The other day in Baltimore someone decided that Jim’s scooter looked pretty fun, and decided to run off with it. Typically we leave the scooters out by the bus and apparently this was the wrong place to leave them out. According to Baltimore Police they have already found the scooter and it’s got minimal damage. We’re working on getting it back, but as it is now, we are riding only five.

Kate Diann Bryson. Our little “Lovewell” baby. Thanks so much to everyone for the prayers and acts of lovewell shown to us during Misti’s 7 months of bed rest. You really ministered to our family.

Born 5-13-10 6lbs 9 oz. 20 1/2″

It was an absolute honor sharing the stage with the very talented David Crowder last night at The Dove Awards.  We’ve had the pleasure of touring with David for the past month and a half and also the pleasure of hearing “How He Loves Us” every night.  Congratulations to David for taking home Worship Record Of The Year, and a huge thanks for playing with us.

Bart and Natalie did a great job hosting, all the performances were great and it was awesome to catch up with old friends.

Below is a letter we received from our Compassion representative and we wanted to share it with the rest of you.

Dear friends,

Wanted to send you another update with a few new bits of information in the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti. Sorry in advance for the length, but trying to cover lots of information in one big swoop!

First, thank you for the many prayers for our children, our staff and their families. I know that God is in control and he loves all the people in Haiti very much. I know that he hears our prayers and is moving on our behalf, to His glory.

Second, communications into and out of the country are still down. Therefore, Compassion does not have information on specific Compassion child development centers or any Compassion-sponsored children in Haiti at this time. Compassion is working hard to communication with our sources within the country. As soon as information is known on specific centers or children, Compassion will release that information to the sponsors of those children.

Next, will you please join us in raising funds to help our effected children and their families? Will you tweet, facebook, blog about this to your readers? We are encouraging everyone to go donate to Compassion’s Disaster Relief Fund. This fund goes in to to action for times such as these. Compassion facilitates relief efforts through the local churches both for the short-term and for the long-term. This is the biggest on going need for Haiti right now. Here are two ways to quickly donate, plus a link for banners, etc that link to the fund:

* To Give Online to Compassion: Please visit www.compassion.com/haiticrisis to give online and to get current updates.

* To Text A Donation: Text “disaster” to 90999 to give $10 to Compassion’s Haiti relief efforts.

* For banners, widgets, etc, go to: http://share-compassion.org/haiti/

And last, I have a huge, personal prayer request. We have 2 amazing team members from the US office (one of my co-workers on the marketing team, and a videographer) who are still unaccounted for. As the hours pass, it seems more and more ominous. Dan*, one of our internet guys, is amazing man, he has a wife and two young sons. His wife heard from him about 20-25 minutes before the quake hit, and he was on his way to the Montana Hotel that now is just rubble. We know God is in control and he is trustworthy. Yet, our hearts still worry and are saddened by this entire tragedy. Thank you for your prayers!! (See Update Below)

Will leave you with a wonderful quote from my pastor’s wife: “When we consider God’s greatness, we must surrender to His mysterious ways, and come back to the deeply rooted confidence that He is in charge, and He is trustworthy.” (Kim Thomas)

Much love to you all,
Steph-

* Video of @webguydan being pulled out of the rubble in Haiti: He is 1:30 into the video. http://bit.ly/5qMQCm

Dear Friends and Family,

Wow, where do I begin? This week has been a walk of faith for all of us. God has showed us so many things…the beauty of waiting on Him, His faithfulness to hear the prayers of his people, the way in which God can give us peace amidst total uncertainty, and the strength that pours forth from the Body uniting together to minister to a need. We experienced God’s comfort and the love pouring forth from our friends who took care of every need. Most importantly, when we requested prayers, we saw you all call upon Jesus on our behalf. I truly believe that whatever was attacking my body God took away because of so many of you that were on your knees asking God for healing. To God be all the glory and praise!

This all began over a week ago when I contracted a bladder infection that wouldn’t go away with medication. It only began to worsen and become more painful especially in my back area. That pain took me to the E.R. where I was told the infection was also in my kidney’s and I had kidney stones. During this process, however, blood work determined that my white blood cell count was very low. A normal count is between 4.5-11 with most people being around an 8 or 9. Mine was 2.7 and had been there for a week. This explained why my body was not fighting off the infection. As a result, they called an oncologist who recommended I be admitted to the hospital and have a bone marrow biopsy. Eventually, the oncologist decided to transfer me to Baylor medical center and monitor me for a couple of days to see if my blood results improved. I was told my numbers should get better due to the powerful medication they had given me to rid my body of the infection. However, the numbers (my entire CBC report, not just the white blood cells) did not get better. When this happened, the oncologist actually told us they thought I had Lukemia and taking my blood work into consideration only gave us a 10% chance it was not cancer. They ordered the bone marrow biopsy which was almost unbearable. The normal procedure should only last about 15 minutes but mine took just under an hour. My bones were very hard and they had to make three incisions instead of the one that is normal.  I don’t want to describe this process because it is just too terrible honestly. But God got me through it!

Afterwards, they did more blood work but basically we just had to wait. Eventually, they came in and told us that they had ruled out Lukemia but was now thinking it was Lymphoma due to an abnormality that came back in the bone marrow. However, today, I was told that when all the results were in, nothing else in any of the blood work was positive for cancer. Thus, they concluded something viral attacked my body causing a reactive chain of events to happen that totally bottomed out my white blood cell count and other numbers. The abnormality was related to a cluster of lymph node cells that formed together that can mean lymphoma but can also be caused from a viral attack, although it is rare. In fact, they told me what happened to me occurs only in 1 out of 10 cases. Wow! Isn’t prayer powerful?!

One previous test was also positive. It is what can cause Lupus and other things like Thyroid Disease. However, based on all the other results, the Dr’s believe it is a false positive due to the reaction of my body to the virus. They did more blood work this morning to look at that test more specifically. I am going to follow up in 10 days with the oncologist to get a final report… BUT they ruled out cancer before I left! Now, what does all this mean? They are going to monitor me very closely for a while. After looking back at my blood tests the past two years, I am always on the lowest end of “normal” regarding my white blood cell count. I believe this is why my immune system is always weak, I stay tired a lot, and get sick often. They even concluded from the tests that I had Mono at some point and didn’t even realize it. The oncologist told me that the good news is that they are going to be on top of this and if anything does appear again in the future we will know early. They say if I ever start feeling sick they will do a Complete Blood Count and the oncologist will read my numbers. I really feel confident that they are on top of things.

As of right now, I am just resting and trying to heal from the bone marrow biopsy. Jim and I literally feel we’ve been given a second chance at life! We are just beyond grateful for the news. I have been so blessed to hear how this has caused everyone we love to stop and place value on what is truly important in life. Thank you to everyone who has been on their knees this week and interceding on our behalf. God has been so faithful! We are so humbled by the prayers and love given by all of you. I mean, really, what can I say? How do you really express that kind of gratitude. Know that we deeply love each of you who have played a part in this healing.

Jim and I would like to particularly thank Jay and Ashli Hall who kept Riley and Jack. Ashli went overboard to handle every detail of their care and we just can’t thank you guys enough. Thanks also to Scott and Lori McCullough who kept them for a night and to Lori, his teacher, who watched over Riley at school for me. To Jeff & Ginevra Ott, thanks for providing them with one of the most memorable moments of their lives…mud-riding on your farm (even though Jeff threw Riley off the back of the 4 wheeler into a mud puddle)! Thanks also for taking them to school every day this week and making sure they started their days with fun and laughter. Thanks also to Karla Graul for bringing us much needed items from the house. Thanks to Bart Millard and all the MercyMe gang for using the MercyMe website to inform everyone and enlist prayer support that truly lifted our spirits. Thanks also to Ginger Beggs for creating the Facebook “Pray for Misti Bryson” cause page that became an awesome tool of encouragement for Jim and me.

We were so excited to read everyone’s prayers and scripture verses. We read every comment. And thanks to everyone that came to the hospital to pray over me and visit. I would have gone stir-crazy without you guys! Your presence meant so much! And thanks to my Mom, who was here with me every step of the way and cared for my every need. I love you, Mama! To Jim, my best friend, thank you for showing me every day why marrying you was the best decision of my life! And to my sweet little boys, I will never look at you the same again. Every moment with you is truly priceless and I will forever treasure every second. Holding you in my arms today has never felt so good. And thank you, God!!!! You are the Great Physician! You hold all things in the palm of Your hand. Thank you for being on Your throne always, for seeing me and answering our prayers. My love for You is beyond measure. We will keep you guys posted of any new news. Thanks again for all the prayers and words of encouragement. We are all so blessed to have each other. I only hope I can spend the rest of my life serving all of you the way you have served our family this week. With much love and gratitude,

Misti Bryson

Hey Everyone,

Well this is going to be a bit of a different type of blog than you’re used to. On Monday the 14th of April I surprised my wife by taking her to a concert. That concert was Bon Jovi with Chris Daughtry opening. I know… Bon Jovi. Hey it was free.

Chris got several of us tickets and passes to the show. It was a great night for my wife and me to have a little time by ourselves. We’d gone shopping for clothes for the boys that day. They’ve outgrown pretty much everything. We had lunch with a photographer friend of mine and had a little time to enjoy the day. After the concert we went out to the parking lot and couldn’t find our car. I looked on the ground where I thought it had been and saw some glass from a broken window. I looked at the car next to me and realized that their passenger side window was broken out. Then it hit me. Our car had been STOLEN!

Needless to say all the fun memories of that day just fizzled away. Here’s the kicker though. We had two Mac laptops, my camera bag with all my gear and extra lenses, an iPod, a GPS unit, a video camera, two car seats, all the clothes I told you about and numerous other items. Unfortunately I had also put my wallet in the console along with my keys. Now why in the world would I do that you say? (I ask myself that everyday now. Lesson learned. I guess you never think you’ll be the one that someone commits a crime against.) Our car had a keypad on the outside of it so I didn’t need the keys to get in. I left my wallet because I didn’t want to sit on it the entire show. Luckily I’d taken one credit card and my license out of it in case we wanted to buy some food or a souvenir.

We’ve had to close our bank accounts, credit cards, change all of our automatic billing, run credit checks to see if they’re trying to open accounts under our name, change all the locks on our entire house, put in an alarm system, rent a car, deal with car insurance, homeowner’s insurance and police reports. In addition we’re having to prove we owned everything in the car by getting receipts, manuals, serial numbers etc. I’d actually had all of that listed but it was in my laptop. Why didn’t I make a backup you say? Well I did and it was on my wife’s laptop. This is the first time I can ever remember that she’s had her laptop out of the house. She brought it for some addresses to mail some bills while we were on the way to Dallas. So I guess you kind of get the picture of how ironic this is.

The police haven’t had any luck as of yet. So this is where you all come in. I’m asking anyone in the Dallas area (and I know there are a ton of fans here) to help me find my car. The car is a 2003 Eddie Bauer Ford Expedition. It’s Hunter green with gold trim all the way around the bottom of the vehicle. The license plate number is: 782-GFF. They are Texas plates. Write this down and keep it on your visor or another place in your car. Another distinguishing mark is a bug guard on the front edge of the hood. If you see the car don’t try and intervene. Instead call 911 and explain the situation. Follow at a safe distance if possible.

Now here’s the payback for you all. If someone helps to locate my car then I will give you 10 tickets plus meet and greet passes to meet the entire band for whichever show in the U.S. that you want to attend. Now unfortunately I can’t provide transportation. I will also invite you and 9 of your closest friends or family to a cookout at my house in the Dallas area. Needless to say you will be catered to. I’ll also have gift packs for everyone.

The last known whereabouts were at a 7-11 store at 2990 Lombardy Lane in Dallas. They attempted to use one of my credit cards about 30 minutes after they stole it. Based on that they were heading north on I-35 and then just east of that.

I know this sounds crazy but it just might work. You never know who might stumble across it. I’ve seen God do crazier things with MercyMe before.

We’re praying and trusting God knows what’s best for us. If he allows us to get our car and items back then all praise to him. If not, then still all praise to him. It looks bad until you think what could have happened had we walked up to the car as they were breaking in it. Who knows if they had a weapon. So from that viewpoint I’m very grateful that it was just material things that they took.

Thanks to everyone for their help and support. Good hunting.

Jim

So we’re on our way to a show and we stop in Oklahoma for a quick bite. I get off the bus and what do I see. A beautiful rainbow! You know the saying…. “There’s a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow” So my question is which end of the rainbow. I think I might’ve solved the age old question to that. I’d have to go to the right. Then again there’s a salad bar to the left…. Hmmmmm. Life’s choices.

Jim

Hey everyone,
I’ve really tried to think and be really deep with my next blog so after much prayer and thought here it is. By the way Robby needs to follow the drummer’s style. As a matter of fact I think this is Jackie Chan’s long lost brother. I’ve seen them play at a couple of weddings too. They’re great.
Jim

P.S. Thanks to Blair Master’s for enlightening my musical tastes just a little bit more.

Hey MM fans!

We thought we’d do something completely different for the final show of the Winter Jam tour. We’re going to be broadcasting our show live right here on MercyMe TV. It starts promptly at 8:30pm central time.

Hopefully this will let our fans in Knoxville & Atlanta enjoy a bit of the show that they weren’t able to see since we had to cancel both of those shows because of weather. Be sure and spread the word.

It should be a fun time for all.

Jim

So I’ve had the question from a bunch of people, “How come you haven’t written anything on the blog yet?” Well I was trying to think of some good reasons. Here’s a few that I came up with…. I was ice fishing in northern Alaska. I was working part time on a city zoning commission in Tightwad, Missouri. I was working as a lifeguard on the white beaches of Peru, and finally I was handmaking crocheted baby shoes in the country of Liechtenstein. Ok so I know the last one is a stretch because anyone that knows me knows I much prefer cross stitch to crocheting.

Ok ok….. what I’ve really been busy doing is starting a small photography studio. No I am not leaving MercyMe. It’s just something that went from being a hobby to people asking me to shoot their families etc. So I thought I would show a few to you. Really I want to show a few of my boys so I can brag on them. The older one is Riley and the younger one is Jack. I’m sure someday I’ll get punched in the arm when they realize I’ve shown everyone their pictures! Enjoy.

Jim