David has experiencing many difficult times … going blind, the death of his wife, a double transplant and complications … through this God has brought home to David that He has plans for him … plans for good …
Losing my eyesight
In 1980, I left Pitmaston Sixth Form to begin study in 'graphic design', at Bournville School of Art. After qualifying as a graphic designer, I worked in an art studio called 'Cavalier Press'.
This was short lived as the company fell into liquidation. I attempted to be a freelance artist, but with not much success!
I then discovered that my focus and vision for the future changed when I found myself studying Theology at a Bible College in Nottinghamshire. In 1987, whilst pastoring a church in the Eastern valley of South Wales, I married Judith. This year was to bring a crisis regarding our health. Judith had to have a brain operation and later, I lost my eyesight.
Double transplant ... given just three days to live
For approximately one year I studied music and computers in Crosskeys College, South Wales. Then on May 1st 1991, I was called for a double transplant of both kidney and pancreas. My music and computer courses were cut short due to the transplant, but you can appreciate which was more important! In September 1991, I was given three days to live after having multiple infections in the blood stream.
Tragedy ... death of my wife
In November 1993, Judith and I were involved in a head on car crash with a combined n impact of 100 miles per hour (160 kilometres per hour). Judith died 10 days later in intensive care. Still in Church ministry, in 1996, my kidney transplant failed, which meant I would have to be on kidney dialysis three times a week, every week. This meant that my regular trips to Eastern Europe would have to be put on hold. In January 1998, I had my second kidney transplant and later that year paid a visit to Poland.
God gives me a future and a hope
Yet through all of this and more, I had the determination to press on … the courage to move forward.
Some may say, "Well how did you do it"? Having a loving Christian family around me played its part … Christian friends played their part too.
Through it all though, I am convinced that my strong faith in God and His Word has brought me to where I am today. Over a decade later, moments still arise which cause me to remember, anniversaries especially.
No matter what, the knowledge of His love and His purpose for me has been a driving force.
I am reminded many times of His Word when He declares to us, "For I know the plans that I have for you, plans for good and not for evil, plans to prosper, to give a hope and a future". Yes, the questions may have been many, but indeed I know and trust in someone (Jesus) who has all the answers.
My life now
In 2000, a trip of a lifetime to Hong Kong and Australia was to prove how well I was progressing with my health. In 2001, I was to find new love and on September 6th 2003 Rachel and I were married. Rachel is from Pengam in South Wales. Rachel and I now live in South Yorkshire with my guide dog Rula where I am still involved in Church ministry and writing and composing songs. We travel the country sharing my story and songs in concert.
