Page 69 - 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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1975, he quickly found work and eventually started a small
business to support the family. They lived modestly, relying on
clothes from the Salvation Army or those his father sewed. The
family never ate out or took vacations; instead, they prepared all
their meals at home. From a young age, Keith appreciated his
parents’ hard work and always tried to help, mindful of their
struggles to make ends meet.

Due to the family’s immigration to the U.S. and their
financial hardships, Keith’s father was unable to follow in the
footsteps of his ancestors, who had devoted their lives to serving
the community. Keith’s grandparents, Hoang Van Mao and Nguyen
Thi Ty, along with his great-grandparents, Nguyen Huy Riem and
Nguyen Thi Ty, left a profound impact on their community, building
a legacy of faith and charity. Keith’s great-grandparents were
instrumental in building Phuong Duc Church and played a
significant role in the construction of Trieu Thong Catholic Church.
They also generously donated much of the surrounding land to
support the care of the sick and the poor, providing food and burial
grounds for thousands in need. After their passing, Keith’s
grandparents, Hoang Van Mao and Nguyen Thi Ty, took on the
responsibility of continuing this work. Though they had 12 children,
two tragically passed away at a young age due to a medication
error, leaving 10 children to help continue the work. As the second
youngest, Keith’s father was unable to help much, but the older
children worked alongside their father, feeding the sick and
homeless. Hoang Van Mao was deeply committed to helping those
in need, always ensuring that the hungry were fed before his own
10 children could eat. He also went into the streets to provide
proper burial grounds for those who passed.