Yesterday I wrote about the tragic news out of Nashville of the death of Maria, the five year old daughter of US Christian Singer, Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife MaryBeth.
This morning I spoke to pastor, musician and broadcaster, Mike Rayson, who lives in Nashville and is walking a similar journey after losing his eldest son in an accident just over a year ago. Mike joined me live on the phone during my morning radio programme on 98.5 Sonshine FM in Perth, Western Australia. The interview is a touching discussion on the accident which took Maria’s life and the heartbreak of losing a child.
You can hear the interview and get a glimpse into the road ahead for the Chapman family by clicking play on the audio player at the bottom of this post.
A statement has been released on Steven Curtis Chapman’s official website.
NASHVILLE, TN…5/21/08… At approximately 5pm on the afternoon of Wednesday May 21st, Maria Sue Chapman, 5 years old and the youngest daughter to Steven and Mary Beth Chapman was struck in the driveway of the Chapman home in Franklin, TN. Maria was rushed to Vanderbilt Childrens Hospital in Nashville, transported by LifeFlight, but died of her injuries there. Maria is one of the close knit family’s six children and one of their three adopted daughters.
More than five years ago, Chapman and his wife MaryBeth founded The Shaohannah’s Hope Ministry after bringing their first adopted daughter, Shaohannah, home from China. The ministry’s goal is to help families reduce the financial barrier of adoption, and has provided grants to over 1700 families wishing to adopt orphans from around the world. Chapman is a five-time GRAMMY ® winner and 54-time Dove Award-winning artist who has sold over 10 million albums and garnered 44 No. 1 singles.
For those in the Nashville area who would like to remember Maria at her funeral or at a memorial service, details have been posted at Steven Curtis Chapman’s website.
Funeral Arrangements for Maria Sue Chapman
Friday May 23rd Visitation 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday May 24th Memorial service 11:00 a.m.
Christ Presbyterian Church
2323 Old Hickory Blvd, Nashville, TN
(615) 373-2311
A website has been set up in memory of Maria. You can visit In Memory of Maria to leave your condolences for the family.
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