Stephen: The Brave Helper Who Saw Heaven

Stephen was one of seven special helpers chosen to take care of people in the early church. He was full of faith and loved God so much! God gave him power to do miracles and speak wise words about Jesus. Wherever Stephen went, he told people the Good News, and many people listened to his wonderful words.

But some people didn't like what Stephen was saying about Jesus. They told lies about him and brought him before the important leaders. When Stephen stood in front of them, his face glowed like an angel! He wasn't scared at all because God was with him. The leaders asked him, 'Are these bad things they say about you true?'

Stephen gave them a long answer, telling them the whole story of God's people from the beginning. He talked about Abraham, Joseph, Moses, and all the prophets. Then he told them something they didn't want to hear: 'You're acting just like your ancestors who hurt God's prophets. And now you've hurt Jesus, God's Son!' This made the leaders very, very angry.

While they yelled at him, something amazing happened! Stephen looked up to heaven and saw God's glory. He saw Jesus standing at God's right hand! 'Look!' he said. 'I can see heaven and Jesus!' But the angry people didn't want to hear this. They covered their ears, shouted loudly, and dragged Stephen outside the city.

The people threw stones at Stephen, but he did something incredible. Just like Jesus did on the cross, Stephen prayed for the people hurting him! He said, 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit' and 'Lord, don't hold this sin against them.' Then he went to be with Jesus in heaven. Stephen was the first person to die for believing in Jesus, and he showed everyone how to be brave and loving, even when things are scary. His story reminds us that God is always with us, and heaven is real!