'Always be in my heart': Pastor Heather Boone bids final farewell
MONROE — As Charles Dickens said in "A Tale of Two Cities," "It was the best of times. It was the worst times."
God brought me to Monroe almost 15 years ago kicking and screaming because I just didn’t think I could make a difference in a rural community. After three years of pastoring a small Methodist church on the Eastside, I completely fell in love with the people of Monroe.
So when the denomination wanted to promote me to a bigger church in Detroit, I was led by God to start Oaks of Righteousness. I even moved my family into the homeless shelter so we could dwell among the people.Then when the Lord gave me the vision for the miracle on 2nd Street campaign, I had no idea that God would move in such a mighty way. I had no idea that so many people would step up and believe in what we were doing, coming even from the furthest corners of Monroe County to help with our mission. I also had no idea that I would have to go to war with local officials over parcels of land and helping the poor.
The triumphs we saw over the years were amazing. With the support of regular everyday people in this community, we were able to expand our homeless shelter, start a free medical clinic, open a free childcare center and even open a nonprofit grocery store.
We got national attention, won grant competitions and I was even awarded USA Today’s "Humankind Person of the Year" for the entire country as well as being named "Michiganian of the Year." But the most important thing that we did together, Monroe, was to show the love of Christ to hurting people in our community. Together we changed a lot of lives and inspired so many.
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During my time in Monroe, I have met some of the most wonderful people in the whole world and I made friends that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I saw widows give their last mites and people take their own coats off to make sure someone in need was warm. I also watched people give 100% of themselves to help others. Sadly, I also met some individuals who caused me to almost lose my faith in humanity.As I prepare to make my grand exit, it is a very bittersweet time. I am thankful for all that was accomplished. But I am sad that so many are still struggling with mental illness, substance abuse, homelessness and hunger.
All of which was blamed on me simply because I brought attention to these issues. All I wanted to do was bring attention to the problems that many were pretending didn’t exist. It honestly broke me and my heart to see people hurting every day and feeling powerless to help them.
As the hands and feet of Christ, it’s hard not to be able to do something when you see injustice. So my prayer is that, as I step away, those in leadership who disliked me, made up lies about me and refused to work with me will step up and truly care about meeting the needs of the people in this community.
To all of my supporters, please know I love you and I thank God for you! I am grateful for every box of cereal, can of food, clothing item, volunteer hour or money that was donated to this great ministry.
Please know that this is not the end of Oaks. I am counting on you all to continue the miraculous work that we started together. Monroe, you will always be in my heart!
— Pastor Heather Boone led Oaks of Righteousness Christian Ministries and Oaks Village in Monroe.
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: 'Always be in my heart': Pastor Heather Boone bids final farewell
