In a heartfelt video message during a church service, Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, the Founder of Action Chapel International, candidly reflected on his personal journey as a father, acknowledging the impact of his absence on his children’s lives.
Duncan-Williams, known for his influential ministry, revealed poignant insights into his past, admitting to the emotional void created by his demanding schedule and frequent travels in the pursuit of his calling. Married at a young age of 23, he recounted the challenges of balancing ministry responsibilities with family life, often being away for weeks at a time to support his family financially.
He emphasized a pivotal lesson learned early in his career – the importance of not depending solely on external sources such as tithes, offerings, or people, but instead relying on God’s provision. Despite providing for his children’s material needs, he lamented the lack of emotional connection resulting from his prolonged absences.
Expressing regret over missed opportunities, Duncan-Williams acknowledged the irreplaceable nature of the emotional bond between a father and his children. Despite ensuring their educational and material well-being, he realized the profound impact of his physical absence on their upbringing.
The Archbishop recounted the routine of waking up to pray at midnight, only to find his children already departed for school upon awakening, and returning home late, after they had gone to bed. This pattern persisted for years before he recognized the depth of his absence and its consequences on his children’s emotional development.
He stressed that true fatherhood extends beyond providing material support, underscoring the vital role of emotional connection in nurturing healthy relationships with one’s children. Reflecting on his own journey, Duncan-Williams highlighted the resilience his children developed in his absence, yet acknowledged the void left by the absence of paternal love.
In conclusion, Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams’s candid reflections serve as a poignant reminder of the significance of emotional presence in parenting, transcending mere provision to foster deep, lasting bonds with one’s children. His message resonates not only within the context of his ministry but also as a universal call to prioritize emotional connection in the journey of fatherhood.
