Due to my involvement in the struggle for freedom of my people: black, white, brown, red, yellow, and all others, I have known very few quiet days in the last few years. I have known little peace. I have been arrested several times and put in Michigan prison a few times. A day seldom passes that me or my family are not the recipients of hatred. So in a real sense I have been battered by the storms of prosecution. I must admit that at times I have felt that I could no longer bear such a heavy burden and I have been tempted to retreat to a more quiet and serene life, but every time such temptation appeared something comes to strengthen and sustain my determination.
My personal trials have taught me the value of unmerited suffering. As my suffering mounted I soon realized that there were two ways that I could respond to my situation either to react with bitterness or seek to transform the suffering into a creative force. I decided to follow the latter course, recognizing the necessity for suffering. I have tried to make of it a virtue, if only to save myself from bitterness. I have attempted to see my personal ordeals as an opportunity to transform myself and heal the people of Berrien County, Michigan from Judge Sterling Schrock, prosecutor Mike Sepic, Sheriff Paul Bailey, County Clerk Sharon Tyler, Election Clerk Carolyn Toliver, and Juror Gail Freehling who are involved in this tragic situation. I have lived these last few years with the conviction that unearned suffering is redemptive.
There are some who still find the cross a stumbling block and others consider it foolishness, but I am more convinced than ever before that it is the power of God unto social and individual salvation. So like the Apostle Paul, I can now humbly yet proudly say: I bear in my body the Mark of the Lord Jesus. The suffering and the agonizing moment through which I have passed over the last few years have also drawn me closer to GOD. More than ever before I am convinced of the reality of a personal GOD!
I now understand the hypocrisy of the corrupt Berrien County criminal justice system which has no limit. My suffering will not be in vain. Rev. E. Pinkney