Pastor Jeremiah Ketels
My Testimony
Pastor Jeremiah grew up in the midwestern part of Wisconsin, where he was raised in a Bible-believing home. His Dad and Mom are both born-again Christians and determined to raise their children according to the Word of God. It was at the age of eight that he understood he was a sinner in need of a Saviour. At the age of eight, after a Bible study on the Rapture, he knelt beside his bed, and his mother led him to the Lord in the Word of God.
At the age of 17, he joined the Navy and departed shortly after. He had the privilege of serving his country for 20 years and retired in June 2022.
From 2009 to present God has allowed him the opportunity to preach and teach in multiple churches and serve in many different capacities, from Music Ministry, Choir, Sunday School, Bible Institute, Preaching, and Teaching various classes, along with a consistent emphasis on Soul Winning.
Pastor Jeremiah is married to his childhood sweetheart, Heather Ketels, which he met in 9th grade. They have been married since 2002 and have six wonderful children. (Nathaniel, Natalia, Nehemiah, Naomi, Noah, and Stephanas) The entire family faithfully serves in the Church and demonstrates a Christian family example to those around them.
In November 2019 with the support of their sending Church (Chesapeake Baptist Church) and with the calling of God, Pastor Jeremiah and his family stepped out in faith and planted Anchor Baptist Church in the community of Cradock. Since then, we have been blessed to see souls trust Christ as their Saviour; Christians follow in obedience to the Word of God and then strengthened through the Preaching and Teaching of God's Word. God has opened the doors in Portsmouth, and the ministry is growing to be the GLORY OF GOD.
Personal Note
I believe under the calling of God as not only the Pastor of Anchor Baptist Church but also as a Christian that it is my duty to declare "Thus saith the LORD."
We must reach the wonderful residents of Portsmouth, Virginia with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We will do this through the example found in the book of Acts as we preach the Gospel from house to house (Acts 5:42) and in the highways and hedges. (Luke 14:23)
This responsibility is given to every Born-again Believer and should be a focus of our Christian walk along with growth in the Word of God.
I love God's people and truly count it a privilege to serve the wonderful people of Portsmouth. It would be my honor to serve alongside you as we grow closer to the Lord.