Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Please Pray for The Chapmans

From Fox News -

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The 5-year-old daughter of contemporary Christian music star Steven Curtis Chapman was struck and killed Wednesday by a sport utility vehicle driven by her brother, authorities said.

The girl, Maria, was hit in a driveway on the family residence Wednesday afternoon by a Toyota Land Cruiser driven by her teenage brother, said Laura McPherson, a spokesman for the Tennessee Highway Patrol.

McPherson said no charges are expected.

"It looks like a tragic accident," she said.

She said several members of the Chapman family witnessed the accident, which happened in Williamson County just south of Nashville.

The brother apparently did not see the little girl, McPherson said. She did not have the name or exact age of the brother, only that he is an older teenager.

The girl died later at Vanderbilt Medical Center, hospital spokeswoman Laurie Holloway said.

Chapman, originally from Paducah, Ky., and his wife have promoted international adoption and have three daughters from China, including Maria.

Chapman has won five Grammy awards and 51 Dove awards from the Gospel Music Association.

The singer's Web site said that Chapman and his wife, Mary Beth, were persuaded by their oldest daughter to adopt a girl from China. The experience led the family to adopt two more children and create Shaohannah's Hope, a foundation and ministry to financially assist thousands of couples in adoption.

The Chapmans did missionary work at Chinese orphanages in 2006 and 2007, according to the Web site.

"After our first trip to China, my wife and I knew our lives were changing — our eyes and hearts were opening to how big God really is, and we have wanted to experience more of that," Chapman says on the Web site. "We've really wondered whether or not we should just go to China and stay there. But I don't think so. I believe God is saying, 'I want you to go, get your heart broken, your eyes opened, and then take this story back to the church in America and around the world."'

Chapman also has released a book about being a father entitled "Cinderella: The Love of Daddy and his Princess."

24 comments:

Cole Forehand said...

as soon as i read the first line i audibly said ohh my gosh......this is horrible....i will pass this on to our team of intercessors immediately....thats so tragic.....wow

Rachel said...

Why Lord, Why!
Crying out to Him...

Janelle and Ella said...

This is tragic! There are no words. I am so heartbroken tonight for them.

Heidi said...

No words...just praying

Jenn said...

Have been praying since I found out. Just heartbreaking...

Muddy said...

Glad you posted this, I had not heard yet. So terrible! My heart and prayers do indeed go out to the family. I am shocked.

puzzlepiecesista said...

I am left speachless by this horrible tragedy. I will be praying for this incredible family that what the enemy meant for evil God will turn around for good!!

My heart weeps with yours, I'm so
sorry for your loss Chapman Family.

Angela Larson
Redmond, WA

Kelly S. said...

heart broken....praying

Fran said...

Oh my goodness Travis. My heart is broken this morning for them.
I'm praying. May God completely surround them with His presence, love, and strength right now. Protect that teenagers heart too.

Bless them all.
Love,
Fran

Anonymous said...

Cry out to Jesus!! I am so heartbroken for this family. I will pray for them.

Laura
Apex, NC

Laura said...

My heart is breaking for Steven Chapman and his family. There are no words to even express. All we can do is pray.

Anonymous said...

Heartsick and praying.

Cindy said...

My heart is so broken for this precious family! I will pray for their peace and comfort. I just want to go hug my kids.

ocean mommy said...

Praying...

Anonymous said...

I am praying now for the Chapmans'. But God has that little one and we need most especially to pray for her brother. Oh, what he must be going through. I can't even imagine his pain. Oh, Lord, help him find peace through You!!!

Anonymous said...

Sharing the grief with the Chapman family and in prayer for all of them.
Praying also for you and your family. I appreciate your ministry and I love your heart for your family.
Stay close to Jesus and stay strong and finish well.
Love in Christ.

Collin said...

I am in Seattle and saw Him in concert last Saturday. To see a man so passionate about his 3 young daughters is inspiring. I pray that he continues to look to God and glorify Him in the midst of tradgedy.

Christi New said...

My heart is aching for them! No words can even begin to convey how I feel. Steven Curtis Chapman and his family have been such an encouragement to me for many, many years and now it is our turn to lift them up before the Lord! I especially pray for this teenage boy and those who witnessed this! I pray that they feel the Lord and all of the thousands of people putting their arms around them and loving them!

Ashley said...

It's just devastating. My heart goes out to them. Here is my prayer of hope for them: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

Anonymous said...

So tragic. Just read about it. As one with young ones, can't imagine. Praying for God to cover them.

Karen

Kath said...

Prayers being lifted from here! My heart is broken for the Chapmans.

connorcolesmom said...

So heartbreaking!!
We are praying for the chapmans and asking God to surround them with peace right now
To hold them in His mighty embrace so they can feel His love
HAve a safe and fun trip this weekend
Blessings
Kim

Darlene R. said...

This was so heartbreaking to hear about.

Keeping them all in my prayers.

Unknown said...

I'm praying for them Travis. I know God is with them. Bless You for sharing.