthly updates are intended to reinforce our relationship and to perhaps inspire you to whisper an informed prayer for us. Here are some general updates about us:

Many Transitions: We are coming to the end of 2021. What a year it has been! Phil was laid off in 2020 due to Covid-19 realities. Therefore, we sold our home; lived in a trailer until the water lines froze; temporarily moved into a farmhouse; started the year by renting a townhouse in Hamilton, and in August 2021 moved to Fort Erie. During all those transitions, 3 words have kept our grip on hope: "God is Faithful!" Our role in employment went through many transitions too. This past year Phil was a part-time janitor; a part-time interim pastor at St. George Baptist Church; and then was called to First Baptist Church Fort Erie to begin a full time calling in August 2021. During all those employment transitions, 3 words helped us keep a grip on hope: "God is Faithful!" Melanie also navigated home-schooling, a new elementary school for the boys, and patience during Phil's Doctor of Ministry journey.

3 words helped her keep a firm grip on hope: "God is Faithful!" This year has also been a roller-coaster for health concerns. We were in a province-wide lockdown for the first few months of the year. We had health concerns for my father who was in the hospital a year ago after falling down the stairs at home. Jonathan, David and Melanie were Covid-19 positive in August. And yet again, during all those health concerns, and in the process of finding new local medical help, 3 words have kept our grip on hope: "God is Faithful!" In our new ministry context we have the honour and privilege of serving some refugees with their own stories of fear, loss, transitions, and uncertain futures. On Christmas Day our family invited some refugees to join us for supper and as we ate together, laughed, and played games my soul was deeply moved. Why? Because whatever our stories, during times of transitions, we can say with Lamentations 3:22-24 (NLT):

"The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease.

Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.

I say to myself, 'The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!'"

What will 2022 hold? I don't know what the year will bring but we are confident that our hope is in the LORD. God is faithful! Thank you for praying for us during this past year! We treasured your prayers, words of encouragement, kindnesses, and cheering us on! Thank you so much! ❤️❤️ You've been faithful friends to us.

Ministry Moments: In the last 5 months at First Baptist Church Fort Erie we have been honoured to witness God's Spirit moving in various ways. In August, our church and friends were quick to respond to the earthquake in Haiti and we have sent over $6000 to assist 94 families in the region of Les Cayes where the earthquake hit. Our Associate Pastor is in Les Cayes right now visiting family over Christmas and is likely bringing greetings from the church. We thank God for the privilege of being a partial answer to pray for many Haitian families.

In October, our church partnered with the local Matthew House Refugee Ministry and over $17,000 was raised through a bike ride fundraiser! That is amazing! Jonathan raised a $1000 all by himself and we are so proud of him! This past year has taught him that it is an honour and privilege to help and serve people in times of need. I could also mention our partnership with CBM through Bolivia to assist in the Chagas ministry or I could tell you how our youth group brought in food for the food bank... but what amazes me the most, is the promise of Jesus in John 13:35. Jesus promises us that people will take notice if we love one another. I've witnessed that in the church! People are excited to come to church! We've welcomed new members; I've had the absolute delight of leading people to accept Jesus as their personal LORD and Saviour; and we have a baptismal service coming up on January 16, 2022 where multiple people are desiring to be baptized. I love God's church! 😍 It is such an honour and privilege to play a small part in the great history of God's Church! If the Spirit nudges you, we would value your prayers as we continue to walk in step with the Spirit and share God's good news of great joy!

Well my Friend, those general updates are a reminder that God is faithful and that we treasure your prayers! We always love to hear from you and if you are ever in the area please do call or drop by! We would love to see you! Until then, may you have a most blessed New Year! God is Faithful! Amen?! 😁

Love,

Phil, Melanie, Jonathan, and David Styles

58 Riceland Rd., Fort Erie, ON Canada L2A1R3