Cornelius the Centurion, Acts 10

Interesting passage in Acts for Bible study today (and Sunday sermon) which included Cornelius the Centurion. He was an Italian gentile respected by the Jews, a Roman soldier of high rank, over 30, literate, with administrative skills necessary for his rank and position. He was a spiritual leader of this family and staff. Big cultural divide here between him and Peter. He was not a Christian, but is described as righteous, God-fearing, devout, generous to those in need, prayerful, and had a visit from an angel who said, "Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God." How often Christians think they can't pray or work together with those whose theology or practices are different than their own, who are Mormon or Catholic or Muslim. God apparently has other plans.