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 mentors and asking him “Was Hudson ok with God?” His overwhelming thoughts immediately were:
- Is what I’ve claimed to believe all true? Is he just going in the ground now or does he live on?
- If it is true, is he ok? Did he make it??? I can’t at all 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 at his bedside in the ICU
- Swing Low Sweet Chariot
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer quote
- 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.
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."
Romans 8:28 New International Version (NIV) 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:38-39 New International Version (NIV)
38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 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.
John 6: 68-69 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.”
Stephen, I am 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!
Video that spoke to Stephen that features Steven Curtis Chapman speaking to Rick Warren (minute 20:30):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9KFNm8ceVg
Special thank you to Frontier Camp, for allowing me to share your tribute video in honor of Hudson Adams. For more information about Frontier Camp: https://frontiercamp.org/
The news story published by ABC: https://abc13.com/news/exclusive-houston-teen-dies-of-brain-eating-amoeba-/1427624/
Info on Dietrich Bonhoeffer: https://www.christianitytoday.com/history/people/martyrs/dietrich-bonhoeffer.html
To contact Stephen: [email protected]
To contact Julie: [email protected]