An unexpected act of kindness has blossomed into an international friendship, showcasing the profound impact of community and compassion. In the summer of 2024, at Johnny’s Bagels in south Bethlehem, a chance encounter between attorney Fred P. Rooney and a Lehigh University student named Steven resulted in an unforeseen journey that would span continents.
While concluding a meeting at the café, Rooney was approached by Nelson, an employee, who introduced him to Steven and his mother, Lancy, who were visiting from China. Steven faced a pressing issue: his car, parked on Montclair Street, had broken down. After verifying the situation, Rooney offered to use his AAA membership to call for assistance, even though he rarely utilized it.
The tow truck arrived within thirty minutes, confirming that the problem was a dead battery. Demonstrating trust, Rooney decided to pay for a new battery, bringing evident relief to both Steven and Lancy. He emphasized the importance of helping others, recounting his own experiences with similar situations.
As they walked back down the hill, Lancy expressed her desire to invite Rooney to visit their family in China. She mentioned that her family owned hotels in Beijing and welcomed him anytime. Rooney gratefully accepted the invitation, envisioning the possibility of a future visit.
The following summer, Lancy returned to Bethlehem to spend time with Steven, who was taking summer classes. With her free time, she volunteered at the Church of the Nativity Thrift Shop on Wyandotte Street. Rooney enjoyed observing Lancy’s dedication to her volunteer work, which reflected her values as a member of the Baha’i faith.
During this time, Steven approached Rooney, inquiring about summer internship opportunities in the Lehigh Valley. This prompted Rooney to think of Jose Nicolas “Nicolas” Conil, a successful entrepreneur from the Dominican Republic. Conil, who had recently become a U.S. citizen, was known for his ventures, including a family-owned hotel and an import/export business.
Rooney reached out to Conil, explaining that Steven was searching for an unpaid internship. Conil promptly invited Steven to join his team at VentureX in south Bethlehem. This connection proved meaningful, as Conil had already established ties with businesses in China and was looking to expand his ventures there.
Reflecting on the serendipity that connected Steven’s need and Conil’s interests, Rooney noted the eternal gratitude that arises when someone assists one’s family. This sentiment resonated strongly with Lancy and her husband, Wang Wei, contributing to the fulfillment of the earlier invitation.
On January 6, 2026, Rooney, Conil, and his partner, Karina, arrived in Beijing, where they were warmly welcomed by Lancy and Wang Wei. This trip marked the culmination of a friendship that began with a simple act of kindness.
Rooney’s journey from Johnny’s Bagels to China symbolizes the far-reaching effects of compassion and the connections we forge through small gestures. The experience serves as a reminder that kindness can lead to extraordinary relationships, enriching lives across borders.
This story illustrates the power of community and the unexpected ways in which we can touch each other’s lives. It highlights the importance of paying it forward and the meaningful connections that arise from reaching out to help others. The blessings of serendipity have indeed been abundant, as evidenced by this heartwarming narrative of friendship and gratitude.
