Artists Raise Money for Show Hope

By Sally Quick

Motlow Buzz Reporter

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Christian music legend Steven Curtis Chapman hosted the “Sam’s Place – Music for the Spirit” concert held at the Ryman Auditorium on April 5 to support the Show Hope distressed orphan organization.

Chapman has enjoyed a successful music career. He won five Grammys and 58 Dove Awards. His notoriety gave him a platform to bring attention to homeless children. The 2015 Ryman concert series resulted from a partnership between Chapman and K-LOVE radio.

Jason Crabb with Chapman

Chapman has been a long-time advocate for overseas adoption. He and his wife Mary Beth started the Show Hope in 2003 to promote foster care and simplify placement for orphaned children. The couple have traveled to China numerous times and adopted three children of their own from the area.

“James 1:27 is so much of what Show Hope is about – to care for orphans and widows in distress,” Chapman said.

The Kroeker Family

One family who has benefited from Show Hope is the Kroeker family. Chapman introduced them on stage at the Ryman. They received a grant from Show Hope that helped to bring their two youngest sons into this forever home. The boys had special needs that required surgery. Now they can walk. They were very curious about being on stage and wandered around looking at all the sound equipment.

The Easter Sunday concert included performances by the Fairfield Four, the McCrary

Fairfield Four at the Ryman

Sisters, Jason Crabb, Charles “Chip” Esten, Colony House, and Francesca Battistelli. Chapman sang a song with each artist. His duet with Jason Crabb singing “I’d Rather Have Jesus” greatly moved the crowd. Crabb was excited to sing with one of his music heroes, saying, “Somebody get a picture!”

            The event’s name derived from evangelist Samuel Jones. Riverboat Captain Thomas Ryman attended one of Jones’ tent meetings and had a life-changing experience. Ryman later built the famous Union Gospel Tabernacle to give Jones a place to preach. Jones suggested that the building be called the Ryman Auditorium when he preached Ryman’s eulogy.

            Nashville radio station WLVU-FM, also called K-LOVE radio, recorded the series live. Other events included artists such as Amy Grant, Danny Gokey, Tenth Avenue North, the Isaacs, and Mercy Me.  The next concert will take place at 7 p.m. on May 3 and feature Ray Stevens, Diamond Rio, Aaron Tippin, Brandon Heath, and Crowder. More information can be found by visiting the Ryman website at www.ryman.com/SamsPlace14.

            Show Hope is a nonprofit organization that cares for orphans. The group provides Adoption Aid grants to families and coordinates placement for special needs children.

            “The financial barrier is not what should be stopping families from getting to these children,” Chapman said, adding that Show Hope’s mission is to help orphans in distress around the world.