updated 3/20/20 – Popular Christian singer Jeremy Camp has topped the Billboard charts and sold more than five million albums worldwide. But his success doesn’t mean his life has always been an easy or happy one. Jeremy endured a family tragedy, and his testimony of that loss has gone on to not only inspire a hit worship song and upcoming major motion picture, but it has also led people to follow Christ! The new Jeremy Camp movie I Still Believe about his journey topped box office charts in its limited release before theaters had to shut down due to the coronavirus epidemic. (If you’d prefer to listen to the audio version of this story, scroll to the end of this article to find the podcast version below!)
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What Happened to Jeremy Camp’s First Wife
Jeremy was on stage when he met his first wife, Melissa Lynn Henning-Camp. “I was singing and I looked up, and there was Melissa with her hands raised up so high. You could tell she was really worshipping Jesus,” shared Jeremy.
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They married in 2000, but Jeremy lost his first wife to ovarian cancer after they had been married for less than four months. He was 23 and she was only 21 years old, but Melissa left a legacy that continues to inspire and bring others to Christ. She shared that if her death could save just one soul by bringing them to Christ, that she would know her purpose here on Earth had been fulfilled.
While grappling with her death, Jeremy wrote his hit song, ‘I Still Believe.' “I remember not wanting to ask God, ‘Why?’ but I finally did. . . He said, ‘Jeremy, I don’t always want you to know why, because I want you to have a testimony of walking by faith.'”
A photo of Melissa Henning-Camp and Jeremy is below on the right from their wedding day.
Jeremy Camp Children & Second Wife
Jeremy found love again, and in 2003, he married his current wife, recording artist Adrienne Camp. Adrienne and Jeremy have three children together.
“The moments I spend with my family are so special because there are often times when the fear of losing someone hits me. You have to take every moment and believe, This is literally a gift from the Lord.” Jeremy shared.
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Jeremy Camp Wife, Adrienne Camp
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Jeremy Camp Family with Second Wife, Adrienne Camp
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Lyrics from Jeremy Camp I Still Believe
“Scattered words and empty thoughts
Seem to pour from my heart
I’ve never felt so torn before
Seems I don’t know where to start
But it’s now that I feel Your grace falls like rain
From every fingertip, washing away my pain”
Jeremy Camp Songs
- Dead Man Walking
- The Story’s Not Over
- Keep Me in the Moment
- My God
- He Knows
- Beautiful One
- I Still Believe
- Only You Can
- My Defender
- Christ in Me
- There Will Be A Day
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Movie About Jeremy Camp’s Life
The movie will follow Jeremy's upbringing and the impact of his first wife's death on his career and walk with God. The film features the same production team who made the 2018 hit Christian film, ‘I Can Only Imagine’ starring Dennis Quaid that shared the story behind MercyMe’s song with the same name.
Jeremy Camp New Movie Trailer
h/t: GodTube
Jeremy Camp Movie Cast: ‘I Still Believe’ Stars – Shania Twain, Gary Sinese & General Hospital Cast Members
Actor KJ Apa, of the TV show Riverdale, will star as Jeremy Camp in the film. Forrest Gump actor Gary Sinise is also set to star, and country legend Shania Twain will star as Jeremy’s mother!
General Hospital stars Nathan Parsons and Nicolas Bechtel will play Jeremy’s friend and brother in the film.
“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”
Jeremy Camp Movie Release Date
When Does Jeremy Camp Film ‘I Still Believe’ Hit Theaters? The ‘I Still Believe’ film was released in theaters on March 13, 2020, a date with very low theater attendance nationwide in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Despite low theater attendance during its opening weekend, ‘I Still Believe,’ nabbed the No. 1 spot. Listen to Jeremy share his testimony, explains the story behind the movie, and perform the hit song of the same name that inspired the film.
‘I Still Believe’ Video Released Early for Video on Demand (VOD)
The film, which was made for $12 million dollars made $9 million before its run ended prematurely due to theaters being shut down. The filmmakers hope that moviegoers will continue to support the film by renting and buying it online. They are releasing the film early to be viewed online, on March 27, 2020.
"As filmmakers, we are heartbroken that we can't share ‘I Still Believe’ on a big screen the way we intended,” the Erwin brothers shared. “But the safety of guests comes first, and we're proud to have the opportunity to share online a movie whose inspiring message of love, hope and faith is perfect for these uncertain times."
For those who are quarantined at home, the ability to watch this highly anticipated theatrical release from the comfort of their homes couldn’t come at a better time. What a blessing!
Actor K.J. Apa Says God Anointed Film ‘I Still Believe’
Actor K.J. Apa was reluctant to take on the lead role portraying Jeremy Camp, but the reason why may surprise you. The star was concerned he wouldn’t be able to sing well enough! "Why I was kind of hesitant to play the character is because I'm not the most confident singer, but I feel confident with a guitar in my hand," K.J. said.
He was convinced he couldn’t hit the high notes, but the filmmakers had faith in him. And he didn’t prove them wrong! "Something snapped in him," Michael Erwin said. “It turned out really beautiful. I’m really proud of him taking a risk on something he didn’t know he could do."
“I feel like God really anointed this film, and I've never been so proud of anything in my entire life." K.J. shared.
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WATCH: Jeremy Camp Shares Story Behind ‘I Still Believe’ Movie
h/t: GodTube