Brian Parr, MTW missionary serving in Scotland with David, posted the following update on David’s condition. It is a note from David’s son, Andrew

An update on Dad: Things have been going a lot better since last week. I have to admit I think last Friday all of us thought that he was going to die. We were drained both emotionally, physically and to an extent spiritually.

But now I’m glad to say there has been improvement. Dad has received a tracheotomy which means that ventilator tube is no longer in his mouth, so it’s much more comfortable, also he has had his oxygen levels significantly reduced, and has come out of sedation. These are small steps,and he is in no way out of the woods in this. The doctors are constantly reminding us of that and telling us that his condition is still critical.

Also it has been hard chatting to him recently. He is extremely confused and doesn’t have a clue what’s happening. Pray for his mental recovery as well as physical recovery.

I don’t want to get hopes up because these are small steps, but steps in the right direction none the less. We are all conscious as a family though that as we have been passing through this dark valley our great Shepherd has been with us. He is our ultimate hope, and the only one big enough to get us through this, whatever the outcome.

We all have taken great comfort from Psalm 27 (Dad’s favorite passage). Read it (below). There is a radical peace and comfort that can only come from the gospel of Jesus. ” I believe I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD and be strong, let your heart take courage; Wait for the LORD.”…we will wait.

Psalm 27 (ESV)

Of David.

1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When the wicked advance against me
to devour me,
it is my enemies and my foes
who will stumble and fall.
3 Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then I will be confident.
4 One thing I ask from the LORD,
this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple.
5 For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent
and set me high upon a rock.
6 Then my head will be exalted
above the enemies who surround me;
at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the LORD.
7 Hear my voice when I call, LORD;
be merciful to me and answer me.
8 My heart says of you, “Seek his face!”
Your face, LORD, I will seek.
9 Do not hide your face from me,
do not turn your servant away in anger;
you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
God my Savior.
10 Though my father and mother forsake me,
the LORD will receive me.
11 Teach me your way, LORD;
lead me in a straight path
because of my oppressors.
12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
for false witnesses rise up against me,
spouting malicious accusations.
13 I remain confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.