Overwhelming Love

Visitation is over. The memorial service is tomorrow at 11am. I have no words. I'm so spent. Imagine the Chapmans.

Over the last 48 hours, I've heard from friends of the Chapmans literally all over the world by phone and e-mail say "we are praying!" or share gracious and encouraging words, and I have fielded so many offers of help. This family is loved, and being loved well by all of you. Today, we saw it in flesh and blood. An overwhelming turnout. The Chapmans received for 4 hours. I'd estimate perhaps 3500 people.

Each person was special of course, but a few friends you'll recognize were there. Sandi Brown from St Louis radio station The Bridge, Jon Rivers and his lovely bride Sherry of 20 The Countdown Magazine, Dave and Carmen from Florida's Joy FM, Mac Powell, Michael W Smith, Matt Redman, Mark and Melanie Hall and band members current and old.

And when Pastor Scotty Smith "forced" SCC and family to stop to be rested for tomorrow the line was still out the door. Scotty invited them in to the sanctuary, likely 700 to 900 people still in line, and Steven shared a few words and Caleb shared a profound prayer. wow.

If you couldn't be here, the Chapmans have felt your love too. Yes, web stats are just numbers... but in this case they reflect love. In the first 24 hours after Maria's untimely death was confirmed, over 31,000 people shared their condolences; 225,000 people watched the Maria video; $100,000 donated to Maria's Miracle Fund, 715,000 people visited SCC.com's blog In Memory Of Maria; and Dale, our web guru, had to change the configuration of the site because traffic was so heavy it was literally crashing the server. 715k may not be a lot if you're U2, but in our music circles that looks a whole lot like 5 months of traffic in one day.

I am humbled by the love for this family.

Comments

[Jill Hamilton]

Thank you for your prompt updates, Jim. What words can express the sorrow that I am feeling for the Chapmans? They are the ones who inspired us to adopt our Asian beauty in 2005 from Hunan and we will be eternally grateful.
Love and Prayers,
Jill, NC

[seth]

Jim,

I production managed SCC briefly in 1998 (filling in for another guy). During that time I got to watch Steven share hope and healing with the students of the Heath High School shooting. I haven't been able to get that out of my mind for the last two days, and as my prayers go out, the words of "With Hope" (which was played for the first time that night on the school football field) echo in my mind. I hope they continue to ring true for this wonderful and very special family. SCC once described "hope" as waiting and aching. I can think of no better description in a season such as this.

[Stefanie in Illinois]

Along with so many others, my heart is broken for this dear, beloved family. I have been a fan of SCC for so long, and followed the entire adoption process of all three Asian Angels. I just saw him in concert last fall in Champaign, IL, and had the privilege of meeting and taking a picture with Mary Beth. I admire this family so much, and Mary Beth is such an inspiration to me in her strong faith and trust in the Lord. Know that the Chapmans as well as all those in their inner circle are constantly being lifted up in prayer. I have no other words to offer other than my prayers that God will remain real to you and be a comfort in this tragedy. And it is 'With Hope' that so many will be celebrating Maria's life tomorrow. This will be a time of difficulty and confusion, and it is so hard to see any light or feel relief. Nothing we can say or do can take away the pain of losing Maria. But we have Hope! My prayer is that you would rely on the Lord - He is your comfort, He has a will and a plan, and someday, we will see Maria's face again. May you be comforted in the Lord...

[MJ]

Thank you for your timely messages and updates. I am one of the millions who doesn't know the Chapman family personally, but I've been blessed SCC's music and by the family's ministry to the marginalized children of our world. My heart has been breaking for them - I can't even begin to imagine how difficult this is. Prayers have been (and will continue to be) lifted from Washington State!

[Shannon]

I know what the Chapmans are going through. I cannot get these saints and precious Maria out of my mind and heart and have been praying for them often, though with no great degree of eloquence as words are so hard to find.

For whatever it's worth, the numbers you listed only tell a small part of the story. People all over the Web are leaving condolence comments everywhere, not just on this site and its affiliates. Like I, they've been deeply affected by the death of a little girl they never met.

I pray God will pour out His grace on you all tonight, tomorrow, and the many difficult days to come.

[Dena]

I'm just a mom of 3, one adopted from China, who lives in Texas. Thank you so much for these updates. I saw that the visitation was this evening, and so all evening I've been praying. As I went to the doctor, then to Target, then driving home, I've been praying. I am praying for a miracle of healing for this family, for the very presence of God to make His home in their grief.
We will be praying for them tomorrow as well. I bet you all can't believe this is actually happening.

[Rebecca H.]

Thank you so much Jim for all these updates. It's encouraging to know that the family is so loved and supported in this extremely difficult time. Us fans are glad to be of support in any way we can, whether it be leaving a note of encouragement or donating money or whatever. Still praying for everyone.

[Daniel, Renee, Hannah, Aspen Grace, and Sydney]

We continue to pray and lift up the Chapman family and all in the ministry. Hannah - our four year old brought it up this evening after her praise ballet practice on the way home. The tears flow freely and without warning - here in our Princess-i-fied (ages 4, 2, and 8 mos.)Colorado home. Please continue to convey our love. Steven has always stood firm - he has never wavered from the TRUTH and we sooo respect that. Please hug them all for us! May our precious Savior embrace all of the Chapmans through this heartache.

In Him,
The Hallgarths

[Joanne]

I've been thinking and praying for the Chapman's all day, and specifically during the visitation time. It must be unimaginably hard and overwhelming for all of them and those close to them. I pray for God's peace that surpasses all understanding during this most difficult of times, and for healing and an overwhelming blanket of love to cover them.

I've been a fan for many years, have literally worn out tapes and CD's, and have also been greatly touched by their ministry to orphans (we're an adoptive family as well). There are hundreds of thousands of people praying for this dear family.

I'll also pray that they can get some much needed rest tonite and tomorrow.

[Sarah]

Thank you so much for the updates! Our hearts and prayers are with you and the Chapman family. Our 9 year old daughter, Ellie was in Heaven to welcome Maria. We lost her 5 months ago (to cancer) and we can so identify with the pain that you are all feeling. I pray that somehow this family, who lives so much in the public eye, will have a lot of private time to grieve over the next year. It is such a long and complicated process...

May God richly bless you and your family for your loving support of the Chapmans, even while your own hearts are breaking.

Some of my family's grief process is chronicled on Ellie's blog: ellieskees.blogspot.com should anyone wish to draw comfort from our journey.

[Donna, Pat and Family (Frankfort, Kentucky)]

"Here is where the road divides, here is where we realize the sculpting of our Father's great design..." In the most heart-wrenching times of my life, I have called upon these and other words from "Pray For Me." Yet, in losing a perfect, innocent child, how can there be a great design? How can we ever realize it? Why would we choose to realize it? We do not know, but He knows. We do not understand, but He does. We cannot talk, but He speaks to us. We cannot move, but He moves within us. We collapse in our grief, our anger, our confusion, and He understands. He carries us. There is a greater loves that binds us. I am praying for the SCC family...

[Janele]

I can't even imaagine the pain they are all feeling right now, but as someone who has had to say goodbye (temporarily) to a child, I have a glimpse into the depth of the sorrow. Please convey my love to the Chapmans, and my prayers will continue into the future. Thank you so much for allowing us to carry them before the throne.

[The Gambles in Georgia]

Thank you so much Jim for sharing these moments. We grieve with the Chapmans, yet we praise Him in the storm. I believe that Shaohannah's Hope will be greatly blessed by this tragedy and that the great need for orphan care and adoption throughout the world will be made known to those who would have otherwise remained unaware. We continue to lift the Chapmans and all who are there supporting them up in prayer.

[Dionna]

The love for this family is so great because they have given of themselves so greatly to the Christian community. Our love - our prayers - is so little - but it's all we can do for them right now.

[Phil Bransom]

Hello Jim,

Thanks so much for taking the time to communicate. Words help in the healing process.

The event in the Chapman's lives has caused waves of memories to wash over me. We buried our 7 year old son May 30, 2006. He was hit by a neighbor's SUV as he was returning home.

God walked beside us even through our numbness those first few days and weeks. If not for Faith, Family and Friends in that order, our family would not have made it.

I know the Chapmans have an abundance of all three. It is the months ahead where they will need support the most. The son carries the heaviest burden as did our neighbor. We played "With Hope" at our son's memorial service. Steven has blessed our family in many ways.

I know there are many for support but if they ever want to talk with someone who can truly share their journey, our family would be honored.

Blessings,
Phil, Cheryl, Krista, Jamie (Douglas) Bransom

[Katie]

I've had Steven's "With Hope" song stuck in my head for two days now. My prayers are with each and every one of you! Especially for the boys. May he feel forgiveness and be freed from the guilt. As hard as it is to understand, this was God's plan. I know He'll turn this tragedy around and, as hard as it is to believe, it will eventually spark great things!

In Christ,
<>< Katie

"This is not at all
How we thought it was supposed to be.
We had to many plans for you.
We had so many dreams.
And now you've gone away,
And left us with the memories of your smile.
And nothing we can say,
And nothing we can do,
Can take away the pain,
the pain of losing you, but...

"We can cry with hope.
We can say good-bye with hope
'Cause we know our goodbye is not the end, oh no.
And we can grieve with hope
'Cause we believe with hope
(There's a place by God's grace)
There's a place where we'll see your face again.
We'll see your face again.

"And never have I known
Anything so hard to understand.
And never have I questioned more,
The wisdom of God's plan.
But through the cloud of tears,
I see the Father's smile and say well done.
And I imagine you
Where you wanted most to be
Seeing all your dreams come true
'Cause now you're home
And now you're Free...

"We have this hope as an anchor
'Cause we believe that everything
God promised us is true

"We wait with hope
And we ache with hope
We hold on with hope
We let go with hope."

[elizabeth in wisconsin]

thanks so much for the updates.
psalm 31:16~Let Your face shine on Your servant; save me in Your unfailing love.
i've been a SCC fan for about 20 years. my kids love his music now too :)
as it goes with any fan of SCC, we get to know not only a bit about him, but also his amazing family. i've never really met them but am hurting as if it was my own family. my kids and i were praying much during the visitation hours. i bet they feel like they're living in a movie or something; that surreal feeling.
i still cannot find the words to express what i am feeling. i have been praying for the whole family pretty regularly for the past couple days, and, as a mom who has lost a child, i know they will be needing much prayer for quite a few weeks and months to come; BUT one day the pain will be gone, yes there will be the memories-this will leave a scar, but the grief will pass...for joy comes in the morning. i love their family very much and will continue to be praying for them.

[Cheryl]

Although I do not know this family personally, I have been blessed by them over the years through their ministries. I have no words just prayers. Thank you for the updates and I also pray that you too will find strength in the hours ahead.

[Kelby]

Holding constant vigil....

[chapmanfollower]

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your post about the visitation tonight. So
many of us wish we could be right there with you as we are experiencing this loss so deeply. We are thinking of and praying for this beautiful family over and over again from moment to moment.God bless you Jim for your kindness to them and to all of us. It means more than we can say.

[Joy Yoshida]

Thank you so much for your updates. Being so far away (hawaii) from what's going on has helped me know how to pray more specifically for this amazing family. My heart and thoughts are with you all during this time.

[Shannon Cook]

Thank you for taking the time in the midst of your own grief to post these updates. My heart has been breaking for this dear family since I heard the news Thursday morning.

We are yet another family whose life has been touched by the Chapman's ministry and Steven's music for many years now. God used an interview that Steven and Mary Beth did on Family Life several years ago about their own adoption journey to lead us to China to adopt our daughter, who is Maria's age.

We have been and will continue to lift up the entire family before the Father, praying that they will feel His loving arms of comfort and peace around them. Praying they will be reassured by His presence and by the knowledge that He does bring beauty from the ashes.

Love in Christ,
Kurt and Shannon Cook

[Karen B.]

I echo the comments of so many who have written to express appreciation for the updates here. I first visited the site on Thurs. a.m. and I left a comment then on the very first post about Maria -- I was perhaps comment #250. How astounding now to come back to the website today and see nearly 17,000 comments on the main Maria memorial thread.

Oh my goodness! What an incredible testimony to the way the Lord has used Steven and their own family, and how so many of us fans feel a deep personal connection with them, since family has always been such a central theme of Steven's songs and life and ministry.

I too have been a fan for 20 years. I first saw Steven in concert during his "For the Sake of the Call" tour. That was a difficult time in my life as I wrestled with depression and trying to overcome a pattern of sin in my life and wrestle with a call to the mission field. Songs like "His Strength is Perfect" and "Hiding Place" were gifts from God to me. They became a refrain of that year of my life (1990 - 1991) and were part of how the Lord encouraged me and helped restore and revive me.

I did get to the mission field in 1991 and am still here. I'm writing this from a Muslim country in North Africa. Since that concert in 1991 I've had the joy of seeing Steven in concert two other times (Speechless & Declaration tours, during a 3 year leave from the mission field from 1999 - 2002 to care for my terminally ill mother) and during that time I also got to meet him in person at the CBA convention in Atlanta in 2001. The CBA event was just 3 months after my Mom had died and I remember hearing Steven sing (actually, he couldn't sing live because of his vocal chord problem) "When Love Takes You in" -- and breaking down in tears. It was as if the Lord was singing that song to me -- reminding me that even if my earthly parents were dead and I had virtually no other close family, that He would always be a home for me.

So, to say Steven's music has blessed my life is an understatement. And obviously, I'm not alone. I can't imagine any other artist for whom a family tragedy would feel like a tragedy in my own family. But this does feel personal. Somehow the Chapmans have become family to thousands or millions of us around the world. As Steven has shared his heart, the Lord has knit our lives together with his and his family's lives. And so this touches all of us -- a powerful reminder of the truth that we are one Body and that one part of the Body is grieving we all have suffered loss.

So I have been crying and praying along with millions of others and only wishing I could offer some more tangible form of comfort to the Chapmans at this time.

Thank you Jim for your faithful service and updates. It helps us keep praying and it is good to feel connected, even from so far away.

[Beka]

Thank you so much for sharing this all with us. I wish I could be closer and somehow do more. I feel as if I know the Chapmans, and I feel like I've lost someone as well. I can't imagine the pain, but I do believe that God's going to do something amazing with it. I just pray He shows it before too long. Let them all know that I'm still constantly praying, and I don't plan on stopping anytime soon.

[Janele]

This morning is going to be so hard- I have been there, and this is just ripping my heart to shreds for them. I have been on my face, lifting them before the throne, praying Steven's songs for them.. "They can cry with hope, they can say 'goodbye' with hope, 'cause we know their goodbye is not the end. And they can grieve with hope, because we believe with hope, there's a place where we'll ALL see Maria's face again. And if they need to cry, go on and cry, and I will cry with them...", as well as carrying them to Jesus on my knees.

Oh, how I wish that I could help ease their pain, give all of them a hug in person, and help comfort them in their grief.

I just pray that those of us who feel like a part of the family through the wonderful blogs can help the Chapmans carry this load.

Steven, Mary Beth, Emily, Caleb, Will, Shaoey, and Stevey Joy, I love each and every one of you. Please just know that I am carrying you to Jesus as we all cry over the loss of Maria. May God give you the peace that passes all understanding.

Love in Christ Jesus,
Janele

[Stephani B]

Our heart aches for the Chapmans and all those around them as if this were a loss much closer to us. We are praying for all involved and know that the Lord's peace and understanding- that only He can give- will surround this family. God was not surprised as we were by this incident and therefore we live knowing in faith that His purpose will be served. Our hearts and prayers continue to be with you all.

Love in Christ,
The Longs, NC

[Aislynn Holt]

Jim, I am encouraged everyday by your posts. I love this family so much, and to know that they are getting the love they need right now is just so beautiful!!! Thank you for the daily updates.

[Robert Reeder]

Thank you Jim for being such a faithful servant to the Chapman family,they are truly blessed to have you as part of there team. May our Lord bless you and keep you ever mindful of His amazing grace.

Robert OKC

[Nathan & Carrie Duvall]

Thank you for keeping us posted Jim. My wife and I can't stop thinking about the Chapmans, especially now that we're expecting our first child and have already developed a sense of attachment and love for a little one we haven't met yet.

My prayer is that the words of Steven's songs that address this very issue would come flowing back to all of them in this painful time. Our hearts and prayers are with them, especially today, as they say their final goodbye. We're also praying for Caleb... I know he's got a long, hard road ahead of him. May God continue to pour out His love on them all!

In Him,

Nathan & Carrie Duvall
Taylors, SC

[Dena]

I posted last night (mom of 3, 1 adopted from China, from TX), but I had to comment on how this tragedy has jolted me into a much needed time of continual prayer. SCC music has been the backdrop of my life for the past 16 years or so. SO many times, listening to certain songs over and over again until their truth permiated my situation and gave me just what I needed to take a step of faith or trust God for what felt like the impossible.

I had just been reading John Piper earlier in the week, and felt such conviction over my lack of prayer lately. Well, I just can't convey with words the strong, strong compulsion I feel to pray for the Chapmans. As I am reading others comments, I am struck with how all of this has moved so many to pray without ceasing.

I also wanted to thank those who have been through similar situations for the reminder that they will need these prayers even more in the days and months ahead.

I just heard a podcast by Steve Saint, whose father was with Jim Elliot when they were killed by the indians they were missionaries to. He also lost his daughter in an instant, and was talking about suffering and the soveirnty of God. Here's the link in case anyone is interested:

http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/MediaPlayer/1673/Audio/
So many things he said have helped me sort throught this tragedy with the Chapmans, maybe it will help someone else.

[Cindi M.]

As the family is preparing for the service this morning, TV is advertising "Hannah Montana" at 11:00. I know how much Maria enjoyed that show! It struck me how she really could sing that song chorus "Best of Both Worlds" now! She had the best of this earthly world when she was chosen by the Chapmans, and now she has the best of the Heavenly world with Jesus!

[Charlotte]

I sit here in prayer as the memorial service takes place. The statistics you listed really are just a small part of what you see. There are message boards and blogs all over the internet, including MySpace and Facebook that have many, many messages. The Chapman's are loved the world over. And 'With Hope' we all pray for all of you; may God's spirit surround you and comfort you today as you celebrate the life of Maria Sue.

Grace and peace
Charlotte
Pittsburgh, PA

[april]

I have been praying for you, Jim, along with them as you comfort this family and deal with the loss yourself. I pray that God will give you strength and an extra helping of love as you are the arms of Jesus to the Chapman's.
Thank you for being to kind to post for those of us who are unable to be there.
The prayers continue moment by moment.

[Janele]

My prayers for all of you continue through the service and the difficult task of saying 'goodbye'. My prayer specifically for the young man who was driving the car is that he would really take to heart some of Caleb's own words: "Grace, grace, wonderful beautiful grace, grace, God pours His mercy on me, forever I'll sing of your grace".

My prayers for all of you continue without ceasing. Lay it all at the feet of Jesus, and He will carry you through this valley.

I can't even tell you how much I love all of you, even though I'm a stranger.

Janele

[Carmel Daly]

Earnest prayers continuing from Australia. For all - including you, Jim, and your family. Grace, Jenny, Melissa, David...all of you who are walking alongside the Chapmans through this valley.

I was standing at the bus stop on Thursday afternoon listening to Cinderella. Three songs in my mix later, as I turned off my iPod, I was staring in disbelief at my flooded inbox. I couldn't help but think of the new poignancy of the lyrics and wonder at just how God really does have it all - past, present, future - in His care.

Wish I could do more, say something that would help somehow...but the best I can do is trust you all to the care of the One who knows all and holds all. Praying His comfort will be all-encompassing.

Carmel

[Kelly @ Love Well]

Broken but not crushed.

Still in prayer.

[Susanna]

Hi Jim
I too want to say thanks for your prompt updates. One of the things I have always valued about Steven was his joy in sharing his life with his fans. As many 1000's grieve with you all this day, may you all take comfort in knowing the grief is shared.
May God Bless you and keep you all as you journey through the grief
Suke

[Mary]

Soooo saddened, and constantly thinking and praying for you. May you all be blessed with comfort, help and love, as you have blessed so many with that over the years. I know that He is surrounding you all in this time....with so many praying. I claim His promises for you, and ask for grace and protection over your home. Family with 4 kids holding you up in prayer.....

[Annie Plutz]

We are praying for the Chapman family. You have been on my mind all week. We just saw you in concert last Thursday night, May 15, in Orland Park, IL,and I kept thinking about all you had to say about enjoying our Moments. Our Savior knew you needed to enjoy your moments and the gift of each day with your little girls! I just see how God's hand was on your whole tour Miracle of the Moment and I see how God helped you enjoy those moments with your girls so much more as He knew He would be bringing one home with Him! What a wonderful way to say God's moving and preparing you for this.

I will pray for all of you as I can only imagine how hard this must be...and my little 3 1/2 year old girl will continue to dance to Cinderella each night until she's 30!

God Bless You and Keep you in the Palm Of His hand.

[Beth]

Dear Chapman Family,

You have been in my thoughts and prayers since I heard about this tragic event. I have been praying that you would feel the arms of our Father holding you and carrying you through this difficult time.

[Donna]

I think of the Chapman's many times during the day and am praying for them. Thank you for keeping us informed on the events and how they're doing. One of SCC songs was sung at our wedding, and this year we adopted our daughter Lainey from China. Please, tell them we all care so much.
Donna Clark

[Beth]

We have loved and respected the Chapman family for years ... although we have never met them in person. Their love for music, family, adoption, and most of all, our Savior, lets us identify with them in a way only possible in the family of God. One of our greatest family memories is of a SCC concert in Birmingham a few years ago. Steven has impacted our lives, and eternity has been impacted forever because of the message of Truth he has sang and shared. The Chapman's story has not ended ... God has plans we can't even imagine. We'll keep reading the chapters as their family continues to faithfully serve Him. We will not cease to pray for each one of them ... and for all of you who are ministering to them right now. May the peace of God rule the hearts of all who love Maria.

[Amy Morgan]

I cannot imagine how you must feel. My niece passed away at 21 months old almost 13 years ago and I could hardly stand the pain of losing her and she wasn't even my very own child. I now have 2 boys of my own and I still can't imagine the broken hearts you have during this time. Please remember, and I know you will, that our God still sits on the throne and whenever we are faced with these hard times, we have to remember HIS ways are higher than ours. He sees the big picture, we don't. I can't wait to get to Heaven to ask HIM "why"? Until then, you are in my prayers and I pray the Love and Peace of our Heavenly Father fall over you!!!

Trenton, Ohio

[Jan]

I am a grandma with 13 "grand"children. One of our daughters has 7 children. Her oldest son will be driving soon and she has a five-year old daughter. It could have been my daughter's family that this happened to and my heart is breaking for your family. I am praying that the God of all creation will comfort each one of you every second of the day! I care. One of my favorite scriptures is I Chronicles 29:11b "...Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things." God is in control, even when it doesn't feel like it.