World

Steven Curtis Chapman loses youngest daughter in driveway accident

Christians the world over have been expressing their sympathy for Grammy Award-winning singer Steven Curtis Chapman after his 5-year-old daughter was killed in an accident on the family’s driveway on Wednesday.

Maria Sue Chapman was the youngest of three Chinese girls adopted by Chapman and his wife, Mary Beth, after a visit to China awoke in them a deep love for the country and its people. She was hit by a car driven by one of her brothers on the driveway of the family home in Franklin Tennessee in what local authorities have described as a “tragic accident”.

The Chapmans have three biological children, two teenage sons Will Franklin and Caleb, and 21-year-old daughter Emily.

Brian DeVos, manager of Michigan operations for Bethany Christian Services and a family friend of the Chapmans, was quoted by Michigan News as saying, "They are loving and wonderful parents and a great family - they must be devastated. He's (Steven Curtis Chapman) been such an advocate for adoption - I know their commitment to kids."

Chapman and his wife have helped families adopt children through their charity Shaohannah’s Hope.

Chapman’s manager, Jim Houser, wrote in a message on the Shaohannah’s Hope website, “Your prayers are needed for all in the Chapman family. This is a family who has so generously loved and given to so many.

“Just hours before this close knit family was celebrating the engagement of the oldest daughter Emily Chapman, and were just hours away from a graduation party marking Caleb Chapman's completion of high school.

“Now, they are preparing to bury a child who blew out 5 candles on a birthday cake less than 10 days ago.

“These words are unthinkable to type. And yet we trust in a God who was not surprised by this and because of Jesus I am certain through faith in Him we will see Maria again.”

Local Christian music radio station WJQK-FM said it had opened up its phone lines and that people were calling in to pray on air for Maria and the family.

Added: Sunday, May 25, 2008, 0:23 (BST)

If you would like to know more about this double tragedy of the Chapmans, you can visit my essay here: http://frankahilario.blogspot.com

Frankenstein, Los Ba

Added: Saturday, May 24, 2008, 23:27 (BST)

Dear Mr. Chapman and Family, My name is Iliana Rodriguez and I am 14 years old. I'm not sure if all of these messages are read but I wanted to tell you my story. When I was younger my family was inspired by YOU to adopt a child in China. A few weeks later we brought home my little sister who is now 6. Her name is AnaLisa LiTong Rodriguez. I wanted to thank you for the inspiration your family and yourself have been! When we heard about Maria we were CRUSHED. Your family has been in my prayers since I heard. I am praying that God's peace comes over your family. I pray that it guides your son and yourself to have faith! I pray that your son knows that God has not left his side and that he is always there and has been forgiven by everyone, especiallly God and Maria. God is here, he is present and he has never left your side. Please, keep looking to God, because I know that Maria is smiling at all of you and praying for you as she would be doing if she were here. My family loves you all as if you were our family and we pray for you and Maria every day! Please keep the faith, With all my love, support, and prayers, Your family in Christ.

Iliana Rodriguez, Austin Texas

Added: Saturday, May 24, 2008, 9:36 (BST)

I grew up listening to Steven Curtis Chapman's music. Over the last decade I can't help but have drifted from what has become the religious right. I am a Christian and a Democrat. One of the pro-life Democrats. Yes, there are millions of us. I'll get to my point. With the comments from Rev. Hagee and Rev. Parsley coming out this week... it's been a pretty tough week for Christian democrats defending Christianity in the face of such horrible examples. But tonight I happened upon a video of Steven washing dishes with his daughters and it made me remember the good times listening to Christian music in my teens and early 20s. And then I read about his adopted daughter dying. I was adopted. Not to such a great family. But I can tell anyone that it meant the world to his daughter to be adopted and a part of his family. In the short time they had together she lived a better life than she probably would have without a family. You can see how happy she was in the video dishwashing. Being an Obama guy, I've listened to him talk about how Democrats should stop rejecting Christians and realise that everyone really wants the same things in life. family and friends and good health and freedom. I read the comments here from people to the Chapman family and I am going to share them with many many Democrats who are jaded about Christians... who believe that they are all hate filled anti muslim or anti whatever... and show them that most Christians are just kind people who want to live a good happy life. I am so sad for the Chapman family, but I'm so happy to see so many Christians expressing love.

Anton Bursch, Lake Stevens, USA

Added: Friday, May 23, 2008, 23:13 (BST)

I am so sorry to hear about the tragic accident that took your little girl. What a beautiful little baby. I know what it is to lose a child and it is the most horrible thing. It can do one of two things. It can tear the family apart or it can bring you closer to Jesus. My husband and I chose to pull closer to Jesus, and he carried us for so long. I pray for peace and comfort for your whole family and the joy of knowing Maria is in God's loving arms. You will see her again. Cathy

Cathy, Alfred,Maine

Added: Friday, May 23, 2008, 22:43 (BST)

My deepest sympathy to the Chapman Family. I heard the news on my way to work and I had to pull over because I could not believe what I heard. I just prayed to God to give this family the strength and the courage to get through this terrible time. God has a reason for everything he does, I believe that with all my heart and even though we do not understand the "why" of his ways, we always know that he will get us though the very bad times. God Bless the Chapman family. With all our love, The Rosario family

Blanca Rosario, Garwood, USA

Added: Friday, May 23, 2008, 17:52 (BST)

I just want the family to know that my family has all of them in our prayers. I can relate to the bitter-sweet sorrow. We know she is with Jesus but, our flesh is sometimes selfish and want her back here. I lost a brother to suicide and my heart goes out to the sibblings as this is a difficult time for them as well as the parents. My prayer also is that the brother does not blame himself and can get through this with the prayers that are going out to him. Just remember, Maria is no longer in our present but, rest assured she is in our future! Love in Christ, Tina

Tina, Pasadena, Texas

Added: Friday, May 23, 2008, 17:28 (BST)

My heartfelt condolences and constant prayers to the Chapman family. Our loss is heaven's gain.

George, Adelaide, Australia

Added: Friday, May 23, 2008, 15:19 (BST)

Dear Stephen Curtis Chapman & family: I learned about yur tragic loss of your daughter last evening at my Bible study group. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I cannot imagine how painful this experience is for you guys. My brother's daughter was killed in an auto accident when she was 6 years old, and it took him and his wife many years to heal. I pray that God will give you comfort and give you strength to keep going, as I am sure your daughter would want you guys to do. God bless you.

Sue Austin, New Bern, NC

Added: Friday, May 23, 2008, 15:09 (BST)

I heard the song Cinderella and The first time i heard it I said I am Dancing With my dad to that song at my Wedding Next year....I heard the Song Yesterday in my way to church then heard the news........I love SCC my prayers are with them may god bless them and when i dance to that song not only will I be Dancing to it With My dad But also For Stevens Daugter....God Bless

Katy Garcia, Inverness Fl

Added: Friday, May 23, 2008, 14:40 (BST)

I went to a concert of Steven's at a Naperville College 10 or 12 years ago. He helped get me back on course with my faith in God and I have loved him ever since. His life and family are and will be an inspiration to me and many others. I pray for them as they deal with this tragic end to Maria's earthly life, but rejoice in knowing that she is eternally with our Lord. God Bless the Chapman's. You are wonderful people.....

Maureen Kolar, Villa Park, Illinois

Added: Friday, May 23, 2008, 14:19 (BST)

My heart goes out to the family. May healing take place for the brother. This will be a difficult journey for him- may he forgive himself, and feel God's love, and peace during this difficult journey. Deb Kasper

Deborah, West Allis, USA

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