Walmart VP of Entertainment Merchandising, Greg Hall, introduced Schultz, who opened with “What It Means To Be Loved,” a new song from Come Alive that pays tribute to all those who respond in love in spite of difficult circumstances. Visibly moved by the song, the audience responded with a resounding standing ovation. Following the song, Schultz dialoged on stage with Hall, discussing his life story and how, as a former orphan himself, he was inspired to support the James Fund, which provides assistance for widows and orphans. Schultz received his second standing ovation after closing with his song “Letters From War,” the centerpiece of a recent U.S. Army campaign.

In a light moment in front of the crowd, Schultz joked, “I think I deserve a Sam’s Club card, since I’m up singing so early.” Later, while Schultz was seated after his appearance, Wal-Mart President and CEO, Mike Duke, surprised Schultz by inviting him to return to the stage and presenting him with a Sam’s Club card to the roar of laughter and delight from the audience.

“Wal-Mart is such an advocate for the consumer, keeping prices low and still having quality products,” says Schultz, impressed by the organization’s commitment and concern for its customers. “It is clear that family values drive all that Wal-Mart does.”

While Schultz was appearing at the Wal-Mart meeting, his song “He Is” from Come Alive was airing all over the nation as it became the No. 1 Most Added AC Christian R&R song at radio. Released to radio July 10, the song is an expression of hope that was inspired by the stories of two families battling cancer. “He is, He was and always will be. It’s a pretty important message–no matter what kind of rough road you are riding through,” says Schultz.

Singing “He Is,” “What It Means To Be Loved” and other new songs from Come Alive, as well as fan favorites spanning his celebrated career, Schultz has embarked on a 40-plus-city tour. Hitting the festival circuit this summer, he is joined by Point Of Grace on his “Come Alive” tour that launches Sept. 10 in Decatur, IL. With tickets for the “Come Alive” tour already on sale in select markets, music fans are responding, collectively purchasing tickets by the thousands. For the latest list of tour dates, visit www.markschultzmusic.com.

One of Christian music’s most acclaimed singer/songwriters, Schultz’s first new studio album in nearly three years, Come Alive, is also his most personal recording to date, inviting listeners to “Come Alive” through these songs birthed by stories of hope, loss, joy and redemption. Pulling from real life experiences, the songs on Come Alive were inspired by families dealing with cancer, special needs and through Schultz ‘s coast-to-coast bicycle ride that raised over $250,000 to benefit the James Fund. Produced by Brown Bannister (Amy Grant, Third Day, CeCe Winans), Shaun Shankel (Beyoncé, Hilary Duff), Bernie Herms (Natalie Grant, Avalon) and Paul Mills (Third Day, Bluetree), the album also features collaborations with such hit making songwriters as Bart Millard and Barry Graul of Mercy Me, Matthew West, Joy Williams and Herms.

Lauded at No. 1 on Billboard’s “Hot Christian Adult Contemporary Songwriters” list and with nine No. 1 radio hits so far, Schultz’s celebrated career highlights include being named Christian Music Today’s Male Vocalist in 2003, his 2005 release, Mark Schultz Live…A Night of Stories & Songs, selling RIAA certified Platinum and garnering him his first GMA Dove Award, and being featured on the national TV programs 48 Hours, CNN and more. In fact, his recent appearance on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition was re-broadcast July 17. For more information on Mark Schultz, visit www.markschultzmusic.com.

For more info on Mark Schultz, visit the JFH Artists Database.