I just wanted to take a minute or two and talk about our friends Jonathan and Valerie Griesse. They are leaving in July to become missionaries in Kandern, Germany. They will be working with the kids of missionaries who are in the field. I love their story and what they have meant to us.
I first met Jonathan a little over 2 years ago. I was wanting to get more involved in the men's ministry at church and he had just taken over as the adult discipleship minister. We sat down at Pontiac Church for lunch and it turned into a 3 hour conversation. I had no idea what a friend and mentor Jonathan would become. He has led me deeper into my relationship with Christ than I ever thought I would become. He has introduced me to so many things and people. I sat down that day wanting to join a Bible study and it has led me to so many more places. We have had some great days doing simple things like having wings and watching a game. We have also had some great discussions about things I never thought I would be able to discuss at church. I can honestly say that Griesse is one of the greatest men of Christ I will ever meet. His wife Valerie is just as great. She has been a wonderful mentor and friend to Melonie, because of Valerie I have been able to watch Melonie grow and become a stronger woman in Christ. Valerie has helped Melonie in Bible studies and women's group. We have had the pleasure of helping in their transition to the new phase of their lives in going to Germany to work for the Black Forrest Academy.
There have been good days and there have been bad days. I think that is to be expected from a move like this. All I can pray for everyday is that they are able to find the right people at the right time to put them in the right place. Their mission from God is to lead these children and help them grow as Christians. Melonie and I are so blessed to be able to help them in any way we can. One way we can help is to get their story out to the people that need to hear it. Here is the link to their site In the Forest you can read their story and donate to their cause. I can honestly say the last 4 months have been some of the most interesting times in my life. Watching them go through the process of putting their entire lives as they knew them on hold to do what God was calling them to do. I have enjoyed every moment I have gotten to spend with them just to hear them tell their story. There have been moments that were rough indeed but those are the moments one day you will look back on and realize why God made you go through it.
Matt Chandler of the Village Church in Dallas said in a sermon recently that doing what God wants leads to joy, it may be a long daunting process but joy is the end result. I rephrased it like this Joy is all the heartbreak God puts on you. It sucks but the ultimate result is Gods joy. My reason for sharing this is to hopefully help the Griesse's out in whatever way we can. If you feel inclined check out their website and read their story for yourself. If you are inspired or moved by the site do whatever God puts on your heart. All I can tell you is that this is one of the greatest couples I have ever met. Their love for God is massive and real. Their drive and desire to serve is unlike any other I have ever met. Please pray for them as they continue on the journey that God has laid out for them.
Love and Peace
Chris
