Episode 40: Comforting Signs After Loss of a Son - with Stephen Adams
It was July 13, 2016 when Stephen's son Hudson passed away from primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, caused by an amoeba known as Naegleria Fowleri. People commonly refer to it as the “brain eating amoeba.”
Hudson contracted this illness while working at a Christian camp. He was a counselor at that time and he spent his last week on Earth telling kids about Jesus. He was a kind, gentle, and funny young man. Moments after he passed away, his father remembers walking out of the Intensive Care area, seeing one of his son's mentors and asking him, “Was Hudson ok with God?” Stephen's immediate and overwhelming thoughts were:
1. Is what I’ve claimed to believe all true? Is he just going in the ground now, or does he live on?
2. If it is true, is he ok? Did he make it? I can’t take care of him on that side.
Over the past 3 and a half years God has not stopped giving Stephen miraculous reassurances that indeed, life does go on, Jesus is real and that he has Hudson wrapped in his arms.
Highlights in this testimony:
- Jesus is seen at Hudson's bedside in the ICU
- Swing Low Sweet Chariot
-Dietrich Bonhoeffer quote
-Hudson sister is visited
-Beautiful message to other parents who have lost a child
-Visit from a new friend who shares about allowing people to grieve differently
-Note of thanks and appreciation for Frontier Camp
-My favorite possible way to end this video! Stephen shares about his son and we see a tribute video of Hudson that was created by Frontier Camp. Hudson shares a beautiful message that will be forever treasured. I loved seeing Hudson in his element, proclaiming the way of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Hudson and his family at the beach.
Love this fun shot of Hudson and Stephen. He says this was not choreographed!
Take away messages from Stephen:
"As great as these signs and miracles can be, don't get caught up in them, but keep your eyes on Christ."
"Trying to figure out why is never going to bring you comfort. Seek the presence of God. He will show up and comfort you."
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
—Romans 8:28 NIV
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
—Romans 8:38-39 NIV
Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.”
—John 6: 68-69 NIV
Hudson with his parents on the baseball field.
Hudson in his younger years with Stephen.
Stephen, I am so honored to share this very personal and powerful testimony of God moving in your life during a time of unimaginable loss. Thank you for sharing your heart and a bit of Hudson with us, and for speaking to others that may be suffering. Your faith and your healing are an inspiration!
Special thank you to Frontier Camp, for allowing me to share your tribute video in honor of Hudson Adams.
