The story
Paul and his friends sailed to a city called Philippi. On the Sabbath day, they walked out of the city gate to the river. They heard that people met there to pray.
By the river they found some women praying. Paul sat down with them and told them about Jesus.
One of the women was named Lydia. She sold beautiful purple cloth, which only rich people could buy. Lydia loved God, and she listened closely.
God opened Lydia’s heart, and she believed in Jesus! Right there in the river, Lydia and her whole family were baptized.
Then Lydia said, “Please come and stay at my house!” Paul and his friends went to her home. She gave them good food and a place to rest.
Lydia’s house became a place where the new church met to pray and learn. God loves it when we open our hearts and our homes.
