Posted: Dec. 28, 2009

When Phil Foster found an envelope containing $4,750 in cash near the trash cans outside his family's Oak Creek apartment this September, it didn't take him long to decide what to do with it.

Foster had been out of work for more than two years. That money could pay the rent for months. It could pay off the family's car.

But that money wouldn't do any of those things.

Instead, Foster turned the cash over to an incredulous Oak Creek police officer who helped find the owner, the manager of the Fosters' apartment complex.

Though he received nothing in return for his good deed - and plenty of people have since called him crazy for what he did - Foster said the decision was simple: The money didn't belong to him.

"I'm a Christian," he told police. "It's in my heart."

Trusting that God will provide

Phil said he, his wife, Cathy, and his four children have been trusting God to provide for their needs since Phil was laid off in April 2007 from his job as a facilities planner at Harley-Davidson.

Without having to borrow or ask for handouts from friends or family, the Fosters have been able to stay in their apartment and keep the lights on and food in the refrigerator, all while staying caught up on all their bills.

"We're being blessed. We don't ask for anything from anybody, but we keep getting our needs met," Phil said, adding: "It's proof that it's not just a book full of nice stories. Everything in the Bible has been coming true for us."

Sometimes the providential provisions come in the form of a friend who drops off some groceries or hand-me-down clothing unannounced. Sometimes a fellow church member hires Phil to help with a home maintenance project.

Phil withdrew his 401k, and his unemployment checks cover some expenses. Cathy's Social Security disability checks pay the rent. Groceries from the Salvation Army are a big help, as is state health care.

Making it work with less

The Fosters have also cut costs to help make their budget work with less income. The family almost never goes out to eat, they don't travel, they don't go to the movies, they avoid name brands and they buy in bulk, Cathy said.

"We watch for things on sale and we spend our money wisely," Cathy said.

The family prioritizes expenditures, starting by giving a tithe to their church, then paying rent and then paying the utility bill.

Sometimes there's a little leftover cash, which allows the family to go out for burgers or buy a new DVD (which, Phil pointed out, is much cheaper than taking six to a movie theater).

Whenever money does get tight, Phil said he has learned not to worry.

"I just sit back and keep saying the same thing: God's going to cover for us," he said.

Cathy said she agrees.

"He's proven to us that he's there and he can do it," she said.

The right job will come along

Phil and Cathy are applying the same philosophy to Phil's job search. Despite constantly being turned down for all types of positions, he remains optimistic.

"When the right job comes along that's supposed to be, I'll get the phone call," he said.

Phil's ongoing unemployment is not for lack of trying to find a job. In fact, many interviewers have said they like his mindset and his skills. It's his pay grade that's the problem.

"It's been a nightmare," he said. "You get told by the interviewer that they like your personality and think you can handle the job. But then they see your salary history."

Even when he insists he's willing to settle for less money than what he earned at previous posts, potential employers say they're afraid he'll get bored and leave. Even a fast food restaurant turned him down, citing that same reason.

Cathy said Phil's employment struggles just mean there's something better out there.

"God's got other plans," she said. "In his time."

Counting their blessings

Without work, Phil is spending extra time with his family. The Fosters home school three of their four children.

Phil also volunteers at Changing Lives Assembly of God Church in Cudahy, where he helps with maintenance projects, serves as an usher and helps with the children's ministry. The Foster children are greeters at the church.

"The church has really pulled us together," he said.

Despite all the Fosters' challenges, Cathy said the family is pulling through.

"While this is a bad time for all, we are counting our blessings," she said.

But it's more than even that, Phil said.

"We're not just surviving. We're thriving.

"Even though we've been out of work for almost three years," he said, "it's been a good three years."