Rhoda: The Damsel

Born mute, an unloved teen runs away to Jerusalem. Hungry, penniless, and with no voice to ask for help, she is about to forsake her quest and return to Jericho. But a fateful encounter with Jesus rewards her faith with a voice. Her innocent nature and external beauty earn the young girl her very own name - Rhoda, which is Greek for "rose". But the most precious gift she receives is the daily example of Jesus' love and sacrifice. The grateful girl travels the countryside with Jesus, His apostles, and the faithful women followers. The apostles, Peter, Andrew, James, and John become like her brothers. For the first time in Rhoda's remembrance, she is in the company of nurturing women. There is Mary, the sweet mother of Jesus; Salome, the ambitious, vibrant mother of James and John; Mary Magdalene, ever loyal and devoted; Joanna, the wealthy wife of Chuza, steward to the despicable King Herod; and many other distinctive women who teach Rhoda to serve and survive. Rhoda experiences Jesus' final months of teaching, His death, resurrection and ascension into heaven. With the dawn of the church, Rhoda grows into a passionate, fun-loving, yet inquisitive young lady. It's here that we find the humorous biblical account of Rhoda leaving Peter standing at the gate. Her love for Jesus will take her on her first missionary journey to the island of Cyprus.