I Still Believe, 2020

From the very first time I met Jeremy, it was obvious he had such a huge heart for God…all he needed was an opportunity to use his gifts and talents for the Lord.

I remember meeting Jeremy. I was asked to put together a youth band to lead worship at the Harvest Crusades for the Saturday night “youth Jam”at the angel (Anaheim) Stadium in Southern California. I was told about this young man named Jeremy Camp who was expected to have a rehearsal at a local church nearby where I lived at the time in Oceanside, Ca. “He’s practicing on Friday night with band if you want to go see him” I was told. ” Thank you, I will try and do that” was my reply. It was now Friday night when I sat on the last pew of the church, watching Jeremy lead the band rehearsal with a bold attitude yet so very graciously. I waited for an opportune moment to step in and introduced myself and the moment came ” Hi Jeremy! How are you? My name is Jean-Luc and I was wondering if you would have a moment after your rehearsal to talk about something  you might be interested in”. Wait, I know who you are” he said;” You mean Jean-Luc from The Kry? Your “YOU” CD got me through a very difficult time during high school” …this is how our friendship began. I didn’t realize at that time, that our world had just collided at a very strategic time for a very strategic purpose. I look back at those days when this 20 some year old guy from Lafayette Indiana freshly out of bible college in Murrieta California came on the scene to begin his journey and I marvel at all that God has done in, through around and mainly despite of us. When all is said and done, it is clear that God’s ways are truly unsearchable, His love surely unquenchable, His will clearly undeniable and His plans incalculable…

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.

~ Jeremiah 29:11-13

Jeremy lost his first wife to cancer, though it was a tragic event in Camp’s life, in his and her family’s life and the countless friends she has accumulated through her short time on earth, still she left a legacy that continues to inspire and bring others to Christ. Her example of faith and devotion to her savior is one that springs me forward and reminds me that I ought to hasten the day of His return by living a life surrendered to His call. She passed the baton to her then husband Jeremy and the movie “I Still Believe” is a reminder that God truly uses all things together for good to those who love God and are the called according to His purposes. (Romans 8:28) While grappling with her death, the Christian artist penned one of his most powerful hit song, ‘I Still Believe.’

“I still believe in Your faithfulness
I still believe in Your truth
I still believe in Your holy word
Even when I don’t see, I still believe”

“I’m not sure what the Lord has in store for my future, but I can say for certain that music is not my life. Christ is my life. I love writing, singing, and playing songs that He gives me to share, but whatever He has for me in five or ten years, I want to be willing to step into it. I never want to hold so tightly to my vocation that I lose out on His higher plan.”

Jeremy Camp