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Lakewood Church Leader Israel Houghton Says Joel Osteen Is ‘Real Deal’


Grammy Award-winning Christian singer Israel Houghton, who finished the last leg of his “King’s Men” tour in mid-October, recently testified that pastor Joel Osteen of Lakewood Church is “the real deal.”

Houghton reportedly said that although Osteen has been criticized for not taking a more hardline approach to the topic of sin, he has seen the megachurch pastor make positive changes in the lives of his congregants.

“Houghton says he would rather offend Christian leaders who think Osteen doesn’t preach enough about sin than the many non-Christians who are attracted to Osteen’s message of God’s love for them,” The Associated Press reported.

Osteen is the senior pastor of the largest church in the U.S., located in Houston, Texas and boasting an average weekly attendance 43,500 people.

Houghton told the AP that while there are three million Christians who choose to watch televised pastors preach, Osteen attracts an additional seven million un-churched viewers every Sunday.

The recording artist has been the worship leader at Osteen’s Lakewood Church for the past eleven years.

The Grammy Award-winning artist also recently wrapped up the last leg of his highly anticipated “King’s Men” tour in New York City. The tour included Houghton and fellow Christian recording artists Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, and Marvin Sapp performing their most beloved Christian hits to audiences averaging at 9,000 per night.

The 15-city tour made stops in Los Angeles, Houston, Philadelphia and Detroit before finishing on Oct. 14 in New York City.

Osteen has been the pastor of Lakewood Church since 1999. In the past, Osteen has been criticized for not preaching on sin, but rather focusing on lighter subjects, such as positive thinking.

The Texas minister and best selling author has acknowledged that some do not appreciate his preaching style, previously describing it as less hellfire.

“A lot of what I do is in a positive light. It’s who I am…to me, the Scripture says it’s the goodness of God that leads to repentance,” Osteen told The Blaze in July. “I would rather tell them we can be better fathers, we can overcome an addiction, we can let go of the past. I deal with it in an overcoming way,” he said. “There’s a camp that’s more hellfire.”



CHRISTIAN MUSICIAN SUMMIT NASHVILLE DEEMED HUGE SUCCESS


Photo caption: Phil Keaggy, left, and Ashley Cleveland, right, rocked the house at CMS Nashville. (McCain & Co. Public Relations photo)

The Christian Musician Summit, which debuted in Nashville October 4-6, with workshops and performances featuring top musicians in the contemporary Christian and country music industries, including Ashley Cleveland, Phil Keaggy, Ron Block, Allen Shamblin, Brenton Brown & The Worship Republic, Steve Taylor, Tom Hemby, Dave Cleveland, Cindy Morgan, Zoro the drummer, and many others, was a Music City hit, according to organizers and participants. For anyone who missed the conference or desires to relive the experience, CMS Nashville highlights soon will be available to be streamed online. CMS Nashville was presented in partnership with Kingdom Bound Ministries.

“CMS Nashville had more musical moments to it than any conference we have done before… and that is saying something because we have had some memorable moments over the years,” says Bruce Adolph, producer of Christian Musician Summit. “The level of musicianship was over the top. You couldn’t throw a guitar pick without hitting an ‘A-list’ session player!

“Each evening concert had a Songwriter in the Round segment and they were outstanding as well. The registrants got to spend quality time with well-known musicians who led their workshops with a heart to impart what they knew to the attendees,” Adolph says. ” It was amazing! To see Phil Keaggy, Ashley Cleveland and Al Perkins walk on and be backed up by the Blues Counsel Band was one of the highlights. Then to have Dave Cleveland and Tom Hemby’s session player-laden bands take you on a musical adventure was incredible, too.”

The conference will be available via online streaming soon, Adolph says, with the streaming package to include 15 workshops and live music bonus tracks available by registering at christianmusiciansummit.com. “CMS Nashville was an amazing time of improving skill and inspiring talent,” Adolph says.

For more information, including online streaming details, visit christianmusiciansummit.com. To like on Facebook, go tofacebook.com/groups/christianmusiciansummit or follow on Twitter (@cmsproductions).

About Christian Musician Summit:
The Christian Musician Summit conferences, co-founded by Bruce Adolph and Matt Kees, president of Christian Musician Summit, Inc., are designed to inspire and assist worship leaders, musicians, technicians, pastors, songwriters, and independent artists to sharpen their skills for God’s glory. In addition to the workshops and concerts, the CMS conferences also feature exhibits with audio/video and music companies who offer products and services for the Christian church market. These events provide a time for musicians and technicians of all levels to come and learn, network and fellowship. In addition to CMS Nashville, CMS Northwest is scheduled for November 9-10 in Seattle, and CMS at The Chapel in Western New York is scheduled for May 3-4, 2013, in Buffalo, N.Y. CMS Nashville and CMS at The Chapel are presented in partnership with Kingdom Bound Ministries.

For more information about Christian Musician Summits, visit christianmusiciansummit.com.

 



The Rance Allen Group Head to Connecticut for Live Concert October 20th-Windsor, CT


The Rance Allen Group’s upcoming project Amazing Grace, a 2-disc set CD/DVD project including the documentary Music Majors: The Rance Allen Group, is more than just new music and a story but a riveting testimony of God’s grace over their lives.

Every chance they get, the group shares just how God has covered them on the road, at concerts, in the studio and in their personal lives over the last 40 years as “Music Majors”.

As they prepare for the release of Amazing Grace, the group is making special stops across the country to share their testimony and music with fans and supporters.

On Saturday, October 20th, the Rance Allen Group will sing live in concert at Hopewell Baptist Church , 280 Windsor Avenue in Windsor , CT. Fans and supporters will receive a treat when the group sings their new single “Amazing Grace” and of course favorite hits from previous projects.

On Sunday, October 21st, the Rance Allen Group will travel back to Toledo , OH for Pastor Allen’s 27th Anniversary celebration. Yes, ministry and music go hand in hand for this phenomenal group, because they understand where their strength comes from.

The Rance Allen Group’s new project, Amazing Grace, will be available in stores and online November 27th.

For more information, please contact Tracy Williamson (twilliamson@tyscot.com) or visit www.tyscot.com.

The Rance Allen Group’s new 2-disc set CD/DVD project, Amazing Grace, will be available in stores and online November 27th.



Whitney Houston’s Family Releases Preview of New Reality Show “The Houstons: On Our Own”


Whitney Houston may have died last February, but her family is gearing up to star in a reality television show later this month that has been teasing audiences with previews of her family overcoming the tragedy and questioning her daughter’s boyfriend.

The reality show “The Houstons: On Our Own” is garnering excited fans and critics alike. Some experts are voicing their professional opinion that the show does nothing to help with grief and healing, arguing instead the show showcases family greed.

The show will premiere Oct. 24th on Lifetime network, recently audiences were given a preview of what to expect from the show (below). The introduction to the preview begins with the words “Family is her legacy” flashing across the screen before Houston’s sister-in-law and manager Pat Houston seems to be grateful for the opportunity of life.

“We’re smiling right now because we are here,” Houston’s sister-in-law tells the cameras. However, the clip which lasts no more than half of a minute also seems to be filled with family drama as Houston’s daughter Bobbi Kristina and her boyfriend Nick Gordon’s relationship is questioned. Gary Houston, the late singer’s brother and husband to Pat Houston, seems concerned about Gordon going from Houston’s godchild to her daughter’s boyfriend.

Some in the Houston family even consider Nick Gordon to be Bobby Kristina’s adopted brother. The news of the impending marriage is not sitting well with Whitney Houston’s mother Cissy Houston.


Over the weekend Cissy reportedly refused to attend the Grammy’s special tribute to Whitney, claiming she couldn’t bare sitting next to her granddaughter Bobbi Kristina and her fiance Nick Gordon.

“No one knew that from a godson you would turn into a boyfriend,” Gary Houston tells Gordon in the preview to the show. “No one knew that.”

While Gordon shakes his head as he is being spoken to, he reveals that there may be some discord between himself and the family.

“The family has me out to be a bad person,” Gordon tells cameras. Bobbi Kristina also speaks in the clip and while it is unclear whether she is speaking about her relationship or family, she does seem determined to prove doubters wrong.

“They want to see us fail,” she tells cameras. “We won’t.”

The preview of the show closes with the late singer’s song, “My love is your love” while showing the smiling faces of the entire Houston family including Whitney’s mother Cissy.

Cissy has a new book coming out in February of 2013, and she’s angree at BeBe Winans for releasing his book “The Whitney I Knew” before-hand without the family’s blessing.

It’s clear that the family isn’t getting along. But as opportunities arise for the family they seem anxious to capitalize on the tragic death of Whitney Houston, and protect intellectual property. Whether you’re for or against the recent steps the family has taken one things for sure, the reality show is going to be drama. And if you like drama you’ll probably be glued to the TV screen come October 24th.  

 



THE CITY HARMONIC RELEASE FIRST LIVE IN CONCERT VIDEO TODAY, “HOLY (WEDDING DAY),” FEATURING DUET WITH JJ HELLER


The City Harmonic members, known for “getting people in on the act-hearts pounding and feet moving,” launch today at 4:00 pm CDT their first concert video, “Holy (Wedding Day),” at www.youtube.com/thecityharmonic. The video was recorded live Sept. 23, 2012 during the “I Have A Dream Tour” and in front of an engaged audience that packed Pure Heart Christian Fellowship in Phoenix (Glendale, AZ) Sept. 23. The band’s fourth music video from its highly-acclaimed and first full-length album, I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home), pairs front man Elias Dummer with songstress JJ Heller. The resulting duet has been serviced to radio and is already gaining significant airplay across the country. 

“Holy (Wedding Day),” a beautiful ballad about the ultimate redemption, the glorious day to come when faith becomes sight, follows The City Harmonic’s recent “Mountaintop” video that was named RELEVANT’s Video of the Day and incorporates footage sent to the band by fans and artists like Michael Tait (Newsboys), Aaron Gillespie, Daniel Bashta, AJ Cheek and more. It also follows the release of the band’s “I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home)” and “Manifesto” videos, the latter receiving more than 1,700,000 views on YouTube. 

A 2012 “New Artist of the Year” GMA Dove Award nominee, The City Harmonic is also receiving recognition for its compelling videos. Their “I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home)” has been nominated for a Gospel Music Association Canada Covenant Award for “Video Of The Year.” One of the band’s six 2012 Covenant Awards nominations, the title track to the band’s I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home) also picked up nominations for “Song Of The Year,” “Recorded Song of the Year” and “Praise & Worship Song of the Year,” as “Mountaintop” was nominated for “Modern Worship Song of the Year.” The City Harmonic’s current album was also nominated for best “CD / Artwork Design.” In 2011, The City Harmonic received three Covenant Awards, including “New Artist of the Year.” The 34th Annual Covenant Awards ceremony will be held in Burlington, Ontario Canada Nov. 7.

Immediately following the awards ceremony, The City Harmonic, who wrapped a 65-city tour with Newsboys last spring and appearances on main stages across the US in front of tens of thousands during the summer festivals, continues its first headline US tour Nov. 8 in Bluefield, VA. In partnership with Compassion International and Life Promotions, the tour features special guest artist Daniel Bashta, writer of the hit song “Like A Lion (God’s Not Dead),” nationally recognized author/speaker Bob Lenz and introduces Eric Brandon. 

Promising to be an immersive worship experience, with a full production alongside the band’s already captivating performances, The City Harmonic “I Have A Dream Tour” itinerary follows:

8-Nov Bluefield, VA
9-Nov Elizabeth City, NC
10-Nov Lancaster, PA
11-Nov Winston-Salem, NC
15-Nov Colorado Springs, CO
16-Nov Aurora, CO
18-Nov Farmington, NM
24-Nov Beamsville, Canada
25-Nov Cambridge, Canada
28-Nov Elk City, OK
29-Nov Abilene, TX
30-Nov Tyler, TX
1-Dec Spring Branch, TX
2-Dec Waco, TX * Tour dates subject to change

The best-selling new artist of 2011, The City Harmonic continue to resonate en masse as listeners instinctively join the chorus as the band’s music dynamically bounces from sparse intimacy to soaring celebration and back again. While on tour, the band will play hits and fan favorites from I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home), an album critics herald as “fabulous,” “infectious,” “exciting,” “spectacular,” “worshipful,” “captivating,” “creative,” “brilliant” and more.

Despite all the attention, The City Harmonic is not as interested in finding fans as they are looking for participants in the journey. All the latest detail on the band can be found at:

www.thecityharmonic.com
http://www.facebook.com/thecityharmonic
http://www.myspace.com/thecityharmonic
http://www.youtube.com/thecityharmonic
http://twitter.com/thecityharmonic

 



GOSPEL’S BRGHTEST NEW STAR GENITA PUGH CRACKS BILLBOARD TOP 30 WITH LATEST HIT, “WHO CAN?”


Over the last three years, Genita Pugh has emerged as one of the gospel world’s brightest new stars. She’s turned in national Top 30 hits such as “You Made It Possible”,  “Can’t Live” and “Holy to the Lamb” that made it all the way up to #12 on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs chart. Now, Pugh’s latest hit “God Can” enters next week’s Billboard Hot Gospel Songs chart at #30* with a bullet. It’s a song of faith with an infectious  `70s throwback R&B groove along the lines of The Gap Band’s classic, “Outstanding.”

“The song challenges the believer to take an introspective look at their belief and faith in The Most High to provide, restore, create and deliver in the time of need,” says Terry Woods who wrote the song that was originally recorded by his brother, Jerard Woods, in 2007. “It also points us to the One who can be everything when all else has failed.”

It’s a message that resonates well with Pugh who grew up in the church thanks to her grandmother, Willavry Glen, taking she and her siblings every Sunday when they were kids. She’s lived in Laurel, MS all of her life and spent years as a hairdresser before her husband, Donald Pugh, nudged her to launch a musical career. Although, she had always sung in the church choir, Pugh says, “I never had that confidence in myself to think my voice was good enough to ever be [national].” 

Now that Pugh’s been successful on the national scene and released two CDs, including her current Top Ten project, “My Purpose” (Eternity Records), Pugh is a testament to the idea that God can do anything and make dreams manifest. “My prayer has not been for me to be famous, not for me to be rich nor be this great star,” she says. ”My prayer has been that people’s lives will be changed and that somebody will be saved, healed, delivered, restored and renewed.”



LARRY CALLAHAN AND SELECTED OF GOD’S THE EVOLUTION II CD TO RELEASE ONLINE AND IN STORES NATIONWIDE NOVEMBER 13TH



Sing2Praise Recordings announce the November 13th
 
release of Larry Callahan & Selected of God’s newest album The Evolution II. Distributed byKobalt Music Groupthe album will be available online and in retailers nationwide. In celebration of the launch, the popular choir will headline a free 11th Anniversary Service & CD Release Concert on Saturday, November 17th at 6:00 pm at Bishop Edgar L. Vann’s Second Ebenezer Church at 14601 Dequindre Road (Near I-75 & East McNichols) in Detroit. Tickets can be secured at Second Ebenezer, Triumph Church and God’s World or by calling 313-663-8800.

Led by Founder and Director Larry Callahan, Selected of God is fresh offof a dynamic performance at Verizon’s 2012 How Sweet the Sound national competition, the anointed collective also opened this past Friday for gospel heavyweights Kirk FranklinDonnie McClurkinMarvin Sapp, and Israel Houghton on the King’s Men Tour at Detroit’s Fox Theatre.

The choir’s mission of spreading love has brought a positive light and glory to the city of Detroit; they are aptly named Ambassadors of Chrysler’s Imported From Detroit project Selected of God’s divine purpose will soon be fulfilled and touch the lives of millions around the world with The Evolution II album. 

Produced by Grammy-winning, super producer Asaph WardThe Evolution IIis a poetically written; contemporary, urban and inspirational compilation. The lead singles will be “It Could Have Been Me” with Chiffon McNeal and “Be Still & Know” showcasing Chrystal Rucker, a rising gospel phenomenon. Another stand out is the powerful remake of the wildly popular Clark Sisters’ hit “You Brought the Sunshine”. Full of great accents, the explosive musical arrangement of “Sunshine” offers a sultry accompaniment to an amazing backgroundIt boasts lead vocals by the legendary composer herself, Elbernita “Twinkie” Clark-Terrell

No stranger to the success of a well done remade hit; Larry Callahan & Selected of God did not take the process lightly. According to the group’s humble Founder and Director Larry Callahan, “It was definitely an honor to remake “Sunshine”, but there was a lot of weight…not only did we want to honor the original writer and lead vocalist, who blessed us with her presence on our project, but we wanted to maintain the integrity of the Clark Sisters’ work-it was a great responsibility”.

Other promising tracks include “Dwell in Me”, an upbeat, fun composition by Stephen Anderson-Day, that showcases the Selected of God’s signature hip church swag. Deliver Me” is a mid-tempo tune written by Asaph Ward and national singer/songwriter Shawn McLemore with featured leads Stephen Anderson-Day and Nikki Ross from Houston, TX.

Eric Dawkinsof the widely respected Dawkins and Dawkins, joins SoG on“Forsaking All Others”. The heartfelt ballad by Adrian B. King proclaims the artists’ stance to not let anyone get in the way of honoring HIM. Anderson-Day’s “He’ll Do” promises to be a foot stomping Sunday morning experience in your car!

As impressive as the material on the project is, so is the caliber and regional variety of musicianship it features. The Evolution II is graced with some of the most seasoned musicians in the world including drummers: Chris Johnson (Los Angeles), Joshua Mayfield of the famous Mayfield Brothers and from Detroit gospel legend lineage, J Drew-Sheard a.k.a. JDS. Ethan Former (Los Angeles), Allen “Snoop” Evans (Detroit) and Aaron Mayfield (Kansas) lend the bass, with Michael Bereal (Los Angeles), and Kevin Powell (Connecticut) on keys and Timothy Mole (North Carolina) on guitar. 

Most noted for their “Lose Yourself” remake that appeared in Chrysler’s 2011 Born of Fire-Imported from Detroit Superbowl commercial which garnered an Emmy awardLarry Callahan &Selected of God’s “Lose Yourself” video has been viewed over 508,000 times! This exposure led to widespread visibility and countless opportunities in music, television and other nontraditional sectors. 



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GOSPEL HIT MAKER TROY SNEED STRIKES BILLBOARD TOP 10 WITH RADIO SMASH “LAY IT DOWN”


Gospel Hit Maker, Troy Sneed, continues to put his adopted hometown of Jacksonville on the national musical map with, “Lay it Down,” his fifth Top Ten Billboard Hot Gospel Songs smash.  This week, it ranks at #10* (with a bullet). “In a time when so many people are struggling with debts, unemployment, marital issues and you name it – just fill in the blank, this song just reminds us that we can take any problem to God and let Him solve it, “ Sneed says.

The simple refrain simply says “all of your problems, all of your pain… lay it down” and it’s been steadily building momentum with audiences since its release this summer. It earned an 11% gain in audience this week for a weekly listening audience of over 1.7 million listeners.“Troy Sneed has made it happen once again with a powerful inspirational message that’s simple and to the point in this season of life,” says Connye Bryant at WHLW in Montgomery, AL. “This song is definitely going to be another hit for the Worship Master, Mr. Troy Sneed!”

“Troy Sneed’s latest record `Lay it Down’ has people calling and asking where they can get it,” says Reggie Baker, program director at WPZZ in Richmond. “It is a great follow-up to `My Heart Says Yes’ and will be sung on Sunday mornings [at churches everywhere].” Mike Gamble, program director of the The Light:  Sheridan Gospel Network adds that, “”Troy has become the inspirational music stylist that delivers powerful words of encouragement in every song.”

The song is featured on Sneed’s latest Top ten selling CD, “All Is Well” (Emtro Gospel). The new CD features urban-flavored songs of praise and worship ranging from the jazzy “Song for You” to  “I Know You Hear Me” that recalls R. Kelly’s “U Saved Me.” The album received a sterling review from the popular blog Da Gospel Truth: “Full of refreshing live instrumentation, simple melodies, relatable lyrical content and smooth vocals… The brightness and purity of the vocals shine through on every song… if you don’t pick it up, it’s your loss.” For more information on Troy Sneed, visit Sneed online at www.troysneed.net or follow him on Twitter @TroySneed.
 



12 GIFTS OF CHRISTMAS 12-CITY ARENA TOUR FEATURES “SURVIVOR’S” LISA WHELCHEL, STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN


12 Gifts announces its first tour offering with “12 Gifts of Christmas” presented by World Vision, a 12-city, 3-hour evening arena event focused on the meaning, the magic and the music of Christmas hosted by Lisa Whelchel of CBS’ “Survivor: Philippines” and “The Facts of Life,” with Grammy® award-winning artists Steven Curtis Chapman and Laura Story, storytellers Patsy Clairmont, Luci Swindoll, Marilyn Meberg and Mary Beth Chapman, comedienne Anita Renfroe, and illusionist Harris III, kicking off on Nov. 29, 2012, and tickets are on sale now.

“I love Christmas but I’m even more excited than usual about Christmas 2012,” said Whelchel, “because I get to spend it with some of the most talented Christian performers on the planet. Doesn’t that sound heavenly? I hope everyone will come and be a part of the 12 Gifts–it is all about celebrating Jesus with your whole family.”

12 Gifts of Christmas is a brand new event for families and an opportunity to bring families together as they celebrate the Christmas season, according to 12 Gifts.

“12 Gifts of Christmas is centered around the Christmas story,” said Rob Olds, president of 12 Gifts. “In one fast-paced and varied evening, audiences will enjoy music presented by Dove and Grammy® winning artists, fun and laughter with a comedian who’s also a YouTube phenomenon, magic and wonder with an illusionist and meaningful stories of Christmas told by the best story-tellers. Our hope is the audience will leave encouraged and reminded of the incredible gifts brought by this wonderful time of year.”

The locations for the 12 Gifts of Christmas arena tour are:
Nov. 29, 2012 Omaha, Neb. Omaha Civic Center
Nov. 30, 2012 Moline, Ill. i wireless Arena
Dec. 1, 2012 St. Louis, Mo. Family Arena**
Dec. 2, 2012 Tulsa, Okla. Mabee Center**
Dec. 5, 2012 Denver, Col. Denver Coliseum
Dec. 6, 2012 Wichita, Kan. Hartman Arena
Dec. 7, 2012 Norman, Okla. Lloyd Noble Arena
Dec. 8, 2012 Springfield, Mo. John Q Hammons Arena
Dec. 13, 2012 Reading, Pa. Sovereign Center
Dec. 14, 2012 Baltimore, Md. First Mariner Arena
Dec. 15, 2012 Greensboro, N.C. Greensboro Coliseum
Dec. 16, 2012 Duluth, Ga. Gwinnett Center
(**Event will be recorded for nationwide in-theater event)

“Family and friends getting together, catching up, telling stories-that’s one of the true highlights of Christmas for me every year,” said Chapman. “This year, Mary Beth and I are looking forward to adding the stories of our 12 Gifts ‘tour family’ to our Christmas traditions, and I’ll be sharing some of our story through music from ‘Joy’ as well. I’m looking forward to it.”

Tickets are on-sale now at www.12gifts.com or by calling (866) 440-7880. Tickets are available in individual and group pricing.

“Christmas is the most wonderful time of year and the craziest,” said Renfroe. “It’s also the time of year when we can choose between hilarity and insanity. I’m turning cartwheels (well, in my mind) to be a part of 12 Gifts tour to purvey some joy to the world this holiday season.”

12 Gifts of Christmas will present a one-time only, “12 Gifts of Christmas” NCM Fathom Event in select movie theaters nationwide on Tuesday, Dec.11, 2012. Further details will be released in November. For more information on the theater event visit www.Fathomevents.com.

“Who doesn’t love Christmas?” said Clairmont. “The lights, the presents and especially the gatherings. That is just one of the reasons why I’m looking forward to sharing in the 12 Gifts of Christmas this year. So pack up the family. Climb in the sleigh and join the festivities.”

For more information on 12 Gifts of Christmas, go to www.12gifts.com, 12 Gifts Tour on Facebook, and @12GiftsTour on Twitter.

ABOUT LISA WHELCHEL:
Lisa Whelchel is perhaps best known for her starring role as Blair Warner on NBC’s “The Facts of Life” for nine years. After that, Lisa left show business to take on her favorite role of all: mom to Tucker, Haven and Clancy. During those years, she also authored 15 books, including “Creative Correction” and her latest, “Friendship for Grownups.” Lisa can currently be seen on television’s “Survivor” on CBS Wednesday nights.

ABOUT STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN:
Steven Curtis Chapman has sold more than ten million records including two RIAA certified Platinum albums and eight RIAA certified Gold albums. Along with his five Grammy® Awards, Chapman has won an American Music Award, recorded 46 No. 1 US radio hits including one in each decade since the 1980s and been awarded 57 Dove Awards, more than any other artist to date. Since his recording career began in 1987, Chapman has recorded 17 projects with Sparrow Records. Chapman’s brand new Christmas project, “Joy,” released Oct. 16, 2012. Chapman has performed at the White House and has appeared on multiple national programs via CBS, NBC, ABC, CNN, MSNBC, CMT, FOX News, the Hallmark Channel and E!, including “Good Morning America,” “Larry King Live,” “Fox & Friends,” “Huckabee,” “CBS Sunday Morning,” “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and more. Chapman and his wife Mary Beth created Show HOPE in 2001 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 more than 3,350 families wishing to adopt orphans from around the world.

ABOUT WORLD VISION: 
World Vision is a humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. Serving close to 100 million people in nearly 100 countries around the world (including the U.S.), it is World Vision’s goal to work with a community and help it to become self-sustainable through programs promoting health, nutrition, sanitation, education and economic development.

ABOUT 12 GIFTS:
12 Gifts produces premier family entertainment experiences and events in arenas nationwide. Utilizing world-class artists, speakers and other performers, 12 Gifts provides families the opportunity to escape the every day and be amazed and inspired through stories, songs and magic. Each event is filled with laughter, wonder and an invitation for families to see and celebrate the gifts in life.