Dear Heritage Family and Friends,

Our pastor, my best friend and husband, Dennis Leonard, stepped into the presence of the Lord on Thursday, November 1st, 2018. God’s Word tells us in Matthew 25:21, “His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’

I don’t know anybody who was more faithful and diligent than my husband. His personal prayer was, “Lord, use me until you use me up.” He was still casting vision this past Tuesday with his staff, he was in service Tuesday night, determined to see more souls come to Jesus.

The joy of the Lord truly was his strength. When others would have given up, he pushed even harder. When his voice seemed weak, he was louder. When others would have sat down, he stood in the face of adversity, he was fearless.

As difficult as it is to pen this letter to you, there is not another person that I am more proud of. His love for his church family, and his friends was abounding. We all have so many stories about him; his silly and memorable illustrations, his hugs when we were hurting, and his words of encouragement at just the right time.

I pray that the testimony and legacy that he leaves behind will continue to touch many lives and point them to salvation in Jesus Christ. My husband’s journey of faith on earth has ended. He has joined his father, Gene, best friend Reid and many others, and has stepped into the eternal joy of Heaven in the presence of his Savior.

Right now, he would tell us to stand together, hold each other’s arms up, to know that we’re stronger together and that our best days are still ahead.  I know you are hurting, so am I.  The Chapel is open with Pastors to pray with you.

As I pray for you, I would appreciate your prayers in the days ahead, as we honor a man who served the Lord with his life, loved his church family, and who was always grateful for God’s people who supported his vision for the work of the ministry.

We will be celebrating and honoring the life and legacy of Pastor Dennis Leonard on Monday, November 12th at 11:00 AM at Heritage Christian Center.  There is a public viewing on Monday, November 12th from 8:00 AM - 10:30 AM.

God bless you, and thank you for your prayers.

God’s love and mine,

First Lady, Michele Leonard