Meet the Women at NAOBC – Mindy Whitley

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 Mindy Whitley.

Q: Tell us about yourself

A: Ryan and I have been married for 15 years and we have the privilege of raising four beautiful children: Adele, 12, Penny, 10, Paul, 6, and Marigold, 2. My primary ministry is to serve the Lord by supporting Ryan as he provides for our family and serves our country in the US Army Reserves during a very full season of life. I also serve the Lord by homeschooling our children part-time and our toddler is with me 24/7. It’s gritty yet glorious!

Q: Tell us about your time at NAOBC

A: We have laughed, cried, served, and healed at NAOBC for 5 wonderful years. It’s the greatest church on earth. My husband and I attend IC5 and I serve by supporting Ryan as he serves in many capacities. I also volunteer in the nursery.

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

A: My dad was a soldier. I then married a soldier. Consequently, I have moved 13 times and have lived in 11 US states and in Europe. I attended an all-German kindergarten where I was the only English speaker. As a result, I have been “new here” most of my life. It’s a comfort to know that the Son of Man had nowhere to lay His head (Matthew 8:20). This is a good reminder to me when I feel overwhelmed and can’t “find my locker”…or my car keys!

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

A: My mother made our home a safe haven for me, move after move. She could set up our household like a pop-up tent in a little under a week. We ate supper at the dinner table all together, 7 nights a week. She ensured I had access to the preaching of God’s word every Sunday, no matter where we lived. My bookshelf contained several Bible story books when I was a child. These are the seemingly small things that God used to draw me to Himself later on. My mom made a home for me that gave me a taste of Heaven and helped me to long for a relationship with my heavenly Father. I am so grateful to her.

A woman named Kathy Magee discipled me long after I felt that I needed to be discipled. I learned through her that, while friends and family come and go, the love of the Lord Jesus Christ endures forever.

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

A: The Lord has taught me this past year that the fear of man is a snare, but that when I trust in Him alone, I am truly safe (Proverbs 29:25). While fearing the Lord over man may cause me to lose the love or the approval of those around me, I can rest assured that I will always have a Friend in Jesus, who will never leave or forsake me. He is preparing a place for me even now where I will be forever at home. He is truly fairer than ten thousand to my soul and He is all I will ever need. I can’t wait to be at home with Him in my Father’s house where there will always be room for me.

You can follow Mindy on Facebook.