An update from David
The first thing I must say is “thank you” to all of you who have supported me during the past weeks which have been devastating, through phone calls, texts, and emails. But especially through your prayers.
It has been a devastating whirlwind of despair, hope, and sheer frustration. Four weeks ago I was excited by the direction Rural Missions is going and was looking forward to my involvement in the upcoming events. Then on Monday 22nd September as I got out of bed, I noticed my left leg was dragging. I pulled the red cord in my flat and they called an Ambulance for me.
It was probably the worst day of the year to call for an ambulance in Bedford with the floods rising. Eight hours later the ambulance arrived, by which time there was no feeling or movement in my left leg.
Twelve hours after my call to the Emergency services I finally got to see a consultant. He consulted the Neurosurgeons at Addenbrookes in Cambridge, and they were concerned that it was something called Cauda Equina. This is serious and I required an immediate MRI and followed by emergency surgery. As they did not do MRIs at night in Bedford they sent me to Addenbrookes in an ambulance. By this time, I no longer had any feeling below my waist.
The scan proved negative, so they sent me back to Bedford.
At this time I asked the consultant to be honest and tell me what are the chances I would walk again. He said 50/50. At Bedford, I had further scans. They revealed a lesion in my lower spine, which is causing the paralysis. The problem with this lesion is no-one knows what it is made of. The only way to find out is to cut into the spine which would probably destroy the nerve. So the last few weeks have involved a series of tests and scans as they explore what else is going on in my body. All this has happened at Addenbrookes, which has some of the best neurosurgeons in the country. Last Wednesday their final idea drew a negative, meaning they know no more than when I first arrived. Trust me to have something unique. The odds that I will ever walk again are almost non-existent. Physiotherapists are teaching me to use a wheelchair safely and they are due to move me back to Bedford as soon as a bed is found for me.
The Lord and I have had some difficult conversations, similar to Job’s conversations with God. Many of my friends believe a healing will occur. I’ll take that, but I am not counting on it. I am reminded that when I gave my life to Jesus, I said I will follow him whatever the circumstances. Maybe, 47 years later, God is cashing in on that promise. Don’t say that I am brave as I feel I’m not. But I know I am loved by him. Also, through this experience with many others I have met in my ministry, one of whom sent me a hand painted card with the words from Hillsong’s “Ocean “ song: ”Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders, let me walk upon the waters, wherever you may lead me.” This is my prayer as I face an uncertain future.
