Meet the Women at NAOBC – Sarah Keener

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 Sarah Keener.

Q: Tell us about yourself

A: I am the wife of Derek Keener and mother of three. Kennedy, Ginny Rose, and Elijah. I am blessed to be able to currently be a stay at home mom. I was born in North Florida and raised in a couple different areas/states. I am a PK and grew up in the church. God was beautifully gracious and incredibly merciful and saved me shortly after the birth of my first daughter in 2020.

Q: Tell us about your time at NAOBC

A: I have been at NAOBC since Easter Sunday of 2021. My husband and I moved to Kentucky and found a home and community in and among the people of Ninth and O. I attended the Women’s BFG for about 9 months before my husband and I began attending the YC7 BFG. After becoming a member I began serving in the Preschool 4 class and have absolutely loved getting to teach scripture to the young hearts that have been in that classroom and are currently in that class. I took a short hiatus while I was pregnant with my son but have just been able to step back into this role and am so happy and thankful to be able to serve in this capacity! I have also recently begun serving as the fellowship lead for the YC7 BFG.

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

A: I am an open book. If you know me, you pretty much get to know it all so this is a hard question for me. My family spent a short time as missionaries in Nakuru, Kenya. The first time I ever rode in an airplane was actually the day we moved to Kenya. Orlando to Chicago; Chicago to Heathrow; Heathrow to Niarobi! It was a wild ride and I can honestly say I am not the biggest fan of flying but enjoyed so much of the culture and time I was blessed with in Kenya. Another fun fact about me is that I am an Irish triplet and I gave birth to Irish twins.

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

A: This is another hard question. I don’t believe there is just one woman so instead I will mention a few. I have witnessed much as a PK but my mother’s perseverance in her faith is what I have learned to love and value most during all of the joys and hardships that come with ministry and life. She has been a needed reminder to look towards the hope that comes with Christ’s return. Equally in reminding me to continually pray and seek the Lord when my heart and soul find themselves in dark places. He is a rock and my steadfast hope and it is to HIM I must look. Another woman I want to mention is my mother-in-law. She has been a kind, quiet, and loving woman in some of my most sinful moments. I have seen her love when I didn’t think it was humanly possible. I have also seen her serve when she has little to nothing left to give. She has taught me to love and serve in this manner, the manner that Christ served and loved even my ugly and sinful soul.Without going into great detail, Mrs. Emily is the other woman that I cannot move on without mentioning. I don’t think she knows or realizes but she had such a profound impact on helping my marriage. Seeing how God loves his people and reconciles them through her marriage story has spurred me on. I will forever be grateful to God for her courage to follow HIM even when it wasn’t easy.

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

A: The Lord has taught me much in the past year. One of the most important lessons has been my need for biblical community. Having friends to spur you on and encourage you to seek Christ in every moment and aspect of your life has profoundly changed my relationship with God and helped it to grow as I get to know him better every day. The second most important lesson would be that God forgives all, just as he forgave me, and that I cannot give up on any one. Instead I must spur others on, toward God and encourage them as they pursue a relationship with Christ while prayerfully lifting them and their needs to God.

Sarah isn’t on social media but you can connect with her via email at sarahathomas2012@gmail.com.