Steven Curtis Chapman’s debut concert in China, a sold-out event that was the Grammy and Dove Award winning artist’s way of expressing appreciation to the country where his three adopted daughters were born, was covered by the local press.

“The concert was turned into a place of joy; a group or orphans from all over China also attended,” reports ShanghaiDaily.com.

Following the performance, Chapman and his family have moved on for an extended stay in Beijing where they are working at an orphanage and planning another charity concert to raise funds for children needing heart surgery.

Also included in the story are details of Chapman’s first Asian album release, The Blessing, a collection of his previous hits plus two new recordings; the title track (his version of a popular Chinese song) and a cover of Joni Mitchell’s The Circle Game. It is also mentioned that Chapman will be a special musical guest at the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

The Chapman’s adopted daughter Shaohannah is featured on the title track of Steven’s latest album All I Really Want for Christmas singing about a boy who’s only wish for Christmas is to have a family. If you are feeling in a Christmas kind of mood (even in June), head over Chapman’s YMZ artist page to hear some audio samples from the album.