Help Dave & Laura Continue Their Fight

For more than 30 years, Dave and Laura have dedicated their lives to serving others.

As the founders of Nehemiah Construction Ministries (NCM), they have faithfully served the people of Turkana, Kenya, helping bring clean water, community development, education, church planting, pastoral training, and practical hope to communities that need it most. Through drilling and restoring water wells, they have helped transform countless lives, providing not only clean water, but dignity, opportunity, and hope.

Today, the people who have spent decades caring for others need our help.

Dave's Health Journey

Last September, Dave was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer.

While undergoing testing, doctors also discovered a large mass in his neck. Although the biopsy thankfully confirmed it was not cancer, the mass was compressing his spine, pushing against his carotid artery and vocal cord, and narrowing his airway to only a few millimetres. It became increasingly difficult for Dave to swallow food, medications, and even liquids.

To make matters more urgent, Dave could not begin the cancer treatment he needed until the mass had been removed.

At the same time, Dave was also recovering from two retinal surgeries to repair detached retinas.

After consulting with specialists in Canada, Dave and Laura were faced with an incredibly difficult decision. The wait for surgery in Canada was expected to take several weeks before the first of multiple surgeries could even begin. Knowing Dave needed to begin cancer treatment as soon as possible, they sought a second opinion from the spinal surgeon in Germany who had successfully operated on Dave eight years earlier.

Within days, they were given an opportunity for emergency surgery.

A Successful Surgery

On June 2, 2026, Dave underwent extensive revision spinal surgery in Germany.

During surgery, doctors discovered and removed an abscess approximately the size of an egg that was compressing his spinal cord, pushing on his carotid artery, and severely restricting his airway. The surgeon also removed two infected artificial cervical discs, repaired an additional deteriorated level of his spine, and stabilized three cervical levels using titanium cages and screws.

The surgery took longer than expected, and the surgeon later shared that it was a good thing Dave and Laura came when they did.

Following surgery, testing confirmed a bacterial infection, requiring Dave to remain on antibiotics for three months. Although recovery has had its challenges, Dave has already experienced improved mobility and is once again able to swallow—something that had become increasingly difficult before surgery.

We are incredibly thankful for God's provision and for the successful outcome of this critical surgery.

The Journey Continues

The surgery was a major milestone but it is only one part of Dave's journey.

Dave and Laura have now travelled to Arizona, where Dave has begun advanced cancer treatment at Envita Medical Center. After exploring treatment options, they chose Envita because of its advanced targeted testing and precision treatment approach, which offered renewed hope.

Laura is also continuing her own health journey after years of battling autoimmune conditions and is seeking further testing and treatment while they are there.

Why We're Asking for Help

The financial burden of this journey has become overwhelming.

Travel to Germany, emergency surgery, ongoing recovery, cancer treatment in Arizona, accommodations, transportation, medical expenses, and Laura's own healthcare needs have created costs far beyond what they can manage alone.

For decades, Dave and Laura have poured their lives into serving others through Nehemiah Construction Ministries. They have never hesitated to answer God's call, whether that meant drilling wells, building communities, mentoring leaders, or walking alongside those in need.

Now they need others to walk alongside them.

How You Can Help

If you feel led to support Dave and Laura, there are several meaningful ways you can help:

• Give toward their medical expenses, treatment, travel, and recovery.

• Share this so others can hear their story.

• Pray for healing, wisdom, strength, peace, and God's continued provision.

Every donation, large or small makes a difference.

The Mission Isn't Over

Dave and Laura hope to return to the ministry they love.

Their heart remains in Kenya, serving communities, bringing clean water, strengthening churches, and sharing the hope of Christ.

This season has been incredibly difficult, but they continue to trust God one day at a time.

If you are able, thank you for standing with them during this journey.

Because Dave isn't done yet...

...and neither is the mission.