NEW TESTAMENT

Ananias received a vision from the Lord telling him to go to Saul, who was praying on Straight Street in Damascus. Though initially hesitant, Ananias obeyed God's command. Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. Following this prayer, Saul was baptized and strengthened.

Anna, the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher. She was an elderly widow, she devoted herself to worship, fasting, and prayer in the Temple of Jerusalem. She spoke about Jesus to those anticipating the redemption of Jerusalem when Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the Temple.

A boy in the crowd had five barley loaves and two small fish. Jesus took the loaves and fish, gave thanks, and then distributed the food through his disciples to the people. Miraculously, the food multiplied to feed about 5,000 men, plus women and children, and there were even twelve baskets of leftovers collected afterward.

Cornelius was a Roman centurion stationed in Caesarea who is recognized in the New Testament (Acts chapter 10) as the first Gentile (non-Jew) convert to Christianity.

Paul and Silas were friends who loved Jesus very much. One day, some people didn’t like what they were teaching. They made them go to jail! Even though they were hurt and locked up, Paul and Silas prayed and sang songs to God. While they sang, a big earthquake shook the jail, and all the doors opened! The jailer saw this and was amazed. Paul and Silas told him about Jesus, and he decided to follow Jesus too. Everyone in the jailer’s family believed and got baptized. Paul and Silas stayed brave and happy because they trusted God no matter what.

Pentecost is a very special day when God sent the Holy Spirit to Jesus’ friends after Jesus went back to heaven. The Holy Spirit came like a strong wind and little flames that looked like fire appeared above each person. The Holy Spirit gave them power and helped them speak in different languages so they could tell people everywhere about Jesus. It was like the birthday of the church because it was the start of Jesus’ followers telling everyone how much God loves them!

Peter was praying on a roof one day when he had a special dream. In his dream, a big sheet came down from heaven with all kinds of animals—some Peter had never eaten because they were considered unclean. A voice from God told Peter to eat them, but Peter said no because it was against his rules. Then the voice said, “Don’t call anything unclean that God has made clean.” This happened three times! Peter was confused but listened carefully. Soon after, some men came looking for Peter. God was teaching Peter that everyone, no matter who they are, can be friends with God. This vision helped Peter learn that God loves all people.

The woman who gave two mites (the smallest coins) was a poor widow who came to the temple to give her offering.
Jesus watched many rich people put large sums of money into the temple treasury, but this widow gave only two small copper coins—the very last of her livelihood. Despite the small amount, Jesus said she gave more than all the rich because they gave out of their abundance, while she gave all she had to live on. Her offering demonstrated true sacrificial giving and faith in God’s provision