Greetings from China

Steven and family are in China for several concerts and to see the progress of the Shaohannah's Hope Healing Home.

Comments

[BRANDY]

yaaaay china!!!!!

[Rebecca H.]

Hey! We missed you :)
Glad to see you back on the bloggin' scene. I've been praying for you and your family during this time in China. Hope all your concerts go smoothly and looking forward to the next China update!

[Misty and Sarah]

Awesome~
We are so excited to be a part of your ministry and mission. We are taking a team of women to work(love on kids)with the Phillip Hayden foundation in the fall all because of coming to one of your concerts! Seeing your families love for orphans has deeply inspired us to reach out to orphans too. Wish we were there to hear you sing!! Praying~ Misty and The Mighty Peterson family

[Todd and Holly]

We are praying for you and your efforts, Steven. We were blessed with the opportunity to meet you backstage in Fayetteville, AR. We are currently in the world's longest gestation period of any mammal, which is 'pending referral', waiting on our precious little girl from China. We wish you could just bring her to us on your way back, but we know that God will work thru you and your family in some way or another and that your trip will bless us and so many other families who are in this holding pattern. May God work thru you to reach the hearts of so many souls over there who are in need of Him. We will be praying for you and your family daily. GOD BLESS!!!!

[Daniel Reimer]

Steven, I am about your age and I just want to tell you that your music and your life have been an inspiration to me over the years of your music career. I admire you commitment to your family, your calling, and most of all to our God. Individuals like you give me the courage and strength to go on in the face of adversity and trials. Thank you for your faithfulness to your calling I love your music and your video blogs (keep them coming, we all enjoy watching them so much). Your music has encouraged, inspired, and motivated me to keep fighting the fight. I love you and pray for you and your family! May God continue to bless you in every endeavour of your live. In Christian love. Dan R. PS.: Just one little complaint: When are you coming to Canada? We really aren't as stiff and starchy as most people think and we would love to have you perform in our country. I will bring my family to whatever city your may be performing in. Please plan to come and visit us soon. In Christian love!

[gwen oatsvall]

you know that we are always praying for your family and your ministry ... you have opened our eyes to a whole new calling from the Lord and we are trying to listen and answer the Lord w/ our words, our hearts, and all the treasures He gives us ... love you all !!!!

[gdugan2]

Hey bro,
Nice to see you again. Glad to see you're well. Hope you and your family have a blessed and safe time. As believers we know it's all his "...for yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever..." Amen! Love you guys!

[Daniel Reimer]

Hey Steven, I'm just hearing the news about the earthquakes in China. Are you folks near that area and are you all O.K.? Please let us know. We are praying for you all and the people of China. Dan

[Alpo Voutilainen]

Hi, Steven.
Your music is my one of my favourites "Yours", "Speechless",...
Thank You for sending this. This is encouragement.

[Rebecca H.]

Hey, I just wanted to say thank you SO much for finally making it out to Seattle. I was at the concert Saturday night (I was the girl 8 rows back with the "WE ARE!" sign and T-shirt!) and it was a completely amazing night of worship and giving glory to God. I want to tell you, thank you SO MUCH for doing "Magnificent Obsession"! That song has encouraged me and drawn me out of darker pits than you could possibly know, and hearing it live was just such an amazing moment for me. Thanks again for all that you do!

[Morgan Shaw]

Hello,
I have recently been ecstatic about a song of yours. "Fingerprints of God." I am not sure if you knew this when you wrote this song but I wanted to share with you some insight that I watched on a youtube video about "Laminin." Laminin is a protein molecule that holds things together. Louie Giglio is the man who spoke of Laminin. It is the first video that shows up if you search via youtube. Bascically, all this information to say that we are literally covered with the fingerprints of God. Watching this video on the internet, googling Laminin myself, and listening to your song that talks about being covered with the fingerprints of God is what I needed to get out of this spiritual lull/rut that I have been in. So, in a round about way, I would like to say thank you but also share something that you may not have known when you wrote this song.

Thank you so much for all that you do.
May God bless the work that you accomplish and may you life be filled with His love and blessings!!!
Morgan

[Donna Thornton]

I am so sorry. I am so sorry. I am so sorry. Please tell your son his sister is in a much better place and that he CANNOT blame himself for this accident.

God will carry you and your family through this tragedy. Let Him do his work now, as you have been working hard for Him. He is there for you now.

Love, Donna, Mark, Katy, and Suzy

[Paul Pettefer]

Dear Chapman's,

We just heard the tragic news about your Princess' death. We are on vacation (me, my wife and our four little girls). We immediately prayed for you, your son, your wife and other children.

We don't have a clue what you are going through. But God does. We prayed for grace to flow over you, for protection from attacks from our enemy, and the discernment to identify the lies of Satan that will come in this horrible trial.

We love you and will continue praying for you.

Paul & April Pettefer & Girls, Hannah, Rebecca, Abigail and Elisabeth

[Krista]

I just found you through Shaun Groves' blog, but you're one of my all time favorite artists. I'm so sorry to hear the sad news about your family. Please know that we will be praying for you in the days and weeks to come.

[Roxy]

I just heard the news here in North Carolina. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Friday I will be getting married -- my father and I will be dancing to "Cinderella." Thank you for writing such a wonderful song. You have helped to create a memory that my father and I will never forget.

During this time, remember this song and the memories that come with it. I will be thinking of you and your family this Friday, especially.

With love,
Brian & Roxy

[Kelly]

My heart breaks for your loss. I can't imagine what you must be going through and there are no words to ease your grief. We serve a God who is the great Comforter. I am praying for your family, and a special grace and comfort for your son.

[Marlise Langenhoven]

Dear Chapman family,

This is one of those times where words just aren't enough - and if anything, they seem useless. What can be said at a time like this? What words can possibly convey the deep sorrow we (in the Body of Christ) are feeling for you all at the moment. All we can say is, we are praying for you all. That His comfort, peace, grace and presence will be yours at this time. Even though we know that your baby is in Jesus' arms tonight, it does not take away the pain that your own empty arms feel. I pray especially for her big brother ......
As you face the challenges of the coming days, weeks and months as a family - please know that while there are going to be plenty of moments where you feel alone, and maybe, desserted, your brothers and sisters in Christ are lifting you up in prayer. And even more than that, Hebrews says that we have a High Priest who knows our pain and our struggles and He intercedes before the Father for us.

Much love

Marlise

[Lindsay]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Remember...

When the pain falls like a curtain
on the things I once called certain
And I have to say the words I fear the most:I just don't know

And the questions without answers
Come and paralyze the dancer
So I stand here on the stage afraid to move
Afraid to fall, oh, but fall I must
On this truth that my life has been formed from the dust

God is God and I am not
I can only see a part of the picture He's painting
God is God and I am man
So I'll never understand it all
For only God is God

And the sky begins to thunder
And I'm filled with awe and wonder
'Til the only burning question that remains
Is who am I

Can I form a single mountain
Take the stars in hand and count them
Can I even take a breath without God giving it to me
He is first and last before all that has been
Beyond all that will pass

Oh, how great are the riches of His wisdom and knowledge
How unsearchable for to Him and through Him and from Him are all things

So let us worship before the throne Of the One who is worthy of worship alone

Praying for you and your family in this time...

[Amy]

I'm so sorry.

I have no more words...just hugs and prayers.

[Rachel]

Sometimes I don't understand God.

I know he's still in control, though.

Prayers are being offered up on behalf of your precious family in my living room right now. (There were some tears too...)

I'm praying that God would help all of you you sleep well tonight, that he'll help you make decisions in the days ahead, and that he'll be a special comfort to your son.

[Jeff McCord]

Steven and family -

I am so sorry to hear about your tragic news tonight. I literally just heard the news here in Dallas on the 10:00 nightly news and my heart ached when I heard it.

My brother passed away in 2005 from cancer (he was only 33) and I know that's not the same, but what I do know is my parents have made it through losing a child and I know you and your wife will as well.

You're going to feel anger. You're going to ask why. You're going to even probably be mad at God. And NO MATTER WHAT any "church" tells you, that's absolutely okay. It's not right that this happened. It's not right for someone, like you, to have this happen to them. It's not fair.

But I know you'll make it through.

I don't pray much lately... but I will say a prayer for you tonight.

God bless you.

Jeff McCord
www.jeffmccord.org

[bethy]

i have been in your shoes. know that you will heal. please listen to alan jackson's "sissy's song." it is such a comfort to me.
blessed be the name of the Lord. He holds your sweet girl. He is sovereign. tears and prayers go out to you and your family.

[Melissa]

Where are the words for this?

My heart is just breaking for your family, and I am praying for God's hand continually upon you; that your hearts would just be entirely in His hands; that you would experience His heart for you in ways small and large that would just astound you even in this time. Praying, praying, praying for your son.

Thank you for all that you share with us. Know that we grieve with and pray for you now.

[Lynn Holloway]

Dear Steven, Mary Beth and the Chapman family,

Our hearts ache for you and your family this evening. Deeply truly ache. If there were words we knew would comfort you we would send them but we find no words. We are stunned and silent and holding you in our prayers.... Praying that the Father will wrap his strong and loving arms around each of you. Praying for all you will bear in the wake of such a devastating loss.... Praying folks close to you will love you well. Praying out of ignorance and hope.... we weep with you and trust that God is good.

The Holloways, Charlotte NC

[Lynn Holloway]

Dear Steven, Mary Beth and the Chapman family,

Our hearts ache for you and your family this evening. Deeply truly ache. If there were words we knew would comfort you we would send them but we find no words. We are stunned and silent and holding you in our prayers.... Praying that the Father will wrap his strong and loving arms around each of you. Praying for all you will bear in the wake of such a devastating loss.... Praying folks close to you will love you well. Praying out of ignorance and hope.... we weep with you and trust that God is good.

The Holloways, Charlotte NC

[Tina Phillips]

Oh Heavenly Father, We don't understand why such tragic things happen but we know that you have said "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Lord I ask right now that you hold the Chapman family in your arms like only you can. Let them crawl into your lap and rest during this storm. I can't even begin to imagine the kind of devastation that they are feeling as their little Cinderella is with you. Comfort them and love them and give them a sense of peace tonight. God I pray a special prayer for her brother. Use his loved ones to encourage him and love him through this.

We love you Lord and we give You thanks in all circumstances, for this is Your will.

In Your Most Holy Name I pray,
Amen

[Ethan Maas]

Our prayers are with you in Dublin, GA for this terrible loss and heaven's great gain.

[Jean Marie]

Dear Chapman family,

I am so very sorry to hear the news of sweet little Maria Chapman. To lose a child in such a way would be so heart wrenching, I cannot imagine your pain, but our Lord is GOOD! Because He is good, we have hope, because He is good, we have comfort, because He is good, we know that this valley will be abundantly blessed with His grace. I will be praying fervently for your family, as you grieve your precious princess, and please let the son know that God saw little Maria there, even though he did not. May the Lord show you much grace in your valley.

With love,
Jean Fambrough
James 1

[The Lane Family]

Dear Chapman Family-

My husband and I are praying for you and your family. We pray that each of you all will be comforted "as a mother comforts her child" during this time of mourning and healing.

Much love,

The Lane Family, Carmel IN

[Chelsea]

Dear Brother,

You do not know me, but I heard the news of the accident tonight, and I just wanted you to know that I am lifting you and your family up in prayer, and I shall continue to do so. Know that, during this time, God has not left your side, and He will NOT leave your side. He will walk with you all through this time.

Praying for great strength and comfort from the only One who can give it.

[Amanda]

Steven, I have just heard the news and I'm crying. We have just stopped what we are doing and prayed for your family and your son at this time. Please know that Christians around the world are lifting you all up in prayer (we are in Australia). I have emailed a few people who I know will want to pray for you about this. May you know God's strength during this time as only he can give it.
Amanda Hunt (Perth, Western Australia)

[Grace Kim]

Dear Steven and family,

My heart literally breaks and aches for your loss. As I wrote on my recent post [http://www.gracepicks.com/2008/05/18/music-to-my-ears/#comments], "With Hope" was such a poignant song for me when I lost my brother six years ago. I continue to listen to it often. May your own lyrics be healing for your family in this tough time. Lifting up prayers for you...

[Matthew]

Dear Chapman Family,

I am keeping you all in my prayers at this time. Your love for God and others has been an encouragement to me throughout all my teenage years to my time now in Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary now as I pursue God's calling into ministry. Found in You has been especially meaningful. I pray that the Lord comfort you all 1000 fold the times you have comforted those many others affected by your ministry!

With a heart of sorrow yet hope in the Lord,
Matthew E. (SF Bay Region, CA)

Acts 14:21-22
2 Corinthians 1:2-7

[The Rose Family]

Praying for you and your family as you journey through this grief.
A fellow adoptive family

[Mike Lewis]

Steven and family,
I am saddened to hear this news. You are all in my prayers tonight. Let God lift you in His arms tonight. Your family means a lot to my family here.

Love you guys!
Mike Lewis
Beaverton, Oregon

[Andy and Mandy]

We'll be praying for you and your family.

You all are an inspiration to us and many others.

Andy and Mandy

[Robin]

:(

Mortal words are inadequate but the truth of God's Word brings hope...comfort...peace. My heart immediately grasped for Romans 8:28 when I learned about Maria Sue, and anguished prayers on your behalf match those described in 26-39.... Especially for Will Franklin and Caleb, but for you and Mary Beth as parents and all the girls, too.

We'll never know one another but your music has been a blessing to me for almost 20 years; praying for y'all is like praying for precious friends.

peace beloved

[Jeremy]

Brother,
I'm praying for you and your family. Job 1:20-21.

May God be glorified in your trial.

[Dwight & Melissa]

Steven,

The Lord has used your life and music to encourage us so throughout our lives and service for Him. We are praying for you and your family that He will carry you in a special way at this time. He is faithful no matter what.

In His Love & Grace,
Dwight & Melissa
Timisoara, Romania

[Rebecca]

I am so sorry for your loss. Words can not express how terrible I feel for your family. Please know that I am praying. I have been listening to you for over 10 years and I feel like a member of your family. I am sorry. I wish there was something I could do.

Sincerely,
Rebecca

[pam]

We are so sorry for your loss. Our family is in prayer for all of you this morning. May God carry you through this time of grief.

[Tim]

Steven,
I am very sorry for your loss; I am praying for you and your family this morning. May God's strength get you through this very difficult time.

Tim

[Chris Williams, Anderson University]

Steven:

The Anderson University family is surrounding the Chapman family with prayer for God's strength and comfort.

You are deeply loved in this community and we know that "the peace of God, which is deeper than all knowledge, will keep your hearts and minds . ."

You have inspired so many with your songs and the testimony of your lives. The wider community of faith comes together now to lift you to the Lord through this difficult time.

Chris Williams
Anderson University
Anderson, Idniana

[Cindi M.]

Dear Chapman Family,
There are no words that I can say to ease your pain, but please take what comfort you can in that people from all over the world are lifting all of you in our prayers. The word that keeps coming to me is "Hope." (A word you know well) Remember our Lord Jesus promised us He would never leave us or forsake us. Be still and know that He is still in control. Your extended family (all of us) will lift you up and help carry you through this time.

[Bekka]

I'm not a Christian, and in fact had never heard your music before tonight, but after hearing of your daughters passing, had to come and send my condolences. It sounds like you are an incredible man who created an amazing family for a little girl who had none, and you should be so proud of that. I know your family's strength will get you through this.

[Elisha]

My heart is breaking for you all. Remember that the Lord is faithful to those who trust in Him. I'm praying for you. You will see her again some day... that is the promise of an amazing God that loves us all so much.

[Keith Plummer]

My family and I are so very sorry for your family's immeasurable loss. Your music has filled our home and hearts for years as my son became one of your biggest fans at an early age. For his sake I stopped you for an autograph when you were in Wheaton, IL for the Walden Media Narnia preview event. It's one of my son's prized possessions. Thank you. Know that our family will be praying for yours as you walk this sorrowful path.

[Rebecca]

I have tears streaming down my face and I am so angry that God would allow this to happen to your sweet daughter and son. I am just so sad and angry. I wish it would have been me instead of her. I am so sorry.

[Tammy]

I have no words for you at the moment, the only thing our family can do for you is pray. God is always seated on His throne.

[Dionna]

Steven - I literally ran down the stairs today when I heard about your family's tragedy on the news this morning. My heart is just breaking for all of you. I pray you will cling to each other, comfort your son and let God reach into His heart instead of letting Satan convict him, and that you will be flooded with God's love as you somehow come to terms with this. I am so so very sorry.
I am blessed for the short time that you shared Maria with us through your video blogs. I know God is enjoying her smile and her hugs this morning.

[Michelle L.]

Dear Chapman Family,

I am so sorry and saddened to hear about Maria. I can't imagine the terrible grief you and your family are going through. Your music has meant so much to me over the last 18 years. My prayer is that God will give you the strength to get through this. And I believe He will, one day at a time, one hour at a time, one minute at a time. You have so many people praying for you! Please know that you are loved by so many, and when you are hurting, we are hurting too. I am in tears as I type this. We love you!!

[Rebecca H.]

My heart is aching for you and your family right now. Something like this is never expected to happen and...Dear God, where are the words? We're here for you. I've been praying for you nonstop ever since I heard the news this morning on the radio. All of the team at Spirit 105.3 in Seattle are praying for you on the air. They're playing God is God right now, and tears are streaming down my cheeks. I know about loss but losing a child...May God bless you and keep you, may he make his face to shine down upon you and be gracious to you, may he give you peace in this incredibly difficult time. Always praying for you!

[Stephanie H.]

I have been a fan for so many years. Now I consider it my privilege to carry you and your family to Jesus on my knees.

[Wendy Merz]

Stephen and Mary Beth and Family--

My deepest heart condolences and love at this terrible time. I know that God's plan and purpose in this situation will be revealed to you and yours as you walk through this journey of grief. Never give up. You have done so much to bring people to know the Lord, and then to encourage believers- your song "With Hope" is one recent example in my life. I have a good friend who lost a child to an epileptic seizure a few years ago- his birthday this year was the day before Mother's Day. I woke up on that day with that song playing in my head- and knew I needed to email my friend. I sent her a link to the music, and the lyrics, and she was so blessed and touched by it- it truly ministered to her on that painful day.

Now it is time for you to reap all you have sowed. Please let these words of love from all over the world remind you of all the lives you have pointed to the Lord.

My whole family is praying for you and yours. In Christ's Love-
Eric and Wendy Merz
Rachel, Noah and Abigail

WE LOVE YOU BROTHER AND SISTER!

[Samantha]

I just learned of the loss of your daughter and wanted to let you know that my prayers are with you. I am seventeen years old and I have a little sister around seven, so I can't imagine what your son is going through! My heart hurts for the pain that I know he especially must feel.
Isaiah 40:31

[Kim]

Dear Stephen and Mary Beth and family,

Our hearts have been breaking for you. Please know our family is praying for you..we did last night when we heard and will continue on in steadfast prayer. I know you are trusting God through this, and we know and can trust in His promise of Romans 8:28...but the pain must be so hard right now. I can not even begin to know what all emotions you are dealing with right now...but, I do know that God will carry you through.

[Kim]

Dear Stephen and Mary Beth and family,

Our hearts have been breaking for you. Please know our family is praying for you..we did last night when we heard and will continue on in steadfast prayer. I know you are trusting God through this, and we know and can trust in His promise of Romans 8:28...but the pain must be so hard right now. I can not even begin to know what all emotions you are dealing with right now...but, I do know that God will carry you through.

[Lauren]

My family and I are praying for you and yours.
Proverbs 3:5-6, always comfort me whenever I am going through tough times.
Remember, in times of need, there is only one set of foot prints in the sand (and many following after, those who are also supporting you every step you take)

[Rebecca H.]

Steven, I made a video for you and your family to remember Maria. I felt like God laid this on my heart to do this for you. It's the least I can do in a time like this. Here's the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmXJ6S5oukA

[Stephanie]

Steven,

You have sowed seeds of love, comfort and encouragement in the lives of so many others that it is my prayer you will receive them back in abundance during this time of loss. May God bless and comfort your family as you celebrate the miracle of Maria's life.

Praying in Chile,
Stephanie

[Christy]

Steven and family, I am praying for you everyday. You do not know how much your life has meant to me. You have been a great Godly example. I have followed you through all of the S.H. and how you have raised money to help others to adopt. I am single and have had a dream for adoption for a long time, but have felt like as far as daycare goes, I can not at this time. I know that if it is God's plan, then He will work it out. I am just leaving it in His hands and waiting on Him. But, through all of that, I have seen you do mighty things in people's hearts. You are so well known and I believe God will use you in mighty ways. You can reach people that I and others can't reach. I am very sorry for your loss and I pray that God will put His hands of protection around you. I also look forward to hearing how God has done mighty things through this incident. I am also praying for your son. I know this had to be very hard on him. But, God can give him the strength to get through. Whenever something bad happens, I try to remember that God promised that He will not let anything happen to us that will harm us in anyway. He knew you guys could handle this and come out stronger. I also believe that too. I have seen how Godly you are and how you have been a Godly example to me. I have seen a bunch of your video blogs, been to your concerts, and watched your videos to a place I feel like you are apart of my family. So, I can say that I am still going through a hard time that this happened to your family, but I have to remember that God is in CONTROL. I hate He took her, but He can do mighty things through this incident. I love you guys and I am praying for you!

[lisa simmons DALLAS]

I WOULD HAVE SAID YES

Looking back
on 5 short years
Thru all the joys
And all the tears
I thought about
How life might’ve been
Had God not brought you
To us back then,
My reflections of
All the “what ifs….”
Filled my mind
With thoughts of this….
What if God asked
Our permission
To give us this child
he had envisioned
To be our child
To have and hold
To teach his ways
As they grow old
If God had said,
“knowing your child
as you know her
would you have said “yes”
If I had conferred?
If God had said
I’ve got a girl
Who came from 2 people
Somewhere in the world
Though not from your womb
But still from my hand
Do you want her to love
Do you think that you can
Love her so much
There’ll be no division
Between those you’ve birthed
And the one you’ve been given?
Will you love her when
She jumps on the bed
splashes around
And dresses up instead
Of going to sleep
When night becomes late
Can you show her my love
While you patiently wait
For her bedtime prayers
That turn into songs
And you’re tired
but you stay
cause it’s where you belong
And when she is five
And outside to play
As I’m watching and knowing
That this is the day
That she’ll come home
Just as I planned
Do you still want her
For such a short span
Yes, God,
you know what’s best
If that is the cost
I would still say yes
Knowing Maria
For such a short time
was still worth it all
to watch her light shine
and even though
we cry with pain
We know in our hearts
Maria remains.
Yes, Maria, we would have said “yes”.

[Clay, Tanya, Corinna, Matthew, Carmen, and Harry]

Steven,

We continue to pray for you and your family. For those of us that are typically "doers", being on the outside is hard. I want to make you dinner, pick up the mail, mow the yard........yet I know that prayer is the greatest gift. Please be assured that I am doing that without ceasing.

Can you please give Will an extra hug from us? We long to do it ourselves, but Virginia is a long stretch for our arms. :-)

We love you all,
Clay, Tanya, Corinna, Matthew, Carmen (home from China in 05 with YOUR help), and Harry (God's sneaky gift just 7 months later)

[Leeann]

Dearest Chapman family,

Please know that we continue to hold you in our hearts every single day.

I think of you all so often.

Much love,
Leeann Niccolini
niccofive@gmail (dot) com

[Craitza]

Dear Steven,
You were one of the first Christian singers I heard while growing up. In a recovering-from-communism Romania, there was no Christian music, especially not from across the ocean (actually, we can't find yours or other's CDs now in shops either). I had an American friend who sent me and my sisters your albums, tapes, because we had no CD player or computer. I remember how I loved "For The Sake Of The Call" album...and the song itself encouraged me so much to always put God first, although I was so little.
Then our American friend bought us a CD player and sent us many of your albums - CDs! He constantly sent us what was new and best in the American Christian music. We were so, so excited...felt so rich and blessed and cool to have your original, latest music! I was always looking forward to any new SCC release. I could name so many of your songs that were so dear to my heart...I remember how we sang "Dive" all the time with the boys from church who were learning guitar and piano because you inspired them so much. I was impressed to hear someone who had so many things say to the whole world so humbly and powerfully: "This is my declaration of dependence..."
"With hope" is particularly meaningful to me. My father died of cancer when I was 7 years old; I have few memories of him, I can't even remember his voice, I never washed dishes with him...I do remember dancing with him, though. :) He was so tall..he used to spin me over his head...It has not been easy, but God has been the faithful sustainer of my Mom and sisters for the last 14 years. He was and is my Father and He is the perfect Father.
Growing up, I looked up to you and always thought: "What an incredible person, what a strong Christian, what a wonderful father!" Your children are so blessed to call you "Dad" and Maria's short life was more blessed than other's lives will ever be. She was happy and secure and like someone said, “It is not the years in your life, but the life in your years that counts”. She had it. You gave it to her. Blessed be His Name! You were the stalk He used to pour a wonderful, full, happy life in the few years He gave Maria. You were the best Daddy she could have. He chose you. What an honor! Blessed be His Name!
I admire, appreciate, love you and I am praying for you! And you will always be my favorite Christian singer! I have a computer now. :) I have so many things, God is so faithful and good. But I still look forward to your new albums, and our American friend is still faithful to send us the CD's. My sister is going to Knoxville tomorrow, she will be pretty close to you.
May God pour peace and comfort on your sweet family, and may you smile in awe as you think that God thought of you as the Best Earthly Father for a precious little one of His, for the short while that He let her enjoy Earth. He only took her from you so that she could be back in the arms of the only better Father for her, Himself! To Him be the glory!
Craitza, Romania

[erin]

hey scc. i cry and pray for you still. i will never forget. my heart is broken and it seems like it breaks all over again at times. i am so sorry, but i know God is going to bring you all thru. thanks for who you are and all you've been to me. you are inspiring. i hope one day i can meet a man as wonderful as you. you must have the best family ever. thanks. i appreciate the man and the music!
love you and your family

Steven,

I too want to thank you for who you are and all that you've been to me. I wish I could take away your pain. I wish that I could give you back Maria. God spoke to my heart while I was praying for you and I added it to your community forum entitled a "Prayer for you". You and your family are incredibly loved. Draw strength from that love.

Darlee

[Dionna]

Steven-
I watched a "Faith and Fame" about you today on the Gospel Music Channel. I just can't get you off my heart and mind tonight. You said that when you had that fire in your apartment you yelled at Satan, "You will not get this family!" I just wanted to remind you that no matter how Satan tries to get your family; no matter how deep the hurt - he will not get your family if you cling on to your faith. Just hang in there and each day breathe. God will get you through it.
I am travelling from my home in Idaho to Tennessee in a few weeks with my family. We are driving across the U.S. I will be thinking and praying for your family the whole time we are there.

[Jenny]

Steven, I was watching some of your video blogs the other day. I don't even know you and I can tell that you are a faithful Christian and a great father. Thank you for being so real and honest. I'm praying for you and your family...I'm sure it's incredibly hard right now and it will probably continue to be, but there is HOPE...Maria is with Jesus now and there is no better place to be. You, your family, and everyone else who knew Maria are being covered by prayers every second of every day. You are very loved! God loves you so much. Your extended Christian family does too. Hugs to you all :)
-Jenny (from NY)

[Debbie from Ohio]

Praying for God's strength and blessings still for your family!

[Amy]

Praying for you Steven, Mary Beth, Emily, Caleb, Will, Shaohannah and Stevey Joy!

[Anna]

We're praying for you tonight, Mr.Chapman!

With hope,
Anna

[Kaleb]

I will be praying for China visit and for your family with Maria going to be with the Lord May God Bless you and your Family.

Your Brother in Christ
~Kaleb~

[Marilyn Rhude]

I watched the You Tube videos of your concert...every one of them. Your strength and faith inspire me. Your young sons courage is awesome. Your music touches people more than I think you realize. You touched my heart with your words.

Blessings to you and your family,

Marilyn

Mum to two bio sons and one Hunan Spicy Girl.

[Joanie from Cincinnati]

I wanted to pass on the blogsite as we wait for our little boy from Kazakhstan. The story of how we began moving in this direction of adoption (like so many others) includes Shaohannah's Hope and Stephen Curtis Chapman. Chapman family, we continue to pray for you. We aslo offer any help we can provide. If anyone wants to check out our blog, it is www.DanielAidenComesHome.blogspot.com

[Heidi J]

I was at the concert at Lifest on Friday evening. I must tell you, everything you said made sense to me. We lost our 1st 2 babies (1 hour after birth 1 year apart in the 90's) and an otherwise normal healthy 6 year old to cancer-4 years ago. We are in the process of adopting from China. (God did bless us with a healthy son-now 13)

When you started the concert with Isaiah 61 I just about fell over. These were the verses that God dropped in my lap in Jan
'06 when we decided to adopt from China. He has used them over and over again to speak to my heart.
Then, you began with the song "Blessed be the Name" which was my heart's cry during our journey with childhood cancer and the death of our son. Many other songs spoke so eloquently to God's sovereignty as well.

My husband and I could relate to your challenges that evening. He sang a concert himself (small local Christian band) the day after our second son had died. There just were so many parallels.

When you spoke about how each song now has a different meaning as you sing it, I understand. I also understand how you now have a new and fresh perspective on heaven. I LOVE to think about being there. We also related to your comments about how you know you need to glorify God in this and that it takes faith to be able to do so. In our journey, we did the same thing, and people were so in awe, but in reality, why should they be? God tells us to....so we must. That doesn't mean we always "feel" like it. Don't get me wrong, I'm still human-I hurt, and I don't always "want" to praise Him. But, praising God is key. And I think the praise comes from a new perspective when it needs to go to that deepest core of who we are when we are grieving. Praise doesn't mean denial. It is complete submission. (FYI not to "sell" a book, but 31 Days of Praise by Ruth Meyers was and has been key in that process).

Sorry this is so long,
I wanted you to somehow know that even in a crowd of 10,000? people that night, one heart was moved, one heart could relate, one heart saw you as very real and transparent-fully dependent on God.

I just had to share my heart with you, and let you know that even when days, months and years go by, there will still be others out here continuing to pray for you and your family. Grief takes time. We will not forget!

Heidi

[Leeann Niccolini]

Dear Chapman Family,

I was thinking of your family tonight and stopped by this blog, in part hoping for an update on how you are but more importantly, to let you know that we love you all, are praying for you all and are sending prayers of comfort and love and good memories. Wrap yourselves up in that blanket of prayer and memories, relax into them, and smile.

Leeann
niccofive.blogspot.com

[Judy kay]

HOpe you come back to us soon!!!!!!Gone way too long