LIONEL JAMES KEYS
legacy DAY
JULY 15, 2021
July 15 has been declared, "The Lionel James Keys Legacy Day!" This day is very memorable as we carry on the legacy of the mission and vision God birthed through Lionel James Keys in Heartbeat Ministries, Inc. and Bethel Praise & Worship Center.
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Welcome to our first-year Declaration Dedication to the LJK Legacy Day honoring Lionel James Keys. In particular, we thank Co-Founder Betty Keys and his progeny -- Dwight, Dawn, Dana, Natalie, his grandchildren -- Chloe, Mya, David, Jo-Vaughn and Alana, and the immediate family of Lionel and Betty Keys for their contributions as we celebrate this special occasion of Declaration.
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"It's those small acts of kindness done well, and without expectation of reward or recognition that find a place in people's hearts and that are the most important. That's a legacy, " Jack Rhys.
Reflecting on the many years we shared, we are greatly honored to recognize Lionel in
such a way. On July 15, six years ago, he went to his heavenly home resting in the arms
of Jesus This transition left us with a heartbreaking void but we are grateful to God for the
amazing times we all had together. Separation was not goodbye but until we meet again.
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Lionel always wanted his story told. He was a giver at heart, had a laugh that would light
up every room and there was never a dull moment with him. God used Lionel to impact the
lives of so many people and as a servant to advance His kingdom here on earth.
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As we look back over the years of Lionel's sacrifice and labor of love for mankind, especially the people of God, we see a man who devoted his life to the service for God's people. "Not unto us but unto thine be the glory!" The good times, the fun times, loving times, victorious times, miracles, signs and wonders by the hand of God, we shout Hallelujah Praise the Lord!
Thanks to all who took the time to include your memories of Lionel and how he touched your life via testimonials, tributes, videos, pictures, quotes and poems in celebration of LJK Legacy Day. Thank you for making this a very special day. We appreciate you.
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Love Always,
Co-Founder Betty Keys
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LJK LEGACY DAY
Serving the total man --
mind, body and soul.
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The LJK Legacy Day is special indeed. This is a day that we give honor to whom honor is due and commemorate the continuation of a legacy vision that God gave one man many years ago. It is only fitting that we commemorate the LJK Legacy journey and in doing so acknowledge the contributions, achievements, events and successes which have been part of the journey we have traveled together these last years. As we enjoy this occasion no doubt there will be lots of memories of the past. For many your memories began during Lionel's early years of life. The theme that best describes Lionel is, "A natural Man Serving a Supernatural God."
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His humble beginnings began as the 8th child of 13 children of his parents Irvin and Lorena Keys. This was a family of love with determination to not let the 'lack of' determine who they were. One of his poems was, "The Mighty Sons of Lorena Keys - Mightier Than Hercules." His mother raised him to look out for his fellow man and share what the Lord has blessed him with. He was very ambitious to be a superstar, to be the best-of-the-best. His charismatic personality quickly drew people into his inner circle, the good and the bad, and he always encouraged people to reach for a higher goal.
In 1979 Lionel's Damascus Road journey led him face-to-face with The Most High God. His self-centered man's desires were changed to a love for mankind like never before before and was focused on bringing souls to the lord and saving grace of Jesus Christ. His changed goal was to bring thousands of souls to Christ which was accomplished before he died. His objective was to outreach and evangelize souls going beyond the church walls, into the communities, neighborhoods and wherever the Lord led him. Lionel began providing love, care, prayer, support and services to all from the comfort of his home. He was faithful in ministering to the sick and shut-in within nursing homes and hospitals.
DESTINY CHANGER
"I see a man working in the fields to erect the community center."
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Lionel James Keys
God's divine plan began by positioning him as a police officer with the Houston Police Department working within the community storefront locations. His job requirements with HPD were to serve the community, families in need, deliverance in crisis situations and support and assistance with youth centers. His destiny changed when God transformed his life. Used by God to transform lives of so many people from bondage to life, from darkness to light, from prison to freedom, to heal the sick, Lionel's mission was to literally travel the highways and byways bringing souls to Christ and, "Building God's Kingdom One Soul at a Time." Lionel walked by faith, not by sight. His passion and dedication to the ministry of serving people was foremost.
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In 1986 Lionel's assignment by God was to serve the community through Heartbeat Ministries, Inc. and Bethel Praise & Worship Center. God's vision to Lionel was to build a community center to provide service to the total man -- mind, body and soul. Through the envisioned Heartbeat Ministries Community Center, which will be located on 6.25 acres of land on FM 2234 in Houston, TX 77053, his desire is for the community center to provide services through the Heartbeat Ministries Community Center which will include an afterschool program, provide childcare services, an adult recreational center, Houston Public Library programs and Houston Heart Institute and Breast Cancer Awareness programs. Lionel's dream was for all of his family to work together glorifying God with the gifts and talents He has given.
LIFE'S CHALLENGES
Throughout the process of time, the wear and tear on Lionel's body manifested itself through congestive heart failure, among other things. Despite the physical struggle he did not stop the work of the ministry God had assigned to him. Over the course of time, we experienced such a great outpouring and mighty move of God that blessed so many people. Looking back on the many Sundays Lionel fought through fatigue, little oxygen and fluid buildup, he insisted on fighting the good fight of faith. Standing behind the pulpit preaching the unadulterated word of God, literally with his last breath, Lionel fought the good fight of faith to the end.
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On July 15, 2015, God called Lionel to cease from his assignment, his work was done, "I have fought a good right, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only but unto all them also that love His appearing," 2 Timothy 4:7-8.
WHO WAS LIONEL J. KEYS?
THE DREAM
MISSION:
Provide services which meet the needs of the community through education, health and wellness, spiritual and physical programs.
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VISION:
Serving the whole person -- mind, body and soul.
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OBJECTIVE:
Strengthen the community through programs designed to unite business, religious and academic sectors for the benefit of all.
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Lionel Keys served with a heart of gold, untiringly to the end. So, who is this man that so many want to bring honor by declaring his heavenly birthday, July 15, as "Lionel James Keys Legacy Day?"
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A man with a dream that would make this world a better place.
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A man with a dream to see children loved, supported and provided for.
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A man with a dream to see his family working together for God's Kingdom.
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A man with a dream of bringing souls to God's Kingdom.
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A man whose legacy is worth honoring and remembering.
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A man who laid the foundation for us to build upon.
CHARGED WITH THE VISION
In June 2015 Lionel gave his son, Dwight Lamar Keys, the final charge to fulfill the vision God gave him and keep his legacy alive.
