Soaring Through Brokenness: The Unstoppable Faith of Dr. Marjorie Hayes

In this moving episode of Won’t God Do It, Dr. Anita Turner sits down with the wise and radiant Dr. Marjorie Hayes—an 80-year-old minister, teacher, and living testimony to the power of God’s redemptive plan. Her journey from a high school dropout to earning a doctorate and becoming an ordained minister is not just inspiring—it’s transformative.

From Pain to Purpose

Dr. Hayes grew up as one of 14 children in a turbulent home, experiencing abandonment from her father and the instability of a dysfunctional household. But God used even those early struggles to draw her closer. Baptized at 12, her true walk with Christ didn’t begin until decades later, when life’s hardships led her into deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit.

“I came to know the Lord because of struggles,” she shares, reminding us that brokenness often becomes the soil where faith takes root.

The Power of Surrogate Love

Throughout her youth, Dr. Hayes was uplifted by the love of women in her community who provided refuge and spiritual guidance when her own home could not. These mentors instilled in her the values of service and love—foundations she would carry into ministry and community work later in life.

A Story of Loss and Renewal

After losing her husband of 47 years, grief threatened to settle in—but Dr. Hayes chose action over stagnation. “Satan wants us to sit in that place,” she said. Instead, she enrolled in seminary and poured herself into studying God's Word. Her message is clear: faith and purpose do not retire with age.

From Dropout to Doctor

Dr. Hayes’ educational journey is a testimony all its own. Forced to leave school in 10th grade after an early pregnancy, she eventually returned to her studies while working full time and raising a family. Her path included earning an A.A., a B.A., and eventually a master’s and doctorate from Harmony Bible Institute—after the age of 70.

“80 is my new 16,” she declares. Her message to others? “Don’t sit still. God still has a plan.”

Ministry in Every Moment

Whether teaching Sunday school, mentoring through Reverend Sisters, or simply smiling at a stranger, Dr. Hayes models that ministry happens everywhere. Her recent ordination and powerful sermon on Isaiah’s promise to “mount up on wings like eagles” was a declaration: brokenness does not disqualify you—it prepares you.

A Word of Encouragement

To those who feel behind, unqualified, or too late in life to be used by God, Dr. Hayes offers this encouragement: “You cannot mount up if you don’t know God. You need a relationship with the Holy Spirit. God will honor His promises—and He’s not done with you yet.”

✨ Won’t God do it? Yes, He will.