From the Church to the Turf: Jeremy Kellem Remains Faithful to the Lord
April 20, 2012 - Arena Football League (AFL)
New Orleans VooDoo News Release
NEW ORLEANS (April 20, 2012) - The performance of VooDoo defensive back Jeremy Kellem is so immaculate Kellem himself says he does not deserve all the credit. Being deeply religious, the humble Kellem believes how he plays between the walls of arena football is a reflection of God blessing him.
"I'm not perfect, but I strive to grow more in the Lord everyday. All the credit goes to Jesus Christ. I can't do anything without Him. As far as on the field, I am blessed. Even with four games with four turnovers, there is nothing special about me," said Kellem. "I am so thankful that God is choosing me and blessing me with the turnovers and showing me favor."
Kellem's divine intervention has come to life recently as he recorded his fourth straight game with an interception and fifth consecutive with a takeaway during the VooDoo's game against the San Antonio Talons. During the team's last home game against Tamp Bay, the VooDoo needed a savior that to break The Graveyard Curse of a 12-game losing streak at home, and Kellem played a pivotal role in the win after returning an interception 39 yards for a touchdown.
However, religion for Jeremy Kellum is not just a label to flaunt. Kellum's devotion to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, goes beyond prayer into a deep relationship with God. Unlike some people who may call themselves spiritual, but do not practice their faith, Kellem's intimate relationship with God is based on his service to the Lord.
"Being a Christian, a lot of times people get so caught up in the label of religion when it's really supposed to be about a relationship with God," said Kellem. "I think people over analyze the whole religious thing. It is religion, but at the same time, its not only religion, it about the relationship with God and building that relationship with God everyday."
During his youth, Kellem started going to the Church of Brotherly Love in Delsa Beach, Florida with his parents. He quickly got involved in the Youth Sunday program, which would have children do skits and act out stories with messages from the Bible. He would also speak the Word of the Lord in his church every fourth Sunday.
"My parents took me to church and that's how I first got started. Yet, there comes a time and a point where your parents can't make that decision whether you serve the Lord. You have to make that decision. I realized that I had to make this decision on my own and serve the Lord" said Kellem.
Kellem did just this as his relationship with the Lord went to a whole new level when he attended Middle Tennessee State for college, where he joined the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).
Throughout his involvement in FCA, Kellem and his fellowship would go to different high schools in the area and help out with different events, whether it was a FCA pep-rally, or going to different chapels for different football teams at the local schools.
Yet, Kellem's religious vocation would not stop after college as he became a licensed minister last year. However, being so modest, Kellem does not like to go around telling everybody he is a licensed minister because his service to the Lord is not about labels, it's about responsibility.
"I don't go around telling everybody because I believe actions speak louder than words. It's easy to tell someone I'm this or I'm that, but if you don't live it out your being hypocritical," said Kellem. "It is important to show God first in my actions."
As far as his duties as a licensed minister, Kellem said, "Basically, becoming a licensed minister is for whenever God gives me the opportunity or where ever he sends me. Whenever he calls me to a position at a church, I have that credential and credibility. As far as my responsibility, it is to be a servant, to speak God's word, to serve in any capacity that I possibly can."
Even outside of the church, Kellem remains faithful and acts through the Lord in every step of his life. Kellem understands the mutual relationship with God and how he must do everything he can for the Lord to continue to bless him.
"With football, I pray to God that we win, that I have a great game, that I get turnovers and make plays, but I have to do my part. I have to make sure that I'm eating right. I have to make sure that I'm taking care of my body, that I'm stretching right, that I'm working out, that I'm taking care of the knicks and bruises on my body, that I'm watching and studying films, and that I'm putting in the extra time" said Kellem.
"I feel like if I do my part and have the faith and trust in God to do His, which He has been doing, then I will be blessed." Kellem said.
So, pray Kellem and the VooDoo will continue to be blessed this season as they hope to keep finding wins and escape painful injuries. Just like developing a trust and faith in the Lord is an everyday process for Kellem, so is developing a winning season and everyone has to do their part.
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