NAOBC For Life Spotlight – Alysha Smith

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 Alysha Smith.

Q: Tell a little about yourself – family, occupation (if applicable), etc.

A: I’m married to Collin Smith. We got married in 2016, and two days later, we moved to Louisville, Kentucky, so that he could pursue his master’s degree at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS). While we were in Louisville, my husband worked fervently at UPS, providing for us to have all three kiddos in Louisville.
Our oldest child is Charlotte (who is 6.5 years old), our middle child is Emet (who is 4.5, almost 5), and our youngest child is Rebekah (who is 2.5 years old). I’m grateful for being a stay-at-home mom for all three kiddos, and I also help/helped homeschool them (Jr. Pre-K, Pre-K, and Young 5’s time frames). I’m currently homeschooling Emet (Rebekah joins in, too)!

Q: When did you attend NAOBC? What brought you to NAOBC?

A: We attended Ninth And O from 2016 until May 28th of 2023 (7 years). After Collin and I married, we moved to Louisville two days later, in July of 2016, so he could pursue his master of divinity at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Q: Where did you serve while at NAOBC?

A. We served right away in our BFG, And we led the groups that we rotated within the BFG; I also helped plan any parties and decorate for any of those I could (I love serving and visually enjoy that still). We served in the nursery the entire time, from babies to toddlers and up. I also said in choir while we were there (such a joy). I would help coordinate meals, help the families in the BFG when babies arrived, and be a prayer coordinator for our BFG for several years. Collin also taught our BFG for many seasons and on rotation. We both served as rope-holding team leaders for the Pickwicks until we moved in May 2023. I also led certain group activities when we had ladies’ events, which was a blessing. 🫶🏻

Q: What memory from your time at NAOBC means the most to you still today?

A: I want to preface that because my heart holds so many beautiful memories at Ninth & O, this is a tough question. However, a memory of just pressing in comes to mind. Our BFG would group with the advanced couples (AC3), and we would do themed parties (Hawaiian-themed Luau was a blast). We would eat, share stories, and enjoy ourselves with fellowship and games. Indeed, it’s learning about one another, becoming more close-knit with vast generations, and intentionally being in one place at one time!

Q: What is one thing you loved about NAOBC?

A: Again, this is so challenging to pick just one thing. I think when you find a church that serves and loves so fervently and dedicates themselves to wanting to lift one another, encourage one another, and do that with grace and compassion (honestly, all the fruit of the spirit), that makes it so hard to move on to the next season of your life and to depart. That’s something I often reflect on as we are here in Michigan. The impact of a church that is not only successful but spiritually connected with its body and loves its body of people well is truly a reflection of Christ’s love! AMEN! 🙏🏻