Over the years, AST members have collectively spent several decades at the National Bible Bee Competition at locations all over the country. As nationals is right around the corner, we wanted to feature some of their favorite memories from their time as competitors!
Anabel: Some of my most treasured memories are backstage during semifinals and finals, praying with fellow contestants. In those moments, we weren’t thinking about placement or pressure — we were just seeking the Lord together, and relying on Him. Those times of prayer in the midst of a big stage and bright lights are something I’ll always treasure.
What a great reminder of our goal at nationals – to seek the Lord and glorify Him, no matter how the competition goes!
Angel: A favorite memory of mine was in 2021, my first year of Nationals, I learned to play Dutch Blitz and played for a long time with a big group of BBers! (A bigger group of BBers playing Dutch Blitz = Lots of fun!!)
Dutch Blitz is one of those nationals classics – look for the flying blue, green, red, and yellow cards and you’ll probably find a game nearby!
Emma:
I have so many amazing memories from studying for NBB during the summer/fall, attending local host groups, and reuniting with lifelong friends at the National Bible Bee Competition. The community found at each national event is one of a kind, and so is the competition. Though everyone is a competitor, there is so much encouragement and cheering on for others, as the true prize is really proclaiming God’s Word and growing closer to Him. No one is treated as an “opponent,” but a fellow competitor who is a brother or sister in Christ. With that said, my favorite moments at NBBC are the opening ceremony and semi-finals/perfect oralist announcement events, as all the contestants and their families gather to worship and celebrate the accomplishments of the qualifiers, encouraging each other even amidst any disappointment.. A core memory each year is also anxiously awaiting the start of the events and cheering together when the countdown video begins on the screens!
Emma’s perspective is one for everyone to keep in mind – we come together as brothers and sisters in Christ first and foremost.
Faith: One of the most memorable moments for me was in orals of 2023. It was my last year and I was really hoping to get perfect orals. However, I put too much confidence in myself and my ability to recite. When I practiced with my mom the day before orals, I came to Psalm 139:4 which says, “For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold, O LORD, You know it altogether.” I realized that God already knew what I was going to say and whether or not I would get perfect orals. The next day in orals, I got one passage after another perfect, and then I came to Psalm 139, and made a mistake on that exact verse. I started over and made another mistake. I teared up a little, not because of disappointment, but because I knew that God was teaching me.
What a lesson to learn, and how good God is to teach lessons from His Word – far more important than the outcome of a score!
Julia:
One of my favorite memories is actually a moment that I had dreaded for the longest time. Waiting my turn in prelims always had my stomach in knots. For the entire 2018 nationals season, I prayed that I would get to be one of the first people to recite in my group. At registration in San Antonio, I remember my heart sinking as I got my lanyard: I was one of the last to recite. On the day of prelims, I anxiously went to my room and sat down against the wall, dreading the next hour. It was then that I met Josie, whose bright smile was contagious as we started talking. We quickly bonded over using NASB and recited passages to each other, making the time fly by. God heard my prayer but answered it in a way that was far better than I could’ve ever asked or imagined. Instead of giving me a short oral recitation wait time, He gave me one of my best friends in life who has been the goodness of God to me for the past seven years!
God will bring the right people into your life at the right time – even if it’s during a long wait time. There are many new friends to make!
Kailyn:
By far, just the friendships I’ve received from the National Bible Bee! I have met so many wonderful people through my local host group as well as the National competition. And these are definitely the BEST friends I’ve ever made, because they are friendships that are built upon a love of God’s Word and a desire to serve Him in everything we do! So many girls I’ve met through the competition have been by my side for 6-8 years, constantly reaching out to encourage me, pray for me, and to have the best discussions and conversations ever! I even met my fiance through the National Bible Bee! God has brought so many amazing people into my life through this competition. I encourage everyone who goes to a host group or the National competition to not get SO caught up in studying that you forget to make connections and fellowship with fellow believers. Having godly friends by your side as you study and prepare is so helpful, whether it’s helping you dive into the content through debates and discussions or helping you memorize by listening to you recite your passages! The Bible commands us to join in fellowship with one another, so don’t ever leave out that important aspect of your spiritual walk!
Once again, a beautiful reminder of the fellowship and friendship the Lord provides at nationals. You never know who you’ll end up meeting!
Maret: My favorite memories from NBB are probably from the competition. It’s so special to be able to fellowship with friends who really love and prioritize God’s word, and also to have friendly competition! Praying backstage together before events started would have to be one of my favorite memories.
There aren’t many national competitions that have people praying together, but it’s a blessing to do so at nationals!
Philip: The impromptu hymn sings each year are amazing – so many people worshipping God together!
Listen for the good harmonies in random places and times, the hymn sings are something you don’t want to miss!
Rachael: I don’t think I have one specific favorite! Many of my favorite memories are from times at Nationals with friends. There is always a lot of pressure involved in competition, ever more if you are a competitive person. But being surrounded by people who love God’s Word and are committed to making Him known brought peace to my heart every time I competed. It’s very special when you can be in a competition but be pointed to Christ by the people you are competing with.
Rachael’s reminder is an important one – keep your eyes on Jesus and trust Him for the peace throughout the competition. Let the countdown begin!
Written by NBB Alumna: Julia Cagasan
