CNN.com Front Page Feature on SCC

A compelling interview with Steven at CNN.com

SUPPORT THE ORPHAN CAUSE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON:Show HOPETM And Worldwide Photography Announce 4th Year Partnership With The Santa Mall Program; Participants Donate $1 And Receive Free Steven Curtis Chapman Song, A Santa Letter, And Hope For Orphans!

NASHVILLE, TN-- November 12, 2009-- Continuing to fight for the staggering number of orphans worldwide, Show Hope has partnered for the fourth year in a row with Worldwide Photography, an organization that provides Santa photos during the holiday season in shopping malls across America. Starting last week on November 5th and going through the Christmas season, 215 malls nationwide will kick off the program "A Family For Christmas," which will offer families who purchase photos with Santa the option to donate $1 or more to support the adoption and orphan cause. All proceeds will go to Show Hope's Adoption Aid Grant program.

Each family who donates to the program will also receive a free download of Steven Curtis Chapma''s heartfelt Christmas song, "All I Really Want For Christmas," as well as a personalized letter from Santa. In addition, further information will be provided about adoption and how families can make a difference in their community and in the world.

In its first three years, the mall Santa photo promotion has raised more than $186,000, with all proceeds going to Show Hope. Show Hope is the sole charity of choice by Worldwide Photography and its alliance members IPI, Inc., and SEPIA Photo Promotions.

"The greatest gift that Santa can give a child is the gift of a 'forever' family," states Jeffry Angelo, Senior Partner, Worldwide Photography. "As the adoptive parent of a Russian orphan I have seen firsthand the difference that is made in the life of a orphaned child when you wrap them in your arms. Our Worldwide Photography family of more than 2,000 employees embrace Show Hope and the great work they do enabling families to adopt... really, it is the best feeling in the world to save the heart of a child! We are blessed to play a small roll in this effort."

Since it began in 2006, this Santa photo promotion has been a unique opportunity to educate people regarding the plight of orphans globally and locally, in addition to raising support for families who are not financially able to adopt children. With the funds raised, financial grants are then distributed to adoptive families. There is hope that many children will be received into forever families!

"Each year as we prepare to roll out our program with Show Hope, I eagerly anticipate the 'little miracles' that occur daily at Santa sets across the country," states Alex Allen, VP-COO for Worldwide Photography. "And yet nothing prepares me for the joy or emotional impact experienced through a forever family connection. Incredible!... is the only way I can describe the feeling that comes when you participate as a vehicle for God's love that makes a difference for others, especially orphans. I am always awestruck by the impact made by the silent heroes at the Santa sets who help promote the program or quietly donate that dollar, that ultimately unites an orphan with a loving family."

For more information on the impact your donation can have on adoption, please visit www.AFamilyForChristmas.org, as well as www.ShowHope.org.

The New York Times, USA Today, Billboard Critics And More Show Overwhelming Support To Steven Curtis Chapman And His Most Personal Recording Yet, Beauty Will Rise

Critics nationwide are showing overwhelming support for Beauty Will Rise, the latest from multi-platinum selling artist Steven Curtis Chapman.

Overwhelmingly, people agree Beauty Will Rise is unlike any other Chapman release. Calling it his most candid work yet, the project is filled with "raw lyrics and honest emotion" that while bringing "many to tears," also "gives tremendous hope" to all who listen.

"...the aching candor that suffuses the album, paired with Mr. Chapman's unmistakable gift for melodic uplift, exerts a deep emotional pull. The production, leaner than usual, backs up the raw feeling behind the songs."- New York Times

"He quietly, thoughtfully works through his grief but never surrenders to despair. If you can't imagine how to find hope out of such devastation, Chapman can show you."- USA Today

"Both intensely personal, yet universal as well, this is a brilliant, deeply moving album sure to resonate with listeners on many levels."-Billboard Magazine

"After his daughter's death, the veteran artist battles despair but finds hope in his most candid record to date."-ChristianityToday.com

"What might seem as a depressing premise for a recording has turned into an extremely hopeful, intensely raw and gut-wrenchingly honest recording that brings the listener through the wrestling and into the hope that awaits."- Advance Magazine

"Beauty Will Rise is a CD that is sure to move you emotionally. Every song on the album will make you feel as if Chapman is singing to your own pain, and offering hope for your own situation. And in a very real way, he is."-Gospelmusicupdate.com

"The bare-bones structure incorporates musical gestures of hope, using a colorful glockenspiel, bellowing chimes and triumphal timpanis to convince listeners Chapman's spiritual testing is not countering his steadfast faith. Even dissonant strings haunt the famous father's melancholic intimations, but without deterring the album's blunt beauty."-CCM Magazine

The radio single "Heaven Is The Face," is already at No. 22 on the AC monitored chart, and continues to climb with 10 new adds in the last two weeks, including The Fish Atlanta and K-Love.

Chapman is extremely thankful for all the support and encouragement that he and his family have received through blogs, letters and emails. Although this was a recording that Chapman wishes he never had to make, he says he has gleaned a measure of peace knowing that these songs may help heal others.

Chapman states, "If there is comfort to be given to others then that is going to make some sense out of this; that is important and vital to us. Part of what makes this survivable is that we can see God using it for good in the lives of other people."

Just announced! StevenCurtisChapman.com is partnering with LiveStream for a release date event with Steven. A live presentation by Steven about the album from his home studio on Tuesday, Nov 3rd at 10pET, 9pCT, 8pMT, 7pPT. Mark you calendar! Set a reminder!

Here is the link.

Album Pre-Sale In Progress, Nov 3rd Release Date

Music from the much anticipated, BEAUTY WILL RISE album, is already available at Family Christian Stores now. When you purchase the album via their pre-sale, take home the “Heaven Is The Face” single now, including audio insights from Steven on this personal, intimate and hopeful album. Click here to find the nearest FCS Store.   LINK= Click here.)

Steven Appearances Planned

An intimate live web streaming event on Ustream, as well as national television appearances on Larry King Live, James Robison’s Life Today, plus chances to hear the new music and Steven’s insights on it online at HearItFirst, AOL.com and more.

Upcoming & Current Schedule
Streaming at StevenCurtisChapman.com shortly, check back!
Live Video Event at Ustream Nov 3 10p ET
Streaming album at Tangle.com Nov 3-Nov 16
Streaming album at HearItFirst.com Nov 3-16
Streaming album at NewReleaseTuesday.com Nov 3-16
Appearance & performance on CNN, Larry King Live’s HERO’S Special, Nov 26. Check local listings.
Appearances & performance on national syndicated TV, James Robinson’s Life Today. Early 2010, check back.

“Heaven Is The Face” Single Available

The new Steven single is available digitally at Amazon and iTunes. It’s also available physically at Family Christian Stores and Lifeway Christian Stores.

• Amazon
• iTunes
• Family Christian Stores
• Lifeway Christian Stores
  
  

Technical Glitch At iTunes Corrected

At it’s launch, a glitch at the iTunes store made Steven’s “Heaven Is The Face” single very tough to find.  The error has been repaired now. Click here for the digital single at iTunes. Or here for the digital single at Amazon.

ShowHOPE Awards 2,000th Grant

Last month a spectacular milestone was reached at the non-profit ShowHOPE, started by Steven and his wife Mary Beth to mobilize individuals and communities to care for orphans. One of the key aspects of fulfilling that mission is giving grants to families who desire to adopt, but lack the financial resources to do so. As of October 2009, ShowHOPE awarded it’s 2,000 grant! Wow! 2000 Forever families to orphans from 40 different countries and the US. But with your help, the work has just begun.

Since its inception, Show Hope has financially helped provide forever homes for over 2,000 orphans from 40 countries, resulting in a truly worldwide impact. Yet, still so much more pecuniary assistance is needed. Their Adoption Aid Grant program receives at least 150 new adoption assistance financial grant requests each month. Currently, at an average financial grant of $3,000-$4,000, Show Hope is able to help roughly 25-35 families a month, far less than the requested amount, by 60%. 

Below is a testimonial excerpt from The Jones family (pictured below), one of the numerous families that have received a Show Hope Adoption Aid Grant. Through their their story, they share their adoption experience and the gift of Show Hope's Adoption Aid Grant program:

 

The Jones family, adopted Nya from Ethiopia:

We had almost no money to apply toward our adoption, no idea who this child would be, and no clue how to convince our loved ones that this was indeed the Lord's will for our lives. There were nothing but unknowns... 
 

When we finally received the referral for our sweet girl, it all made sense. Of course this child was ours!  We loved her more than life but still lacked the resources to complete our adoption! How would we get her home where she belonged?  That is where Show Hope comes in. Unexpectedly, and at the exact moment most needed, we received a substantial grant from Show Hope!  She went from an orphan to a daughter because of your generosity and love. There is no display of gratitude that would suffice for what you have done for us.
 
But the question remains: Who will go? Many families may be willing but are afraid to take the leap of faith because of the terribly high cost of adoption. That is why we thank God for people like you, who could use their resources for themselves but, instead, sacrifice so that these little ones experience the truth that they are not forgotten by God! Our daughter is too young to appreciate what you have done, but she will one day. She will be grateful beyond words as we are now. 
 
 
Yes, Show Hope has financially helped provide for numerous orphans and families, just like the Jones'. Yet, it is imperative for Show Hope to obtain more financial assistance, through individuals and communities, to be able to help out the thousands more children and families that are in need of a forever home.
 
For more information on how you can help through the Show Hope sponsorship program, through a one-time donation and more, please visit: www.ShowHope.org  and  www.ShowHope.org/Donate

CCM Cover
The longtime industry magazine CCM moved to digital last year. Their Fall 2009 cover features Steven Curtis Chapman. CCM Link

Cry Of The Orphan Focus in November
ShowHOPE, Focus on the Family and Family Life are partnering again this November to shine the spotlight on the needs or orphans around the world. And this year, the first ever National Orphan Sunday on November 8th, includes an inaugural event to mark this important day here in Franklin, TN. For more information, visit ShowHOPE.org

Responding To The Orphan Crisis: Steven Curtis Chapman And Friends Offer Free Live Event Sunday, November 8th In Nashville; Part Of Nationwide Efforts To Help The World's 140 Million Orphans
Nashville, TN - (October 7th, 2009) - In celebration of November as National Adoption Awareness Month, Show Hope and Steven Curtis Chapman, along with Focus on the Family and FamilyLife, are helping to lead the charge on Sunday, November 8th -"Orphan Sunday" -  for a live event in Nashville with one goal: raising awareness of the more than 140 million orphans worldwide. The free event, beginning at 4pm CST, will be simulcast through satellite, Moody Radio Network and Gospel Music Channel, and will also be available through a webcast at www.OrphanSunday.org. The event will feature a special acoustic performance from Chapman, with other musical guests Geoff Moore and the Children of the World Choir. Guest speakers include Focus on the Family President Jim Daly, a former orphan himself, Dr. Sharen Ford, Manager for Permanency Services for the Colorado Department of Human Services in the Division of Child Welfare Services, Jedd Medefind of the Christian Alliance for Orphans, and adoptive father Dennis Rainey, president of FamilyLife.  

"Our experience with the miracle of adoption and the chance to touch the lives of orphans has been infinitely rich and full," said Chapman, who adopted three daughters from China. "It's a privilege that God invites us to, and there are so many other children around the world who need homes and help. We're doing this event on November 8th to compel people to take action right now to be involved in caring for the world's orphans. We can each do something, whether it is donating, adopting, fostering, mentoring, visiting orphans or supporting families who have taken in orphans."

Cry of the Orphan will hold this live event at no charge at Christ Community Church, 1215 Hillsboro Road, Franklin, just south of Nashville. The event will be via simulcast and webcast beginning at 4pm CST, for anyone who is interested in broadcasting the event.

 
The live event in Nashville is part of an ongoing effort by Cry of the Orphan, a campaign designated to raise awareness and prompt action to help the millions of orphans worldwide - a number equivalent to the populations of Australia and Japan combined. Recognizing the severity of today's orphan crisis is bigger than any one organization, Hope for Orphans (a ministry of FamilyLife), Focus on the Family, and Show Hope (founded by Steven Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman), unite annually to sponsor Cry of the Orphan. 
 
Part of that effort includes www.CryoftheOrphan.org, a website designed to generate interest and excitement about caring for orphans. The site offers resources to help people navigate through the process of orphan care, adoption, and foster care. 

 
Also, during the months of October and November, the FamilyLife Today and Focus on the Family radio shows will devote some of their daily broadcasts to help share information about orphan care issues. In addition, the Cry of the Orphan campaign will utilize the combined efforts of the Christian Alliance for Orphans and other leading Christian media ministries and advocates.  
 

Steven Curtis Chapman
"Our experience with the miracle of adoption and the chance to touch the lives of orphans has been infinitely rich and full. It's a privilege that God invites us to, and there are so many other children around the world who need homes and help."
 
"We're doing this event on November 8th to compel people to take action right now to be involved in caring for the world's orphans. We can each do something, whether it is donating, adopting, fostering, mentoring, visiting orphans, or supporting families who have taken in orphans." 
 
Jim Daly, President and CEO, Focus on the Family
"As someone who was orphaned as a child, I'm thrilled to see the church working together on this cause that is so close to the heart of God."
 
Scott Hasenbalg, Executive Director, Show Hope
"If we want to be God's hands and feet extended outside of the four walls of the church, it is critical to reach those on the inside of the four walls and make the unaware, aware."
 
"Orphan Sunday will be historic, not from the standpoint of cultural prestige, but more importantly it will be a day where orphans' lives will be set free as people become aware of their calling in this area of Kingdom work."
 
Dr. Dennis Rainey, President and CEO, FamilyLife
"In nearly four decades of Christian service, attempting to address the needs of millions of orphans has been the most challenging and rewarding endeavor of my life. Join us on Nov. 8th and find out how you can be a part of what God is doing."
 
Paul Pennington, Executive Director, Hope for Orphans (a ministry of FamilyLife)
"The Bible repeatedly makes it clear that caring for orphans is not an option for Christians. Orphan Sunday and the live event in Nashville are both great ways to introduce your church, friends and family to God's heart for the orphan."
 
Kelly Rosati, Senior Director, Sanctity of Human Life Division (Focus on the Family)
"With 127,000 waiting kids in U.S. foster care and 300,000 churches, we believe every waiting child should be able to have the loving home and family they deserve."
 
 
 
ABOUT CRY OF THE ORPHAN
Cry of the Orphan is an annual campaign led by Hope for Orphans, Focus on the Family, and Show Hope, designed to raise awareness and prompt action to help the more than 140 million orphans worldwide.

www.CryoftheOrphan.org is designed to raise interest and excitement about caring for orphans, and offers resources to help people navigate through the orphan care, adoption and foster care process. Utilizing the resources of Hope for Orphans/FamilyLife, Focus on the Family and Show Hope, Cry of the Orphan shares ways EVERY person can have an impact on the life of an orphan. 

Billboard Reviews “Heaven Is The Face”
The industry’s lead publication Billboard Magazine has reviewed Steven’s “Heaven Is The Face” single.  
Click here.