Eugene Cho, an ECC pastor and compassion/justice advocate in Seattle, WA, recently wrote a story lifting up the tragic death of Maria Sue Chapman, the youngest daughter of Christian music star Steven Curtis Chapman. Cho begins by explaining the painful story surrounding the loss of Maria and comments on the wealth of responses that people around the globe are offering to the Chapman family as they grieve; then Cho also reminds readers to not forget other children who are dying. Children suffering right now in Myanmar, in Sichuan, China, and in poverty-stricken locations around the globe. Below are some excerpts from his post that caught my eye; the full article can be found on the “God’s Politics” blog:
“I’ve been surprised at how Maria Sue’s death has impacted so many. I figured a handful of Christian news sources would cover the story, but it’s been very widespread and still remains one of the top items on search engines. The last time I checked, 18,301 well wishes, blessings, condolences, and prayers were left on a tribute blog titled, “In Memory of Maria.† Perhaps it speaks to the many ways Chapman has ministered to so many people through his music. Or perhaps it speaks to how Steven and Mary Beth have demonstrated the beauty of the gospel through their lives – not just through his music but their advocacy for adoption through Shaohannah’s Hope, “a charity organization which offers grants to qualifying families to help defray the cost of adopting, at home and abroad,†along with numerous other expressions of justice and compassion.
No parent ever wants to be in the news because of a tragedy, but nevertheless, it is good that so many have been drawn to the Chapman family story and the loss of their child.  While we lift them in prayer and celebrate Maria’s life and the hope that is found in the gospel of Christ, let’s not stop there.Â
Be mindful of the millions — especially