Baptist and Reflector
MOUNT JULIET — The 2018 Bible Drill season culminated at the Missions Mobilization Center in Mount Juliet on May 5 with the Youth and High School State Bible Drills.
For the 17 State Drillers, their journey to this event began many months before, said Donna Blaydes, childhood specialist for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board.
The state drillers joined approximately 1,300 other 4th through 12th grade students, who participated in Children, Youth and High School Bible Drill at the church level throughout Tennessee Baptist churches. “These drillers were actively involved in learning God’s Word. As they memorized Scripture verses, the reference of key passages, steps to salvation, and Scripture defending what they believe, their love for the Bible increased and the Word became a part of them,” Blaydes said.
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High School regional winners are, from left, (front row): Abigail Ramage, Piney Grove Baptist Church, Henderson; Nicole Clarke, Third Baptist Church, Murfreesboro; Amanda Huggins, Unaka Avenue Baptist, Johnson City; Mary Helen Whitley, Liberty Baptist Church, Somerville; (back row) Jackson Smith, Westside Baptist Chiurch, McMinnville; Hannah Scarbrough, East Athens Baptist Church, Athens; Sophia Hayes, Broadway Baptist Church, Maryville, Chilhowee; and Hope Bone, First Baptist Church, Columbia.
“Bible Drill is an intentional discipleship plan that teaches drillers the importance of honesty, self-discipline, personal integrity, and how to apply God’s Word to their everyday lives,” she added.
Blaydes said the fourth Saturday of April is “one of my favorite Saturdays of the year because I know that kids and students are gathering at regional drills across our state and boldly demonstrating their knowledge of the Bible and the Scriptures they have memorized.
Children who gave at least 16 correct answers at their associational drill were eligible to participate in the regional/state drill. Children compete for a personal rating. This year, 70 percent of the state regional drillers received the highest rating, State Superior Winner. Youth and High School Bible drillers who received a minimum of 200 points in their association drill were eligible to advance to their regional Bible drill. At the regional level, drillers are competing for the top score in order to represent their regional at the state Bible drill.
Blaydes observed that the work by Tennessee Bible drillers this year “will have an impact on your lives now and in the future. Keep spending time in God’s Word,” she challenged.
For more information on Bible Drill, contact Blaydes at dblaydes@tnbaptist.org or 865-850-0455.
