Help David Walk Again: Urgent Surgeries Needed

Help David Walk Again—Urgent Surgeries to Save His Life

On December 13, 2021, in the middle of the pandemic lockdowns, David’s life changed forever.

That evening after a day spent in prayer in the mountains, he met a friend in Johannesburg, South Africa, out of nowhere, an armed attacker approached them. In a split second, David saw the gun aimed at his chest. He dove to the ground, saving his life—but a bullet tore through his right leg, shattering the bone.

Then the nightmare continued.

Because of the pandemic, no ambulance ever arrived. David lay bleeding as precious hours slipped away. He was rushed from hospital to hospital—two separate hospitals turned him away because they could not handle the severity of the injury or find an available surgeon. When the third hospital finally admitted him, there were no beds. David was placed on a gurney in a hallway, where he remained without treatment from 5:30 p.m. until midnight.

No pain medication was given. Only basic care was performed in the early hours of December 14 to try to prevent infection—but the bullet was left in his leg.

Over the next months, David endured unimaginable setbacks:

• December 17: His first surgery finally took place.

• December 20: He was discharged early to protect him from COVID.

• He was told to use crutches too soon, further damaging the leg.

• March 2022: After months of pain and waiting, he finally received a second surgery.

• Despite all this, the leg has never healed.

The photos show part of what he lives with every day: swelling, discoloration, and excruciating pain.

Who Is David?

David’s story began in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where he grew up during political turmoil. Even as a child, he was determined to rise above his circumstances. At 12, he made the brave decision to give his life to Christ. By 14, he was teaching Sunday School. At 17, he was leading a youth group. Under his father’s guidance through Campus for Christ, he trained as an evangelist.

David dreamed of becoming a pilot. He left Congo to study mechanical engineering in South Africa, hoping it would prepare him to eventually continue his studies in the United States. When his mother’s health declined, he started a small business to pay his way. Before she passed away, he promised her he would marry after two years in South Africa—and he kept that promise.

Through war, personal loss, and violence toward foreigners, David never lost his faith or purpose. He became an ordained minister, a missionary, and a nonprofit leader. He is a devoted father of four and a proud grandfather of two. Even today, he never complains. All he wants is to walk without pain, regain financial stability, and continue serving his family and community.

Why We Are Asking for Help

After nearly four years of pain and setbacks, David needs two urgent surgeries to save his leg—and his life:

Surgery #1: Remove infection and assess how deep it has spread

Surgery #2: Repair the severe bone damage

Estimated Costs for Surgeries (USD):

• Doctor 2: $28,000–$42,000

Important: Private hospitals in South Africa will not start treatment without the full balance paid upfront.

As of June 29, 2025, David’s family has already raised $4,530.

In addition to the surgeries, we urgently need $5,000 more for:

• Hospital stays

• Specialized antibiotics and medications

• Rehabilitation so David can walk again

• Transportation to and from care facilities

• Living expenses while David is under treatment and unable to work

Our Commitment to You

We understand that supporting someone you may never have met is an extraordinary act of compassion. We are committed to providing regular updates on David’s treatment, recovery, and progress toward healing.

For David’s safety and his family’s, we will protect his face in any photos included in this campaign.

How You Can Help

Every day that passes increases the risk of amputation or fatal infection. Time is critical.

Your donation, no matter the amount, will bring David one step closer to healing.

If you are unable to give financially, please consider sharing this campaign with your friends, church, and community. Spreading the word means everything.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing with David in this fight to save his leg, restore his health, and help him rebuild the life he has worked so hard for.

Donate today. Help David Walk again. Help save his life.