On December 10th, an EF4 tornado, the second most powerful on the intensity scale, devastated communities in western Kentucky. There were other tornadoes, too. Sadly, 80 lives have been lost. That includes a woman who passed away just this week from her injuries. And many more were injured.
Over a thousand homes and businesses were destroyed or damaged in Mayfield, Dawson Springs, Princeton, Bowling Green, and Bremen.
Too often the headlines move on – while people impacted by a disaster like this are still in need and hurting. But this past Sunday, tornado victims were definitely remembered with a special benefit concert at Heartland Church in nearby Paducah.
Steven Curtis Chapman and some good music friends came together to encourage tornado survivors and raise money to keep relief help coming through Samaritan’s Purse. On-stage with Chapman, himself a Kentucky native, were Ricky Skaggs, Jason Crabb, and Larry Stewart. Steven’s father and brother, also musicians, took part in the performance. Rather listen? Podcast
Mayfield, in particular, holds a special place in Steven’s heart. He spent a lot of his childhood there. “My dad’s first music store, Chapman Music, was in Mayfield, Kentucky. So are a lot of friends, people there, that I have relationship with still.” Steven wanted to find a way to help. Knowing that Samaritan’s Purse was on the scene in Mayfield shortly after the tornado tore through, and having confidence in their integrity, Steven got the idea for a fundraising concert to benefit survivors through Samaritan’s Purse.
1,700 people attended the encouraging sold-out event. “And then we ended the night with a really special version – just having everyone join us – and singing Great is Thy Faithfulness…remembering that together that this is the hope that we have through all of this, is God’s faithfulness.”
In our complete podcast interview with Steven, just below, you’ll hear what other songs were chosen for the concert, and why. He also shares deeply personal reasons he believes reaching out to others is a vital part of the Christian faith – because he and his family have experienced tragic losses of their own – and “the way we have been sustained through that is by people who have come and said, ‘Look, I’m going to carry you. I’m going to remind you of what’s true. I’m going to love on you. I’m going to listen to you. I’m going to cry with you. You can scream, yell, you can pray…whatever you need, I’m here.’ And that’s what the Gospel is about. That’s how Jesus shows up in the lives of people – is through his people.” And that’s what the relief concert was all about.
At last report, well over $200,000 has been raised to help tornado survivors – and donations can still be made at: www.kytornadobenefit.com
