Join the Chapmans in China (sorta)

Jim here for Steven.  

He and Mary Beth wanted to invite you to join the team on the trip to China... well, virtually at least. Here's a link to the blog of a photographer there with them as they open up a special needs orphans facility, Maria's Big House of Hope.  

Thanks for your prayers!  http://www.austinmann.com/trek/

Comments

[Heidi]

What a beautiful photo!

[Sarah]

I'll be watching everyday! Good luck to you all!

[Todd]

I have no other place to put this but I want to somehow get a message to Steven and Mary Beth. We recently lost our 5 month old (they told us SIDS) and are having a very difficult time coming to grips. We have five other children and want to do the best for them but cannot stop thinking how or what we did wrong. I have lost my faith in God and I think my wife is too. Priests, friends and family even our church and school have moved on and think we should be getting on with life. The pain just gets worse with each passing day. I cry for my son, for my wife and family and for my loss of faith... I do not want to ruin this post with our issues so please pass this along and delete the post. If there is anything at all you can do to help my email is attached.

[John Knight]

Todd - I could not find your email to respond but read your comments and my heart is broken for you. I've also experienced some pain that was hard to come to grips with and shook my faith - in my case, a disabled son and a wife with cancer. God was faithful to help me: http://www.desiringgod.org/Blog/1303_Real_Freedom_in_Jesus/

The sovereign Lord of the universe knows your pain and provides a magnificent Jesus as the answer. This article from Desiring God Ministries might be helpful for you: http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Articles/ByDate/2006/1622_What_happens_to_infants_who_die/

[Amy]

Tears of joy and sadness, what a blessing to those kids who will able to live is such an amazing place thought of, constructed and dedicated with the love of Christ. I truly hope that one day I will be able to return to China and visit such an amazing place, to hold and love the wonderful children.

[Steven weyenberg]

Todd, I share pain with you and many others do too. Listen to "hiding place" and give yourself to Jesus completely on this issue. We can never, as humans be in total submit, So I believe anyways. He waits for us, it is us that lets go, especially in times like this. I don't know what it is like to lose someone that close. Who am I to say... I have been through enough to write a book. Some may include total loss of hope since I was old enough to think for myself. But I have no doubt that Jesus knows the depths of Love you have for your own, and I do too. Whatever the cause was, there will always be guilt we feel. Also, no matter how much time we spend together, it's never enough. I pray now that by Jesus name, not by us, but him through our faith in him that this be resolved. This world is full of cruel things and we are cruel to ourselves. When I finally knelt down and begged for his presence, he came like a lightning jolt and trembling. I did not even want my wife to touch me. Either way, here's hoping for the best, for you and your family. Take care.. I thank Scc and the family for the music and much more.

[Jaznil Vazquez]

hello. I recently wrote to the chapman family on myspace and I really dont know if you guys check it so I decided to go on a hunt and find a place where I might have more luck.
It will be a year tomorrow that we lost our little princess jesse y. bueno. She was also 5 and left behind many broken hearts. Among them was her mother maria and father ernie and almost 2 year old sister jordan. She past in a horrific car accident on the way to california from arizona with her mom and dad. i really dont want to disclose the whole story, but I was watching the larry king show on youtube and saw the video of maria singing best of both worlds and it just reminded me how my little jesse and I would put on shows and sing the same song. I also saw the note with the word see on it and remembered that the day before the accident jesse was hard at work making beautiful drawings for maria ernie her grandparents me and my boyfriend of 4 years(her uncle). she was suppose to start kinder in september and so she turns to me and says im scared. i looked at her feeling a bit confused and said dont worry honey your going to do great. you will make tons of friends and have so much fun. i was assuming she was talking about school since she was drawing what to me looked like a school. she kept drawing as she said no no i wont. i sat there looking extremely confused but i left it alone and she kept making drawings. who would of thought my little super star was going to be gone the next day. It would be great to receive and email from you. Maybe after I tell you the story you can write to maria and ernie. They are big fans of your music especially cinderella. We played that song at her service and still play it every time we go visit her.

Thank you in advance for your time.
Jaz

[Amy M]

This is a TWO-PART POST! - 1)to Mary Beth and 2) to TODD

First, Chapmans, Hooray for the beautiful job you and the Lord are doing in China. Obviously the Lord is blessing your work for the 'least of these' in that country. I know He'll continue to do so! Mary Beth, please take care of yourself and watch that BP! You're such a strong leader in Show Hope and nobody wants anything to happen to you!
Blessings, Amy

Todd,
I lost my only sibling to suicide 2 years ago and for months I couldn't even pray. My wise husband told me that God already knew that and He was there with me anyway and would be there when I was ready to talk with Him again. AND, that Others were praying in my stead for me!
Please know that Jesus is holding your son, and YOU in His arms and is there, waiting, crying with you in your pain.
You and your wife did nothing wrong. If you know NOTHING else, know THAT.
You are here, posting to the Chapman family about your loss, so I don't believe your faith is lost. I think it's just a bit buried under a lot of pain. There is no ONE way to grieve; nor is there a 'time limit', for you OR your wife. You may each be grieving totally differently. Allow each other that!
The one bit of practical advice I can offer you is to Please PLEASE keep the lines of communication open with your wife! Too many couples end up split apart after the loss of a child. Force yourself to get back in the Word, alone AND together with your wife, then with your other children. Jesus is THERE, and your faith will rise to the surface again.
IF you want to talk more, you can Direct Message me on Twitter - my sign in is www.twitter.com/nenya71. If you 'follow' me, I'll give you my email address through direct messaging.
I will be praying for you and yours. The prayers of others really DO hold you up, AND hold your faith in place during this time.
The Lord knows what you're going through, and add me to those who are praying for you.
In Christ's Perfect Love, Amy M.

[Rev Kev]

How would I be able to get message to Mr. Steven Chapman? I need to find out if I can use one of his songs on my web site. Can someone get a hold of me at www.tourdechrist@hotmail.com.
Thanx,
Rev. Kev
www.tourdechrist.org

[Tom Sullivan, General Manager - 91.1 KCFN - Wichita, KS]

I'm sure you guys have heard by now, but just in case, JJ Jasper of AFR's Morning Show lost his 5-year-old son, Cooper, in a tragic accident on their family farm last Friday. Your family has walked through this terrible darkness over the past year, and we know your prayers are more than appreciated for JJ, Melanie, their daughters and the rest of their grieving family.

Thank you so much. God bless you guys as you continue to heal and walk on.

[Gavin]

I'm another person who would like to contact Steven directly, but finding no way am here commenting :)

Steven, I thank God for blessing you with the gift of writing such meaningful and beautiful songs. Not a day has gone past in the past 2 months or so that I haven't been listening to your music, especially "His Strength Is Perfect", "Hiding Place", "Weak Days"...

My marriage is currently in jeopardy, and I am doing my best to fight for it, and your music has reminded me of the truths that God is always there, and that I just need to trust Him and depend on Him. If both my wife and I give our lives fully back over to God, all our troubles will be over. Far easier said than done... but there it is.

Oh yes, and "Said and Done" just makes me cry every time I hear it. It's just so right on...

God bless you. Keep letting Him work through you :) I would love to hear from you.

[Shirley L]

Steven, This Sunday, August 2 you will be performing after the Reds game in Cincinnati and our family will be there. Our son Daniel, was involved in a car accident October 3, 2008, where his car colided with a fully loaded dump truck weight 63,000 lbs. My 88 year of father was in the car as well. By God's grace both survived. Needless to say there was nothing left of the car. It's a very long story, but Daniel spent 218 days in the hospital. On April 9, 2009, after numerous surgery attempts, Daniel left leg had to be amputated. Daniel is 20 years old, and he agonized over the decision. He used Christian music, along with God's Word, to make the decision. You were one of the artist God used to minister to him. God gave him a total peace, and Daniel is doing wonderful. God performed so many miracles in Dan's life, and God deserves all the praise, glory and honor. Sunday we will be sitting on the three base side in the handicap area. Thanks for using your talent for God's glory.

[Karen Eastham]

I am the Director of Children's Ministry for a church in Maryland. We just had our latest round of baptisms, and thought you might appreciate hearing about the testimonies of three kids - siblings. The oldest, who is 8 or 9 years old, said this - "I came to know Jesus one day on my way home from preschool. I was listening to Children of the Burning Heart by Steven Curtis Chapman. I asked questions about the song, and my mommy told me about loving God and His love for me. Jesus died on the cross for me so that I could live forever in heaven with Him. So, in the van, I prayed and asked Jesus to be my Lord. I know that Jesus loves me and is the biggest of all my friends. I am being baptized so that I can tell others that I am following Christ." His younger brothers testimony was, "I came to know Jesus when my brother Samuel told me about Him. He told me I should beleive in Him because He died on the cross for me. I know Jesus is God's Son and He died on the cross to take away my sins. Jesus loves me. I'm being baptized because it is God's command and plan for me to let others know He is my Lord. I'm obeying God by letting others see I have accepted Christ in my heart." Their little sisters testimony was, "I came to know Jesus when my mommy and my brothers told me how much God loves me and that I could live with Him forever. I know Jesus is God's Son and He died on the cross because He wanted us to be alive. I am being baptized because I really love God." I was struck by how wonderful it was that God used one of YOUR songs to lead the oldest child in this family to Christ; then used that child to lead his siblings to Him. I thought you would be humbled and pleased to know this . . .

[Penny Davidson]

I wanted to find a place where I could leave a note for Steven. We just attended the Cincinnati Reds game and concert for Faith Sunday. We were thrilled when we heard that this year's performer would be Steven Curtis Chapman. Although our life stories are different we have some of the same bones. We also have 6 children in two age groups. We also have 4 girls and 2 boys. We also have one sweet child in heaven. Our little Mackenzie left this world before we got to meet her, I was 21 weeks pregnant when she flew the heaven due to an imperfect earthly heart.
We feel such a gratefulness for the pressence that Steven and his family are making with the path that God has set them on. It is SO hard to long for your child to be in your arms and praise God for the storm that you must move through. So many people will be touched and changed due to your strength during this time.

The concert was fabulous and we just wanted to tell Steven how much we appreciate his willingness to use the talents God has given him to glorify God. The Davidson family........windyllama@aol.com

[Pam Eason]

Steven and family: Thank you for your inspiration. I heard Steven first in a small room at the Christian Booksellers (CBA) Conference in Atlanta in the mid '80s. You weren't the evening headliner then but from the time I heard you sing - your songs have been a steady feast during my times of trial, joy, and praise. Thank you for allowing God to speak through you. God is truly good! My prayers have been with you through these decades and they will continue as you do His will around the world.

[Sarah]

I recently went to your concert at the state fair in Iowa...amazing, inspiring, and awesome all in one. I think it is so neat how you have brought your two sons on tour with you. What a great family you have. I worked at Kanakuk in Branson, MO and I was the kitchikomo that worked at the campsite of K-Kountry when your boys (Will and Caleb) were about 6 and 8 years old. It was so fun and inspiring to watch their passion that they had for GOD at such a young age. I hope to this day that you are continuing to send your kids back to Kanakuk for when my daughter is older I too hope to send her there and maybe she too will be able to work there some day and see GOD every day through the eyes of children. Joe White was really thinking when he established that camp...what an inspiring place. I hope your family is all doing well and I wish them all the best!

[stephiegdalyrist]

Oh wow!!How cool.Thanks for sharing.

Stephanie G
Charlotte,NC

[www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1159232409]

I can't wait to hear your new album, Stephen! I've been a huge fan of your music for many years as your songs always direct much glory to Christ. May the Lord richly bless you and your family as you continue to work on Maria's Big House of Hope! What a beautiful grace God has shown to your family through this indescribably difficult year. God is receiving much glory from your family even in the midst of great sadness and tragedy. Praise His Name!

[Kevin Chilton]

This post is totally off topic, but I couldn't find another place to contact you! I am a teacher at a missionary school in Cameroon, West Africa. I recently wrote a play based on the Rich Mullens song "The Promenade" which deals with dancing as a metaphor for the Christian life. As we were looking for songs to use in the play, we found your song "The Lord of the Dance" and decided it would fit perfectly with what we are trying to do. What I'm wondering is how do we go about getting permission to use your song in our play? If you could email me back, that would be such a help! Thanks!

[twitter.com/SDGfrontrowgirl]

Steven,
So tickled that everything went well,was so touching in China.Prayed for you all while you were there.Will continue to surround you in prayer my friend.

Stephanie G
Charlotte,NC

[Samantha Jones]

Wow, I guess I'm not alone in me desire to send a message to Steven and Mary Beth for their eyes only. Steven if you get this post, could you send me an email address I could reach you and Mary Beth with. I'd really appreciate it.
God bless your whole family. I'll tell you more about me in my email when I get an address to send it to, but you have been my favorite singer artist for many years...I have all but one of your CDs. :) I am only 20 but I have a love for Jesus Christ that is so strong it feels like I've had it for a hundred years. Also, your heart for adoption is special to me, I am from a fam of 10, the youngest 3 are adopted. I'd love to talk to you and your wife, but I want to talk to you, not to the world. Thank you for all the encouragement and inspiration you and your fam has been to me for many years.
~Samantha :)

[brian woodward]

Steven, i first heard "heaven is the face of a little girl a couple days ago driving alone in my car. i almost cried. so then i talked about the song later with my 4.5 year old and my wife and my daughter McKinley was really moved by your daughters death. she couldn't sleep that night for a long time. we have talked with her a lot about God and Christ and salvation. Well the next morning she trusted in Christ for salvation and she can't wait to see maria. Mckinley has been talking about maria so much since she heard of her.

[Amy Compton]

So very cool!!

[kenny gao]

I come from china，i know you very care about
chinese homeless chlidren ，you are the great
guy，god will bless you and your family！happy new year！

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see is good