The Launch of “The Big C In Me”
There was an air of anticipation as we gathered for the book launch of ‘The Big C In Me’ by Andy Robinson. Hosted by the wonderful Lou Fellingham, the evening wasn’t just a book release; it was a celebration of faith, resilience, and the ‘Big C’ that matters most - Christ.
The night kicked off with a passionate performance of ‘Still Rolling Stones’ by Lauren Daigle sung powerfully by Michaela. Followed by the very poignant ‘Even If’ by Mercy Me, which perfectly captures the heart of Andy’s journey: the choice to trust God even when the outcome is uncertain.
Beyond the Diagnosis
Andy took us back to the moment of his initial diagnosis and the whirlwind of thoughts that followed a colonoscopy. Yet, even in that clinicians room, he described a ‘peace not of this world’.
"The peace this world offers is the absence of trouble; the peace Jesus gives is the presence of Someone - the Prince of Peace."
He also spoke candidly about the reality of living in ‘year 4’ of a diagnosis often treated as a death sentence. He challenged us all with the sobering truth: none of us are guaranteed tomorrow, but even so we often live as though we are. Andy’s journey has moved him from asking “why me?” (which so often leads to a sense of meaninglessness) to asking “what now?”.
The Sovereignty of God
Andy also reflected on how he has come to a greater understanding of God’s sovereignty. He spoke about the comfort he has found in knowing that it is God who has numbered our days, not cancer. Which means - that if He has numbered our days, then even cancer, nor any other diagnosis can steal a single one of them, they all belong and are governed by him.
Andy reminded us that a life devoted to Christ, is not a ‘trouble free life’. Reading from his chapter on suffering, he explained that our trials prove the world needs saving and that we get the privilege as God’s children to walk through these challenges with the ‘Big C’ (Christ) in us.
As the evening moved on we were privileged to watch a new spoken word recorded by Nicola Pike (who you will remember from Devoted), asking whether grief is a monster or a ‘gateway to bloom’.
Discovering an ‘Even If’Faith
The discussion then turned to the tension of believing God can heal while resting in the ‘even if’ surrender - that if God chooses not to, He is still worthy of praise. Andy described worship in brokenness as a unique and precious sacrifice we can only make in this life.
Waymaker Trust
The evening also introduced the work of the Waymaker Trust, a UK-based Christian charity founded by Andy that seeks to "make a way where there is no way" for the poor, sick, and marginalized. Operating primarily in the UK, Africa, and Eastern Europe (including Romania, Zambia, Kenya, and Tanzania), the organisation focuses on restoring dignity and creating sustainable change through projects like education sponsorships, clean water boreholes, farming initiatives, and emergency relief.
One of the questions during the Q&A asked how people can turn dreams into reality. To which Andy responded - "find people who can help you articulate the vision you have, so that you can then share it with others, so that they will want to join you and commit to your mission.
How to survive an unexpected or terminal medical diagnosis
Andy encouraged those who may find themselves in a similar situation to him, to remember that the facts belong to the medics; but the prognosis still belongs to God. If we believe it is God and God alone who numbers our days, then medics can never add or take from the days God has given you!
Christ In Me
The evening concluded as it had begun, with worship. Lou Fellingham led us in her song ‘Christ In Me’, a powerful anthem of surrender and security centering us in the truth that Christ is with us. He is our sure and certain hope for the future, that our confidence doesn’t rely on our own strength or our circumstances, but on the finished work of Christ and that even in suffering, uncertainty and mystery, the presence of Christ provides us with an unshakeable foundation and hope.
Huge congratulations to Andy on a beautiful evening. The Big C In Me is more than just a book, it's a roadmap for walking the Christian life with hope. You can purchase a copy here.
You can watch the launch party on YouTube below: