Meet the Women of NAOBC – Macy Kile

On Mondays, we’ll take time to meet the women of NAOBC. Five questions followed by how you can connect with the NAOBC women on social media. Today’s interview is with Macy Kile.

Q: Tell us about yourself

A: I am the oldest daughter of four girls. I’m a junior at Boyce College and I get to study music! I’m a piano major and it has been so neat to see the Lord work through the music program there. As a music major, I get to do an internship under Pastor Craig Shuff at church. I recently got engaged to Bobby Marcum!

Q: Tell us about your time at NAOBC

A: I’ve been at NAOBC for almost a year now. My family started coming this past December. It has been such a blessing to see NAOBC live out what a godly, healthy, church should look like and it’s been a blessing to be a part of that! I have been able to serve on the Worship Team, which has been such a joy. I’ve also, as I stated before, have been able to be an intern at church, which I’ve absolutely loved.

Q: What is a fun fact that most people wouldn’t know about you?

A: I love to sew, cross stitch, embroider, knit, crochet – crafty kinds of things!

Q: What woman has made the most impact in your life?

A: This would definitely be my Mom. She has set such a wonderful example of what a godly wife and mother should look like. It is such a blessing to be able to walk into my parents room in the morning and see her spending time in the Word and praying for us. She is always available to go to and talk or to give me encouragement when I’m having a rough day. She lives out Colossians 3:16 so well – the Word of Christ dwells in her richly. Yes, she’s not perfect – none of us are – but I hope to be just like her as a wife and mother one day.

Q: What is something the Lord has taught you in the last year?

A: Joy and thankfulness are two themes that keep coming up! This year has been so rough with the many things that are going on in our world. It is so easy for me to complain about wearing masks or that I can’t give people hugs! But the Lord is so good and there are more things to be thankful for than there are things to complain about. When we are thankful and praising the Lord for the things that He has done in our life (whether that be something big or something small), we become content where the Lord has us. And contentment brings joy. It is so simple, yet something I need to be reminded of every day!

You can follow Macy on Instagram @macymae2000.

Meet the Women of NAOBC – Carol Smith

On Mondays, we’ll take time to meet the women of NAOBC. Five questions followed by how you can connect with the NAOBC women on social media. Today’s interview is with Carol Smith.

Q: Tell us about yourself

A: As of June 2021, I will be married to Mike Smith for 46 years!! Where has the time gone?! We met in the youth group at NAOBC and were married in 1975. We have three daughters: Tracy Todd, who is married to Chanda Brown’s brother, Chad. He serves as a Worship Pastor at First Baptist Buford, Georgia. They have two children, Allison and Logan. Our middle daughter, Stephanie, is the district manager for Public Storage here in Louisville. Our youngest daughter, Kelly Justak and her husband, Jason, live in Westfield, Indiana. He is a realtor there and they have three daughters, Brynn, Brae, and Aspen. Notice—none of our grandchildren live here!! UGH!

Q: Tell us about your time at NAOBC

A: My parents and I came to NAOBC in the early 70’s, just shortly after Bro. LaVerne Butler came as pastor. I have been a member for 50 years! The seems impossible!! Mike and I served in the Youth Department for many years after we were married…first as teachers, chaperons to Spring Break trips to Florida, and later as cooks for the trips. Currently I am in AC3 BFG and serve along with Jam Kimzey as the Fellowship planners. I also served on the personnel committee for 12 years.

Q: What is a fun fact that most people wouldn’t know about you?

A: Something you may not know about me is that I was Carol Smith before I married Mike Smith. I didn’t have to change my name!! I am also an avid Andy Griffith Show fan. (A purest —black and white episodes!!) We love to have Andy Griffith trivia parties in our home with fellow fans. I am also a cake decorator. A dear, sweet former member of our church, Mary Ziegler, taught cake decorating classes. It became a way to work at home while our daughters were in school. And it turned out to be something I truly enjoy doing and added a little income, too.

Q: What woman has made the most impact in your life?

A: As far as women that have made an influence in my life, I will mention two. First would be my Mom as I watched her through the years work full time and manage a home. She was an extremely caring person, always looking for a way to be a help to anyone in need. And in later years as my Dad’s health failed, watching her care for him. And secondly, Mrs. Lillian Butler. She was our Sunday School teacher in the Young Married class and kept a close watch on us! She poured her life and truth into our lives during those years.

Q: What is something the Lord has taught you in the last year?

A: The one thing the Lord is teaching me this year is it’s not my plan, but His. For someone that makes a list on a timeline, this year has been a real teaching tool! I always thought I was flexible, but 2020 has had its challenges, to say the least!

You can follow Carol on Facebook.

Meet the Women of NAOBC – Miranda Hardy

On Mondays, we’ll take time to meet the women of NAOBC. Five questions followed by how you can connect with the NAOBC women on social media. Today’s interview is with Miranda Hardy.

Q: Tell us about yourself

A: I am a Florida native, born and raised in Jacksonville and moved to Pensacola during my high school years. Born into a minister’s family, my parents were always serving and loving the church well. They taught me to love and serve God and I became a believer at the age of 14. I am the youngest of four kids, so of course the most rotten. After I graduated form nursing school in 2006, I moved to East Asia for three years to share the truth about Jesus with unreached people groups. I loved every minute of that experience and will always remember how the Lord protected and guided me through difficult things. I moved to Louisville after that experience to start my education at Southern Seminary. I graduated with an M.Div. in 2014 standing beside my now husband, Scott Hardy. Strangely enough, NAOBC brought us together and we met in the Singles Department. We got married in 2013 and graduated together in 2014. We now have two precious girls; Hazel, age five, and Harlow, age two. We are prayerful the Lord will allow us to add to our family in the future. I also work full time at Baptist Health Louisville in the cancer center as a nurse navigator for breast cancer patients. That basically means I talk to patients at the beginning of their journey and offer medical knowledge for the many questions that come up and support them along the way It is an incredibly rewarding job and I am thankful fo the opportunity.

Q: Tell us about your time at NAOBC

A: I started attending NAOBC in 2011 after moving to Louisville for seminary. I fell in love with this church because of the emphasis on missions from day one. I actually knew five people from the mission feld that I worked with who were already members of NAOBC. It felt like home on day one. We are currently involved with YC7 and Scott serves the class as the teacher. He is also a deacon and we serve as decision counselors (pre-Covid) and in the nursery.

Q: What is a fun fact that most people wouldn’t know about you?

A: I used to live in the foothills of the Himalayas and I have eaten a number of crazy things. Including, but not limited to, donkey, fish brains, chicken organs, and feet. Also, I kind of like donkey.

Q: What woman has made the most impact in your life?

A: This one is easy. It has to be my Mom. She spent her life making sure her children were well cared for and knew the truth about Jesus. She sacrificed everything for us and it did not go unnoticed. Even when all of her children moved out of the house, she cared for her elderly Mom, Sister with dementia, and her Uncle with lung cancer. She was always giving of herself until the very end. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012 and fought that right until October 2015. She went home to be with her Savior after a life lived for His glory. She is the reason I work with breast cancer patients now and she is the main reason why I am a Christ follower as well.

Q: What is something the Lord has taught you in the last year?

A: This has been a hard year, I will not lie. We have had our share of losses and hurts along with the rest of the world. Something that the Lord has reiterated to me time and time again this year is to trust Him and to view the world in light of His glory and His eternality. Too often I get caught in my own little bubble of life and do not think about the eternal. I also just lost a fellow missionary friend suddenly in October that shook me to the core. This man lived and worked oversees with his wife and three children for 16 years and suddenly passed away with no warning at the age of 41. His life was a tribute to the Lord Jesus and exuded the light of Christ in all things. He lived with that intent and that purpose and it was evident. God used this sorrow to grow my dependence on Him and to remind me that we are not guaranteed tomorrow. What are we using our time for? If it is not for the furtherance of the gospel and His Glory, is it worth doing? These are deep thoughts that continue to churn in my heart over and over. I just finished reading my new favorite book, “The Hiding Place,” and the quote that sticks out to me the most over this year of trials, losses, and sorrow is this; “Some knowledge is too heavy…you cannot bear it…your Father will carry it until you are able…” I have clung to that and to the promises of God in His Word these past few months. My prayer for the future is that I will continually have the gospel of Christ on my lips and my prayers for the lost will not go unsaid.

You can follow Miranda on Facebook and Instagram @mirhardy.

Meet the Women at NAOBC – Mary Margaret Talley

On Mondays, we’ll take time to meet the women of NAOBC. Five questions followed by how you can connect with the NAOBC women on social media. Today’s interview is with Mary Margaret Talley.

Q: Tell us about yourself

A: Chad and I have been married 14 years and we have four children, Daniel (13), Sarah (11), Elizabeth (9), and Lillian (7). We are from Gadsden, Alabama, and moved to Greenville, Indiana, last year. Chad plans to attend Southern Baptist Theological Seminary to pursue his Mdiv in the near future. After 13 years as a stay-at-home Mom, I recently rejoined the workforce as a Rural Carrier Assistant for the USPS. I love my new job but I’m still learning how to balance work and home life.

Q: Tell us about your time at NAOBC

A: NAOBC was the first church we visited when moving here. Chad was blessed to participate in the Pastoral Apprenticeship this past year. We have been members of IC2 and we are visiting IC3. BFGs were a huge part of helping us get plugged in to NAOBC. They helped us move, and cared for and encouraged us. I highly recommend finding a BFG and getting involved.

Q: What is a fun fact that most people wouldn’t know about you?

A: I am a mental health advocate. I have bipolar disorder and through a 20-year journey through many ups and downs I have had the opportunity to share my story with others and encourage those who struggle with their mental health.

Q: What woman has made the most impact in your life?

A: My grandmother Betty Douglas definitely shaped who I am. She was my first grade teacher, she gave me a love for music, she showed me what unconditional love looks like. Most importantly, she faithfully served her Lord and Savior. I hope to leave a legacy for my children and grandchildren like the beautiful one she gave to me.

Q: What is something the Lord has taught you in the last year?

A: To look for joy in the midst of sorrow. This year has been rough, but the Lord is faithful! I am constantly reminded that He is working all things together for the good of those who love Him.

You can follow Mary Margaret on Facebook or Instagram @mary_the_margaret

Meet the Women of NAOBC – Erin Austin

On Mondays, we’ll take time to meet the women of NAOBC. Five questions followed by how you can connect with the NAOBC women on social media. Today’s interview is with Erin Austin.

Q: Tell us about yourself

A: My husband, Jon, and I have been married for 18 years, and we have four kids; Jack (age 15), Meredith (age 13), Elliot (age 11), and Lydia (age 9.) I homeschool three of our children, serve as a tutor for Classical Conversations, and adjunct teach a marketing class at Boyce College. I absolutely love all the different things I get to do and especially enjoy reading books aloud to my kids!

Q: Tell us about your time at NAOBC

A: Our family has been part of NAOBC for almost five years since moving to Kentucky from Oklahoma. We appreciate the wonderful preaching, authentic fellowship, and the loving leadership the staff provides. My husband teaches in the IC4 BFG and I serve in the Worship Ministry, which I am so thankful for.

Q: What is a fun fact that most people wouldn’t know about you?

A: I grew up at Boys Ranch Town in Edmond, Oklahoma, which is a Baptist residential care facility that serves children in need of a home due to difficult circumstances. My Dad served as the administrator, and although we did not have boys living in our home, it was a tremendous honor to grow up there and have a front row seat to witness the godly impact of Christian men and women on the lives of various children and their families. Because it was a working ranch, we always had animals in our backyard ranging from sheep to cows to goats, and, briefly, a pig. (The pig didn’t stay too long as it was not my Mom’s favorite!) One time, our ewe (Momma sheep) gave birth, and one of the babies was a true runt, so we had to bring the lamb inside the house to warm it up and feed it with a bottle. We named him Wilbur, and he lived in our garage for several weeks before he was strong enough to go back to the barn.

Q: What woman has made the most impact in your life?

A: Without a doubt, my Mom has been the most influential woman in my life. She models for me what it means to serve others unselfishly, to love unconditionally, and to do all things in quiet humility. Her gentle and caring spirit and love for her family make her a true Proverbs 31 woman, and I long to love my children and husband as well as she has loved me, my siblings, and my Dad.

Q: What is something the Lord has taught you in the last year?

A: 2020 has been hard on many levels and for so many people Over and over I find myself being reminded that this world is not our home, and that our only hope is in perfect fellowship with Christ in Heaven. Between the pandemic, health challenges, and other difficulties, the one constant is that God reigns and He sees us. He knows the hairs on our head, and He desires to be our shelter in the midst of the storm. I find my heart often reflecting on the old hymns such as “A Shelter in a Time of Storm,” “Great is Thy Faithfulness,” and “It is Well.” These timeless truths are a balm for my soul. I am so thankful that as I study God’s Word and reflect on His Truth I can have full confidence for the future knowing that He is in control.

You can follow Erin on Facebook or Instagram @erinaustin2002.

Meet the Women of NAOBC – Judy Jenkins

On Mondays, we’ll take time to meet the women of NAOBC. Five questions followed by how you can connect with the NAOBC women on social media. Today’s interview is with Judy Jenkins.

Q: Tell us about yourself

A: My husband, Gary, and I have two children. David and his wife Julie, who live in Houston, TX, have three daughters; Brooke is engaged, Mallory is at Texas A&M, and Emily turned 16 in November. Our daughter, Carla, and her husband, Damon Brown, live in Lexington. They have to sons, Clayton, who lives in Louisville, and Sheldon, who is a senior at Alabama.

Q: Tell us about your time at NAOBC

A: Gary and I joined NAOBC late Fall 2019 and are in the AC3 BFG. Gary is a greeter and I have helped greet and worked the sign-in desk for Preschool. Because of Covid and back issues, I have not been able to return to my duties. Hopefully soon, Preschool is where the action is for sure!

Q: What is a fun fact that most people wouldn’t know about you?

A: Gary and I have worked in real estate longer than most of you are in age. Plus I have worked for banks in the past. Most people would not know I once golfed and loved every minute of it until back and joint problems said no more. Now I like to sew and piece quilts.

Q: What woman has made the most impact in your life?

A: My mother influenced my life the most, one thing she would say when I complained about someone, if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all. She always stood by me, supported and loved me. However when asking her just how she made a certain receipe, (if she even had one) mine didn’t turn out like hers! Fact is she didn’t always give away her technique, grrrr. 🙂

Q: What is something the Lord has taught you in the last year?

A: What I have learned from the Lord in the past year….no matter your age, you can change if you desire to be in God’s will. We knew we needed to be in a Bible-led church, not one who accepted the world’s view of anything goes. We both knew the Bible says God does not change nor does His Word. So after rising many churches, many prayers and discussions, NAOBC has become our new church family. We are very blessed.

You can follow Judy on Facebook.

Meet the Women of NAOBC – Pauline Eldridge

On Mondays, we’ll take time to meet the women of NAOBC. Five questions followed by how you can connect with the NAOBC women on social media. Today’s interview is with Pauline Eldridge.

Q: Tell us about yourself

A: My husband, Beckham, and I have been married for 30 years and we have one son, Jonathan, and a beautiful daughter-in-love, Ashley. I’m from East Tennessee but Louisville has been my home since 1991. I work at Southern Seminary as the Benefits Specialist in Human Resources. I enjoy caring for the full-time employees and supporting them in their benefits needs. Other than the years I was able to be a stay-at-home/homeschool Mom, working at Southern is the best job I’ve had so far.

Q: Tell us about your time at NAOBC

A: We’ve been at NAOBC for 18 years and it has been such a blessed journey. Beckham is the Director of our BFG, AC1, and I support him in that role as much as possible. I’m also the prayer coordinator and back-up roll taker for our class. I love my BFG! I also serve on the Personnel Committee and love helping care for our wonderful staff.

Q: What is a fun fact that most people wouldn’t know about you?

A: I love murder mysteries where the bad guy gets caught and things are made right in the end. That goes for books, movies, and TV shows. Having a little humor thrown in is always a plus. Some favorites are Agatha Christie, Criminal Minds, and Monk.

Q: What woman has made the most impact in your life?

A: It’s hard to pick just one, but I have to say that Jaylynn Cook has been one of the most influential women in my life. I had the privilege of serving with her and being discipled by her in the women’s ministry and in the Ladies’ BFG for several years. I have learned so much from her about what being a godly woman looks like in ministry and in a family. Her wisdom and humility are a great example to me, and she’s just plain fun to be around.

Q: What is something the Lord has taught you in the last year?

A: One of the biggest things I’ve been learning these last few months is to look for God’s kindness in everything. Beckham has had some health issues that required several procedures/surgeries this summer (during a pandemic!), and the Lord has shown such kindness even in the smallest details during this time. Yes, it’s kindness and mercy that brings your loved one back from that procedure room each time. But it’s also the Lord’s kindness that has the nurse say, “You don’t have to wait in the car this time. You can just sit right here and we’ll keep you updated.” I’m often reminded that everything I have is better than I deserve, but He helps me see (if I’ll look for them) the many ways He lavishes His kindness and grace on me each and every day.

You can follow Pauline on Facebook.

Meet the Women of NAOBC – Heather Bump

On Mondays, we’ll take time to meet the women of NAOBC. Five questions followed by how you can connect with the NAOBC women on social media. Today’s interview is with Heather Bump.

Q: Tell us about yourself

A: I’m originally from Florida but moved to Louisville in 1999 to attend Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. After graduation, I got a job at Humana, and I’ve been there for 16 years now. I currently work in a communications role.

Q: Tell us about your time at NAOBC

A: I’ve been at NAOBC for 13 years. I currently co-teach the Ladies’ BFG with Rose Booth.

Q: What is a fun fact that most people wouldn’t know about you?

A: I’m passionate about serving our military veterans, and I’m an active volunteer with Honor Flight Bluegrass. I’m also teaching myself how to play the ukulele.

Q: What woman has made the most impact in your life?

A: That would have to be my Mom. She’s usually the first person I go to when I need prayer, advice, or a cheerleader.

Q: What is something the Lord has taught you in the last year?

A: The Lord has reminded me to trust Him with the small things. He’s always proven Himself faithful in every aspect in life, and there’s no reason to doubt Him now. And when we think circumstances will never change (especially in the season we live in now), He’s still pushing us forward. Sometimes He does it slowly, sometimes all at once.

You can follow Heather on Facebook.

Meet the Women of NAOBC – Emily Thompson

On Mondays, we’ll take time to meet the women of NAOBC. Five questions followed by how you can connect with the NAOBC women on social media. Today’s interview is with Emily Thompson.

Q: Tell us about yourself

A: I’m an Aunt to eight wonderful nieces and nephews. For the last six years, I’ve been working as a nanny/house manager. When I’m not spending time with my family, I love spending time outdoors, whether hammocking, having campfires, or hiking. When at home, I love tending to plants and baking.

Q: Tell us about your time at NAOBC

A: I started attending NAOBC five years ago and am part of the YC7 BFG. I serve on the First Impressions team and Nursery.

Q: What is a fun fact that most people wouldn’t know about you?

A: I love Romania and have visited there twice on missions trips. We did some site seeing and saw Count Dracula’s castle and the castle they used in the movies. I would love to live in Romania someday.

Q: What woman has made the most impact in your life?

A: My sisters, mom, and two of my best friends, Katie and Amy. Also the nurse who was the one who delivered me. From day one, she has had a major impact on my life; she prayed for me at my baby dedication, was my small group leader in high school, and prayed at my baptism.

Q: What is something the Lord has taught you in the last year?

A: Ironically, I had just started reading Revelations when the pandemic and everything else started happening. It was the first time I really found that my hope is truly in the Lord. He offers me the hope my soul seeks after. It is not in finding the perfect job, in buying a house, friendships, a future spouse, health, or politics. This year has been an interesting one, but because of this truth God offers, I have felt at peace knowing I can only look to Him for true hope.

You can connect with Emily on Facebook and Instagram @emthompson09

Meet the Women of NAOBC – Ashley Houston

On Mondays, we’ll take time to meet the women of NAOBC. Five questions followed by how you can connect with the NAOBC women on social media. Today’s interview is with Ashley Houston.

Q: Tell us about yourself

A: I have been married to Vic for 8.5 years now. Was have two boys: Henry (8), and Joshua (7), and Baby Houston is due in March 2021. We moved from Charleston, SC, to Louisville six years ago for Vic to go to Seminary. I currently work as a Service Coordinator for an IT company.

Q: Tell us about your time at NAOBC

A: Our family has been at NAOBC for six years now. We are in YC7 and we love our BFG! I have been serving in the Preschool ministry for five years. Before Covid, I also served in the Children’s Ministry. I love serving in these ministries! It is a privilege to get to serve the parents of the church by watching their kiddos so they can worship and listen to the preaching of God’s Word.

Q: What is a fun fact that most people wouldn’t know about you?

A: Where to begin with fun facts…My favorite TV show is “I Love Lucy.” Another fun fact is I love to cook and I love to bake. My baking is not that great, but my husband and kids like what I make.

Q: What woman has made the most impact in your life?

A: There are two women who come to mind. My Mom: She has shown me time and time again what it looks like to be a godly wife and a godly mother. I am so grateful for her influence in my life! My college mentor: She is our former pastor’s wife and became someone very dear to me and to my family. She showed me what it was like to have a relationship with the Lord. She took me under her wing and loved on me. I would call her and she would stop and pray with me right then and there. She is someone I aspire to be.

Q: What is something the Lord has taught you in the last year?

A: This year the thing that sticks out the most to me is Be Still! There are many times this year where things have felt crazy and chaotic, but the Lord keeps reminding me to be still. There are times in the chaos where we are constantly running or distracted and we miss what the Lord is trying to show us. I am working on being still and sitting at the feet of Jesus.

You can follow Ashley on Facebook and on Instagram @amhouston1917