The concert was held at the New Ulm High School auditorium and was free. The concert was intended as a thank you to the community for the support of the three nonprofits. The performance was paid for by an anonymous donor who supports First Choice Pregnancy, NUMAS, and Ivy House. This is the second year in a row the three organizations have hosted a holiday concert. In 2023, the performer was Jason Gray.

NUMAS Executive Director Nicole Schmiesing said the same donor who paid for Gray’s performance covered Schultz’s cost.

“This is a thank you,” Schmeising said. “Permit yourself to enjoy yourself. Our missions would not be possible without community support.”

Schultz is a best-selling Christian recording artist. He performed several classic Christmas songs, including “Silent Night” and “O Holy Night.” He also performed his original song “Different King of Christmas,” which is dedicated to anyone missing someone around the holiday. Schultz also took requests to sing some of his other original songs, including “Walking Her Home.”

Mark Schultz, a contemporary Christian recording artist, gave a free Christmas concert at New Ulm High School Sunday. The concert was made possible thanks to an anonymous donor. The concert was a thank you to the community for their continuing support of First Choice Pregnancy Services, NUMAS Haus and Ivy House.

“Walking Her Home,” was the wedding song for Jennifer and Kenny Deutz who attended the show with their children. Jennifer Deutz said when she learned Schultz was doing a show in New Ulm, she literally screamed out loud.

“When else are we going to be able to see him live,” she said.

Schultz was delighted to spend the evening with the New Ulm audience who supported the First Choice, NUMAS and Ivy House. This organization meant a great deal to him because of his life story.

Schultz said at two weeks old, his parents adopted him. He said this was made possible by organizations that help children. Schultz and his wife also have two adopted children.

“I get to be their dad because of the work at places like First Choice, NUMAS and Ivy House.”

Recording artist Mark Schultz met with fans following his performance Sunday night at the New Ulm High School. Jennifer (holding Nicholas Deutz) and Kenny Deutz receive an autograph from Schultz. His song “Walking Her Home,” was their wedding song.

He described the New Ulm organization’s work as rewriting hopelessness into glory. Schultz incorporated the line into a new song he’s working on. The chorus of the song is “God loves a good comeback story.”

First Choice Pregnancy is a pregnancy resource center that offers services ranging from free pregnancy testing to programs for education and counseling services. For more information visit https://consideryouroptions.org.

NUMAS Haus (New Ulm Ministerial Association) provides shelter and support services to homeless women and children. For more information, visit https://numashaus.org.

Ivy House is a 24/7 crisis nursery that provides direct care to children 0-10. Free childcare is provided for up to 72 hours for parents who need help. For more information visit https://ivyhousemn.org.