Melissa Camp
A Journey Through Her Life in Pictures, Video, and Her Journal
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The Early Years
Melissa Lynn Henning was born on October 7, 1979, in Southern California. Her joy, sweetness, and angelic love for people were evident even as a small child. She was darling. Beloved by all who knew her, she adored her family, friends, and community but above all, Jesus.
Meeting Jeremy Camp
In 1999, Melissa met Jeremy Camp, who was soon to become a well-known American contemporary Christian music singer and songwriter, while worshiping at a small Bible study. They instantly connected and their story began. Shortly after dating, Melissa ended things so she wouldn’t be distracted from the plans God had for her.
Cancer Diagnosis
During Melissa and Jeremy's time apart in the year 2000, Melissa was devastatingly diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Upon discovery, it had already spread throughout her entire abdomen including all major organs and was in her liver. Jeremy Camp came to visit her in the hospital immediately following her diagnosis and sparks flew again.
Wedding / Honeymoon
Quickly after the diagnosis, Melissa and Jeremy were engaged! They planned their dream wedding and invited everyone they had ever met to hear the good news of God’s love. One month before their wedding, Melissa was healed of all tumors and was cancer free. It was a miracle. They were married on October 21, 2000, and honeymooned in Oahu, Hawaii — her favorite place in the world.
Final Moments
Days upon returning from their honeymoon, Melissa didn't feel well. They soon discovered her cancer was back and had spread all over her body. There was nothing they could do and told her she had weeks to months to live. At the age of 21, Melissa Lynn Henning-Camp went to be with Jesus on February 5, 2001, at 12:05 a.m. She joyfully worshiped and praised the Lord throughout her sickness until her last words.
The Film "I Still Believe"
"I Still Believe" was the first song Jeremy Camp wrote after Melissa’s death and it became an immediate success across the world. Their story was recently turned into a major movie motion picture that seeks to share her faith and hope with the world. She would constantly say, “If just one life comes to know Jesus through my cancer, it will all be worth it.” And now millions will have the opportunity.
Melissa loved Forest Home Camp! Her faith grew tremendously there as a camper, child care assistant and leader. While considering where to direct donations in her name, we knew she would desire to send as many kids to camp as possible.
The Journey Doesn’t End Here
Heather Dalton enthusiastically engages thousands of women while teaching God’s word and sharing her sister Melissa’s story. She has been an educator for over 20 years in various roles such as teacher, principal, adjunct professor, and school consultant and now has her favorite position of all — homeschooler! Heather resides in San Diego, Calif., with her husband Todd she adores and their three spunky daughters Gracie, Harper and Daphne. To invite Heather to speak to your group please click on contact link below.
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