A long time ago, in the city of Philippi, there lived a woman named Lydia. Lydia was a successful businesswoman who sold beautiful purple cloth, which was very valuable and hard to make. She was known for her kindness and her love for God, even though she didn’t yet know everything about Him.

A New Beginning
One day, Lydia and some other women gathered by the river to pray. They loved talking to God and seeking His guidance. While they were there, a man named Paul arrived in Philippi. Paul was a missionary who traveled to share the good news about Jesus. He had a special message to tell everyone about God’s love and how Jesus came to save them.

When Paul saw the women praying by the river, he approached them and began to speak. He told them about Jesus and how He had come to Earth to show people how to live and love one another. Lydia listened carefully, and as Paul spoke, something wonderful happened—God opened her heart to understand and believe his message. 

Lydia’s Faith
Lydia was so excited about what she had learned! She realized that she wanted to follow Jesus and be part of God’s family. After hearing Paul’s message, she and her entire household were baptized, which was a way to show their new faith in Jesus.

Lydia was filled with joy and wanted to share her happiness with others. She invited Paul and his friends, Silas and Timothy, to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” They accepted her invitation, and Lydia’s home became a place of hospitality and kindness.

A New Community
Lydia’s faith and generosity did not go unnoticed. She became one of the first converts to Christianity in Europe, and her home became a gathering place for other believers. Together, they prayed, worshiped, and learned more about Jesus. Lydia was a leader in her community, encouraging others to follow God.