As a volunteer minister I lead the 10:30 AM church service at Willow Oaks assisted living home and the 2:00 PM church service at Birmingham Green nursing home in Manassas Park each Sunday.  Keith resided at Birmingham Green.

Each Sunday I arrive at Birmingham Green after the morning service, set up a small sound system and play worship music starting around 1:15 PM for those who arrive early for the 2:00 PM service.  I then visit the common areas where residents congregate after lunch to bring those who need assistance to the service.

People don't care what you know until they know that you care, so I try to learn every resident's name regardless of whether they attend the church services I lead.  I strive to make sure that all residents know me as someone who genuinely cares for them and is willing to take time listen to their concerns, meet personal needs when I can (we take for granted how we can step out to pick up a newspaper or a pack of gum), or just chat.

I met Keith while bringing people from his unit to the service three or four years ago.  He was a quiet man, but always had a ready smile and, if you took the time to get to know him, had quite a sense of humor.  Never a complainer and always grateful for what he received, Keith had a positive effect of those around him.

When I would ask if he was interested in attending church back then he would indicate he was not, but we still got to know each other a little more each week.  I would kid around with he and his friend and roommate, look at the puzzles he was working on and just hang out and chat.  I genuinely took a liking to Keith.  Everyone did.

Last year while I was pushing a resident in a wheelchair to the room where we hold the service I turned around and saw that Keith decided to follow us.  As is his way, Keith sat quietly in the service that day.  As usual, I made a point to make our new friend feel comfortable.  Keith started attending services every week after that.

I am careful to present the gospel regularly to make sure people understand who God is and that His only Son Jesus laid down His life to pay for the sins of all who put their faith in Him and will show them how to have true freedom by living life His way.

I regularly invite all who are interested to join in a corporate salvation prayer so they can have the peace of knowing that God has forgiven them and that Jesus has paid the price for their sin and will help them to become more like Him each day.  No one is put on the spot, and those who wish to are invited to pray silently in their hearts if they desire to.  I am especially glad that Keith had this chance on multiple occasions and believe he received Jesus as his Savior and Lord.

When I learned that Keith was in the hospital back on February 19th I visited him that evening on my way home from the nursing home.  Keith returned to Birmingham Green the next day and I was honored to be able to spend time with him each day on my way home from work during that week.  I would pray with and for him and read him encouraging passages from the Bible.

I visited Keith in the morning on the day he left this world to join the Lord.  I had been there a while and decided to read passages of the Bible that describe the city of God and passages where Jesus comforted and reassured His disciples the night before He was betrayed.

As I was finishing reading the last passage I looked up and Keith was looking at me with eyes as clear as day.  All week his eyes had been closed and we mostly communicated through touch.  I was both surprised and delighted to see my friend's eyes, which I had not seen all week.

I drew close to Keith and told him something like this:  "You know where you are going. You know you don't have to be afraid. You are about to embark on a life you could never dream of in an exciting place where you will be surrounded by God's love.  Don't be afraid, Keith.  Don't worry.  It's going to be great!" Keith closed his eyes to get some rest.  I prayed for him and prayed a blessing over him and told him I would return early the next day to spend time with him before I left.

When I returned the next day I learned that Keith departed this world a few hours after I left.  I was a little surprised, and the selfish part of me was sad at my own loss, but I am so happy for Keith!  He's with Jesus, and all who call Jesus their Savior and Lord will see him one day looking better than they ever remember seeing him!

I thank the Lord for Keith.  He touched the world around him with gentleness, kindness and his unique quiet sense of humor.  This world could use more men like Keith, and I am certain that his loved ones and his Lord in Heaven are grateful that he will be with them forever!  Thank You, Lord, for allowing me to have Keith as my special friend.  In Jesus' name.

Lawrence Sylvain ("Pastor Lawrence")