A simple act of kindness at Johnny’s Bagels in south Bethlehem has led to an unexpected international friendship, bridging cultures and continents. In 2024, Fred P. Rooney, an attorney and advocate for access to justice, found himself helping a Lehigh University student named Steven whose car had broken down. This encounter not only resolved a pressing issue but also set the stage for a lasting connection between families from different parts of the world.
While concluding a meeting at his favorite local bagel shop, Rooney was approached by Nelson, an employee, who introduced him to Steven and his visiting mother, Lancy, from China. Steven explained that his car, parked on Montclair Street, would not start. After finishing his meeting, Rooney offered to assist them. Upon confirming the car’s battery was dead, he used his AAA membership to arrange for a tow truck.
About thirty minutes later, a truck arrived, and the driver confirmed the battery issue. Trusting Steven, Rooney paid for a new battery, a gesture that elicited profound gratitude from both Steven and Lancy. As they walked back down the hill, Lancy expressed her desire to invite Rooney to visit their family in China, revealing that they owned hotels in Beijing and other locations. This initial connection was built on shared kindness and left a lasting impression on all involved.
Lancy returned to Bethlehem in the summer of 2025, eager to volunteer while spending time with her son. She joined fellow volunteers at the Church of the Nativity Thrift Shop. Rooney enjoyed their time together, witnessing Lancy’s joy in giving back to the community. During that summer, Steven sought an internship opportunity to gain practical experience in business.
Rooney recalled Jose Nicolas “Nicolas” Conil, a successful entrepreneur and recent U.S. citizen, whom he believed could assist. Nicolas, who owns several businesses including a family hotel in the Dominican Republic, welcomed Steven immediately after Rooney reached out.
The connection between Steven’s need for an internship and Nicolas’s interests in China proved fortuitous. It was a moment that reaffirmed Rooney’s belief that helping others leads to unexpected opportunities. He felt a deep sense of gratitude, especially when considering how this act of kindness benefited his children and their futures.
This sentiment resonated with Lancy and her husband, Wang Wei. They extended their invitation to China not only to Rooney but also to Nicolas and his partner, Karina. On January 6, 2026, the group arrived in Beijing, where they were warmly welcomed by Steven, Lancy, and Wang Wei. For Rooney, visiting China was a dream come true, made even more special by the bonds formed through an initial act of kindness.
The journey from Johnny’s Bagels to China showcases the power of human connection and the impact of small gestures. What began with a dead battery has blossomed into a friendship that transcends borders, illustrating how kindness can lead to meaningful relationships. The blessings of this serendipitous journey are felt by all, reminding them of the profound connections that can emerge from simple acts of goodwill.
This piece reflects the personal experiences of Fred P. Rooney and should not be interpreted as the views of this publication.
