Tikimt 14 — October 24

Philip the Apostle and the Traveler from Ethiopia

Philip was one of Jesus' helpers. He was one of the seventy-two disciples, a big group of friends Jesus chose to go out and teach people about God. When Philip heard Jesus teach, he believed right away and followed Him.

Philip went to many towns to share the good news. He taught people about Jesus and baptized them, washing them with holy water as a sign that they now belonged to God.

One day an angel told Philip to walk along a certain road. There he met a man from far-away Ethiopia. This man worked for Queen Candace, and he was sitting in his chariot reading from the Bible. But he could not make sense of the words, which spoke of someone gentle like a quiet sheep. Philip kindly explained that they were about Jesus, who loved people so much. The man was so happy that he asked to be baptized, and Philip baptized him right there on the road.

After that, God's Spirit carried Philip away to another town to keep teaching. He traveled far, and his four children helped him tell people about Jesus. So many people came to love God because of them. When his work was done, Philip died in peace, gentle to the end.

Like a sheep he came to his slaughter, and like a sheep that bleats not before him that will shear him.— Isaiah 53:7

Moses, the Man of God

Moses was born in a city called Byzantium. His mother and father were very rich, but they loved God most of all. They prayed and prayed for a baby, and God gave them a sweet little boy. They named him Moses, which means "man of God," because God had heard their prayers.

When Moses grew up, his parents arranged for him to marry a kind young woman. But on his wedding day, Moses felt a quiet calling in his heart. He wanted to give his whole life to praying and loving God. So he gently said goodbye, gave his fine clothes to the poor, and went off to live a simple life.

Moses traveled to a faraway city and lived among the poor. He prayed all day and night and shared what little he had. He was so humble that for a long time, nobody knew he had once been a rich man's son.

After many years, Moses quietly went back to his own father's house. But he was dressed like a poor traveler, and his father did not even recognize him! Moses stayed near his old home for twelve more years, praying and being kind, never telling anyone who he really was.

At last, Jesus appeared to Moses with a promise: anyone who remembers Moses, or feeds a hungry person, or gives water to someone thirsty, or gives clothes to someone cold, would be blessed by God. Soon after, Moses went home to heaven, and the angels welcomed him with singing. When his family read the little note in his hand, they learned at last that the gentle stranger had been their own dear son all along.

Blessed art thou, O Moses, My chosen one, for thou hast loved God more than riches.— the words of the Lord to Moses

Gabra Krestos, the Hidden Prince

Gabra Krestos was the son of an emperor and a queen who loved God. His name means "servant of Christ." His parents had prayed for a long time for a child, and God blessed them with this good son.

Like Moses, Gabra Krestos wanted to give his whole heart to God. On his wedding night, he gently said goodbye to his bride and quietly left the palace to follow Jesus. He sailed across the sea to a faraway land called Armenia, where he lived near a church and prayed for many years.

After a long time, Gabra Krestos returned to his own city. But like Moses, he was dressed so simply that no one knew he was the emperor's son. He lived close to his family for fifteen years, praying and being patient, even when people were not kind to him. He never asked God to punish anyone. He only asked God to take him home one day.

When Gabra Krestos died, his family found a little note held tight in his hand. When they read it, they discovered the gentle stranger was their very own son! They wept, but they also remembered how much he had loved God. His resting place became a place of healing, where God answered the prayers of those who came.

Abba Aragawi, Called Za-Mikael

Abba Aragawi was a holy monk who gave his days to prayer and helped many people follow God. People also called him Za-Mikael.

There is a wonderful story about Abba Aragawi. He wanted to reach the top of a high, high mountain called Debra Damo to pray. The story says God sent a great big serpent that gently lifted him all the way up by its tail, like a helping hand from heaven. There on the mountain, Abba Aragawi prayed and served God for many years.

He taught other monks the good rules for living a life of prayer, just as he had learned them. God made a kind promise with Abba Aragawi: anyone who remembers him would be cared for. When his life was done, God lovingly took him home.

The Brave Martyrs

Today we also remember a group of brave friends of God named Tarakwa, Damatius, Emraya, and many faithful people who stood with them. They are called martyrs, because they stayed faithful to God even when it was very hard.

These good people loved Jesus so much that they would never stop following Him, no matter what. They were not afraid. They trusted that God was with them and was taking them home to live with Him forever. We thank God for their brave and faithful hearts.