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 Tulia Wolfe.
Q: Tell us about yourself
A: I grew up in Louisville and attended Boyce College for Elementary Education and University of Louisville for Speech and Language Pathology. I’ve been a second grade teacher for four years at a local school that I actually attended for elementary through high school! I love to read, hike, play tennis, and spend time with family.
Q: Tell us about your time at NAOBC
A: I have been at NAOBC for almost 5 years now! I started off in the College BFG and helped plan events and led a study, then more recently transitioned to the Singles BFG. I loved being able to lead a discipleship group on Wednesday nights this past semester.
Q: What is a fun fact that most people wouldn’t know about you?
A: The “i” in my name is silent!
Q: What woman has made the most impact in your life?
A: Without a doubt my mom. She has been there for me every single time I have been in need. She exemplifies faithfulness to the Lord and persistent hard work. I am so thankful God gave me her!
Q: What is something the Lord has taught you in the last year?
A: I’ve had some recent health struggles and it has been easy to be discouraged and think that things weren’t going “according to plan.” But in this time I have been able to see His provision and care even in this trial. I trust that His ways are better than mine, and not only that, but they are for His glory AND my good!
You can follow Tulia on Facebook and Instagram @the_she_wolfe.
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 Danielle Shuff.
Q: Tell us about yourself
A: I was born & raised in Louisville, KY. Craig and I have been married for 17 years. We have 4 children ranging from 1st to 8th grade. Craig has served in full-time pastoral ministry for nearly 15 years, and I have served the church alongside him while being a stay at home, homeschooling mom.
Q: Tell us about your time at NAOBC
A: We first came to NAOBC around 2002 while Craig and I were dating. We were involved in the college ministry until Pastor Elieff married us in 2004 and quickly joined a couples BFG taught by T.J. Betts. In 2007, we moved to Florida to serve full-time at a wonderful church. And the Lord brought us back to serve full-time at NAOBC in 2016. We enjoy serving as community group leaders in our BFG(IC4), facilitating Discipleship groups, and I love getting to rock babies in the nursery on Sunday evenings.
Q: What is a fun fact that most people wouldn’t know about you?
A: I really enjoy watching airplanes and baseball and taking long walks with friends.
Q: What woman has made the most impact in your life?
A: I’ve been blessed to know so many godly and inspiring women in my life. My mom is chief among them. She has been seeking to grow in her faith from as early as I can remember. She has a quickness to trust the Lord and a willingness to do hard things simply because it’s the right thing. I’m so thankful for her presence & support in my life!
Q: What is something the Lord has taught you in the last year?
A: The last year and a half has been a challenging one physically and emotionally (I’m learning how connected those can often be). We were laughing recently when realized that for over a year we had at least one person at all times in active physical therapy for some sort of injury (and several times overlapping). We’ve had leaks in the house, a roof to repair, school to get caught up on…to name a few. We’ve also grieved the loss of several people we loved dearly. A theme the Lord continues to repeat to me is that in the midst of challenges I don’t want to merely survive the season, but rather seek to thrive in it – spiritually speaking. This hasn’t come easily for me.
The book we read in our most recent discipleship group, Disciplines of a Godly Woman, was particularly meaningful as it reminded us that spiritual thriving often comes via discipline and intentionality. When life is overwhelming I often have to be more intentional, creative, and disciplined to make God’s Word and prayer a priority. A verse that gives me great encouragement is 2 Peter 1:3, “…for His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory & excellence.” This scripture reminds me that in any season of life, God is able to help me have a godly perspective. Even when I “feel” like circumstances are too hard, I am never lacking what I need to handle it in a godly way because it’s granted by God’s divine power, not my own strength.
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 Liz Howell.
Q: Tell us about yourself
A: I’m a mom of four kiddos, Noah (14), Tovah (12), Judah (10) and Norah (9), and a wife of one, Adam Howell. I’m a blessed woman, in that I have an incredibly loving husband who it is a joy to walk out this life with. I stay at home with my kids and homeschool them Tuesday- Friday, and on Mondays I have a side gig as a nurse at the seminary clinic. I love all of these roles and feel blessed that I have the opportunity to do them.
Q: Tell us about your time at NAOBC
A: Our family has called NAOBC our church home since 2005. Over the years we have served in many areas throughout the church and served in many BFGs, but we currently work with the college students. Adam is affectionately known as Dr.Howell and I am usually called Mrs. Howell. We love the privilege of watching God form and shape these students over the four, sometimes 5, years that the Lord gives them to us. I also currently serve on the missions team at the church.
Q: What is a fun fact that most people wouldn’t know about you?
A: A fun fact would be that I played soccer in college at East Tennessee State University and also played 1 year on a Semi Professional soccer team. Another fun fact is I really like Christian hip-hop music. It was a sweet act of grace that the Lord gave me my son Judah, who shares this enthusiasm.
Q: What woman has made the most impact in your life?
A: Two women come to mind. One is Shari Webster. She attended NAOBC probably 5 years ago during their time in Louisville, but we have remained in touch. She is a woman of the word, faithful in prayer, and daily walks in faith. She is one of those people you want to watch and learn from because she is the aroma of Christ to all she meets. The other person is my dear friend Kathleen Hanley. “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” We have been friends for 15 years and have done a lot of hard things during those years and all with the goal to point each other back to the Lord. Her friendship is a constant encouragement to me and I’m not the same woman I was before I met her.
Q: What is something the Lord has taught you in the last year?
A: This last year I have been on a journey learning what Matthew 16:24-26 means. “Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and takeup his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul”
Almost exactly a year ago I was studying the book of Matthew and I got to Matthew 16 and I remember the Lord really impressing on my heart that I needed to learn to take up my cross and follow him. I kept asking the Lord “What is it you want me to do? Be less selfish as a wife and mother? Is there a neighbor you desire I reach out to? Is the desire for things of the world rooting out what is more valuable than gold?” I think these questions were good ones to be asking. We were in the middle of a global pandemic for crying out loud. A lot of things were churning up in my soul, and I was fully aware that I had areas that the Lord wanted to refine. These questions kept rolling through my mind and I just kept walking daily. Then one day I started to see what the Lord was preparing my heart for. My sister, who lived two states away, had gotten to the end of her rope and had decided she no longer had a will to live. Praise be to God that her plans were thwarted, but what did this mean for me? It was time to take up my cross and follow the Lord and seek to help my sister. We have moved her close to our family and are seeking to love her well and get her the help she needs. Honestly I’m still figuring out what it looks like to take up my cross, I feel like a slow learner in this. I likely won’t completely figure it out until the Lord takes me home, but I am fighting to joyfully lay down my plans and wants to walk the path the Lord has for me. This season has been a hard one but I have seen the Lord’s faithfulness around every turn.
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 Julianna Graybeal.
Q: Tell us about yourself
A: I’m the oldest of three. My younger sister lives in Louisville with her husband and three kids. My younger brother lives in Knoxville, TN with my mom and dad. I grew up in Knoxville (Go Vols!). I love history, movies, books and trivia! I graduated from the University of TN in 2015 with a BA in psychology and history and a minor in religious studies. I moved up to Louisville in June 2016. Since 2018, I’ve been working on my MA in Biblical Counseling at Southern. I’ll graduate in May!
I have been a secretary at a small church on the south side of Louisville for about a year. I have worked as a game assistant for Boyce athletics for about 3 1/2 years. I keep the home book for volleyball games and basketball games. After graduating, I’m not sure what job I’ll do. I know I want to work with women who are survivors of sexual assault. Maybe as a counselor. I do know I wanna help people who have had traumas in their life.
Q: Tell us about your time at NAOBC
A: I have been at NAOBC since November 2017 (I think I became a member in April 2018). I started out in the singles BFG but moved to the Women’s BFG during the pandemic (has it been a year? The pandemic feels like it’s been going on for 5years haha). I don’t serve anywhere… I probably should find somewhere to serve though 🤔
Q: What is a fun fact that most people wouldn’t know about you?
A: I have webbed toes. My second and third toes are webbed halfway up on both feet.
Q: What woman has made the most impact in your life?
A: My mom had the biggest impact on my life. I know it sounds cliche. She’s the strongest person I know. She’s taught me how to forgive and lean on Christ. She’s always been there for me even in the bad times. She’s always there if I have a deep question about life or just wanna chat and tell her about my day.
Q: What is something the Lord has taught you in the last year?
A: The Lord has been teaching me about his sovereignty. I have been struggling with this for the past 10 years since I was sexually assaulted as a freshman in college. I’ve been struggling with healing and understanding why did it happen. How could this be part of God’s plan for my life? What good could come from something so soul crushing. It’s hard to understand how something so evil was part of God’s plan. I’ve been re-learning He isn’t evil. He allows evil which is different. I’m learning I may never get a satisfactory answer to the question why did this happen. And that’s ok. He is God and He knows what He’s doing.
You can follow Julianna on Facebook and Instagram @julzlovescats
When you are a member at NAOBC, no matter where God takes you, the love for NAOBC remains. It’s part of your DNA. Periodically we’ll spotlight women who were former members – see where they are today and what NAOBC means to them. Today we’re meeting Alisa Beatty.
Q: Tell a little about yourself – family, occupation (if applicable), etc.
A: I’m a pastor’s wife and “mom” to a Cockatoo and noseless (but beautiful) cat. While the Lord didn’t choose to give us children of our own, He has blessed us with a myriad of young people in our lives we claim as our kids (Isaiah 54:1). I have never seen a kitchen gadget I didn’t need. My hubby and I love to travel and are always planning our next trip. I hope to one day finish one of the books I am writing. My “paid” job is as a provider data coordinator at a large insurance company.
Q: When did you attend NAOBC? What brought you to NAOBC?
A: I attended from the late 60s till I married in 1992. My aunt was a member and invited my mother.
Q: Where did you serve while at NAOBC?
A: I worked in the church office for several years and served in the singles, youth, and children’s ministry at various times.
Q: What memory from your time at NAOBC means the most to you still today?
A: It is a compilation of all the precious saints who invested in and befriended me: Carol & Bob Golden, Martha & Urb Sirles, Rosalee Bennett, Mrs. Norma Shaw, Marcella Downing, Gene Hatfield, Everett Miller, Mr. Menifee and too many others to name.
Q: What is one thing you loved about NAOBC?
A: NAOBC is resilient! It stood strong for biblical truth in the past and is continuing to do so. Though my Christian walk has led me down a different denominational path, I treasure the foundation I received at NAOBC.
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 Abby Dierking.
Q: Tell us about yourself
A: I am from Michigan, and married Jason Dierking (also from Michigan) in 2019, who works at UofL in sports performance. So I moved to Louisville in 2020 and have been practicing dentistry for about 15 years now. We will have our first child this coming January!
Q: Tell us about your time at NAOBC
A: We’ve been at NAOBC since mid-late 2020 and previously attended a Methodist church. Our BFG is IC5 with Gabe Hinerman. Jason and I serve in the preschool ministry.
Q: What is a fun fact that most people wouldn’t know about you?
A: I ran a relay race from the Dead Sea to the Red Sea and love all animals and reptiles, including snakes!
Q: What woman has made the most impact in your life?
A: My Mother, she has been so strong through many of life’s trials.
Q: What is something the Lord has taught you in the last year?
A: That He truly does know what is best, beyond our comprehension, and all we need to do is trust in Him always.
You can follow Abby on Facebook and Instagram @aapaul33.
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 Anna Mills.
Q: Tell us about yourself
A: I’ve been married to my husband Forrest for 8 years. We are originally from Alabama and have lived here in Louisville for 4 years while Forrest completed his PhD. We have 5 heaven babies, a 2-month-old daughter named Evelyn and 2 dogs. I am an RN and currently work in dialysis, but look forward to staying home with our daughter soon!
Q: Tell us about your time at NAOBC
A: Forrest and I have been at NAOBC for 4 years. Our BFG is IC6. They’ve truly become like family over the years. We primarily serve with Pastor Larry and the senior adults. We just love learning from them and living life alongside them. There is so much wisdom and compassion to glean from them!
Q: What is a fun fact that most people wouldn’t know about you?
A: I used to travel across the Southeast to perform in musical competitions as a French Horn player. I still get my horn out to play every now and then, especially around Christmas time!
Q: What woman has made the most impact in your life?
A: I have been blessed with many great Christian women to learn from. One such lady was Forrest’s Grandma Mills. Forrest lived with her while we were dating, and she was such a joy. She walked alongside us through many hardships and taught us to remain faithful every step of the way. She was one of the most generous people I know. She gave not only financially, but she gave of her time and of herself. She served others faithfully and prayed constantly. Sadly, we lost her earlier this year, but I hope to be as much of a blessing to others as she was.
Q: What is something the Lord has taught you in the last year?
A: The Lord is teaching me that I am not in control. My selfishness leads to expectations. When these expectations are not met, sadness creeps in. I am learning that His plan is better than my expectations. Sometimes they aren’t anything like what I have dreamed up and never would have desired for myself. However, He is always sovereign and faithful. I pray that He uses my life to glorify Him!
You can follow Anna on Facebook and Instagram @speckledfreckles.
When you are a member at NAOBC, no matter where God takes you, the love for NAOBC remains. It’s part of your DNA. Periodically we’ll spotlight women who were former members – see where they are today and what NAOBC means to them. Today we’re meeting Amanda Brame.
Q: Tell a little about yourself – family, occupation (if applicable), etc.
A: I was married to a wonderful Christian man, Clint Brame, for 11 years when he passed away tragically in September in an accident. We have an energetic seven year old, Lizzie. Currently I am trying to figure out the single mom life with being widowed at 33, so that has been challenging. My husband was the associate pastor at Olive Branch Baptist Church in Hanson, Kentucky, which is where we are currently. I am the reading interventionist at Sebree Elementary, and I love to work with my small groups of kids and help them to learn to read better.
I became a Christian at age six. I love to travel; I have been to 15 countries and 31 states. I also love to read and spend time with family.
Q: When did you attend NAOBC? What brought you to NAOBC?
A: We attended Ninth and O Baptist from January 2013-October 2016. We were members at NAOBC the whole time my husband was at Seminary. We found Ninth and O because I looked for Baptist churches near our house, and I tried NAOBC and I fell in love with it!
Q: Where did you serve while at NAOBC?
A: I taught 1st grade Sunday School while I was at Ninth and O. I volunteered at Vacation Bible School each summer. I also went on a mission trip to Zambia, Africa with a team from NAOBC.
Q: What memory from your time at NAOBC means the most to you still today?
A: I loved going on the mission trip to Zambia with the Ninth and O team. It was wonderful getting to stay in the rural villages and get to know the people there. We got to share Jesus with people who had never heard His name before.
Q: What is one thing you loved about NAOBC?
A: I loved that there were people of every age group, like a real cross section of society, in one church, actually functioning well as a church. A lot of times churches will be geared at only the old or only the young, and those people are the only people you find there. At Ninth and O everyone was there, worshiping Jesus and fellowshipping together.
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 Tessy Ennis.
Q: Tell us about yourself
A: I am married to Anthony Ennis…17 years! Wow! It is to God’s glory that we continue to grow in Christ, together. He is an IT analyst with Manhattan Life. I am currently employed at home, where our 8 year old is schooled…by me 🙂 However, my career life consisted of social work, in different capacities.
Our son Eli, is a silly, rambunctious boy, whom we adopted through foster care in 2017. My husband and I continue to foster (we’ve served “the least of these” in this way for 7 years now).
Q: Tell us about your time at NAOBC
A: We have been at NAOBC for 3 1/2 years now, and we love this church! We belong to the IC4 BFG class, and they are a huge blessing. I agree with the statement I have heard over the years here at NAOBC, “the BFG’s are the lifeline of the church”.
Anthony serves in security and preschool. I serve in preschool and choir. You will find us roaming the preschool halls often. Haha!
Q: What is a fun fact that most people wouldn’t know about you?
A: Anthony and I have made YouTube videos of our playing Minecraft together!
We have chickens, and they have attached to Eli really well! Eli will sit in the chicken run and “hang out” with the chickens.
Q: What woman has made the most impact in your life?
A: That’s a hard question. Many women have impacted my life greatly in different areas of my life. I’ll pick three and briefly explain.
1. My mother (Rhonda) – her faith in Christ, while enduring life’s hardships taught me that my strength comes from the Lord alone. She died at age 34, from cancer; also enduring an abusive relationship with an addict.
2. My grandmother (Judy) – she was used by God to bring me to Jesus. Her faith is so strong, and she glorifies God for every ounce of it. She has lost three children and a grandchild to the brokenness of this world (SIDS, cancer, and suicide). She has every reason to be bitter, but remains faithful to our Jesus.
3. My best friend of about 17 years (Karalee). Her ministering friendship has remained a constant in my recent years. Our families have grown together, our marriages have strengthened one another and sharpened one another with iron. Our honest and loving conversations have created a bond in Christ, unlike any other.
Finally, we are finding beautiful bonds and friendships here at NAOBC, where Christ has shown up a million + times to minister to us and through us.
Q: What is something the Lord has taught you in the last year?
A: Practical things I have been hearing from the Lord:
A. Simplify my life (pruning busy-ness away) B. Watch my screen intake (content and length) for a more productive and Jesus-prioritized day). C. Prioritize my marriage over my children (maintaining connection with Anthony, throughout the very difficult journey of parenting).
In my personal spiritual journey, Jesus has been helping me recognize who I am in Him. I have a difficult time seeing God’s truth about me, through satan’s lies (especially regarding my role as a mother). I’m thankful God sees my heart, and provides grace sufficient for my daily struggles.
You can follow Tessy on Facebook, Instagram @tesgigglebox, and at her website: http://www.tessyennis.com
When you are a member at NAOBC, no matter where God takes you, the love for NAOBC remains. It’s part of your DNA. Periodically we’ll spotlight women who were former members – see where they are today and what NAOBC means to them. Today we’re meeting Alba Rice.
Q: Tell a little about yourself – family, occupation (if applicable), etc.
A: I am wife to Dan Rice, mother to Danny, Adam, Sydney(Garsee), and Mallory Rice, and grandma to Arrow and MJ Garsee. I just finished homeschooling my children last year and teaching Kindergarten to our granddaughter Arrow. I also teach High School Spanish and Sciences. We are involved in ministry at our present church Immanuel Nashville.
Q: When did you attend NAOBC? What brought you to NAOBC?
A: We attended NAOBC from 2000-2007.My husband and I had just moved to Louisville to attend Boyce and Seminary and I met a friend thru Seminary Wives that invited me to go to NAOBC because her husband was filling in as interim. Ended up we stayed because my friend’s husband, Bill, was voted in as Pastor 🤓
Q: What memory from your time at NAOBC means the most to you still today?
A: One memory?!!! So many! Starting with meeting Urb and Martha Sirles to spending time with Jay and Bill, to seeing the church continuing to grow, to leaving our NAOBC family to minister in Idaho. We now keep up with NAOBC online and thru our many friends made there.
Q: What is one thing you loved about NAOBC?
A: I loved the people, the openness of the older generation to adjust and make the new crop of seminary students feel welcomed, the desire to also reach the community around the church and not just be a “seminary church”, the friendships that have lasted for years and years and finally how Bill Cook and the staff have allowed the LORD to continue to use them to enlarge His Kingdom right there at the corner of “NOT” ninth and O. 🤣🤓
NAOBC Women's Ministry 