HALIFAX — Cedric Peerman is a name University of Virginia football fans will instantly recognize. He has been one of the bright spots in the Cavalier's current season, and before he was sidelined with an injury last year, he led the team and the Atlantic Coast Conference in rushing.
He was certainly no stranger to the young people of the Dan River Baptist Association who cheered thunderously as he was introduced at the annual youth evangelism conference held Sunday evening, Sept. 14, at Dan River Baptist Church in Halifax. They welcomed Peerman, who had been a local star at William Campbell High School where he scored a state high school record of 708 points. In addition, he holds a list of other state records.
Photo by Jim White
Cedrick Peerman speaks to youth at the evangelism conference.
But the 200 youth, adult sponsors and guests who cheered hadn't come to hear him talk about football. They had come to hear about his faith in Jesus Christ. He didn't disappoint them.
Neither did the band, Three Nails, which had led in worship prior to Peerman's arrival. Directed by David Berry, the band's chief vocalist, the seven-member band led in spirited choruses which prompted clapping, swaying and cheering from the enthusiastic young people.
Peerman, who was licensed to preach by his home church a few months ago, challenged the youth to ask three questions which formed the outline of his message. They were: “What standards do you live by?” “Who do you listen to?” and “Who do you please?”
Using Matt. 4:1-10 as his text, the football star and lay preacher drew parallels from Christ's temptation in the wilderness to teach young Christians how to become champions for Christ today.
In his message he observed, “The world says get things first; but the Bible says put God first and he will give you everything you need. The world says get even with those who do you wrong; but the Bible says love those who hate you and God will bless you.
“The world says it's OK to have sex before marriage; but the Bible says sex is reserved for marriage. The world says party all night long; but the Bible says there is a time for everything.
“The world says as long as I do it and don't get caught it's alright; but the Bible says what's done in the darkness will come to light.”
Cedrick Peerman on the gridiron.
Earlier that day there was some question whether Peerman would even appear at the meeting, when UVA coach Al Groh called an unexpected practice at 2 p.m. following the team's stunning loss the previous day to the University of Connecticut's Huskies. Groh, however, has been very supportive of Peerman's call to ministry and didn't hesitate to excuse his absence from the unscheduled practice.
Shelton Miles, pastor of First Baptist Church of Republican Grove in Nathalie and chairman of the youth committee of the association, observed, “I'll bet Coach Groh had never heard a player ask to leave practice early because he had a preaching assignment before!”
“Right after I answered the call to preach, I went to Coach and told him all about it,” Peerman shared with this reporter. “He was very supportive and told me about his own faith.”
What does the future hold for Peerman? “It has been a dream of mine for a long time to play in the [National Football League],” he said. “But you never know what the Lord has for you.”