Christians in U.S. and Africa pray, collect funds for ‘a true Barnabas’ battling cancer

Abiodun Adegoroye delivers water to workers during a church construction project in Nigeria. (Photo provided by Deborah Klein)

Church members in the U.S. and Nigeria are praying and collecting funds for Emmanuel Abiodun Adegoroye, a longtime minister and ministry trainer suffering from cancer.
Adegoroye, known as “Biodun,” hosts a gospel radio program and served as an instructor at the School of Biblical Studies, a church-supported ministry training school in Jos, Nigeria, for 18 years. For two years, he studied at Heritiage Christian University in Florence, Ala.

Gloria and Abiodun Adegoroye (Photo provided by Abiodun Adegoroye)

Adegoroye, 52, began a ministry job with a congregation in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, earlier this year. After about two months on the job, he experienced pain in his chest and limbs. A bone marrow biopsy confirmed that the minister had multiple myeloma, a cancer of the blood’s plasma cells. Adegoroye currently is undergoing treatment in Lagos, Nigeria, but requires additional treatment in the U.S.
Chikezie Madu, a Nigerian native baptized by Adegoroye 24 years ago, now works as a graduate research assistant in a Memphis, Tenn., hospital and is working to have Adegoroye admitted to a hospital in Little Rock, Ark., that specializes in multiple myeloma treatment. (San Walton, the founder of Wal-Mart Stores Inc., died in 1992 while suffering from multiple myeloma.)
Churches in Nigeria have raised money for the trip, Adegoroye said. They are praying for Christians in the U.S. to help defray the minister’s medical expenses once he reaches Arkansas.
“I, on my own side, am asking the Lord for remission,” Adegoroye said.
Deborah Klein, who served as a missionary in Nigeria with her husband, Ken, described Adegoroye as “a dear, dear brother in Christ who has given himself and his many talents to the spread of the Kingdom in Nigeria.”
“He is a true Barnabas in terms of encouragement,” said Klein, now an instructor at Faulkner University in Montgomery, Ala., “and his wife, Gloria, supplements his ministry with her hospitality.”
Lee Hodges of Hope Springs International, a water well-drilling ministry in Hendersonville, Tenn., is collecting funds to help with Adegoroye’s expenses. To contribute, contact Hope Springs International, 118 Wessington Place, Hendersonville, TN 37075. Please note “Cancer Treatment Fund” on contributions.
Friends set up a Facebook group, “Love and Prayers for Biodun.”
(On a personal note, my father was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2003. He received treatment and is currently in remission — for which my family praises God. Here’s a column I wrote about my father’s diagnosis.)

• Feedback
  Emmanual Adegoroye is a pillar of Biblical wisdom, strength and peace in Nigeria yet he among the most humble servants I know. He is one of my husband’s most treasured Nigerian friend and colleague. My husband, Dr. Bob Whittaker, has worked with him in the Campus church and Campus Ministry at the University of Jos where he dared to go when others would not go. If there is a Nigerian Christian who sincerely needs help in this situation it is Emmanuel. We are trying to help, I ask others to join us to get Emmanuel the treatment he needs.

  Annette Whittaker

  August, 31 2011

  Indeed Abiodun Adegoroye has served in the dirty jobs of Nigerian ministry which are undesireable but necessary. Often, while in Nigeria, I knew that I could lean on him in campaigns to the “bush” locations of Taraba State. Immediately after the Jos crisis of 2001 in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, he and I crafted a church leaders workshop on the Christian response to armed conflict. I cannot imagine churches of Christ in northern Nigeria without the resources that this brother offers. We are attempting to facilitate additional assistance but we know that only our persistent prayers will move the heart of God to heal this brother according to His will.

  Brad Blake

  August, 31 2011

  Bro Abiodun Adegoroye is a dedicated worker of the Lord. He is intelligent and warm. Each of my encounters with him left an indelible mark on me. My very earnest prayer is for our Good Lord to perfect His healings on him and wondrously expedite all processes to get medical attention in the US.

  Charles Solotan

  September, 3 2011

  I knew Bro. Abiodun Adegoroye when I was very young. He is my role model � and not just me, but also many young Christians in Nigeria and Africa. He is a strong pillar for the Church in Nigeria. I appeal that we all assist in any way we can to save this noble soul. Above all, let’s keep remembering him to the Lord in our prayers.

  David Enilolobo

  September, 3 2011