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My wife's family live up North in Michigan. Her parents live across the street from the Shrine of the Cross in the Woods — the largest crucifix in the world. We spend a week each summer in Indian River and often visit the shrine. Last Saturday we stopped in at their gift shop and I overheard a young man telling the cashier that he was a new Catholic joining the Church.
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Shortly thereafter I received a phone call from the young man named Caleb (which means "old dog" in the Old Testament and was the name of one of only two men allowed to enter the Promised Land). He had taken my card back to the group and they said, "Do you know who you just met Caleb? Steve Ray wrote the book we are using in our Bible study, St. John's Gospel".
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I signed their books and we sat around and had a marvelous conversation for three hours — three hours that just flew by like minutes. I think I encouraged them all in the faith and I KNOW they encouraged me. What a joy to be visiting a distant city and find enthusiastic Catholics just oozing with the joy of the Lord and love for his Church.
I want to thank Caleb for being open to the Lord and for Kerry and his wife's hospitality. I thank all of those who shared their love of the Catholic faith that evening. The angels watched the divine appointment take place and they all rejoiced in heaven. I rejoice on earth. What a blessing and joy to meet you all. Keep up the good work and I hope to see you again soon when we visit Up North.