Today we’d like to introduce you to David Turner.
Hi David, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
In 2011, I was diagnosed with Gastroparesis, a serious condition caused by complications from diabetes. However, it was not officially confirmed until 2013 after my wife and I traveled from Texas to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. After two long years of sickness, countless doctor visits, and repeated hospital stays without answers, Mayo Clinic doctors finally confirmed that I had Gastroparesis—a chronic disorder that causes the stomach to empty food into the small intestine much more slowly than normal, without any physical blockage. At that time, I had never heard of the disease, and many doctors in my area were unfamiliar with it as well.
In September 2013, I lost my eyesight due to uncontrolled diabetes. Accepting blindness was one of the hardest challenges I had ever faced, but over time, I learned to embrace my new reality and trust God in a deeper way.
Because of severe Gastroparesis flare-ups, I spent many years in and out of hospitals. Yet even in the midst of those difficult seasons, God continued to show His faithfulness.
On Memorial Day in 2019, something extraordinary happened— a video of me making a free throw, titled “Blind Uncle Makes Freethrow,” went viral, reaching over 10 million views in just three days and touching lives all over the world. The video was shared by major media outlets and even by Britney Spears. I give God all the glory for using that moment to inspire and encourage so many people.
As a result of that viral video, Grand Prairie Mayor Ron Jensen honored me with a proclamation declaring June 18th as David Turner Day in the City of Grand Prairie.
In 2021, my wife and I founded By Faith Not Sight, a nonprofit organization created to support and encourage individuals and families facing medical challenges, reminding them that they are not alone.
In February 2024, I was diagnosed with kidney cancer in my right kidney. In September 2024, I underwent successful surgery to remove that kidney, and by God’s grace, all of the cancer was removed. Today, I give God praise for healing me. I am currently on dialysis because my left kidney is not strong enough to function on its own, but through every challenge, my faith remains strong.
My journey has not been easy, but through every diagnosis, loss, and obstacle, I continue to stand on faith, trusting that God has a purpose for my life and that my story can encourage others to keep going.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it has definitely not been a smooth road. In fact, it has been incredibly difficult. Losing my sight has meant that I have never been able to see my grandchildren, my daughter-in-law, or many of my nieces and nephews. That reality has been painful, but even through it all, I continue to walk by faith and trust God through every challenge.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am the founder of By Faith Not Sight 501c3 Nonprofit Organization. My wife and I started this organization to provide hope, support, and encouragement to individuals facing health challenges and to the families who stand with them every step of the way.
We strive to ensure they know they are not alone—that they feel seen, supported, and understood through every step of their journey.
I also serve as an Elder on the Ministerial Staff, a musician in the Music Ministry, and alongside my wife, as a leader of the Intercessory Prayer Team Ministry at Antioch Christian Church in Irving, Texas, under the leadership of Pastors Norris and Tonya McGill. I am also an author of the book I Am David: By Faith, Not By Sight, available on Amazon.
What sets me apart is the depth of my faith in the midst of all I face. My circumstances may challenge me, but they do not define me. I am blessed to encourage and inspire others to keep going and never give up, regardless of their situation or circumstances. While many people ask, “Why me, God?” I choose to say, “Why not me?” God chose me, and I trust His purpose in my journey.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I give God all of the credit for what He has done in and through my life.
My wife, my sons, my father, my family, my wife’s family, my Pastors, and my church family have been some of my greatest supporters, covering me in love, encouragement, and constant prayer throughout this journey. Their unwavering support, along with God’s grace, has carried me through some of my most difficult seasons. Without them and without God by my side, this road would have been far more challenging.
I have also been blessed with incredible friends who have encouraged me, prayed for me, and stood beside me along the way. Their love and support mean more than words can express, and I am deeply grateful for each of them.
I am truly blessed to be surrounded by so many people who love me and genuinely care about my well-being.
On the days when I feel down or unwell, I hold on to a quote by Les Brown: “If you fall, fall on your back. Because if you can look up, you can get up.”
For me, that means continuing to walk by faith and not by sight, trusting God every step of the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.byfaithnotsight.org
- Instagram: elder_muzikman
- Facebook: David Turner
