CTindex - Christian Today UK Interactive Catalogue
World

Thousands of donations, prayers honour Curtis Chapman's daughter

by Katherine T Phan, Christian Post
Posted: Friday, June 6, 2008, 8:04 (BST)
Font Scale:A A A

Shaohannah's Hope, the adoption and orphan care ministry founded by music artist Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife, reported that it has been overwhelmed with donations in honour of Chapman's late daughter Maria Sue.

Thousands have contributed to the fund, which honours the Christian singer's 5-year-old adopted daughter, who died on May 21 after being accidentally struck by a car driven by her older brother.

Additionally, over 19,000 people have posted their prayers and condolences to the Chapman family on a blog site dedicated to Maria Sue that is accessible from the ministry's website.

The organisation announced earlier in the week that over $310,000 had been raised for Maria's Miracle Fund in just two weeks. A report by The Associated Press on Thursday put that amount to $360,000.

"People have not just been praying for the Chapman family, but crying out to God for them and their healing," Scott Hasenbalg, the ministry's executive director, said in a statement.

Chapman and his wife established Shaohannah's Hope in 2003 after adopting Shaohannah from China. The organisation, based in Franklin, Tennessee, helps reduce the financial burden of adoption by giving away grants to participating Christian couples. Over 1,600 families have benefited from grants averaging $3,000 from the ministry, according to The Associated Press.

Maria, who had celebrated her fifth birthday just days before she passed away, was the youngest of three daughters the couple had adopted from China. Following her death, the Chapmans had requested that donations be given to Shaohannah's Hope Ministry in lieu of flowers.

Although the Chapman family is still going through "extreme sorrow", Hasenbalg said the Christian singer recently pointed to the cross and said it is "the resurrection of Jesus that will get us through this, but it doesn't mean it won't be hard", according to The Associated Press.

The Chapmans said they will work with the group's board of directors to decide how to spend the money, reports The Tennessean. Hasenbalg said the incident has given the ministry a "deeper sense of responsibility" to help more families looking to adopt.

"We are committed to working hard together as a team to be a good steward of the support that has been poured into this ministry," he added.

"We are filled with sadness for this tragedy, but also gratitude to all who has [sic] responded with their love, prayers and support."



Copyright © 2008 Christian Today. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Have your say on this article
Christian Today Twitter
Google Advertisement
Externally generated - Report offensive links here
Universal Beneficent Society
World Headline
Zondervan making good progress with first handwritten NIV Bible

Zondervan making good progress with first handwritten NIV Bible

Half of America’s 50 states have been reached so far in Zondervan's effort to create the first handwritten NIV Bible...
Sponsored Features
Order books for all ages commending the free and sovereign grace of Almighty God.
01582 765448 For holidays and retreats in the Scottish borders. Whitchester Christian Guest House 01450 377 477 Friendly printing company for churches, charities and businesses nationwide!
Sanct Maria Abbey, NUNRAW
Cistercian Monastery and Guest House
Bookings: 01620 830 228
Email: nunraw.abbot@yahoo.co.uk
Google Advertisement
Externally generated - Report offensive links here