Living Like Lydia: Teen Reach Volunteers

As I read Acts 16 last week, I recognized Teen Reach volunteers to be like Lydia of Thyatira.   

“So, setting sail from Troas, we made a direct voyage to Samothrace, and the following day to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city some days. And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together. One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, ‘If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.’ And she prevailed upon us.”  (Acts 16:11-15) 

Not long after, Paul and Silas were sent to jail for casting a demon out of a girl who earned her owners a lot of money from fortune-telling. When an earthquake shook the prison, loosening chains and opening the prison doors, the desperate jailer drew his sword to kill himself, but Paul stopped him and shared the gospel. 

Talk about quite the ordeal.  

Paul and Silas returned to Lydia’s house where they were encouraged by the believers. 

Lydia was a seller of purple goods; she had a day job. Those who volunteer with Teen Reach (which includes you) also have a regular job, families, and other commitments. The time volunteers invest is life-changing for many youth who come to Teen Reach camps and mentoring. Our hope is that the seeds which are planted will result in countless lives turning to the hope of Jesus.