Our memories of David are from 1994 to 2000 and therefore are very much tied up with memories of Judith too. Having moved to Cambridge as young adults (we were not yet married at first) David and Judith warmly welcomed us to the Barn team. The Barn is the outreach café for international students that has been running in Cambridge for perhaps 50 years now, and which was led by David and Judith for a good many years.

As part of the Barn team we spent many a happy evening at the Pilks’ home in Gough Way, at the monthly team meetings, and enjoyed their wonderful hospitality many times, such as huge Sunday lunches, and meals and Bible studies for international students. As Manuel was at that time the Kairos annual volunteer, he also had weekly prayer lunches at their home. As young adults far away from our own parents, David & Judith almost took on a parent role to us all.

David (& Judith) provided such stability for the Barn team, most of us young adults, and many were missionaries in the making. I think of David often doing the ‘door’ duty downstairs, to greet anyone coming in. He perhaps preferred to be in that quieter role than in the noisy, busy café environment upstairs. I think of him as such a wise man, but also humorous, and always ready to provide a listening ear.

Aside from our connections with the Barn, I myself have worked for the past 18 years at Central Language School Cambridge. David was one of the founding trustees of the school and was such a part of getting the school off the ground in 1996, and continuing as Trustee for many years. This school has seen literally thousands of internationals through its doors over what is now 25 years, and the Christian ethos and mission, as it was initially set up, most certainly continues to this day.

We are sad to hear that David has passed away, but we know that he will be with his Lord in heaven now, also reunited with Judith. Praise God for the life of David!  

Sian & Manuel Serrano