Despite Rain Delay, SCC Goes On

Tonight's appearance by Steven following the Atlanta Braves major league baseball game was delayed by over an hour by rain. Rain threatened to forced organizers to cancel the show outright. But, Steven was determined that the show go on.

It was not safe for the band to perform, due to the safety concerns for the water and extensive equipment. But Steven decided that a solo performance by him, with just his guitar, had to be possible. And this is why we love working with this man. These photos from behind Steven from road manger extraordinaire, David.

People there in Atalnta report that prior to the rain about 7,000 were on hand for the show, and despite the hour plus delay, at least 6 to 6,500 appear to still be on hand. More photos from Grace on her blog here.

Comments

[erica randall]

that's awesome that he would do that!!!! you'll are always in mine and my familys prayers...

-erica-

[Taryn]

Not quite sure what to comment on this..
my heart just smiles.

That is our guy.
One who has walked [is walking] through the fire, a deep dark valley-- yet knows, without a shadow of doubt, that there is a message to be heard by SO many.
Nothing is stopping him or his beautiful family, not even rain drops.

I appreciate his heart, his determination--simply, him. Yet, when explaining that..it is everything but simple.

Thanks, God, that you are using SCC to touch so many hearts and lives tonight-you simply are amazing, Lord!

[Simon & Sue Short]

I stand here an marvel at a man that can stand up solo and carry on a concert when the rain comes in. No one would question him not perfroming but alas he gets up an belts out some tunes anyway! What a man, a man clearly comforted and let by God's spirit despite any circumstance that comes his way.

I pray that we get to see him again one day here in Australia...

Still praying, still crying, still believing....

The Short Family

[elizabeth ~in wisconsin]

another reason why we fans love him.
rock on guys

[The Reed Family]

I agree with you, Taryn; there's really no comment, but there is a smile on my face. After so many tears shed, what a joy it is to see the fun of the family today and the heart Steven has. Prayers for all who are hearing his (and His!) message right now!

[Cindi M.]

That's so "Chapman."

[MC]

My husband is there right now, it is an awesome show. Thanks for not canceling.

[Denise]

Just makes your heart sing!

[Connie]

Praying for you all. It was so wonderful to
see this beautiful family having some fun
today.
Thank you for the updates and for always
sharing.

[Julie H]

Just wanted to say thank you for these incredible blog posts. I read them and cry and pray and cry and pray some more. So powerful a testimony for the kindgom of God. God bless. Take care, Julie H.

[J.B.]

I believe there is something very powerful about God's children standing in worship together. I think you can worship in the quiet of your own living room, but I just think there is something very real and raw about His children being together in His praise and worship. God didn't want to cancel this concert. I think He knew what He was doing by having Steven end up standing on the stage alone. Since this was the first concert his entire family was at (I assume they weren't at the Biltmore last night), I wonder if it was different from the others. Perhaps there are those here who are there tonight. Play on, Steven, the Braves don't play until 1:00 tomorrow! ;)

[Jenifer]

Love it, Love it, Love it! What an awesome moment! Have already been checking Grace's blog...she's got some great pictures! Would sure love for SCC to come to West Texas...(hint, hint!). Thanks for the update, Jim!

[harvestgathering]

Amazing! A song comes to mind...THANK YOU FOR GIVING TO THE LORD...so many lives have been and will be changed because of the faithfulness of SCC!!
Prayers continue in Holyrood, Ontario.

[Melissa Melvin]

That's is awesome!!!

[Jessica]

So it would be assumed that Steve, Will and Caleb were all at the concert, the girls were there running bases and Melissa was joining them in that pursuit however I missed seeing Mary Beth's beautiful face. Where is she today? How is she doing? She's in my prayers all the time and I pray that the Lord is ministering to her, speaking to her heart and encouraging her to hang in there and hang on to Him, He'll never let her down. Please, Jim, next time you see her please give her a hug!

Thanks,
Jessica

[Jenny]

Wow, looks like an awesome concert! God bless you Steven! You truly have a heart for God and his ppl - thanks for being so humble and real with us. We love you! Keep spreading the Gospel! Can't wait til October to attend one of your concerts!
Praying that ppl are blessed tonight...
God loves each one of you. Thanks, Jim for the update! We really appreciate it :)
-Jenny (from NY)

[rebeccaanne]

What an amazing concert it was! Despite the rain thousands of christians joined in Atlanta to support Steven and his family. I feel so honored that I was able to be in attendance, and see for myself that this family is going to be okay. Still, I pray fervantly for hope and healing in these very dark times.
-Rebecca Stewart

[Andrea]

I just got home from the concert, and I am still in awe of what power I felt there tonight. The Holy Spirit was definitely in that stadium tonight,and I know there had to be a reason for the night to turn out the way it did. The whole evening was remarkable, and it is definitely something I was proud to be a part of and will never ever forget. God bless this family as they continue on praising the Lord while they make their way through these dark times.

[Celie]

Thank you for your willingness to let Gods light shine. I know Maria, was sooo excited to see dad playing in the rain, giving God the glory in God's strength to press on. Someone needed to hear and see the power of Gods word of truth. Still lifting all of you. Thank you Lord for the power of answered prayer we have the honor to behold. Isa 40:29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.
Isa 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

[Alison Lewis]

We just got back from the game as well. We missed seeing the band perform, but enjoyed the intimate concert with Steven. I got some great pictures of Steven and the beautiful sunset after the storm.

Alison

[Cynthia (Woodstock, GA)]

We were so worried when we saw the lightning and very dark clouds that the concert would be canceled, but God had a different plan! What a wonderful, intimate concert - which is hard to do with 7000 people in a 55,000 seat stadium but SCC did it. It was obvious he was pouring out his heart as he was sharing so many personal stories. Thank God for the rain storm! Can't wait to see SCC and MWS in October.

[Andrea]

I know I just posted, but I also was just able to look at some of the pictures I took from the show. And if no one minds, I would like to share a couple of pictures I thought were very powerful. Well, they are to me at least. :) They kindacapture the calm after the storm and our man soldiering on and making the most of the situation. I'm just so grateful for the opportunity to get to come and experience greatness of the Lord through music firsthand.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/Learyrocksmysocks/StevenCurtisChapman050.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/Learyrocksmysocks/StevenCurtisChapman051.jpg

Hope you enjoy. :)

[Jo O.]

Steven said he hoped someone's life would be touched tonight. We were there. We were the family with all the rainbow children decked out in green shirts to Steven's right. My husband asked that I contact you and tell you that several little one's lives WERE touched tonight.

Four months ago, our children (all 6 of them) welcomed a new little brother into our family (age 6 at homecoming). Last month, in the process of working with him to overcome his attachment disorder, those children learned the reality that their brother is terminal. This was information we knew when we adopted him, but information we had intended to try and sheild from them longer.

The last month has been a very hard emotional roller coaster for these young children as they learn to accept that the brother they are learning to love they will also say Good-bye to, far, far too soon. If their brother sees 20, it will only be by a miracle from the Lord.

At least 3 of the children returned home tonight clinging to the truth that if Steven could stand up there and sing after saying Good-bye to Maria, then they too will learn to carry on when it is time to say good-bye to their little brother. At least one of the children was full of the promise that even after we say good-bye, we WILL still see him again in Paradise. Your words, your public grief and your openess to walk out there and share it with them touched these children in their struggles.

For that, their father and I thank you profusely. For showing them that we can love fiercly and with joy this child we will also say good-bye to far too soon from this world.

[Jill]

We've been to most of Steven's concerts down through the years when he comes to Atlanta. I can't help but wonder if God actually showed up mightier than any of us had hoped. First, a weather display as only He can give, a quick passing of said storm which doesn't really happen in Atlanta in the summer, and then a very honest, melodic, simple offering of voice and guitar to the One who "gives and takes away". Those who heard it went away blessing God's name for His faithfulness, His promises, and His care for His children as He fulfills His purpose for us all. Thanks, Steven and family!

[The Reed Family]

Dear Jo & Family,

What grace and love I read in your post. As an adoptive mom myself, I can't imagine knowing that the child you waited so long to receive will leave sooner than you hope. It has been reported that Steven has shared that they have realized that they "weren't robbed & Maria wasn't robbed.' That God knew the days He had planned for Maria from the beginning, even though they didn't realize the time would be so short. I pray that your family can also cling to that knowledge. I will be praying for you and your precious children. Thank you for sharing this beautiful tribute with all of us.