NAOBC For Life Spotlight – Helen Stephens
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 Helen Stephens.
Q: Tell a little about yourself – family, occupation (if applicable), etc.
A: I retired from the accounting department of Papa John’s International. I wrote programs to teach franchises how to balance their bank accounts with the many invoices that we deducted from their account every month.
Q: When did you attend NAOBC? What brought you to NAOBC?
A: The Stephens Family attended NAOBC from early 1970’s until early 2000’s. Scott and I raised our three children there.
Q: Where did you serve while at NAOBC?
A: I worked in the nursery. I taught first grade Sunday School with Scott and Sandy Smith. I helped teach, and worked behind the scenes with VBS, and many youth activities.
Q: What memory from your time at NAOBC means the most to you still today?
A: My favorite memories at NAOBC include witnessing my children learn about, then accept the Lord as their personal Savior, and be baptized. Praise the Lord, all three are still active in their local churches!!!! It makes me happy that the Seebold Family (my youngest daughter’s family) is attending NAOBC once again.
Q: What is one thing you loved about NAOBC?
A: My favorite teacher and mentor was Mrs Butler. She helped me more in my personal relationship to Christ than anyone else before or after her. ….. Which brings me to what drew me to NAOBC….
I grew up in a church that I later learned is listed as a cult in the Library of Congress. Women were oppressed. Couldn’t cut our hair, no makeup, no jewelry, no sleeves above the elbow, no skirt higher than mid-calf, no mixing with anyone except church members. We had to reach a level of Christianity where we lived above sin, or we were doomed to hell. I was sooooo confused and disappointed that I could never rise to that level. We were taught that attending other churches, especially the Godless Baptist church, would certainly doom us to hell. …….. During my growing up years, I was allowed to attend M Night rallies with Grandma Bugg (Sallie) at NAOBC. Oh the Spirit I felt at those services!! Something I had never felt in my childhood church. It was there that I knew I would NEVER raise my children in my church!!! Mrs Butler’s classes, and one on one instruction, helped me sort out the confusion. I’ll forever be grateful for her leadership.
