| EDEN PRAIRIE — When the Lord blesses someone with a voice and the ability to produce music that leads to a string of number one hits and a number of Grammy awards, one would think God’s plan was pretty much fulfilled. For Steven Curtis Chapman, the Lord’s blessing was just the start of personal changes that would bring an expanding family into a newly expanded ministry.
Chapman will return to the Twin Cities for a concert Feb. 8, at Grace Church in Eden Prairie. This concert will feature a number of unique qualities and songs not heard in other cities.
Chapman’s concert will include songs from his latest album, “This Moment” as well as songs voted on by Minnesotans who submit requests for their favorites at his Web site (www.stevencurtischapman.com).
“I admit that this scares me a little bit,” Chapman said. “I have never just opened myself up to playing any song the audience wants. It is easy to play something you have prepared for and practiced. We will just let the Lord lead us and the audience.”
One change in Chapman’s life are the additions of sons, Caleb, 18, playing guitar, and Will Franklin, 17, on drums.
“For years I have been torn [between] touring and being with family every four to five days. My wife and daughters have toured with me but it is difficult. It will be wonderful having the boys playing with me.”
One of the biggest changes in the Chapman household occurred 10 years ago when daughter Emily, then 11, came to her parents announcing the Lord had placed on her heart that they adopt a Chinese orphan.
“We had three children of our own,” quipped Chapman. “Anyone who knows my wife, Mary Beth, would understand that for us to adopt would require a miracle something on the order of parting the Red Sea. I was touring heavily and Mary Beth was alone a lot and raising three children.”
Not only did the miracle take place, it took place three times as the Chapman’s doubled the size of their family by adopting three Chinese orphan girls. The experience of adopting these girls led the Chapmans into a new ministry entitled “Shaohannah’s Hope,” named after the first of the adopted orphans.
The Chapmans and their foundation are collecting change at each concert to raise funds to pay for a local family’s expenses in adopting a Chinese orphan.
“We are using the money raised in the Twin Cities to help a local family that has already been approved for adoption. To date, we have helped over 1,500 families in adopting an orphan,” Chapman said. “We hope people bring their coin jars or pocket change with them to the concert.”
What started out as a message from God, laid on the heart of one 11-year-old girl, has led to an international ministry for the entire family. In addition, it has led to one of Chapman’s favorite songs, a lilting ballad entitled “Cinderella.” The song is featured on “The Moment” album and is a song written by Chapman for the newest members of his family, his adopted daughters.
“Each song I write is like my child. I love them all. But ‘Cinderella’ has a special place in my heart,” he added.
Chapman has garnered five Grammy awards, two platinum and seven gold albums.
He has performed at the White House and on every major television network, including “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.”
ACTION POINT
Steven Curtis Chapman’s “Live in This Moment Tour” will come to Grace Church in Eden Prairie on Feb. 8 at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $27 to $52.50 and details are available online at www.ktis.nwc.edu.
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