By Ally Horine | Echo
Meet the Smiths.
With three children who attended Taylor and one currently attending, they have left a mark inside and outside the Taylor community. Their three daughters, Heidi, Betsy and Mary K., were committed to many Taylor programs, including ReaLife ministries.
ReaLife ministries, located at the Marion Boys and Girls Club, focuses on the discipleship and mentoring of urban children from kindergarten through fifth grade. Each Tuesday night, a group of Taylor students lead their gatherings. Meetings include games, Bible study, small group and a meal.
In 2006, Betsy Smith planned to graduate and move to The Safe House in Marion-an extension of ReaLife's Tuesday night gatherings where children could come for mentoring and discipleship.
"Betsy was very passionate about ministering to the needy, underserved children," said her mother, Jeanie Smith.
But Betsy never moved into the house. In 2006, her senior year, she and five other members of the Taylor community died in an automobile accident.
"Our hearts have always been burdened for what Betsy was planning to do and accomplish for the ministry God had given her after Taylor," Jeanie Smith said. "Part of that was to continue with ReaLife after she graduated. We believe in this ministry because of what our daughters have told us about it. They shared with us about the differences they saw in the children, and we saw differences in them. "
Though Betsy was unable to carry out her plans, the family found a way to honor her memory and the ministry.
Each fall, a memorial 5K called the Betsy Run is held to commemorate Betsy and her compassion for people. Many Taylor students and faculty participate in this event. Of the proceeds raised, two-thirds are donated to a charity that provides legal help to victims of abuse in in Macon County, Ill. The other third are donated to ReaLife.
"We are so grateful for the love and support of the Smith family," said ReaLife co-director Landon Stuart. "Their support provides us with many opportunities, including the ability to run the vans that are so crucial to our ministry."
Taylor students load into the aforementioned vans every week and drive to the Marion Boys and Girls Club for their Tuesday night gatherings. Before arriving at the club, they pick up many children who otherwise may not have a ride. Much like school busses, each van drives a fixed route and is equipped with a certain set of kids and Taylor students.
"Through our consistent routes, we formed close relationships with a few kids," Taylor alum and former co-director Becky Jacobs ('14) said. "In a lot of ways, they became our friends. I had many conversations with them about rap music or homework. When they show that they love and enjoy you, it's really special. You realize the difference you're making, and you're learning so much about them and yourself."
Many of the ReaLife children suffer from familial and economic issues. According to Indiana Youth Institute, in 2013, 49 percent of students in Grant County Schools received free or reduced lunch.
"Their home lives are very rough," Stuart said. "Our hope in spending time with them is to teach them about God and to inspire them to know they are loved and worthy."
Taylor students often bring the kids to campus for extra time with them. In doing so, they hope to build relationships that create lasting change.
Betsy's younger sister, Heidi Smith, recalls her involvement with ReaLife and how getting involved still impacts her today. Upon graduation, she accepted a teaching position in the south side of Chicago.
"I learned invaluable lessons about children and families in urban poverty," Heidi said. "I felt very prepared to face my first year of teaching, largely due to the lessons I learned by being a part of the ministry."
Though it has been about 10 years since Betsy was involved with ReaLife, the ministry continues to impact students today.
Sophomore Ashlyn Mortensen began volunteering with ReaLife this semester. After spending several weeks at the Boys and Girls Club, she connected with a girl named of Aliya.
"One night as I was saying goodbye to Aliya, I got down on my knees so I could be at her eye level, and she screamed 'I love you' as she danced around me," Mortensen said. "I was able to see and understand first hand why Jesus commanded, 'Let the little children come unto me.' The children of ReaLife have such authentic personalities and are a constant reminder of why we do what we do."
Betsy's impact lives on through many. She concluded her personal mission statement with this: "At the end of my rope, God's rope just begins. I must give my life away to truly find it. Always remember that I am only working for an audience of One." Taylor students and the Smith family have found a way to give back to their surrounding communities.
