On the evening of January 6, 2018, God took home a faithful father, grandfather, pastor and disciple of Christ, Brother Daniel Rodes. At the age of 79, his death was sudden and unexpected to most of us. Brother Rodes passed from this world after preaching the first two sermons of a week of revival meetings at Truth, Light and Life Mission.
He was a man who embodied the life of a true soldier of Christ. His admonishing words to God’s people the last few days of his life came from Romans 8:37: “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” What inspiring words as we go forward to face the future!
He was never one to quit, give up, or give in. We have watched Brother Rodes battle through so many obstacles in his life and somehow, by his unwavering faith in God, he always triumphed. He continued preaching the gospel after a debilitating stroke in 2011 left him partially paralyzed. When his faithful wife, Esther, went home to be with the Lord in 2012, it still did not deter him from preaching the gospel. He always continued on. He would tell us, “The day you see me in the casket is the day you’ll know I retired!” After visiting over 50 nations in his life and preaching to countless multitudes in crusades and churches across the world and over the radio, it was time for this battle-weary soldier to lay down his sword and rest.
My wife, Naomi, and I are extremely grateful to all of you who have supported the ministry through prayers and finances over the last 30 years since the Lord led Brother Rodes into this work. We’re so thankful for the family of God who has been so kindhearted and generous in supporting the Word of God that has gone forth through this servant of Christ and this ministry. We extend our love and prayers to you in the midst of your battles of life.
We have no other commandment from the Lord or Brother Rodes than to “continue” the work that God started here 30 years ago. Brother Rodes was a man who left a paper trail of inspiration and writings everywhere he went. Every night, when he went to bed, he always made sure there was a pen and paper at his bedside. Sometime in the middle of the night or wee hours of the morning, he would flick on his bedroom light and start jotting down notes. By morning, he would have a page or two of revelations and prayers he had received during the night. Those writings would stimulate his sermons, daily radio messages, books or study guides. Through the years, the ministry has archived countless messages, study guides and tracts, as well as the many books he wrote. We will dip into this vast wealth of inspiration in the months and years ahead to continue to feed God’s people. As his son-in-law and Pastor of the church he founded, I will be taking on the role of President at Truth, Light & Life Ministries International. The quarterly magazine will continue, but I will begin providing the editorial and some of the content alongside teachings from Brother Rodes as we proceed into the future.
In the middle of the multitude of decisions in our lives, I’m reminded of John 14:6, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” I know He will be able to sustain the faithful in the days ahead! God bless you and your household as we face the future with our eyes on Jesus!