Megabit 2 — March 11

Abba Makarawi, the Brave Bishop

Long ago in the warm land of Egypt lived a good man named Abba Makarawi. He came from a kind and important family, and he loved God with all his heart. When he grew up, he was chosen to be a bishop, a church leader who watches over God's people the way a shepherd looks after his sheep.

One day a hard time came when some powerful people were unkind to Christians. A judge sent men to bring Abba Makarawi to him. Before he went, the bishop walked into his church. He lifted up his hands and prayed, and he asked Jesus to keep the church and all his people safe.

Abba Makarawi was not afraid, because he trusted God. Even when people tried to scare him so he would stop loving Jesus, God gave him strength and kept him safe and well. Everyone who watched was amazed at how God cared for him.

While Abba Makarawi was kept far from home, God answered his prayers in ways people could see. There was a boy named Eucharitus who could not move his hands or feet. Abba Makarawi prayed for him, and the boy was healed and could run and play again! Two children named John and Isaac came to him crying because they would miss him. He hugged them, said kind words, and sent them home comforted.

After being brave for a long, long life, Abba Makarawi went home to be with God in heaven. A kind friend named Julius placed his body on a boat to carry it back to his own city. When the boat reached the city gate, it stopped and would not move. This was the very place God wanted the bishop to rest. The happy people came out carrying green palm branches and welcomed him home with joy.

Guard the holy things of God's house.— Abba Makarawi's prayer

This is the place where God is pleased that my body shall rest.

Gregory, Who Turned to God

On this day we also remember a man named Gregory, who lived in a city called Roha. When Gregory was young, he made many bad choices and was not kind. Then one day he chose to turn around and follow God instead.

He became a monk, giving his days over to a quiet life of prayer. He tried his very best to love God every day. Gregory shows us that no matter what we have done before, we can always say sorry and start fresh with God, who loves to welcome us back.

God was so close to Gregory that He let him see how happy God's good friends are when they are with Him forever in heaven. Gregory's story reminds us that God is always ready to forgive, and that great joy is waiting for those who love Him.