Rev Adrian Adger, minister to Clough and Seaforde congregations, has become a bit of an internet star, albeit a reluctant one. In a series of four short films, Adrian has shared openly some of his life experiences to encourage and inspire others to live their lives for God’s glory by finding forgiveness; guidance; love; and hope.
In February 2017 Adrian had a pain in his side, which the doctor originally thought was a stone in his kidney. Following a scan it was soon discovered to be a tumour. Although the news was shocking and upsetting, the prognosis was good – the malignant tumour was removed, leaving all the surrounding lymph nodes clear.
However, it was at the six-month routine scan that the devastating blow came – the cancer had spread to his abdomen and Adrian was told that it was now inoperable and incurable.
“That diagnosis shook me to the core of my being. It was like a death sentence coming over me; a dark cloud coming over my life. I received a burden that was too heavy for me to carry and I wondered would I know joy again in my life.”
That Sunday, Adrian and his wife Karen shared the news with their church family and they had a time of prayer. A missionary read Isaiah 43:2: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.”
Adrian says, “There were tears from me and others, and a peace came over me. I knew that joy had returned. After being totally disorientated, I was beginning to find my spiritual equilibrium again.”
Clough and Seaforde have rallied around their minister and for that Adrian and Karen are very grateful. Karen says, “I’ve never felt that Adrian and I are going through this on our own. It’s a church family trial and we’re in it together.”
A friend urged Adrian that he had a story to tell and so should share it on social media. “I thought, no, I’m not really into all that. Then he kept on talking to me about it and I thought, well maybe. So, I talked to the elders and they said they would support the project.” With the help of videographer Jonny Sanlon, the congregations have released a series of four video blogs by Adrian, which detail how he came to faith; his path to ministry; meeting his wife Karen; and dealing with his diagnosis of incurable cancer.
The couple have been amazed at the response to the videos. The first one was viewed over 10,000 times on Facebook and Adrian has had reactions from people around the globe, including Russia, Thailand and Nigeria. “In many ways, it’s a very public illness that we’re going through. We decided to be open and share it with the church and with anyone who wants to know.
“There are so many people who are suffering with cancer and other difficulties. So, as people see the hope that we have, we want to signpost them to the Lord, that they can have that same hope.”
Adrian is reflective about the theology of what to pray when illness strikes. “Karen and I both felt strongly that we should pray for healing. I don’t feel that as Christians we should be fatalistic and just accept things. God is interested in us physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually, so there’s a wholeness to us.”
Whilst the journey of cancer is obviously tough for the person who has been diagnosed, it is equally distressing for their nearest and dearest. Karen says, “I have found the support incredible. At different times, people have come up to me in church to ask if I’m ok. They don’t forget about me. The ladies are very kind, thoughtful and inclusive.”
She says she copes by trying to help other people with their problems and not just dwell on her own. “Getting into other people’s lives and situations definitely keeps me balanced. The more I pray for other people, I just feel so much better because it takes my focus off me.”
At the start of 2019, Adrian received the news that the cancer has now spread to his liver. He is currently receiving a treatment called immunotherapy, which is relatively new and aims to boost the body’s own immunity to fight the cancer. “They told me that if it had been a few years ago they couldn’t have offered me any further treatment,” says Adrian. “I would just have been told to go home. It’s a cutting-edge treatment and there have been some good trials from it so there’s reasonably good prospects.”
Whatever the outcome, the couple are steadfastly grounded in their faith, their love for each other, and the support of their churches, family and wider community. Adrian movingly articulates, “I have this assurance – the best is yet to come – for all the people of God; for all whose faith is in the glorious name of Jesus Christ.”
Rev. David Thompson, Secretary, Council for Congregational Life & Witness endorses the series: “Adrian's clips deal with issues that are live for many people in and around our congregations. Their accessibility and honesty make them very sharable whether in group settings or with individuals in evangelistic, discipleship or pastoral situations.“
- The Finding series is available to view on the Clough and Seaforde churches’ website and Facebook page.The full series is now available on DVD.
- This blog was amended from the original article published in the April edition of the Presbyterian Herald, entitled Joy in the trial, written by Sarah Harding.