Bishop Jonathan Grenon’s Newsletter Part 1 & 2 – The River in a Desert Ministry

Can Suffering Be Worth Anything?

Jonathan, to all my brothers and sisters in Christ and to anyone keeping up on our situation, may God bless you for your prayers and support, what an encouragement you all have been. In this newsletter I would like to touch on the subject of suffering and or affliction. We all suffer sometime in life, some more than others and for extended periods of time. But do we suffer for the right reason or purpose? Do we inflict ourselves with suffering? Do we suffer for wrong doing? Is our suffering and or affliction worth it or is it just a waste of time?

I have a few things to say that I believe will shine a bit of light on this subject, but most of all, know that the answers are in the Word of God. Through my own experience and the observation of others experiences, I believe “true” suffering the majority of the time is when one suffers for someone else. There must be a cause for one’s suffering, not only suffering for one’s self. What I mean by “true” suffering is that it has meaning i.e. Eternal value.

I hear on the news and sometimes Christian radio stations, people’s explanations of suffering. Yes,it can be real suffering especially when we see what is going on in this world with horrible tragedies that brings much pain and sadness. It is horrible to see the pain in people’s eyes. Now consider the wars and tragedies worldwide and think what is suffering to you? Is it because of the flat tire you have to change? Is it the job you have that you work so hard for by slaving a minimum of 40 hours a week, just to get by? Does any of the above have any Eternal value? Now lets go a bit deeper, how about when someone is very sick and dying? Do we empathize with them in their suffering? Are we truly there for them, not only physically, but emotionally, spiritually, mentally? Do we truly suffer with them? Or when someone close dies, why do people sometimes get angry and even blame the person who died; saying, why did you leave me? I am not judging anyone in their situations, I am only observing here, and asking the questions most people don’t want to ask i.e. “getting to the nitty gritty”. I know when we hurt we go through many emotions. That is normal. But it makes me think, do we truly suffer with others, or do we have a selfish suffering? Just because we are in pain, afflicted, or suffering doesn’t have an Eternal meaning unless there is a righteous cause. Or else our suffering is a waste of our lives. Why did our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ endure the suffering and shame of the cross? According to Hebrews 12:2 “for the joy that was set before Him” what joy is that? The gift of salvation to all whom will receive Him. Him suffering has eternal purpose. Does yours? John 15:3 says – “Greater love hath no man, than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Is Jesus your friend? Will you give your whole life to Him?

(Note: Please read John chapter 15 and let the Holy Spirit speak to you)

How can we say that we would give up everything for Christ, when giving Him 5 minutes of everyday does not happen often. Think about it my brothers and sisters. How much time of everyday do we spend with the King of Glory? Be honest. We sleep between 5-8 hours a day then we work an average 8 hours a day. We cook, clean, eat, bathe, and the list goes on. One almost has to sacrifice and give things up in this world to even spend a small amount of time with the LORD. Why do prisoners have a special place in God’s heart? I believe because prisoners spend time with Him and they spend a good amount of time talking to Him also. That is precious to our Lord. But are you willing to? It seems that we are willing to suffer stress, depression over exerting ourselves, physical ailments, taking drugs and medications, and more just to have the things of this world which by the way, none of it goes with us when we die. But 5 minutes with Jesus? I ask again, is your suffering worth anything? If you suffer for Jesus’s sake, I can promise you that it is worth everything and all things.

Lets put this “spending time with Jesus” theory to the test. Don’t get nervous now, there will be no exams, this is all on you, the individual, no one is watching you, no one will remind you, it will be only you spending time with our Lord. Can you do it? Will you take the time? I will even get you started, then just let the Holy Spirit take over. Below are a few Biblical passages and comments on the subject we have spoken of today. All I would like you to do is read them and as you do, meditate on them. Release all thoughts and give that time completely to the Lord, whether 5 minutes, 10, or more. If you practice doing that daily, you will look forward to it. So here they are:

Philippians 1: 27-30 Paul considered suffering for Christ to be a privilege. We don’t naturally consider suffering a privilege. Yet when we suffer, if we faithfully represent Christ, our message and example effects us and others for good. Suffering has these additional benefits.

1. It takes our eyes off of earthly comforts.

2. It weeds out superficial believers.

3. It strengthens the faith of those who endure.

4. It provides and example for others who may follow us.

When we suffer for our faith, it doesn’t mean that we have done something wrong. In fact, the opposite is often true it may be verifying that we have been faithful. Trust God and believe that he has a purpose in it.

Paul never urges Christians to seek out suffering, as if experiencing pain was a virtue. But we should not forget those who do suffer. If your cupboard is full, share your food. If you control the wheels of power, work for justice and mercy. If you are wealthy, give generously to those who are poor. When life is comfortable, willingly take a share of the suffering being experienced by others, find a way to help them, and so demonstrate to the world that the gospel is true. It is better to give than to receive.

Serving is what we are called for, like Jesus did.

2nd Timothy 2:1-12 Paul was in chains in prison and seen as an evildoer because of the gospel he preached. Christians around the world today are put in prison and killed for their faith in Jesus, but the Gospel still reaches receptive hearts. As Timothy preached and taught, he would face suffering, but he was called to endure. Paul used comparisons with solders, athletes, and farmers, who must discipline themselves and be willing to sacrifice to achieve the results they want. Like solders, we have to give up worldly security and endure rigorous discipline. Like athletes, we must train hard and follow the rules. Like famers, we must work extremely hard and be patient. But we keep going despite suffering because of the thought of victory, the vision of winning, and the hope of harvest. We will see that our suffering is worth while when we achieve our goal of glorifying God, winning people to Christ, and someday living eternally with Him.

1st Peter 3:14-18 & 4:1, 12-19

Suffering helps us to be like Christ, yet people will do anything to avoid pain. Followers of Christ, however, should be willing and prepare to do God’s will, even when it requires suffering. We can overcome sin and suffering when we focus on Christ and what He wants us to do. Pain and danger reveal our true values. People who suffering for doing good and still faithfully obey in spite of suffering have done a great battle against their sinful nature, which fights to enslave them. Well, I hope everyone spends time with the Lord. I have added the statements I made on the day of sentencing. The Lord led me to say what I said, so I did.

Stay Tuned for Part 2 of Jonathan’s letter. I’ll email to you tomorrow.

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Newsletter Part 2

I the living man Jonathan David Grenon, stand before you all this day, thankful first and foremost to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and also to you Judge Altonaga for the opportunity to express myself. Judge, I ask that you hear me patiently because this situation concerns my life and the life of my loved ones.

My manner of life from my youth even until this very day has been to speak and live for the Lord Jesus Christ to the best of my abilities, although not perfect of course. I would like you to know, if you don’t already, that I have no past record. I am a happily married man with a wonderful and hard working wife, we have 5 underaged boys and our most recent son, I have yet to meet due to me being locked up for over 3 years now. I do not have to explain to you how important it is for all young boys to have their dad present during their youth. I have always been a hard working man, although I have never had much money or material possessions. Even while being in debt, I always have done my best to pay my bills until being locked up I was pretty much up to date on all my payments. My wife and my mother (who is over 65 years of age) have done their best to carry the weight of all that has been thrust upon them. I have no income and pretty much have lost everything, except my faith in God and my family of course.

I have also suffered very much while being held in this FDC Miami, much of the time was in lockdown due to the pandemic. Sometimes out of the cell for only 1 hour a day or even less, having to take a shower, message my family, make phone calls and do my best to prepare my defense, which is near impossible. On top of that, being amongst some very violent and dangerous people creating a very difficult situation. Judge, I would like you to take into consideration if you may, that this has been no camp experience for me, as most people in my situation would have been sent to a camp.

While in FDC Miami I have met men passing through, that has done time in penitentiaries and they have told me that the time they spent in FDC Miami during lockdown was some of their hardest times. Also I would like to point out that I have heard and believe to be true that multiple people took their lives in this FDC Miami during the lockdowns. Considering what I have stated, I believe I can affirm that I have done hard boil time. Mind you, I was considered innocent during this whole time. I will not lie, most of this time, i have had mixed emotions about those who have done this to me, the Lord knows my heart. I have struggled and wrestled in my mind and heart with God when He commands us to “bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you”.

I am every learning from the love of my Lord Jesus and I can say that I have prayed for everyone that has come against me, I am learning to love and not to hate. It is a lesson I must put into practice everyday. God’s love is greater than all things and I have peace and joy knowing that Jesus Christ my Lord overcame the world and He alone is the Righteous and True Judge, who makes no mistakes. So I surrender to His will and to His love. Am I a changed man? Absolutely, thanks to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I must personally apologize to you Judge Altonaga if at anytime you have felt disrespected on how I have gone about my defense these past years, it was never my intention to do so. I believe, I did what was right in the eyes of God and what was best for my defense.

Even in my tragic circumstances, God’s will is always being accomplished. He has taught me so much. Not only about myself, but also about Him and other people. The Word of God say that “His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts higher than our thoughts”. During the time that I have been locked up, I have seen the Lord use me to tell many people about Him, and many have come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Now having said all that, considering the circumstances, I believe this is possibly my final opportunity to speak of the Lord God, to this court. Please hear this message, I say it with all my heart.

I man have spoken many times about the consequences of anyone who goes against the work of God. I have given Biblical and historical examples. All men and women who go against God will be judged by Him. Oh but we must speak of the wonderful love of God, oh how rich and everlasting it is. No words can describe it, but His Gift to us can. John 3:16-28 says :”For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life”

17 “For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world though him might be saved”

18 ” He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God”

“Jesus didn’t come to the world to judge it, He came to save us!!!”

Who here would give their child as a replacement to save a murderer, a liar, a thief, a rapist? Who would give their child to pay the penalty of those criminals? No one would!!!

Yet, God the Father gave Himself through Christ Jesus our Lord, for us. He saw our miserable state, lost in our sin, with no hope. Do any of you here today know where you will go when your life ends? Do you ever contemplate it? Do you think that this life is all that there is? What if there is more after this life? Wouldn’t you want to know? Well, according to the Bible, the preserved word of God, there is!!!

“There is a place where mercy reigns and never dies, where my heart finds peace with God and forgiveness”. That Peace can only happen at the cross of Christ. We can only receive eternal life through Him. You see God wants all to come to Him, He doesn’t want any to perish, He wants all to have eternal life with Him. But one must accept His perfect gift. That gift is the forgiveness of our sins through Jesus Christ our Lord. He has allowed everyone involved in what has been done to my family and I, an opportunity to see the love of Christ. I believe that you all know deep down in your hearts that what is being done to my family is unjust, but this system doesn’t know better, so it goes on. I believe God knew this when He allowed this to be done to us. He is offering His free gift to you all, don’t you see it? He is offering His Son as a living sacrifice to reach out to you. He is offering us His Son through much suffering, to make a statement to you all. I believe that one day you will know that, if you don’t already, and I hope you do before it is too late. In the book of Genesis, Joseph was sold as a slave by his brothers and suffered for many years before becoming the 2nd in command in all of Egypt and ended up saving his family and many more. He said the following to his brothers when reunited together after their father’s death. In Genesis Chapter 50 verse 20 it says : “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” Joseph recognized that God had a plan through it all, to save many people. I believe that God has a plan in the suffering of my family. I hope you can see that and come to know Jesus as your Lord and Savior. He loves you all so very much. May all the glory and honor be to God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen

Having said all that I have stated today and considering the hardships that I have gone through in the past years, I believe that I should be released to my family.

I haven’t seen my boys face to face in over 3 years and my youngest son jack will be 3 years old on the 12th of this month, my hope and prayer is to be there on his birthday and finally be able to meet him.

Judge, I hope that you would have compassion towards me and my family by giving me an opportunity to prove that I am a just man. Thank you

Take care and God bless you all!

Jonathan David

Servant of the Lord

Again, we thank all those that pray and help us by helping our families consistently each month until we are free again!

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