"I think it was about 3 days or so I had woken up to go to the gym to work out for the day. I went to the restroom and as I'm leaving the restroom to walk into the gym something came over me. I lost feeling in the entire right side of my body and about 95% of my vision was gone. The receptionist called 911 and that brings us to now. I had what is called an Ischemic Stroke. These are extremely uncommon for someone my age who stays pretty active. I still have yet to regain most of my vision, it's about 85-95% there and the doctor says that it might all come back in time. I feel my writing is a lot better than my speech right now. I hit a lot of road blocks when I talk and seem to lose track of thoughts pretty quick but they say within a year or so all that will be back. I know a lot of you have been praying without even knowing the details of the situation and I appreciate that so much. My family and myself thank you for all the prayers too. I've still got maybe 1 or 2 more days here at the hospital in Dallas and then they'll release me to go home to Arkansas. Once that happens it may be a while before I can drive, ride motorcycles and stuff like that but the doc says things are looking bright. Gods taught me a lot thru all of this though and is teaching me more daily. I remember seeing others throughout my life who have has health issues say "I'm just glad that God saw me strong enough to handle this". And honestly it's been pretty insane dealing with this but I am glad that I can see how Gods already used this. I don't want to make this long but please keep myself and my family in your prayers. Even as I'm writing this, the nurse just came in and mentioned a few things to find out why, one being a spinal tap and that is not a nice thought right now. I'll keep you all updated on everything but thank you for the prayers thus far, they really mean the world. To God be the glory :) I'll see you all soon I'm sure!"

UPDATE: (5/29) Spoke with Trevor's mom this past week and he is back home in Arkansas and in good spirits. The doctors have high hopes for his recovery and he will regain his lost vision and speech within the year. Trevor has a hole in his heart (and not figuratively) which caused the stroke. The doctors at home will perform a surgery soon to prevent any future occurrences. Thank you all for your continued prayers! They are being heard!

(Courtesy of Josh Williams)

I have a prayer request for Matt Hammitt, frontman of Sanctus Real. He and his wife are expecting their 3rd baby, a boy. About a week and a half ago, the doctor said the baby has a defect called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome--the left side of his heart isn't developing correctly. He also said there was a second less serious problem VSD, and that they could lose him. The good news is, this week the doctor said the HLHS isn't "on the severe side of the spectrum," and that there's no VSD. I don't know exactly what that means for the baby and his safety, but I understand that it at least means he may need a transplant and have a lifetime of anti-rejection drugs. The Hammitts have an email address for information, stories, and any other encouragement anyone wants to send:Helpourheart@gmail.com. 

I'm sitting here in a "budget" motel in Billings, MT after 15 days in on a 6 month tour and I'm wondering how I even got to this place.  Of course I know I got here in my overpacked 1994 Ford Ranger after driving 8 hours from Idaho but I'm asking myself like we all do, "How did I arrive at this place and time in my life?"  This month I would like to address the subject that many touring musicians fail to think about while on the road and that is embracing the journey as the destination.

If we look back through the history of the Bible, traveling was a huge part of every story and major event that happened.  It should be no surprise for us now that as we choose to extend our hearts outwardly through music that Christ would call us to travel.  The one thing common to most Biblical events is that when true change or transformation occurred, it wasn't when people were comfortably at home but rather when they were heading some place God had called them.  From the Israelites wandering for 40 years all the way up to Saul's conversion on the way to Damascus, God often chooses to meet us when we are far away from what we know and our comforts of home.

All too often we can become preoccupied with things that distract us from hearing God's voice and end up in the middle of our travels frustrated and bitter at petty things because we are no longer looking for God in our lives.  We become consumed with load-in, sound check, money for bills, how many people were at the show and many other things that have absolutely no bearing on what we are doing out there.  All the while neglecting the joy of what we originally set out to do.  We give up the experience of the journey for the expectation of the destination.  

So how do we keep our focus on God?  It's simple.  Have some personal time with Him everyday.  I'm not talking about devotions or worship or even dedicated prayer time, I'm talking about personal time.  The worst thing we can do is fall in to a dull ritual based routine that is constantly filled with outward acts.  We need to take that time to be still and let God speak to us.  Thankfully there just so happens to be that opportunity everyday when we are driving.  The ever popular, abundant, never ceasing, boring, monotonous, driving.  However, when approached with a heart that desires personal growth and change, this once boring and monotonous time can become a much needed emotional and spiritual inventory and refinement process.  It can be used to reset our heart from "What's going to happen tonight at the show?" back to "What is God speaking to me in my life right now?"

Wherever you are at in your current touring year I would like to encourage you to ask God daily "Why did I arrive at this place and time in my life and what would you have me do today?"  It is that mindset that will save you from burnout, refresh your heart and possibly help you to take time and smell the roses, instead of the week old socks in the back of the van.

Chris Nelson
Ryfo Board Member
chris.nelson@ryfo.org
www.fienix.com

This letter comes from Doug Van Pelt, the Editor of HM magazine.  Please read this and if you feel led, donate to help his cause.  Thanks!

I’ve seen magazines come and go in the time I’ve been editing HM. Metal Edge, which started the same year we did (1985) folded up last year, joining a growing list of music magazines that includes CCM Magazine. In April of 2008 I went to the Nashville party CCM threw for its friends as a way of saying goodbye to print. I saw John Styll, who founded the magazine in 1978 and was often available to me over the years to answer questions and offer advice about publishing magazines. At this party I asked him, “How does it feel to watch your baby cease printing?” And he expressed frustration that it ended so close to its 30-year anniversary. “They were only 3 issues away from its 30th Anniversary issue.” I immediately thought of where I’d be two short years later. I hoped I wouldn’t face the same fate. I’ve done lots of soul searching and seeking the face of the Lord. I do not think it’s time to give up this publication or go all-digital. I’m in the thick of a fight and struggle to keep it going. But I need your help. This past year has seen a drastic dip in advertising sales, which is our major source of income (and we depend upon it to pay those large print bills). To keep the magazine printing, we went into debt. We found ways to cut our overhead and have done about everything we can think of to lower our operating costs. I think I’ve figured out a way to survive and actually grow again, but we need to get out from under this debt before it crushes us. Will you help?
We are not a non-profit group (although it’s something we’ve explored), so your gift will not be tax-deductible. You’ve probably seen other people or organizations say this, but it’s true that every little bit helps. Sometimes breaking it down to manageable chunks makes it easier to consider. If everyone on our list gave $5, we’d be out of debt and in a much better position to succeed in a strained magazine & music economy. Would you pray about what to give? Last year I saw my friends at Paste Magazine send out an appeal similar to this. They were able to meet their goals and look to survive. Thanks to many musician and label friends, we have some gifts to offer as a way of saying “Thanks” to anyone who donates (any amount). If you’re interested in donating more than $100, you’ll get a lifetime subscription to HM Magazine, that’ll keep it coming to you as long as it lives on (both print, digital and who knows what else technology will bring). With my oldest daughter turning 14 the day I write this, I have to admit that I think about passing the torch to another editor someday as I hope HM Magazine lives on another 25 years … and then some!

We’ve collected and are still collecting rare, unavailable-in-stores or just plain cool tunes. Artists like Sleeping At Last, Mortification, Men As Trees Walking, White Collar Sideshow, Guardian, I Am Alpha And Omega, The Ember Days, Nightmare Records and many more… In order to make this easier on my server and your download experience, I have taken these 50 songs and broken them down into 10-song chunks (or “volumes,” which is a mucher nicer word than “chunk”). So, when you make a donation to HM Magazine (using your credit card, debit card, paypal or send a check via the mail – to pobox 367, hutto tx 78634), you will receive a password that will unlock the various volumes (1-5).

I’m still collecting tunes, so please log in to hmmag.com/faqsupport to check out the latest information with this campaign (and see a full song list). And please consider doing some other things to help, too, like promoting HM Magazine at stores, to youth groups, pastors, friends, etc. If you know people that could benefit from marketing to HM’s audience, encourage them to contact us. Thanks for your help. I can’t do it without you.

Click here TO DONATE.

Sincerely and gratefully,

Doug Van Pelt
Editor

Romans 15:30

Join with me in my struggle by praying to God for me. Do this because of the love you have for me given to you by the Holy Spirit.

-Jess Tack jess@ryfo.org

Anyway, today I did a video interview with some of the team behind the organization (Desiring God) that put that book out.  They interviewed me about Ryfo and how I am taking a stab at not wasting my life.  I was honored (and humbled) to be considered in the camp of not-wasting-your-lifers. :)

We had a great time talking about how Jesus has changed our lives, and why we are now completely unable to pursue anything that doesn't glorify His name.  Sure, we all get sidetracked, but we are at least taking a stab at it, in His grace.  Won't you join me?!?!?!

Nick

If you've been a little unmotivated to post your prayer requests because no one has adopted you yet, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!  Ask your friends and family to adopt you on Ryfo so you can keep them updated!  

Praying you will get prayed for!  Excited to see God work in new and mighty ways in your lives!

Nick

We are not allowed to tell you exactly what it will do yet, but RYFO NETWORK, get ready!...

Matt, RYFO's Operations Mananger and I have escaped for this weekend to hammer out all of the details for RYFO.org 2.  Our Staff and Board have been dialoging for the past 2-3 months about ideas...

We've put our uniforms on (hence the man-love picture in the top right) and are ready to help you take over the music world.

You all have asked for some new tools that would change the way you tour.  We decided to see if we could come up with some stuff that will help you out.  I think we have...

So hold tight, stay with us, and please be praying for the money it will take to fund this project.

Serving the Voices,

Nick Greenwood

director - ryfo.org

Before RYFO band #1 left we said a word of prayer together and one of the members grabbed me and said, "Hey that care pack really affected Joe* (name changed) He came over to me and asked why you were so nice and gave him the package.  I said, 'Well do unto others as you would have them do unto you.' I think your actions spoke loud tonight."  

I almost started crying.  I hoped the Spirit would move in some way and even in this small moment I knew God was glorified.  It had never occurred to me that as a mainstream band it might be a rarity to receive a gift and have no expectation to give something back in return. 

RYFO band #2 was chatting outside with some of their friends who were at the show.  As I walked by I heard a band member say "I've come to find that I can't save myself"  Instantly I knew he was sharing the Gospel with these lovely ladies.  I found out that one of the girls had come to know the Lord at RYFO band #2's show last year and her sister shortly there after.  The previous week their friend accepted Christ and that night the last girl met God.  I'm am super stoked to announce we have a new sister in Christ Jesus!  The relationship these men of God had formed over the last year had transformed into a chain reaction of collisions with the Holy Spirit.  What a beautiful night!

I assure you as you go into the RYFO mission field that the Lord has gone before you and will continue to work after you.  These stories should not be and are not rarities.  If you have a testimonial of God moving let us know.  Email jess@ryfo.org or nick@ryfo.org 

"Last night, MercyMe frontman Bart Millard posted on Twitter, “Car just hit our tour bus. We are ok, but 2 of the 3 in the car did not make it. The one that did is pregnant. Please start praying.” Three hours later, Millard posted an update, “Can’t sleep. Officers left to notify families of their loss. My heart aches. Girl driving is 35 wks pregnant. Both are stable.” Our hearts go out to the MercyMe guys and the families of the victims. Please be praying for everyone involved! Below is a blog the band posted on theirofficial site:

“Please join with us in praying for the families of the car that hit our bus last night. Our hearts break for their families.By Natalie Hess
Story Published: Aug 8, 2009 at 7:06 AM EDT
Story Updated: Aug 8, 2009 at 7:07 AM EDT

Are you planning on going to Cornerstone Festival this year???

IF SO, WE NEED YOU!

This year, RYFO will be working to help provide water to the bands of Cornerstone. We continue to hear how much this would be appreciated, so... LET'S DO IT!

We are looking for:
1. Servant hearts to take shifts stocking and restocking water jugs backstage at various stages
2. Water Jugs!...we need about 25, 5 gallon jugs

What to do:
1. Email Jess, RYFO's 15:30's Coordinator at: jess@ryfo.org ...letting her know you can help!
2. Meet us at Cornerstone on Monday afternoon to game plan. (Location TBD)

TAKE A LISTEN!

(News post courtesy of Indie Vision Music)

PRICE:  $15.30

I'M A FAN, WHAT SHOULD I DO???

1.  Buy a shirt HERE
2.  Wear your shirt to your adopted band's shows, identifying yourself
3.  Bring the band a care package...they'll love it!

*Bands, feel free to pick one up to in support!

*Special thanks to Jedidiah and Crystal Clear for their partnership.

-N!CK

"I've just recieved this message from my friend Cody who subs bass in our band sometimes. I've been asked to pass it along to anyone who will pray."

-Kelc (Delta Delta!)

"Please I beg you and the rest of the band to pray for my brother Ezra. He's 26
This weekend he some how wrecked his bike on the bridge on sherman and landed on his head against a boulder
he was flown out to miami valley hospital in dayton.
His brain is swollen, has a fracture in his neck, and his spine.
He has a hole in the back of his head with tubes going in for the swelling in his brain,and it's getting worse. his front of his face are indented in,
his been having seizures, and he had a stroke last night.
And theres something wrong with his eyes now his upper head has no feeling in it. He's in a coma right now, no one knows if he's going to pull through. " - Cody

Thanks RYFO NETWORK!