1 minute read
Heart Smart
by The Shopper
It’s black history month. Time to feature another inspiring figure from African-American history.
In the past six months, on two separate occasions, I heard people extol a woman I’d never heard of. Then, several days ago, I saw her photo prominently featured in an office at Cook County Jail. “Third time’s the charm,” I thought. “It’s time to learn more about this celebrated lady.”
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She was Rev. Consuella York. A Chicago native, she lived from 1923 to 1995. She died when she was 72. She planted and pastored the Christ Way Missionary Baptist Church in Woodlawn.
However, she is best known for her forty-three years of ministry in the Cook County Jail system (1952-1995). This ministry earned her the affectionate title “Mother York.” A little lady with a big Bible and a big heart, she approached every incarcerated man and woman with the love of Christ and the love of a mother.
She embodied the redemptive words-and-works ministry of Jesus. She proclaimed the gospel of repentance and forgiveness through faith in Christ. She brought hope to the hopeless. She treated detainees with dignity and respect. And she offered them a listening ear.
Mother York adorned gospel words with gospel works. She supplied toiletries and other items to meet basic needs. She was also famous for the home-cooked meals she provided.
Three days a week, for forty-three years, she ministered to incarcerated men and women. It all began with a 1952 visit to the jail, just to observe. That day, the Lord said to her, “Suppose one of these boys were your sons. How would you feel?” And so, it began.
Mother York’s inspiring life and legacy reminds us that the Christian life, in essence, is “faith working through love” (Galatians 5:6b).
Richard Zekveld
Pastor, Covenant Fellowship Church cfcsh.org
SPIRIT OF GOD FELLOWSHIP
16350 S. State St., South Holland 708-331-1234 sogfchurch.com
PASTOR BRIAN KAMSTRA WORSHIP SERVICES Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m.
ESPIRITU DE DIOS 16400 S. State St., South Holland 708-439-1220 sogfchurch.com
PASTORES Jose & Paula Lopez
