Maria Sue, Steven Curtis Chapman's youngest adopted daughter, tragically died recently. In response to this tragic incident many fervent prayers and generous donations have been poured out. Within two weeks after his daughter's death, over $310,000 had been given to the Maria's Miracle Fund. The fund is part of Shaohannah's Hope, an orphan care and adoption ministry started by the Chapman family. The ministry gives grants to help Christian couples seeking to adopt.
The Chapmans will be meeting with the ministry's board of directors to decide how to use this generous flood of donations. Scott Hasenbalg, the ministry's executive director, said, "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." In light of this sad event, Hasenbalg said that the Chapman family feels "deeper sense of responsibility" to help more families looking to adopt.
Over $500,000 has now been given to Maria's Miracle Fund. Hasenbalg says, “For the Maria’s Miracle Fund to surpass a half a million dollars in such a short amount of time is remarkable, especially knowing it wasn’t just one person writing one big check but rather that number represents hundreds of people demonstrating their thoughtfulness and love for the Chapmans and what we do as a ministry. We are extremely aware of the responsibility we have to carry out our mission and be a good stewards of every dollar that comes into our ministry.”
On the Shaohannah's Hope website (www.shaohannahshope.org) you can donate online, read Maria's story, and gain more information on adoption.
Jessica High is a Research Assistant at Christian Foundation Grants (www.christianfoundationgrants.com) which is subscription database of foundations that provide grants to faith based organizations. iDonate.com is a website (www.iDonate.com) that allows ministries to receive non cash gifts online.