The Whole Truth

tian Academy, a Preparatory Academy, a Charter School, a Boys and Girls Club, a Housing Devel opment, a Health & Fitness Center and Educational Consortium, all representing cutting edge ministry, aimed at circumventing the risk of today’s families spiraling into crisis. Certainly not, if Bishop Daniels had anything to do with it! What then exactly constitutes the significance of “The Daniels’ Touch”? The Daniels’ Touch is the touch of excellence. It stimulates the imagination of the young, gives inspiration to one’s peers across the landscape of 21st Century ministry; builds bridges and activates dreams into action. Who can deny how keenly he was tapped into the multi layered needs of all people, of all ages – both socially and spiritually? With this in

tively. This was to ensure that no one was ever over looked. Consequently, the Daniels’ Touch embraced the privileged, the affluent and the aristocratic, as well as the destitute, the downtrodden and the de jected. In his world, there was room for anyone who simply needed to be reached, touched-up or restored. Above all, the Daniels’ Touch was balanced by a clear, theologically responsible message to the masses. Who else could explain the story of salvation with such patience, annotating complex, doctrinal positions and elucidating the simplicity of the Good News? The Daniels’ Touch was stirred-up by human compassion. It was trademarked with ingenuity. The Daniels’ Touch furthermore carried a distinct sound: A sound which awakens an appreciation and respect for the spirit, sound and sanctity of our great Church.

sight, he was able to effectuate the resources and initiate the infrastructure for bringing people together to work towards a common goal: improving the quality of life in their communities. But it never ended there. Bishop Daniels so deeply desired that every pro gram he implemented be mod eled for the continuity of per sonal empowerment. His heart’s desire was to see people take back control over their lives.

It is a touch that both celebrates and cultivates the texture of the Old Landmark. And yet, how comfort ing it is to know that the Daniels’ Touch is yet felt circulating in our hearts and abiding in our spirits, even right now. Though he has now left this world, a departure which forces us to cope with a gaping emotional void, we are nevertheless honored to have walked among this man – one of the quint - essential towering heroes of our epoch saga – a man whose magnanimous scope of works invigorated us all to do more, give more, learn more, see more and be more. Despite the troublesome realities of the day: teenage delinquency, low performing academics and rising juvenile crime statistics; despite the bold stance against the authority of Scripture, legislation designed to uproot the sanctity of the family and the

The Daniels’ Touch left no one behind. It was a touch that was sensitive, discerning and always benevo lent. Without flinching, Bishop Daniels could detect an individual’s potential, nurture it, nourish it, and navigate its success. Never dwelling on anyone’s weaknesses, but always encouraging their strengths, the Daniels’ Touch was always accessible, approach able and entrenched in the behavior of breaking ground, digging wells and paving roadways to higher achievement. In his heart, it was never well enough for only one to do well, but for all to have equal access to the fulfillment of their life goals. This is what ministry refined by the Daniels’ Touch looked like! Nothing happened under his executive oversight without a plan. Moving in haste was never the Dan - iels’ style. Every ministerial adventure was carefully thought-out - intentionally, methodically, and intui

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