DALLAS—Even though Texas Baptists’ state Bible Drill finals had to be rescheduled because of a swine flu outbreak, only one student out of 82 possible participants was unable to attend because of the change in date.
The swine flu scare had prompted some school districts around the state to dismiss classes and the University Interscholastic League to cancel or reschedule extracurricular events.
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Dickie Dunn, BGCT discipleship specialist, stands with the junior high Bible Drill winners (left to right) Desiree Magnus, who finished in first place, and Kelly Woytkewicz and Mason Whitley, who tied for second place.
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“When they shut everything down for two weeks, that’s a big deal,” said Dickie Dunn, Baptist General Convention of Texas discipleship specialist.
Youth were separated into three divisions—junior and senior high school Bible Drill and senior high school speakers.
Drills helped the youth find systematic ways to memorize Scripture, learn Baptist doctrine and become more comfortable with public speaking, Dunn said.
Of the 81 students who competed, 39 made a perfect score. Students learn key passages and how to identify verses.
Ellen Battles, who has worked with Bible Drills for 30 years, said the difficulty level grows as students get older.
“They not only memorize (a verse); they have to find it,” Battles said.
Overall, the number of Bible Drill participants has declined somewhat, which Battles attributed to busy student schedules. But some churches and parents continue to give the program priority.
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“It’s a very serious commitment for everyone involved,” Battles said. “These kids are our future leaders of our church.”
The finals also served as an outlet to tell people about Texas Hope 2010, Dunn said. Texas Hope 2010 banners were displayed at regional events, and people gathered at the events were urged to sign them if they wanted to be involved with the statewide effort to share the gospel with every person in Texas by Easter 2010.
Desiree Magnus from West Maine Baptist Church in Alice placed first in the junior high school Bible Drill finals. Mason Whitley from West Maine Baptist in Alice tied with Kelly Woytkewicz from First Baptist Church in Lockhart for second place in the junior high category.
In the senior high school division, John LaGesse from West Maine Baptist in Alice and Branson Thompson from Mount Hebron Baptist Church in Garland tied for first place.
In the speakers’ tournament, Kyle Rainey from Cornerstone Baptist Church in Cleveland placed first and Jamie Lorenz from Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano took second place honors.
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