Spiritual Father and Son Adoption Mass Ceremony
On January 1, 2023, Bishop Kevin W. Vann Adopts Keith Hoang as his Spiritual Son at Phuong Duc Church in Vietnam
Video Song Title: That We May Be One ( John 17:21 )
Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible. ~ St. Francis of Assisi
1999: Visit to Mary’s Rose Garden at St. Vincent De Paul
In 1999, BFG Handbook author, Keith Hoang, faced considerable challenges in establishing a successful business following his graduation from college. Despite his efforts, he experienced little success and was not financially prepared to support his desire to marry his now wife, Tracy, when she asked him. In light of this, Keith decided to visit and pray at St. Vincent De Paul Church in Los Angeles, California, where he had once visited with his mother during his childhood. On his second visit as an adult, he prayed in front of Mary’s Garden, seeking God’s guidance and support. Should God grant his wishes, Keith promised to dedicate his life to serving God. After prayer and contemplation, Keith felt the presence of God and a shared understanding that blessings would come in the next five years. Upon returning home, Keith shared his excitement with Tracy and promised to marry her in five years.
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven ~ Ecclesiastes 3:1
1999
2004
2004: God’s Blessings & Calling
In 2004, Keith was able to accomplish all of the goals God promised and eventually married Tracy. Soon after, he encountered a homeless street performer and provided him a room in his home for six months against his family’s wishes. He knew it was time for him to keep his promise to God, despite the challenging circumstances.
During this time, Keith taught this homeless person important life lessons about love, trust, and faith in action. He felt inspired to find a way to help others discover the truth, which resulted in a divine calling to write the first Christian version of the Tao Te Ching. However, he felt unqualified due to not owning or reading a single page of the Bible. In fact, he had not completed reading any book throughout his entire life. He relied on Cliffs Notes or captured important information through snapshots, solely pertaining to the books’ key points during his academic years. Keith viewed the Bible as a daunting reference book that would require extensive reading and interpretation. This led him to seek wealth creation to provide support for charitable causes, thereby fulfilling his obligation to serving God. Despite his success in e-commerce, he saw an opportunity in real estate to earn additional income. His wife believed his vocation was to restore the truth rather than contributing financially to charitable causes as a substitute for God’s calling. However, Keith was convinced he could make a more meaningful impact financially than write a book he lacked confidence to do.
2007: Call to Mary's Rose Garden & Miracle Candles
In 2007, Keith was called by Mother Mary to visit her rose garden in St. Vincent De Paul Church after spending nearly two years disobeying God’s will for him to write the Christian version of the Tao Te Ching. Tracy, his wife, strongly advised against going to downtown Los Angeles after midnight due to the potential danger. Nevertheless, he decided to go anyway, assuring her that he would return home safely.
At this point of his life, Keith had lost eight homes in the real estate crisis and prayed for a second chance to fulfill his purpose. Despite feeling unqualified, he heeded the call to speak with Richard, a homeless man sleeping next to Mary’s Rose Garden at the church. Keith asked him his reason for sleeping next to the garden, and he replied in a polite tone, “I don’t sleep on the church property, but for the past two or three hours, Mary continued waking me up, asking me to meet her in front of the garden. I know the church security will ask me to move when they see me sleep outside the halls of the church, but my heart is not at ease unless I come to see Mary.” To the astonishment of Keith, he got the same request from Mary to meet her at the garden while praying the Rosary at home.
Keith soon learned Richard had a lot of knowledge in the Bible scriptures. Inspired by his ability to recite the Bible, Keith saw it as an opportunity to ask Richard to help him understand and apply the Bible’s teachings to his life. He was completely in awe of his intelligence—it was as if Jesus was speaking to Keith in parables. During one of Richard’s teaching sessions on the Bible, another homeless individual passing by took an interest in Richard’s impressive ability to share the scriptures and decided to join them.
Richard showed Keith a lot of compassion and love. For three months, meeting late in the evening for five-hour sessions, Keith found the teachings engaging and learned more each day. Richard consistently emphasized the importance of prayer to Keith and offered to guide him in prayer. Richard also encouraged Keith to pray alongside him, showing him several different prayers he could pray at home. Richard revealed the Church’s crisis to Keith, which shook him deeply. Though Keith initially struggled to accept it, Richard’s words stuck with him, compelling him to complete the Christian version of Tao Te Ching as his promise to God. Keith was reminded that if God could call upon a homeless man to recite the Bible, he, Keith, could also be called upon to write the Christian version of the Tao Te Ching.
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-long prayer practice. During this time, he observed that the candles he lit would continue to burn brightly despite having no remaining wax, leaving only the wick. Unfortunately, Keith’s mother innocently disposed of the votive candles on one of her visits, but he retrieved them from the trash bin. His mother continued to dispose of the votive candles whenever she visited, so he decided to hide them from her in a storage box. Keith kept this miraculous occurrence to himself as God directed him to not share the mystery for a year, even keeping it a secret from his wife. Keith regarded this experience as a confirmation that God was with him, to fulfill the promise of God given to him.
2007
2008-2012
2008-2012: Public Speaking & Early Version of BFG Handbook
Keith’s encounter with the homeless man led him to make significant decisions that affected the course of his life. He chose to step away from his successful e-commerce business and devoted the next five years (2007-2012) to studying the Bible and Eastern spirituality.
In 2008, Keith joined a public speaking organization, but was sternly warned by the club members to stop sharing his Christian faith, despite receiving the most votes for best speaker four times in a row. Unfortunately, on his fourth speech, a club officer became extremely angry with Keith because he continued to share his Christian faith and threatened to remove him from the organization. The angry, middle-aged man told Keith he would get the support of all the club officers to vote him out of the organization. This outburst occurred in front of all the members, causing Keith considerable embarrassment. Regrettably, no one came forward to defend Keith except for one lady who intervened to calm the tension in the room. She told the angry individual there was nothing wrong with what Keith shared and he had the right to tell his personal story. Despite being voted best speaker, no members appeared willing to support him when the time came, even a Catholic who attended the same parish. Disheartened, Keith resolved not to return to the organization unless a Catholic priest miraculously attended the next meeting. He knew God would not fulfill such a ridiculous and silly request, laughing, as he told his wife.
While praying The Rosary in bed the following morning, he was still disturbed by the embarrassment, feeling a bit defeated. God told Keith to attend the Benediction prayer on Sunday after mass. However, he had never heard of Benediction and looked it up online. Keith attended the Benediction prayer by Fr. John Tran, whom he met for the first time. Fr. John was excited to learn that Keith was in a public speaking organization and showed interest. Keith was pleasantly surprised to find out that Father John was eager to join him at the next meeting, prompting Keith to reconsider his decision to return. This turn of events led Keith not to question what God can do, even if it sounds impossible, because nothing is impossible with God.
In 2009, Dr. Michael Downey, a professor of theology and editor of the award-winning book, The New Dictionary of Catholic Spirituality from St. John’s Seminary, kindly offered his time to review Keith’s BFG manuscript. Keith reached out again after three months to request a meeting with him. Dr. Downey was impressed with the manuscript and shared with Keith its importance, particularly in China. During the meeting with Dr. Downey at a coffee shop to discuss the manuscript, an unknown lady dressed in a green floral dress tapped Keith on the shoulder and kindly stated, “You fill the room with light and joy.” Dr. Downey inquired if Keith knew the individual, to which he responded with a confused, “No, I don’t know her.” This occurred at the very moment when Keith felt overwhelmed with the responsibility that he might be called to deliver the message to the world. Keith recognized this occurrence as a divine indication that his journey must persist. Upon trying to locate the lady again a few minutes later, she was nowhere to be found.
In 2010, Keith embarked on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem to nurture his spiritual journey and enrich his faith. This pilgrimage provided Keith with a valuable understanding of the Bible, allowing him to press deeper into God’s love and gain a greater appreciation for Jesus’ teachings. His journey offered him insights into visualizing Bible stories and drawing parallels between Jesus’ life and his own, providing him with a unique perspective. His pilgrimage marked a significant milestone in his spiritual journey, and his experiences in Jerusalem have since continued to influence his ongoing spiritual growth.
In early 2012, Taoist Master Derek Lin, a distinguished and best-selling author in the Tao genre, assisted Keith in completing an early Christian Edition of the Tao Te Ching, BFG Handbook. It was an unexpected privilege for Keith to receive support from such a renowned figure in the field. Derek’s contribution was significant and greatly appreciated. Keith found comfort in knowing that God would ensure the right individuals were chosen to help him fulfill God’s promise.
Following the passing of his grandmother Nhu Pham on August 9, 2012, Keith felt even more compelled to complete his book. A mere hour after his grandmother breathed her last breath, she began to shed tears when Keith bade his final farewell, which led him to promise God he would complete the BFG Handbook before the year’s end. Keith decided to dedicate this book to his grandmother in appreciation for the affection she bestowed upon him.
In December 2012, he finally completed an early version of the BFG Handbook, dedicating it to his grandmother. Keith also wrote a song with a friend, inspired by the eulogy he shared at her funeral, called “Nhu Pham,” in her memory. Furthermore, he received a divine promise that a bishop from the Catholic Church would join him as a co-author before he began writing the book. Together, they would work on revising his BFG Handbook and initiate a movement aimed at bringing back the truth to every nation.
2014: Keeping the Faith
After completing the early version of the BFG Handbook in 2012, the following two years, Keith contacted Church leaders to present his vision of restoring the truth through the BFG Handbook. Despite his best efforts, Keith was unsuccessful in gaining their support. Unfortunately, in 2014, his prolonged absence from the business led to unforeseen and unbearable challenges that made it difficult for him and his wife to raise their five children. After dedicating seven years of his life to serving God wholeheartedly, the business collapsed, and the couple suffered financial hardship. Keith prayed daily, asking God to strengthen his faith and guide him through the difficult path ahead, allowing him to concentrate on God and fulfill his purpose. Over the course of the next three years, he dedicated himself even more to serving God, while working tirelessly to rebuild the business. Throughout the trials and tribulations, Keith kept his faith in God and always remained hopeful that he would receive divine restoration. In the face of hardship, his heart was filled with immense joy, knowing that God’s presence was near and the promise would be fulfilled.
2014
2017
2017: Restoration, Archbishop Sylvain Lavoie & Family History
In 2017, Keith witnessed a remarkable restoration of his business. God blessed his family with the purchase of a new business building and home. When Keith and his wife, Tracy, signed the escrow papers to close on the business property, they were unaware of the additional commercial property fees approximately $15,000, which gave them a total closing cost around $40,000. Tracy worried about losing the property as they couldn’t find an additional $15,000 to deposit into the bank account in a short time. While driving home that afternoon, Keith told Tracy, “What God started, He will finish.” Upon returning to their office, an unexpected $16,000 check was in their mailbox from a client who purchased goods from their business. The timely arrival of the check was God’s providence to the couple as they were able to deposit it on the same day, before the escrow closed the following day. This event demonstrates the power of prayer and keeping the faith when things look impossible.
God also fulfilled another promise, choosing Archbishop Sylvain Lavoie OMI to become the co-author of the BFG Handbook. Keith attended the Religious Education Congress at the Anaheim Convention Center with his wife, Tracy. He dedicated several hours to carefully plan a schedule of speakers he wanted to hear at the conference. Unfortunately, the booklet containing his schedule slipped out of Tracy’s hands on their way to the event and flew out of the car through a small crack in the window, causing Keith great distress. Upon arrival at the convention center, Keith realized it might be a part of God’s plan for them to listen to alternative speakers.
When Keith and Tracy arrived late for one of the speakers the following day, the building security informed them the room was full, directing Keith and Tracy to listen to Archbishop Sylvain Lavoie, who was speaking across the hallway. When the guard left for a brief moment, Keith and Tracy entered the room against his wishes. They found ample seats, but Keith started having a rapid heart rate, causing shivers and sweats. He believed God was directing him to the adjacent room where Archbishop Sylvain was speaking. Keith left the room, but asked Tracy to stay back to take notes. While leaving the room, the security staff spotted him and gestured toward Archbishop Sylvain Lavoie’s room. After listening to the Archbishop’s speech, Keith presented his vision for the BFG Handbook. A few months later, Archbishop Sylvain joined Keith on his mission to restore the truth and becomes his co-author, as God promised. Archbishop Sylvain Lavoie revised the first edition of BFG Handbook with the Bible scriptures, subsequently publishing a second edition that included the commentaries for each chapter.
When Keith asked God, “Why me?” he got an answer from his father, Tam Hoang. His father reminded him of their family’s unwavering faith in God and shared the story of their ancestors’ sacrifices. His great-great-grandfather, Hoang Lenh Thu, died a martyr for the faith in North Vietnam. Following his martyrdom, his great-grandfather Nguyen Huy Riem and great-grandmother Nguyen Thi Riem built Phuong Duc Catholic Church in Nam Dinh, North Vietnam. His grandfather and grandmother, Hoàng Van Mao (Ông Chánh Mao) and Nguyễn Thì Ty (Ba Van), dedicated their lives to serving the poor and giving the deceased proper burial grounds. Keith’s father also helped restore Phuong Duc Catholic Church in North Vietnam and Chi Hoa Catholic Church in South Vietnam. After learning about his family’s sacrifices and devotion, Keith felt that God entrusted him with the responsibility of keeping their mission alive.
Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ~ Matthew 28:19
2018: Archbishop José H. Gómez of Los Angeles & Pope Francis
Keith received the support of Archbishop José H. Gómez, who sent his first letter to Pope Francis. Msgr. Paolo Borgia responded on the Pope’s behalf, sharing with Keith that the Holy Father had received his letter and asked him to reply for him. The Pope said he appreciated Keith’s devoted sentiments, and he would remember Keith in his prayers. The Pope invoked God’s blessings of joy and peace upon Keith and his family, adding, “With every good wish.”
Keith’s Letter to the Pope:
The Tao Te Ching is a non-religious book that reveals profound spiritual principles. It is eighty-one verses about finding, orienting ourselves toward, and then following the flow of energy and spirit in our life, trusting it both to guide our actions and amplify our efforts to achieve our best possible life. It is an eternal message that strongly influenced other schools of Chinese philosophy and religion, including Buddhism, Confucianism, and Legalism, which was interpreted through the use of Taoist words and concepts when originally introduced to China. Second to the Bible, this classic text is the most translated book in the world with a universal message that transcends culture and time written 2500 years ago.
This began my five-year journey of biblical and spiritual study to complete the first Christian Edition of the Tao Te Ching (Built For God). It features a text of the Tao Te Ching that’s infused with language from the Bible to clarify themes common to both books, and serves to begin a meaningful conversation without religious differences because the core principles share a common truth. The words speak to the heart with simple, direct, and profound wisdom helping one live a fulfilling life.
2018
2019
2019: Book Presentation, Fr. Michael Barry, & St. Thérèse of Lisieux (Little Flower)
In 2019, Archbishop Sylvain Lavoie and Keith finished the revision of the BFG Handbook with the Bible verses. While they were finishing the BFG video presentation for Pope Francis, Keith became ill and went to the emergency room, which led to his immediate and unexpected surgery. Although ill, Keith was concerned the video presentation wouldn’t be completed on time before the nuncio of Canada, Msgr. Luigi Bonazzi, left for Rome. The day before the surgery, on May 29, Keith’s wife called him to share a message she read from a Christian calendar he received for his birthday. The calendar included short messages and scriptures, but on this day, it was very specific to Keith.
You’ll get through this waiting room season just fine. Pay careful note, and you will detect the most wonderful surprise. The doctor will step out of his office and take the seat next to yours. “Just thought I’d keep you company while you are waiting.” Not every physician will do that, but yours will. After all, he is the Great Physician. ~ Max Lucado – Calendar titled, “You’ll get through this”
After hearing this message, Keith felt God was telling him everything would be okay. After his four-hour emergency surgery on May 30, the doctor kept him a few days at the hospital to recover. Once Keith was released, he rushed home to finalize the video presentation and sent it to Msgr. Luigi Bonazzi. The revised BFG Handbook and video presentation arrived a few hours before Msgr. Bonazzi flew to Rome for the gathering of all nuncios in June 2019. Msgr. Luigi Bonazzi, with his supporting letter to Pope Francis, handed over the book and the video presentation to the Substitute Secretariat of State, Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra.
On October 1, Keith had the opportunity to meet with Fr. Michael Barry from San Bernardino. During their conversation, Keith shared an account of the homeless individual named Richard. Fr. Barry then relayed a message from Our Lady of Good Success that shed light on the situation. Keith was surprised by Fr. Barry’s apparent knowledge of the message Richard had conveyed to him. Fr. Barry informed Keith that it was not Richard who conveyed the message to him but Our Holy Mother Mary. After the meeting with Fr. Barry, Keith and his cousin walked down the building ramp to the car. An incredible scent of roses engulfed them. Keith called his wife about it, and she later told him when he returned home that it was October 1, the feast day of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, known as The Little Flower. Keith was convinced she was praying for them.
“When I die, I will send down a shower of roses from the heavens, I will spend my heaven by doing good on earth.”
~ St. Thérèse of Lisieux
2020: The Light of Jesus & Holy Mother Mary's Visit
On April 12, 2020, Keith and his thirteen-year-old daughter, Lexis, experienced a peculiar occurrence while watching Easter Sunday mass online at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. They witnessed a bright light emanating for a brief second in the hallway that lit up the living room. They didn’t think much of it until two weeks later when his wife, Tracy, spoke with Caterina Krai, the parish faith director at St. Lawrence Martyr Catholic Church. Tracy asked Keith where he saw the light. He pointed to the wall midway in the hallway, about five feet from the floor. To Keith’s great surprise, Tracy said she hung a picture frame directly on the opposite side of the wall in her room that read, “He Is Risen (Matthew 28:6).” Keith was stunned and shared it with Fr. Michael Barry who responded:
“The Lord has a very specific mission for you. He is asking you to bring His Church back, back to the true faith, back to true and chaste marriage, back to true priesthood, back to chastity, back to the Holy Spirit. How to do that is a great awakening. There can be no compromising any more. Eucharist is vital. I will offer a mass once a month for you and your family. Tomorrow, I will offer it for you.”
On October 24, 2020, his twelve-year-old daughter Paige had a profound dream revealing the Word of God in Jeremiah 22-23. Despite not ever reading these chapters in Jeremiah and not being an active Bible reader, Paige was able to recount the dream that correlated with Jeremiah 22-23. His wife, Tracy, recorded Paige’s account of the dream onto her phone. Paige’s dream reminded Keith of the conversation he had with Richard, the homeless man, back in 2007. Richard had spoken about how evil entered the church through the cracks, causing division among the clergy and the congregation.
On December 20, 2020, an unexpected and significant event occurred during the family’s attendance at St. John Fisher Church mass service in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. Our Holy Mother Mary quietly called out Paige’s name twice, but Paige mistakenly assumed it was her father and sister. When Paige turned around to see who might be calling her name, an illuminated and divine presence of Mother Mary stood behind her, several feet away, with her arms stretched out.
Paige kept the occurrence to herself, unsure and concerned how her father and mother would react. Eventually, she confided in her father when he inquired about her excessive daily prayers over the past three months. When her father inquired about Mary’s physical appearance, Paige mentioned that she resembled the statue of Mary in their living room. Today, Paige regularly encourages the family to come together to pray the Rosary. Additionally, her initiative to fast on Wednesdays and Fridays has positively influenced her siblings to do the same.
It was encouraging for her father to see such dedication from Paige. He witnessed the power of prayer through the countless times his children have prayed the Rosary. Watching his wife, Tracy, and the children pray has been a transformative and divine experience that strengthened his faith in God. Keith is thankful for the grace bestowed upon his daughter by Our Holy Mother Mary. This extraordinary miracle reinforces his faith in doing God’s will, asking his children to remember him in their prayers.
2020
2021
The Christian Edition of the Tao Te Ching Video Presentation
2021: BFG Movement
Keith and Tracy collaborated with prominent individuals that included Archbishop Sylvain Lavoie OMI, Fr. Michael Barry, and Caterina Krai to form the BFG movement. Extensive discussions were held via virtual means and face-to-face meetings to develop a well-defined direction for the movement. More than ever, Keith feels it is extremely urgent to restore the truth of our faith to all nations.
Since praying at St. Vincent de Paul in 1999, God has worked many miracles in bringing the BFG Handbook to fruition. This handbook is a tool to build the Kingdom of God that will unite us, giving all the people one voice, under God, for the New Evangelization. It uses a common language of the truth people can understand. It establishes a meaningful conversation without stressing religious differences because the core principles share a common truth. The truth of the BFG Handbook will intersect with the moral and cultural reality of today’s society to renew our spirit. It is not a different gospel, but a presentation of the gospel that is new through its expression, through its methods, and through its ardor.
The hope for the BFG movement is to awaken humanity to a life of truth by using the BFG Handbook as a tool for a New Evangelization. There is too much noise fogging our minds and hearts from the truth because we are conformed to this world and its ideologies. We see a growing crisis in the world of politics and social media, corrupting our ability to think and act according to the truth. Thus, we are drowning in too much information while starving for wisdom. This wisdom is the truth of our faith which has been lost, and which alone can quench our thirst. It is essential we restore the truth to build God’s army of Saints for a New Evangelization. It will unite humanity with core spiritual truths that cut across all philosophies and religions and renew our sense of hope in the goodness, beauty, and truth of God. It is a necessary tool for the transformation of hearts, making it even more pertinent in the light of recent global events. Our greatest weapon of choice is the truth against this rising darkness. In John 8:32, Jesus tells us, “…the truth will set you free.”
Let us come together, under God, and ignite the BFG movement, “that all may be one” in Him. We are called to be faithful in the one who is good, and in His goodness, we discover our greatness. Together, we can restore this truth and establish true justice that unites us all.
2022: Light of the Holy Spirit and the Five Signs from God for the New Evangelization: Bishop's Coat of Arms
On January 2022, Keith had a frightening moment, nearly drowning in Newport Beach when his kayak turned over. He had a lifejacket on, but it was too small and improperly buckled before entering the water. Archbishop Sylvain Lavoie saw Keith struggling in the water and paddled out on his sailboard nearly 150 meters to help him return to shore.
Around three o’clock that afternoon, Keith and the Archbishop walked along the beach and encountered a middle-aged woman standing on the second-floor balcony of her beachfront home. She noticed a bright light illuminating Keith a half mile away and insisted on knowing where this light came from. This was particularly strange because no light device could have been brighter than the sun on that bright, warm day. The Archbishop and Keith were puzzled, but Keith was convinced the light was the Holy Spirit protecting him when he nearly drowned.
This experience caused Keith to think about other instances when individuals had commented on this light illuminating his body. Nearly fifteen years ago, an unknown lady in a floral green dress approached Keith and said he filled the room with light and joy. This event happened when Keith discussed his BFG manuscript with Dr. Michael Downey. Another occurrence took place when he prayed the Rosary at St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church. A young man in his mid-twenties fell to his knees, tightly embraced Keith around his waist, and wept for twenty minutes before leaving quietly. Keith felt the young man saw a light of hope in him, a sign that Our Holy Mother Mary was interceding for him, reassuring him that everything will be okay.
Bishop’s Coat of Arms: Five Signs from God
In 2007, God assured Keith that the Lord’s presence would be made clear to him if he took up the cross and followed Jesus. Fifteen years later, on May 29, 2022, he had the opportunity to meet with Bishop Kevin W. Vann from the Diocese of Orange. During their encounter, Keith shared his vision given to him by God for the New Evangelization, highlighting the BFG Handbook as a tool to restore the truth of our faith. The bishop acknowledged him by responding, “There is no better place than Christ’s Cathedral for the New Evangelization.” In the following weeks, Keith received a divine request from God to offer the bishop specific gifts as a sign from heaven. Keith later discovered the significance of these five gifts when he received a booklet of Christ Cathedral from the bishop’s private library. Remarkably, these five signs from God matched the five symbolic images depicted on Bishop Kevin W. Vann’s coat of arms. This was God’s promise to Keith that His divine presence will be with the faithful, uniting them to build up the Kingdom of God and restore the truth to all nations.
First Sign from God: Trees and Rivers and Streams
God revealed to Keith the restoration of the truth will spread from a land abundant with trees and flowing rivers and streams of water. It will begin at the root of evangelization from the East, where the people’s faith is unwavering. This will be the land where the blood of the martyrs flows like water, providing nourishment to everything it encounters. The Gospel will spread far and wide to renew our spirit and bear good fruit. The best illustration to comprehend this divine message is from the teachings found in the BFG Handbook. Therefore, Keith presented Bishop Kevin W. Vann with his BFG Handbook as the first sign from God.
It was planted in good soil beside abundant waters, so that it would produce branches and bear fruit, and become a splendid vine. ~ Ezekiel 17:8
But He said, “On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.” ~ Luke 11:28
The landscape serves as a representation of how the teachings in the BFG Handbook emphasize the importance of spiritual renewal, allowing us to be nourished by the Word of God, like the rivers and streams that nourish the trees to bear good fruit.
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers. ~ Psalm 1:3
The BFG Handbook is not a different gospel, but a presentation of the Gospel that is new through its expression, through its methods, and through its ardor. It provides a snapshot of the Gospel to proclaim Christ to all peoples in our modern times. Keith, Archbishop Sylvain Lavoie, and Msgr. Luigi Bonazzi wrote to Pope Francis in 2019 about the importance of the BFG Handbook. In Keith’s letter, he specifically wrote how the BFG Handbook flows like water to renew our spirit and seek the truth.
“The Spirit of God is like a river of living water and flows to every corner of the world. When water encounters an obstacle such as a rock, it does not attempt to destroy the obstacle, but rather flows around, over, or under it. We can learn from this and apply it to life when we encounter an obstacle. Similarly, the Christian Edition of the Tao Te Ching flows like water. It uses simple spiritual principles we can easily receive and understand without creating obstacles. It will connect with the moral and cultural values of our modern society—Christians and Non-Christians alike—to renew our spirit and seek the truth.” ~ Keith Hoang
On September 24, 2022, this first sign from God was confirmed when Fr. Michael Barry received a divine message, “God Sends,” while praying with Bishop Vann and Keith. The following year, under the divine guidance of God, the bishop’s heart was led to Phuong Duc Catholic Church in Nam Dinh, Vietnam. It was there, on January 1, 2023, that the bishop officially adopted Keith as his Spiritual Son during the mass service, in his native homeland. The blessing of a Spiritual Son led the bishop to a land filled with countless numbers of trees and flowing rivers and streams in every corner and direction. This land marked the start of a religious movement for Vietnamese people that spread throughout Vietnam in the sixteenth century and continues to play an important role in Vietnamese society today. In 1524, Duarte Coelho’s Portuguese fleet reached Hội An in central Vietnam, initially for trading purposes and also bringing Catholic missionaries along. It was in 1533 that a missionary named I-nê-khu arrived in Nam Định in northern Vietnam. It left a lasting impression on the country’s cultural and religious landscape and is a testament to the enduring legacy of the faith.
Five hundred years later, Bishop Kevin W. Vann, the first American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church, continued the enduring legacy of the faith by adopting Keith as his Spiritual Son in Nam Dinh. Today, the people of Nam Dinh recognize Bishop Kevin W. Vann as their Spiritual Father.
This first sign from God became evident during their visit to Vietnam. This land is known for its devout people, where the blood of martyrs flows like water. Nam Dinh is the root of evangelization for the Vietnamese people, indicating that the restoration of truth for a New Evangelization will start from the East by divine will. The lush landscape flowing with rivers, streams, and abundant trees corresponds to how the principles of the BFG Handbook will nourish all who come to Jesus.
They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” ~ Jeremiah 17:8
Keith’s return to his Vietnamese heritage after forty-eight years since leaving Vietnam for the United States in 1975 was a significant moment. During his visit to the region, he gained valuable insights into his family history that expanded upon the knowledge passed down to him by his father. While in Vietnam, it was brought to Keith’s attention that his ancestors donated the land in Nam Dinh where they built Phuong Duc Catholic Church and helped in the construction of Trieu Thong Catholic Church. Adjacent to Phuong Duc Catholic Church, stands a beautiful memorial garden dedicated to Keith’s great-grandfather Nguyen Huy Riem and great-grandmother Nguyen Thi Riem, serving as a reminder for people to honor their unwavering faith in God. Additionally, Keith was made aware that his family lineage includes three martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the faith. His return to this land is a constant reminder of God’s eternal presence and promise to him. This experience has deepened Keith’s understanding of his mission in restoring the truth.
You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. ~ John 15:16
A noteworthy mention is how God brings together the people He calls to carry out His divine purpose at the perfect timing. Fr. Bao was appointed by Bishop Vann in 2022 as Christ Cathedral rector in Orange County. Fr. Bao’s Spiritual Uncle is Fr. John Tran whom Keith met at Benediction, in 2008. Fr. John is the priest who joined a public speaking organization when Keith asked God that he would only continue speaking if a priest joined him. In addition, Fr. Bao’s primary professor at St. John Seminary is Dr. Michael Downey, who helped Fr. Bao achieve top honorary awards. Keith met Dr. Michael Downey in 2009 to discuss his BFG manuscript. He encouraged Keith to pursue his work, stressing its importance to people across the globe.
For the vision is for the appointed time; it will speak of the end, and it will not lie. If it delays in coming, wait for it, for it will surely come before too long. ~ Habakkuk 2:3
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven ~ Ecclesiastes 3:1
In a remarkable turn of events, Keith crossed paths with Fr. Bao in 2022, nearly fifteen years later. Through this divine intervention, Fr. Bao became the instrument of God’s plan as he aided Bishop Kevin W. Vann in his request to arrange a visit for Keith to his ancestral origins in Nam Dinh. Additionally, Fr. Bao played a pivotal role in assisting the bishop in formally adopting Keith as his Spiritual Son.
Second Sign from God: Flower Pendant
God instructed Keith to give the flower pendant from his jewelry box to Bishop Vann as the second sign from God. Although Keith does not know the origin of the flower pendant, he is convinced that St. Thérèse of Lisieux is praying for him. She is best known as “The Little Way” or “The Little Flower” of Jesus Christ.
Keith had no prior knowledge of St. Thérèse until his first interaction with Fr. Barry on October 1, 2019. After their meeting at Mary’s Mercy Center in San Bernardino, CA, a miraculous event occurred while walking down the outdoor ramp of the building. Keith and his cousin suddenly smelled the scent of roses around them, although no roses were in view. Keith did not know the significance of the miracle but later learned from his wife, Tracy, that it happened on the feast day of St. Thérèse of Lisieux Saint’s Day, October 1.
Keith believes she is praying for him to restore the truth by simplifying things concerning our faith. St. Thérèse finds it much easier to reject rules and laws but harder to reject a friendship so we can begin a dialogue. She highlights that it is not about reading theology or praying with beautiful words but believing there is an alternative way to reach God, a much simpler way. A path that anyone can follow by renewing the most fundamental and universal truth.
St. Thérèse’s final desire was to dedicate her life to missionary work in Vietnam, particularly in the northern region where Keith’s great-grandparents built Phuong Duc Catholic Church. However, she passed away from tuberculosis in 1897 at the young age of twenty-four. St. Thérèse was driven by her passion for evangelization with a clear goal in mind, as she says: “What we ask of him is to work for his glory, to love him and to make him loved” (Letter 220). Keith has faith the people in northern Vietnam will receive an outpouring of divine grace from God to build up the Kingdom of God for a New Evangelization. St. Thérèse’s prayers and hope for Vietnam will come to fruition through the love of God.
Pope Pius XI canonized St. Thérèse in 1925 and declared her Patron Saint of the Universal Missions in 1927. Her special message, “Way of Spiritual Childhood,” paved the way for the Second Vatican Council, a return to the Word of God. Pope Pius X (1903-1914) described St. Thérèse as “The greatest saint of modern times.” Jesus showed her how to live her vocation by fully practicing the commandment of love, enabling her to fully engage in the center heart of the Church’s mission. This will shed new light on the faith, leading to a more profound understanding of Christ’s mysteries.
“Charity gave me the key to my vocation. I understood that if the Church had a body composed of different members, the most necessary and most noble of all could not be lacking to it, and so I understood that the Church had a heart and that this heart was burning with love. I understood that it was love alone that made the Church’s members act, that if love were ever extinguished, apostles would not proclaim the Gospel and martyrs would refuse to shed their blood. I understood that love includes all vocations…. Then in the excess of my delirious joy, I cried out: “O Jesus, my Love … at last I have found my vocation; my vocation is Love!’” ~ St. Thérèse de Lisieux (Ms B, 3vº)
St. Thérèse path is not one of great undertakings but one accessible to all, known as the “Little Way.” She receives everything as “grace” because her relationship with Christ is at the center of everything. It is a journey of trust and complete surrender to God. In truth, it is a demanding journey but a path of unwavering faith, making even the most rigorous spiritual commitment feel light.
The BFG Handbook follows St. Thérèse de Lisieux’s teachings, “The Little Way,” for understanding the universal truth, especially in modern times, between different cultures and the creeds of other faiths. The handbook is a presentation of the Gospel that is new through its agents, through its methods, and through its ardor. It’s core principles teach us that God’s way is love, guiding us to love others through the Holy Spirit. Unlike complex methods, this handbook offers a contemporary interpretation of God’s teachings, which is not a sophisticated way of getting into heaven. It is a modern realization of God’s Word, paving the way for a demoralized society to discover the truth. St. Thérèse’s desire to “spend her heaven doing good on earth” (Opere Complete, p. 1050) is being miraculously fulfilled. Today, she showers the world with roses from heaven.
“When I die, I will send down a shower of roses from the heavens, I will spend my heaven by doing good on earth.”
~ St. Thérèse of Lisieux Prayers
Third Sign from God: Keys to the Kingdom of Heaven
God asked Keith to give Bishop Vann the gold and silver keys as the third sign from God. These keys were given to Keith by his grandmother, Nhu Pham. They were attached to his grandmother’s gold cross necklace, but she took the keys off and gave them to Keith when she fell ill and couldn’t speak. He made a promise to his grandmother that he would use her keys for the Kingdom of God. Keith knew that these keys held no monetary value, but to him, they were invaluable because he understood their sentimental importance to her. Keith was deeply moved by his grandmother’s unwavering devotion to God. She spent several hours praying daily with the keys attached to the gold cross she had worn for over three decades.
I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” ~ Matthew 16:19
Fourth Sign from God: JPII Identical Monstrance
Keith was inspired by a promise placed in his heart by God, prompting him to acquire a monstrance for his altar in 2008. The monstrance serves as a constant reminder of God’s presence and the assurance that God’s promise in restoring the truth to all nations will be fulfilled.
Bishop Kevin W. Vann received the monstrance as a Father’s Day gift from Keith, in accordance with God’s will to be the fourth divine sign. The monstrance is now entrusted to the bishop, which has been in Keith’s care for nearly 15 years. Almost a decade after acquiring the monstrance, Keith made a surprising discovery: It was identical to the one used by John Paul II during his procession. He learned from a priest who runs a museum of church relics in Vietnam that only ten of them were made. The priest mentioned that it is a priceless monstrance and possessing one of the ten in existence can attract thousands of visitors to observe it.
It is important to highlight that John Paul II encouraged us to commit all of the Church’s energies to a New Evangelization by presenting the gospel with a renewed expression for modern times. Mission of the Redeemer by John Paul II tells us the crisis of our engagement in mission is not the act of faith, but the content of faith. We must be armed with a basic understanding of our faith in a renewed expression for modern times. Therefore, the Church needs a handbook for evangelization in terms of the content of the faith. Without a handbook for that work of proclamation, the Church cannot engage in mission without having the Gospel to proclaim. Today, we must proclaim the Gospel, using a universal language of the truth people can easily understand, expanding into different cultures, history, and the creed of other faiths. This new expression of the Gospel is the Christian Edition of the Tao Te Ching, the BFG Handbook.
Today, we are witnessing John Paul II’s hope for the New Evangelization through the BFG movement. The fact that it is highly improbable to have a monstrance identical to the one used by John Paul II is a testament to God’s promise to Keith in restoring the truth to all nations.
Fifth Sign from God: Gold Cross
During his public talk on July 2, 2022, Keith presented the fifth and final sign from God to Bishop Kevin W. Vann at Christ Cathedral on Marian Days. It is the most precious gift God requested Keith give the bishop. This gold cross, worn by his grandmother for over three decades, was given to Keith following her passing on August 9, 2012. There’s something truly special about this cross, as it holds a lifetime of memories with his grandmother telling him biblical stories since he was a child.
A mere hour after she breathed her last breath, his grandmother began to shed tears when Keith silently bade his final farewell, promising God he would complete the BFG Handbook before the year’s end. Keith desired to dedicate this book to his grandmother in appreciation for the affection she showed him. Through her unwavering faith and sharing her favorite biblical story of Abraham’s nephew, Lot, Keith’s own faith in God grew stronger. The cross serves as a powerful symbol, representing the faith, love, and devotion of Keith’s grandmother, while also serving as a constant reminder of the blessings bestowed upon his life by God.
A few days before his public talk on Marian Day at Christ Cathedral, Bishop Vann handed Keith a booklet about Christ Cathedral from his personal library. Keith kept the booklet in his car for a few days until his wife, Tracy, asked if he had noticed the Bishop’s coat of arms on one of the pages. Keith was astonished to discover the five signs from God matched the five symbolic images on Bishop Vann’s coat of arms: tree/river and stream, flower, keys, monstrance, and cross. Keith initially had reservations about presenting the cross as a gift to the bishop, as he intended to hand it down to his children. However, upon discovering that the cross held significant symbolism as one of the five images on Bishop Vann’s coat of arms, he had a change of heart and decided to heed God’s calling.
Keith distinctly recalls the time in 2007 when he fully embraced the cross to follow Jesus. God gave him a divine message that there would be a clear sign from heaven upon surrendering his most treasured possessions. This day would be a sign of God’s presence to fulfill the promise given to him. Keith presented the cross to the bishop as a gift on Marian Day during his public talk. He knew God was preparing him to gather the faithful to build up the Kingdom of God and restore the truth. This miraculous sign from God assures Keith that God is with him, calling his faithful shepherd, Bishop Vann, to accompany Keith for a New Evangelization.
“I sense that the moment has come to commit all of the Church’s energies to a new evangelization… No believer in Christ, no institution of the Church can avoid this supreme duty: to proclaim Christ to all peoples.” ~ Pope John Paul II
2022
2023
2023: BFG Ministry and BFG Movement to Build the Kingdom of God.
On November 20, 2023, Keith, and his wife (Tracy) invited Christian faith leaders from Orange County to start a BFG ministry at Christ Cathedral. The announcement was made in the Christ Cathedral bulletin by the rector, Fr. Bao Thai, two weeks prior to their first BFG ministry meeting. The primary objective of the BFG ministry is to practice and strengthen the Christian faith by following the principles in the BFG Handbook. It was their hope that every church will adopt the BFG ministry to spread the Gospel beyond the church walls, reaching far and wide. This initiative will gather the faithful from all nations to ignite the BFG movement that will restore the truth of our faith for a New Evangelization.
On December 9, BFG movement leaders, Fr. Michael Barry and Keith welcomed nearly 1,000 people to a one-day conference at Christ Cathedral for those who have drifted away from their faith. Speakers at the conference were Fr. Michael Barry SS.CC., Fr. Ernest Rush, Cyndi Peterson, Emily Wilson, Tracy Hoang, and Keith Hoang, offering inspiration for deepening our trust in God. Keith and Tracy conveyed the foundational principles of the BFG Handbook to the group. They shared the way we can prepare our hearts to receive the “Flame of Love” by exercising the teachings in the BFG Handbook.
In order to receive the “Flame of Love” into our hearts, Jesus Christ Himself, it is important we first understand the biblical scriptures that lay the groundwork for our faith. It can be distilled into three primary scriptures, Mark 12:30, Mark 12:31, and Matthew 28:19, which tell us to love God, love neighbor, and make disciples, respectively. If you must take a snapshot of the Bible, these are the three most important scriptures to build up the Kingdom of God for a New Evangelization.
How can we use the Christian Edition of the Tao Te Ching, BFG Handbook, to understand the Word of God? To elaborate more on the Tao Te Ching, Tao means “the way,” and Te is the “power” or “virtue” that comes through the unity with the Tao. Ching means a book. Tao Te Ching is the book of way (Tao) and of how it manifests itself in the world (Te). It can be divided into two parts. The first (chapters one through thirty-seven) concerns the Tao, the way of the universe, the source of life and power in all nature, everything we call “good.” The second part of the Tao Te Ching gives further details about “Te” (chapters thirty-eight through eighty-one), which is the virtue. Virtue lives in the human soul, our mind, and the power living within us. It is our will, thinking, choices, passion, love, joy, reasoning, and conscience. “Te” is the energy or power a person can cultivate by living harmoniously with the Tao. Therefore, the Tao Te Ching can be translated as “The Way of Power,” in other words, “The Way of God by the Power of the Holy Spirit.”
In order to spread the message of the Gospel effectively, it is essential for “Tao” and “Te” to guide us in comprehending and living out the greatest two commandments we know from Mark 12:30 and Mark 12:31. In the Christian Edition of the Tao Te Ching, BFG Handbook, the Tao is “The Way” or the “Way of God” which is love. God is love. Thus, the first half of the book can teach us how to love God, in Mark 12:30. This is our Spirit’s inner life in relationship to “God or God-Conscious”: our faith, hope, discernment, peace, revelation, and wisdom to understand truth, knowledge of God, discernment, and perseverance. Our Spirit can communicate and have a deep relationship with God, empowering us to love our God with all our heart, soul, and mind.
The second half of the book, Te, teaches us, virtue. Virtue lives in the human soul. Our soul concerns our inner life in relationship to our “Own Experience”: our mind, heart, will, imagination, thoughts, desires, passions, dreams, fears, reasoning, and morals. While we can make distinctions between “soul” and “spirit,” as St. Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:23, they are fundamentally the same in man (CCC 367). That is, as the Church teaches, the soul signifies the spiritual principle of man. The human body is human precisely because it is animated by a spiritual soul (CCC 363-364). In other words, man is the only bodily being whose soul is a spirit (animals are not spiritual), and the only Spirit which is a soul (angels do not have a body and therefore no soul). Only in humans do we find both soul and Spirit. ~ Catholic Answers.
The soul makes us living bodies, which have rational powers and separates us from other living beings. In 1 Corinthians 6:19, we know our body is the temple where the Holy Spirit lives. This Spirit is united with our soul and body, so we become spiritually alive. The Spirit transcends our bodily limitations and opens the soul toward the supernatural life of grace to be raised beyond all it deserves to communion with God. Thus, the second half of the book teaches us how we can follow our spirit to live in communion with God, so we can love our neighbors, as in Mark 12:31, “Love Your Neighbor as Yourself.”
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own? ~ 1 Corinthians 6:19
The knowledge and practice of Tao and Te is essential for our faith. The statement “faith without works is dead” means that true faith in Christ always produces good works. Faith is a virtue, and it is something that has to be cultivated. You cannot lose your faith. We can choose to practice our faith, or we can choose not to use it.
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God—not the result of works, so that no one may boast. ~ Ephesians 2:8-9
Faith is both a fruit of the Spirit and a gift of the Spirit, given to all humanity. If we choose to cultivate our faith, it must begin with Tao, in other words, God. It will help and guide us to know God’s love so we can love God above all things, the first greatest commandment. This love will open our hearts and enable the Power of the Holy Spirit to work in us. Te is the virtue, the power, the Holy Spirit that is our teacher, guiding our hearts to “trust” God and know He is love. Trusting and knowing that God is love will transform our hearts to love not only God but others, which is the second greatest commandment.
When we respond by loving God and loving others, we desire to do good, desiring Jesus Christ in our hearts, the Flame of Love. This is living “The Way of God by the Power of the Holy Spirit.” By the fruits of the Holy Spirit, we are called to walk in holiness and make “disciples of all nations. Therefore, understanding the teachings of Tao and Te in the BFG Handbook is much like the Bible that can be summed up in a single word: love. Love serves as the fundamental principle that will open our hearts, allowing the Holy Spirit to strengthen and deepen our faith. It will equip us with the right tools to move forward with our God-given mission. The Church is sent to all peoples, all lands, and cultures. These are the last words spoken by Christ before His ascension into heaven, along with His promise to the Apostles and their successors that He would remain with them until the end of time.
“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” ~ Matthew 28:19.
The Equation for Building the Kingdom of God:
1st Love God + 2nd Love Neighbor + 3rd Make Disciples = Building the Kingdom of God
In summary, instead of worrying about whether the BFG Handbook is suitable for you, it’s more important to consider if it is improving the quality of your life. This handbook is intended to establish shared common principles that facilitate a deeper understanding of loving God and our neighbor. It is not a different Gospel, but a presentation of the Gospel that is new through its expression, through its methods, and through its ardor. This “new” understanding written for our modern times will help prepare our hearts to receive the greatest gift, Jesus Christ.
“You must remind each other: you will receive My inspirations in the measure that you love Me.”~ The Spiritual Diary, Elizabeth Kindlemann
In 1610, Our Lady of Good Success conveyed to Mother Mariana de Jesus Torres that a time would come, shortly after 2000, when all hope would seem lost. Therefore, to save souls, we must have a fundamental understanding of loving God and loving our neighbors to become missionaries and make disciples. This is the Great Awakening Fr. Michael Barry wrote about in an email to Keith:
“The Lord has a very specific mission for you. He is asking you to bring His Church back, back to the true faith, back to true and chaste marriage, back to true priesthood, back to chastity, back to the Holy Spirit. How to do that is a great awakening. There can be no compromising anymore. Eucharist is vital. I will offer a mass once a month for you and your family. Tomorrow, I will offer it for you.”
A noteworthy mention from Fr. Michael is the Eucharist. He recognizes that only one-third of U.S. Catholics believe in transubstantiation. As Catholics, the Eucharist is essential and vital, believed to be the true presence of Jesus Christ through the Eucharist prayer. This mystical union between the believer and Christ strengthens our faith and helps us grow in holiness. The Eucharist is central to the Catholic faith, providing a way for Catholics to connect with Christ, give thanks for his sacrifice, and receive His grace. If we don’t prepare our hearts to receive Jesus Christ in a simple and easy way people can understand, we will never know His true presence in the Eucharist. Therefore, it is essential to begin by establishing the fundamental principles in order for our generation to comprehend the teachings of the Bible and welcome Jesus Christ into their hearts. The BFG Handbook serves as an essential tool that will fulfill these needs, imparting key concepts in a universally welcoming language they can adpot. It expands into various cultures and beliefs of different religions while also aligning with the moral and cultural values of contemporary society to awaken our souls by exploring the beauty, goodness, and truth inherent in our faith. Our Blessed Mother Mary desires to spread the Flame of Love, which is Jesus Himself, to all hearts, thereby unveiling the mystery of the Eucharist.
“that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me.” ~ John 17:21
2024: The Gathering of God's People: Our Call to Holiness
In 2007, Keith committed his entire heart to following Jesus and carry the cross. He understood that this was a lifelong journey, with the possibility of never witnessing the results of his dedication. God promised Keith there would be a clear sign of His presence the day He calls together the faithful from the East to the West to spread the gospel. When Keith realized the five signs from God matching the five symbolic images from Bishop Kevin W. Vann’s coat of arms, it was evident that His presence was unmistakable, assuring Keith that he is on the right path and not alone. This was a powerful confirmation God’s hand was guiding him every step of the way … toward the promise to Keith that our heavenly Father would use him to restore the truth to all nations. This is the start of a great movement that will transform the hearts of all people and build up the kingdom of God.
Today, in Vietnam, we are witnessing God’s act of opening the door to gather the faithful, calling God’s people to holiness. President Thuong of Vietnam, who took office in March 2023, has expressed his government’s respect for the freedom of belief and religion of the people. President Thuong and Cardinal Parolin have signed a historic agreement to allow a representative of the Pope to live in Vietnam and establish an office there. This is the first time such an arrangement has been made since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. On December 23, 2023, Pope Francis appointed Archbishop Marek Zalewski, as Vietnam’s first Papal Representative. This significant appointment establishes him as the head of the “Permanent Office of the Holy See in Vietnam.” It marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to strengthen the diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Holy See. The president shares the desire of the country’s seven million Catholics to welcome the Pope, as he was deeply impressed by his previous meeting with Pope Francis and Cardinal Parolin during a visit to the Vatican in July 2023.
On January 11, 2024, Bishop Vann, Fr. Bao, and Keith returned to Vietnam from the year before. The people welcomed them back to Phuong Duc Church in Nam Dinh with great excitement. A year earlier, Bishop Vann committed to support the construction of a new pastoral center and came to see the blueprints presented by the church council. He approved a three-story pastoral center to be completed. In addition, the bishop made another commitment to the reconstruction of Trieu Thong Catholic Church.
Keith felt great joy when the bishop promised to help complete the two construction projects. The unshakable faith of his ancestors responsible for the initial construction of both of these two churches will not be forgotten. When the bishop told Keith it was his faith that brought them to Vietnam, he knew God’s divine love for the people will spread like the rivers and streams from Vietnam to all nations.
Keith had the opportunity to meet with the Catholic leader of each Vietnam region to share his vision for the BFG movement: Cardinal Pierre Nguyên of Hanoi (Norther Vietnam), Archbishop Joseph Vu Van Thien of Hanoi (Northern Vietnam), Văn Nhon Archbishop Joseph (Giuse), Nguyễn Chí Linh of Huế (Central Vietnam), Bishop Joseph Dang Duc Ngan of Da Nang (Central Vietnam), and Archbishop Joseph Nguyễn Năng of Saigon (Southern Vietnam). Keith also gave them each a copy of his BFG Handbook. Fr. Nam Tran from Phuong Duc Church kindly translated Keith’s spiritual journey into Vietnamese for the church leaders to read, allowing them to share God’s promise with the congregation. Fr. Nam Tran also mentioned that the name Phuong Duc originates from the term “virtue.” Interestingly, the meaning for the Tao Te Ching is “Book of the Way and Its Virtue.” Keith believes it is not enough to tell the world to believe in God, but we must be a witness to the power and glory of God. Fr. Dominic Lộc, whom Keith met during his visit in Vietnam, commented that our witness stories draw people to God. This was evident when Fr. Bao Thai shared Keith’s story during his Homily at Phuong Duc Church, where thousands became interested in learning more. Keith saw the miracles of God taking place, gathering God’s people to proclaim the Gospel. Shortly after, many priests, religious sisters, and laypeople shared with Keith their desire to be part of the BFG movement.
Before returning to the United States, Keith visited the shrine of Our Lady of La Vang. Bishop Vann had an outdoor mass service where our Holy Mother appeared on August 17, 1798. Our Lady of La Vang, holding the Baby Jesus, appeared to the persecuted Christians seeking refuge in the forest jungle of La Vang. Keith strongly believes the blood of these Christian martyrs will carry the message of our faith to every nation, like the rivers and streams that run through Vietnam.
2024
BFG Handbook: Two Versions of Built For God Handbook
Annotated & Explained
Bible Verses Only
Get your BFG Handbook today and Discover the Truth! It’s a simple and fast read. Get your digital book available free online for your phone/PC or get your hard copy. Discover 81 Ways to Unleash Your Inner Power for Purposeful Living that will guide your path to Greatness—featuring a text of the Tao The Ching that’s infused with language from the Bible to clarify themes common to both books. Two ways you can read Built for God. “Annotated and Explained” or “Annotations to Bible Verses”
Dr. Sean Innerst on John Paul II and the New Evangelization
Dr. Sean Innerst, Dean of the Augustine Institute Graduate School of Theology, joins Dr. Tim Gray on the Augustine Institute Show. Dr. Innerst and Dr. Gray will discuss Saint John Paul II’s papacy and the New Evangelization in the Church.
Our Lady of Good Success Prophesies of Our Times
Fr. Jim Blount explains the correlation between Our Lady of Good Success (correctly called, Our Lady of the Good Event) and the bishop-approved movement of the Flame of Love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.