If you know anything about the Bible, you know that there is a book in the old testament called Daniel. This article is not about that particular Daniel. You will see some similarities, because this article is about a Christian man named Daniel, and much like the prophet Daniel, this man was a courageous servant of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Many years ago I met this man named Daniel. At the time, he was in his early twenties and was dating a girl I know. Soon they married and I married her cousin. Dan had a very nice way with people and I was very impressed with him. I was far from being a Christian and for a long time, I didn't even know that he was a Christian. He eventually moved to New England and I remained in Pa. I would see him from time to time at family social functions. Dan was kind to everyone, I cannot recall ever hearing him speak a harsh word. I began a journey to find more about God. I can't remember how it happened, but I some how found out that Dan was a Christian. Several years later, I was living in a way that was far from the Christian life. I knew that I was not living to please God, the little Bible knowledge I had at the time made that obvious to me. God was working on me and soon I began to seek Him. One night two men came to my home, they were from a local Baptist Church and I knew Dan was a Baptist. They invited my to their church service and my thought was, why not, it works for Dan. I went to that little church and heard the Gospel, how Jesus died for my sins. Surely I was well aware that I was a sinner, in fact, I thought there was no hope for me because I knew that I sinned against God, because I have some Bible knowledge. I cried out to God, and as they say, the rest is history. This is seventeen years later and even though I am far from perfect, I am still a Christian, knowing that when I leave this world, I will be in Heaven for all eternity!!!

But let me tell you more about Dan. It was 5 years after I was saved that one night my wife took a phone call from Dan's wife. After hanging up, she advised me of some SHOCKING news. Dan had a brain tumor and the doctors were not optimistic, in fact, they advised Dan that he should get his affairs in order soon. I went to see Dan, we spent several hours with his family. Dan had two sons who would soon be without their dad. I always knew Dan to be graceful, but his attitude about his health just amazed me. His faith stood tall in the midst of it all. Dan had no fear of death and was sure God would care for his family. Dan told me that he only had one wish. He told me that while receiving treatment, he was always sad to see other people going through cancer and the fear they had. He told me that If just one person would come to Christ because of his illness, that would please him. As a Christian, I know and understand that this wonderful attitude Dan had was as Spiritually mature as you can get. Jesus died for our sins. He suffered pain so you and I would not have to suffer a painful eternity. Without Jesus, none of us would be rescued from hell. Dan wanted his suffering to bring new life to another person. His words were "if just one person comes to Christ, it will be worth it ". I can see him saying those words to me on that wonderful day. It was a wonderful visit for me, I was lifted up and encouraged by his willingness to go through this hoping for a one lost soul to be rescued.

A few months later I went to Dan's funeral. As I recall, it was just a few weeks before his 34th birthday. The church was standing room only. This town where Dan had lived for only 5 years, had many people who loved this man. He was a Deacon in his church and as I sat waiting for the funeral to began, I heard people around me talking about how Dan was their children's Sunday School Teacher. There were people there who knew Dan from his work, he was very successful with a large department store chain, in fact, that is why he moved to this town. The funeral was a celebration of this mans life. Oh be sure, it was sad to lose this wonderful person, especially at such a young age. I couldn't help to ask, why Lord? why Dan? why not me Lord? I am so little and he is so big. I am so weak, and Dan was so strong. He was warm and loving, he gave a wonderful testimony to the goodness of God, he should live longer, we need more people like Dan. I want to be more like Dan Lord, I don't have the courage or grace of Dan.

Today is March 25th and Dan has been gone for 12 years, he went home, home to be with the Lord he served so well. It was in March of 1994, and I as best as I know, God surely took good care of his wife and 2 fine sons. But I want you to know one thing about this story that means so much to me!!! At Dan's funeral his Pastor gave a wonderful testimony about Dan's suffering. Near the end of his time here on earth, he went to the hospital because he was in pain. His Pastor came to visit him and had the opportunity to speak with another patient at the hospital. He told her about Jesus Christ and she called on Jesus for salvation from her sins. Dan got his wish, his brain tumor put him in this position and God used this to reach ONE MORE! As I recall, she got to go home to the Lord before Dan. I wonder if she and Dan have bumped into one another in Heaven?

This was written in memory of Daniel Harris. His testimony caused me to go to church where I heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His suffering caused a cancer patient to also hear the Gospel. He took his last breathe in 1994, but his memory lives on in the lives of the many people he personally touched. We were blessed to have known him and look forward to seeing him in Heaven!

Written by Frank M. Snyder