Mary Jane Hicks: Teacher, Giver, Warrior for Her Church

“Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” —Matthew 7:24-25

To have a good church, there must be a solid foundation of people. Mary Jane Hicks is a strong part of the foundation of in Chicago Heights. When called upon, Hicks has volunteered in almost every area of her church—from Sunday School teacher to prayer warrior to caretaker for babies at the church’s daycare center. 

“I was a Sunday School teacher for the primary grades,” Hicks says. “I was also in the Missionaries and the Prayer Band. Now I volunteer in the nursery and take care of the babies.”

As she rocks a 2-month-old baby boy, Hicks talks about her experience volunteering in various capacities at the church. 

“I have also volunteered for the church pantry for seven years,” she says. “I did the registration. I wanted to make sure that everyone who came through that door felt special. I did not want anyone to feel ashamed. I took time with them, talked to them and prayed with them. When they came back, they would speak to me and feel more relaxed. I saw them become a little happier. I want to make a difference.”

In her 15 years as a volunteer, she has come across a lot of young faces.

“I enjoy children,” Hicks says. “I don’t have any of my own, but here I do. When I was a Sunday School teacher, they were always interested in what I taught them. When they had an assembly, I was so surprised and happy they remembered what I taught them.”

She continues to give freely of the stories, the hugs and the love to the children and young people, and she is thrilled to have begun a new volunteer chapter by taking care of the babies at the church.

“I thank God for this, I really do,” she says.

As she looks down, the baby boy she was rocking has fallen asleep. She lays him down for a nap, another young one touched by the love from a woman who demonstrates the power of love that lays a foundation to build a truly strong church.