Page 20 - Built For God Handbook (Bible Verses) - The Christian Edition of the Tao Te Ching - The New Evangelization - Pope John Paul II

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guided Keith in prayer, showing him different prayers he could say
at home, and emphasized the power of prayer in his spiritual
journey. During these sessions, Richard also spoke about the crisis
within the Church, which deeply troubled Keith. Although he
struggled to accept this at first, Richard’s words stayed with him,
compelling Keith to fulfill his promise to God by completing the
Christian Edition of the Tao Te Ching. Richard’s example reminded
Keith that if God could call upon a homeless man to recite the
Bible, then Keith, too, could be called upon to write the Christian
Edition of the Tao Te Ching.

After three months of meeting regularly, Richard informed
Keith that he would be leaving the next day—on his birthday—and
would not return. They spent their final day together at Tony’s on
the Redondo Beach Pier, making the most of their last moments.
As they walked along the boardwalk, Richard suddenly stopped,
raised his hands high, and asked Keith if he could feel the power
and glory of God from the ocean. Unsure of how to respond, Keith
remained silent, watching Richard praise God.

Richard was notably different from others in the homeless
community: he maintained good hygiene, never asked for money,
and consistently declined Keith’s offers for food or drinks. Feeling
embarrassed for not having a proper birthday gift, Keith gave
Richard $10 in an envelope, which was all the cash he had with
him. Richard reassured Keith that everything he had shared was
the truth, including his name. He even offered to show Keith his
driver’s license as proof of his identity.