This week, we met a man named Paul—but when we first met him, he was known as Saul. Saul was a Pharisee, a religious leader who thought he was doing the right thing by stopping the followers of Jesus. He was full of determination—but it was the wrong kind. Saul was harsh and unkind to Christians, and he had permission to arrest them in faraway cities.

One day, Saul was walking the road to Damascus with a mission to cause trouble. But then something incredible happened.

Suddenly, a bright light from heaven flashed all around him, and he fell to the ground. He heard a voice say, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”

Saul was stunned. “Who are you, Lord?” he asked.

The voice replied, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” (Acts 9:4–5)

When Saul got up, he couldn’t see. He had been struck blind! His traveling companions had to take him by the hand and lead him the rest of the way to Damascus. For three days, Saul didn’t eat or drink anything. He waited. He prayed. And in that waiting, something began to change deep inside of him.

Then God sent a man named Ananias to find Saul. Ananias was nervous—he had heard all the terrible things Saul had done. But God said, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name.” (Acts 9:15)

Ananias placed his hands on Saul and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus who appeared to you on the road—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 9:17)

Right then, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes. He could see again—and he saw everything differently. His heart was changed. Saul was baptized, and he became Paul, one of the most important messengers of Jesus the world has ever known.

But here’s something important: Paul wasn’t changed all at once. Even after his powerful encounter, it took time. He had to grow, to learn, and to be guided by others. Big changes don’t always happen in a flash—even when God is involved. Sometimes, God works in us slowly, steadily, beautifully.

What We Learned:

• God can change anyone—even someone who was once an enemy.
• Jesus meets us where we are, even when we’re headed the wrong way.
• Real transformation takes time and sometimes help from others.
• God’s love is patient, powerful, and always at work.

When I was a little girl, I used to walk with my mom through the garden to pick strawberries. As we walked, she would quietly recite a beautiful poem—Psalm 23.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want…”

Even at that young age, I could picture soft green meadows, still waters, and the peaceful voice of someone who would always guide and protect me. My mom’s voice made the words feel safe and comforting, like God was walking right beside us.

Psalm 23 paints a picture of what it means to trust God completely. Just like a good shepherd cares for their sheep, God makes sure we have what we need. When life feels scary—like walking through dark valleys—He stays close and helps us find our way. And when we’re tired or afraid, He gives us a place to rest.

It’s more than just poetry—it’s a promise. God is always with us, leading us to peace, protecting us when we’re afraid, and surrounding us with love.

What We Learned:

• God cares for us like a shepherd cares for sheep.
• Even in dark or scary times, we are never alone.
• Psalm 23 reminds us of God’s peace, love, and protection.

We hope you’ll come to church this Sunday and learn more about this beautiful psalm. Maybe you’ll even share it with someone you love, just like my mom shared it with me.

See you in church!
Blessings!

This week, we met a man named Elijah, a prophet who was doing what God asked him to do. He had just shown everyone that the Lord is the one true God—but not everyone was happy about it.

When Queen Jezebel heard what happened, she was furious! She sent Elijah a message that said, “I’m going to make sure you’re gone by tomorrow!”

Elijah was scared. He ran far into the wilderness and sat under a tree.

“I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life” (1 Kings 19:4).

But God didn’t leave Elijah alone. An angel touched him and said,

“Get up and eat” (1 Kings 19:5). There was bread and water beside him! Elijah ate, then rested, and the angel came back again and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you” (1 Kings 19:7).

Elijah traveled for 40 days and nights until he came to a cave. There, he hid. But God spoke to him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?” (1 Kings 19:9)

Elijah poured out his heart to God, saying he was scared and felt all alone.

God told Elijah to stand on the mountain. Then came a powerful wind, a strong earthquake, and a blazing fire—but Elijah didn’t hear God in any of those. Finally, there came a gentle whisper. And Elijah knew… God was there (1 Kings 19:11–12).

Even though Elijah felt alone, God reminded him he wasn’t. God gave him new instructions and sent him back out—stronger than before.

What We Learned
• God doesn’t just show up in big, loud ways—He speaks in gentle whispers too.
• When we’re tired or afraid, God gives us what we need.
• It’s okay to feel scared or alone—God is always with us.
• God reminds us of our purpose, even when we forget.

Come back next Sunday to meet a brave shepherd boy who becomes a king!
See you then!

Things weren’t going well for the people of Israel. Once again, they had turned away from God, and now a cruel army, led by Commander Sisera, was making life miserable. The people cried out to God for help.

And God sent someone… unexpected. Not a warrior. Not a king. But a woman named Deborah.

Deborah was both a prophet and a judge. She was so wise and trustworthy that people from all over the land came to see her. She didn’t have a palace or a courtroom—she sat under a palm tree in the hill country (Judges 4:5), listening to people and helping them solve their problems.

One day, Deborah sent for a military commander named Barak. She had a message from God:

“The Lord, the God of Israel, commands you: Take ten thousand men to Mount Tabor. God will hand Sisera over to you” (Judges 4:6–7).

But Barak wasn’t confident.

“I’ll go,” he said, “but only if you come with me.”

Deborah agreed.

“I will go with you,” she said. “But because of the way you are doing this, the honor of victory will go to a woman” (Judges 4:9).

Together, they led the people. At just the right moment, Deborah gave the signal:

“Go! This is the day the Lord has given Sisera into your hands. Hasn’t the Lord gone ahead of you?” (Judges 4:14)

Barak charged forward, and God gave Israel the victory.

This story matters because Deborah listened to God and used her voice to bring justice and peace. In a time when women were rarely leaders, she showed strength, wisdom, and courage. She reminds us that anyone—girl or boy, young or old—can lead when they trust God and do what’s right.

What We Learned:

• God chooses leaders who listen, even when they don’t look like what people expect.
• Deborah used her wisdom and courage to help others.
• Barak learned to trust God’s plan—even when he was unsure.
• When we listen to God and act faithfully, great things can happen.

We hope to see you in church this Sunday!

Blessings!