Acts 16: 9-15   

Amos 5: 7-14

In Prayer Paul  finds a new direction - Macedonia. He acts on the vision - in looking for the place of prayer he find the women who gather outside the gate and despite the barriers of gender, race, religion he tells them about Jesus and Lydia’s “heart is opened”

Much of Christian Aid's work is done with the women in any community - directly with the people who can make an impact on their own community - like Lydia they are often prayerful, they often have access to other women and their needs, they will often have the business skills (or can be taught the business skills)  to help themselves and their hospitality provides a safe space to grow a future.

Every community need people who pray together - we have one regular group - we need more.

In hospitality Lydia is able to break down the barriers caused by culture and ideas of purity - feel Paul’s reluctance, uncertainty. Lydia’s hospitality open heart, creates a a new church - a fresh expression of the gospel, a place where others can find care, grace, love.  

CA work with people who open doors to them - local partners looking to help themselves - hospitality involves willingness to give and to receive (give and collect) - hospitality opens new doors -  

where does our hospitality open new doors for the gospel?

Prayer & hospitality in the name of the gospel leads to new action. Lydia forms a new church, Paul has a base from which the gospel can be spread around the region. The church in Phillippi will grow into a place where God is active amongst the whole of society.

CA puts compassion into action - “Growing a Future” turns our money & prayers into new opportunities for thousands of people.

Where will our prayers and hospitality lead to new action? How can we grow a future?