The Rev. Chris & Franny Keidel

Franny (former FOCUS Board Member) and Chris Keidel (Rev. Christian Keidel, PCA Minister, Former FOCUS Staff)

I first met Peter Moore as a brand new believer in Christ,  in 1966, at a Skis and Skeptics week in Grantham, NH.  Following a long drive north in pelting snow, from Philadelphia, I entered Grey Ledges Lodge with fear and trepidation.  “How did I ever get here?” I asked myself.  The answer was I was doing this in obedience to George Keyes and George Gentsch, both of whom said I “must” go.

An engulfing hug from Heidi Frost (Heard), a gracious escort from Sandra Clark (Moore) to my room, and a practical talk that evening from Peter Moore on the Gospel, put me to sleep with the assurance that this was where I should be.

The FOCUS ministry has been a passion of mine these last 54 years.  That following year, Peter made me a Volunteer Worker.  I introduced my husband, Chris Keidel, to him in 1970, and in 1971, Peter, Chris, Sandra and I rented a house in Gay Head, to reach out to unbelieving private school students searching for answers.  Nan Gardner (Powlison), Debbie Smythe (Smith), and Sally Valentine (?), joined us as we cranked out meals and stayed up late, engaged in conversation.

I’ll always remember one evening when Peter explained that he had a dream of starting a Study Center on Marthas Vineyard, where students could stay during the summer and explore the Christian faith.  Peter and I have always had diametrically opposed energy levels.  I doubted such a plan was possible.  He proved me wrong.

The FOCUS Study Center was born and grew rapidly.  My husband, Chris Keidel, became a Staff Worker for six years.  Each summer, we lived in the brown cottage.  And when our third child was born, he just fit into that closet at the top of the stairs.

We have volunteered ever since, on the Philadelphia Sponsoring Committee, The Prayer Committee, as FOCUS parents, and as a Board Member.  Peter’s vision became a reality because of his creativity, perseverance, zeal for Christ and compassion for those students who weren’t being reached by anyone else.

Well done thou good and faithful servant.  May you have peace in His Heavenly Kingdom.

Franny Keidel