State Bible Drill Competition

It is easy to get caught up in daily readings of scripture and forget God’s call for us to hide His Word in our hearts: not for Bible drillers.  To the students participating in Bible Drills, memorization is key.  However, memorization of scripture does not stop at competing in the State Bible Drill competition; it stays with you throughout life. 

There was an impressive array of students with an extremely healthy knowledge of the scriptures at the State Bible Drill Competition this year.  As I observed the drills, I was continually amazed at the knowledge of the scriptures that these students had.  It is obvious that these students had spent hours upon hours practicing and memorizing the precious words of our Father.  Just imagine how pleased our Father in heaven must be as He looks down at His diligent children seeking the knowledge of His truth.  This is what Bible Drills is all about.  Sure there is an aspect of competition, but the real value of Bible Drills comes when you see these students using and applying these scriptures in everyday life.

I remember someone at the State Drill telling me that one of her students had been watching the royal wedding on TV and noticed a verse that was used during the ceremony as one she had memorized for Bible Drill.  I know some of the leaders of Bible Drill have told me that they still know the verses they learned from back when they were in Bible Drill.

One of the things that stood out to me at the State Bible Drill was when one young man was called on to recite all of 1 Corinthians 13, otherwise known as “The Love Chapter.”  This young man blew me out of the water with his memorization of these 13 verses of scripture.  I only wish more students had the opportunity to learn the valuable skill of scripture memorization through Bible Drill.

Participating in the State Bible Drill competition on April 30 were 46 students from 10 church representing 5 associations: Metro Columbus—Bloom, Jersey, Reynoldsburg, and Southside; Cleveland—Bridge and Parma; Dayton—Kettering FBC and New Carlisle FBC; Cincinnati—Lakota Hills; Southwestern—Rolling Hills.  In the Children’s Drill everyone was a State Winner and some were even considered State Perfect! This is the first time in many years that every child was considered a State Winner.  In the Youth Drill, Joshua Horn received 3rd place, Stephanie Cavanaugh received 2nd place and Monica Yost and Isaac Cloud tied for 1st place!  In the High School division Matt Mullins received 3rd place, Cassie Lawless received 2nd place and Alexa Hershey and Charlotte Williams tied for 1st place!

The National Invitational Tournament will be held in Alabama on June 24, and we are hoping to send one Youth and High School 1st place winner to the competition.

Praise the Lord for what He has been doing in the hearts and minds of the students in Bible Drill.  Let us pray now that the verses learned will become a powerful witnessing tool for these students in their daily lives.

If you would like more information about how your church can get involved with Bible Drills, please contact Ashley Stickel at Ashley@scbo.org or 614-827-1822.