NAOBC For Life Spotlight – Dana Isbell
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 Dana Isbell.
Q: Tell a little about yourself – family, occupation (if applicable), etc.
A: I’ve been married to my husband, Kevin, for 37 years. We both retired during the pandemic and are enjoying our retirement very much! I graduated from college in the early 80’s and worked at the Kentucky Fair & Exposition Center in Special Event Planning, then I was a computer programmer there. I left to join a software company that focused on advertising software. I worked there as a computer programmer, then a manager/computer programmer for approximately twelve years. Because of the very long hours that were required, I left to be more available to our daughter. I had planned to volunteer at her school, but almost immediately I was asked to work at Christian Academy of Louisville, our daughter’s school. I worked there until I retired.
We have one child, a daughter. She is married and we have two grandchildren, one girl and one boy. Our daughter is pregnant now with her third. We are so blessed to have her and her family in our lives.
Q: When did you attend NAOBC? What brought you to NAOBC?
A: I began attending NAOBC in 1959 when I was two weeks old. I was a member there until 1994
Q: Where did you serve while at NAOBC?
A: I served in the nursery, taught Sunday School, taught Training Union, taught VBS, chaperoned youth trips, and worked in the Bus Ministry with my Dad. I served on the Financial Team, served on the TV Ministry team, and served on a church relocation team. I sang in choirs of every age, began singing duets and solos from the age of 12, as a young adult I sang on a vocal team, and I played handbells (which my Mom paid for almost single handedly).
Q: What memory from your time at NAOBC means the most to you still today?
A: I was saved during a Richard Hogue revival in March 1969. SPIRENO provided the music. The preaching was dynamic and the music was awesome! I remember it like it was yesterday. It was a wonderful revival where my brother and I both asked Jesus to live in our hearts and my Mom acknowledged that her baptism had taken place before she was saved. My brother, myself, and my mom were baptized that same week on my Dad’d birthday by Bro. Laverne Butler. It was a fabulous experience that I’ll never forget.
Additionally, several major life events occurred while I was a member of NAOBC, therefore, many of my life memories are tied up in my years at NAOBC. I lost my baby brother, my Grandma and my Dad with funerals at NAOBC. My brother’s life-altering car accident occurred during those years and we were supported well by our NAOBC family. Our wedding was at NAOBC. Our daughter was born while we were members and she was dedicated at NAOBC.
Q: What is one thing you loved about NAOBC?
A: I loved everything about NAOBC. I loved the pastors, the leaders, the music, the opportunities to serve, the many lifelong friends I made, the children I taught, the leaders who taught me, the senior citizens who were so enjoyable (my family joined them on many trips as my Dad drove the bus for their outings), opportunities to provide special music (Nina Baker Gambrell’s voice instruction and musical influence), beloved choir directors, singing in choirs, attending church with many of my family members, playing basketball and softball, Wednesday night suppers, GA’s and Acteens, fellowship in the gym, skating, lock-ins, and so much more. My years at NAOBC were very formative and I would not trade them for anything. I would’ve loved to stay at NAOBC forever.
