As we prepare for HopeGateWay’s upcoming sermon series, Rev. Sara Ewing-Merrill, our Lead Pastor, invites us into the ancient story of The Acts (of Paul and) Thecla. Written in the first or second century, it tells of a remarkable 17-year-old young woman who faces repeated near-death experiences, baptizes herself, and is ultimately commissioned by Paul to share the Good News of God. The story of Thecla is as relevant now as it was then—a story of courage, conviction, and integrity. She stood up for what she believed, even in the face of fear and empire, and her witness challenges us to do the same today.