Graduation time is here and several Christian artists are feeling the effects. Congratulations go out to 18-year-old Rachael Lampa, who graduates from high school May 31. And from a different perspective, Steven Curtis Chapman is doing a college tour, not as an artist, but as the dad of a college-bound student. Emily Chapman, the songwriter's inspiration for "Fingerprints of God," will be heading off to college this fall.
Speaking of Steven Curtis Chapman, it looks like his family is about to grow-again. The Chapmans are heading back to China this summer to work in orphanages. They will also meet with government officials to discuss China's adoption policies, minister and encourage some churches there-and adopt another child! The word is that the baby girl will be named Stevie Joy.
More baby news: Congratulations to Brian Smith of FFH and his wife, Allyson, on the birth of Madison Renee Smith. Smith's FFH band-mates, Jeromy and Jennifer Deibler, are expecting their first baby in July. Also congratulations to Audio Adrenaline bassist Will McGinniss and his wife, Andrea, on the birth of their third child, son Fallon Jude McGinniss.
Rocketown Records' newest band is hitting the street. Two members of Alathea-a new "Popalachian" band-are running in the Music City Marathon April 26. For lead singer Mandee Radford, this is her second effort, after completing last fall's Chicago Marathon in just under five hours. To support her friend and band mate, Carrie Theobald is joining Radford this time by tackling her first half marathon event. Third member Cristi Johnson says she's happy to just be in charge of the beverage delivery. A couple of weeks after the marathon, Alathea will travel to Ecuador with Compassion International.
Rebecca St. James visited the White House recently. No, she wasn't on vacation. St. James met with Bush administration officials to talk about her views on abstinence. Members of the Faith-Based and Community Initiatives Team were interested in hearing what St. James had to say about that and other issues facing the youth of America.
Tube time: Jaci Velasquez recently appeared on the NAACP Image Awards. She sang a song called "Sisters Are Doing It" as part of a tribute to tennis superstar sisters Venus and Serena Williams. The Image Awards were broadcast on Fox TV.
Stacie Orrico has also been seen on television lately. Her video for "Stuck" has been featured on MTV's TRL (Total Request Live).
Michael W. Smith just returned from the famous Skywalker Ranch, George Lucas' studio in California. Apparently, he tracked the initial songs for his next studio release. But the real fun began when Smitty was offered a private viewing of one of the "Star Wars" movies in Mr. Lucas' personal theater, complete with Lucas THX sound.
Your prayers are needed for the late Keith Green's widow. Melody Green was admitted into the hospital in March after suffering a stroke. At the time of the stroke, Green was in California speaking and visiting with close friends. Green is being treated by her doctor of more than 20 years, which is very comforting to family and friends. Recently, she was transferred from the hospital to the physical therapy center where she is receiving excellent care. Her doctors are giving her encouraging news. Her left side, which was affected by the stroke, has already greatly improved. Each day marks the return of more neurological function. Green can now lift her leg, use her foot and ankle, and has even taken a few steps without a walker. The muscles on the left side of her face are constantly improving. Her doctors report that her face muscles should regain full function.
Therese Romano is operations and music director for ChristianMusicPlanet.com. Visit the site to listen to great Christian music.