Ruth and I were so sorry to hear of Des’ passing in December 2022. We will always remember him with smiles and thanksgiving. We first encountered Des during his ministry of Intentional Interim at Jervis Bay Baptist Church. His ministry there was incredible; deeply generous and loving. His humour laced everything he did and said, and enabled him to draw close to people pastorally while not shying away from the heavier and harder-edged issues.

Des showed me the intensity, insight, courage, hard work and open-hearted vulnerability needed for intentional interim ministry. He embodied all these things so genuinely and sincerely. He provided a wonderful example for me personally in the months before I entered a season as an Intentional Interim and Archdeacon in the Anglican church. More than anyone in  my life, Des showed me how to do the precise and exacting work of a Church Doctor.

Ruth and I were only passing through Jervis Bay Baptist Church, and yet Des showed up for us, pastorally, in every way, including a visit to Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital when Ruth was preparing to give birth to our second baby, Ben. Des was there for Ben’s naming and blessing, but not in any professional capacity. We welcomed him as a guest and again his presence and participation were so generous and such a blessing to us at that time. In short, in my adult life, I have never been pastored better!!

Des Daniels was so much bigger than any position, situation or season. The way he carried his own journey with him in his jokes, story-telling, and teaching, allowed his hearers to draw on a wide array of historic sources and experiences. Des’ skillset was so extensive that it was difficult for a denomination like NSW Baptists in an age of decline and retrenchment to find positions for him. But this didn’t stop Des. His gracious ministry never stopped bursting its banks and flowing outward to bless all those with whom he came into contact.

I will always remember Des for his warmth, humour and humanity. We are personally, deeply  thankful for his seventy-five years. Our love and thoughts are with Des’s family as they mourn his passing. We will look forward to seeing him again “on the other side.”

Thank you Des. Vale!

Paul

pp Paul, Ruth, Evie, Ben and Caleb Wallis