Page 23 - Built For God Handbook (Annotated and Explained Edition) - The Christian Edition of the Tao Te Ching - The New Evangelization - Pope John Paul II

xxi

After three months of teaching, Richard said he would
leave the following day and not return to see Keith again. They
celebrated their last day together at Redondo Beach Pier before his
departure. While walking on the boardwalk to the restaurant,
Richard stopped, raised his hands high, and asked Keith if he could
feel the power and glory of God coming from the ocean water. Not
exactly knowing how to respond, Keith remained silent, watching
him praising God.

Richard was unique in the homeless community because
he did not smell, never asked for money, and always declined
Keith's offer to buy him food or drinks. Keith never recalls seeing
him eating or drinking anything at the fast-food restaurants where
they discussed the Bible. On their last day together, Richard
assured Keith that everything he shared with him was the truth,
including his name. Before departing, Richard asked Keith if he had
any last questions, but he said no without giving it much thought,
and they said their goodbyes. Keith went home that night hoping to
see Richard the following day, but encountered Richard's friend at
their usual meeting spot across the church. When Keith asked
about Richard's whereabouts, his friend indicated that he didn't
know anybody by the name of Richard. Over the course of two
weeks, Keith diligently searched for Richard on every block, day
and night, but he was nowhere to be found.

After his encounter with Richard, Keith felt the need for a
designated place to pray, so he put together an altar in his living
room. During one of his prayers, he asked God to reveal His
presence by keeping all the votive candles burning whenever he
prayed. Over a period of six months, Keith maintained a daily hour-