Congratulations to all 2023 National Bible Bee Competition (NBBC) contestants! Let’s take a moment to hear from each winner about their experiences in the NBBC this year.
Alistair Lake
Hi Alistair! How do you feel about winning the Primary division?
I still can’t believe it because I was not really expecting that I would win. I set a goal this year to get the Perfect Orals Award and I was happy that I got it, and the rest was an unexpected blessing from God. It was very special because I got to share the stage with my brother. I will never forget that experience.
What is it like to compete with/against your brother?
It was very exciting and quite hard because I know he really worked hard this year. It is such a blessing to be able to study together and quiz each other. Also, I realized how the older siblings can influence the younger ones. If the younger siblings see that the older ones are excited/eager to study God’s Word, they get excited too. I think for my brother and I, the blessing was both ways. I was so encouraged by his diligence and I hope I was able to encourage him too.
Do you have a favorite memory passage? Why is it your favorite?
I like Exodus 14:27-29 where God was helping the Israelites cross the Red Sea. I always enjoy reading about God’s miracles and this passage shows how powerful and sovereign He is. Only God can do something like that.
What is something you learned through studying God’s Word this year?
I learned from studying the Book of Romans that the Gospel is for anyone who believes. It doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or Greek. It doesn’t matter the things you have done in the past. What matters is that you repent and turn to Christ.
What was the NBBC like for you this year?
NBBC was hard for me this year. The Book of Romans is not an easy book to study, but I am so grateful that we studied it because I learned a lot and it solidified the things that we studied as a family in the past.
Were there any particularly memorable moments (besides winning, obviously)? Was there a specific moment that really blessed you?
I have thoroughly enjoyed the fellowship with friends who have become family to us over the years. I am especially thankful for the time I got to spend with some friends from our church who also qualified and also friends who came to support those who qualified for NBB. I also enjoyed being backstage and talking with fellow contestants and the Alumni Service Team. They were all very encouraging and fun to be with.
What would you say to someone who is considering participating in Bible Bee for the first time?
I would say that it will be a lot of work and you will need to spend a lot of time studying, but all those hours will not be in vain. Also, it is really fun to go to Nationals, make friends, and meet like-minded families. It is a very valuable experience. Lastly, if anyone is thinking of competing for Nationals, do it for the praise of God and not for the praise of men. (Romans 2:29) Trust the Lord in the process and pray that His Word speaks to you as you study.
Thank you, Alistair! In closing, Do you have any encouragement for people who might be feeling disappointed by the results of this year’s competition?
Try to focus on the things you have learned and how much you have learned through the Bible Bee study, and not so much on being successful in the competition. Keep studying God’s Word even after the competition!
Viann Oggi
Hi Viaan! How do you feel about winning the Junior Finals?
I feel really good! I feel like I have just done a really big achievement. Since I am only 11, I will be advancing to the Senior division at age 12. Maybe I am the youngest senior in history!
What was your favorite part about the competition this year?
Finals! And, making new friends.
What did you learn through studying God’s Word this year? What was your favorite memory passage?
We should follow Jesus. He is speaking to us through His Word and we should listen to Him. One of my favorite memory passages is Psalm 104 because it shows us what God has made and why we should praise Him.
O Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches. So is this great and wide sea, wherein are things creeping innumerable, both small and great beasts. There go the ships: there is that leviathan, whom thou hast made to play therein. These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give them their meat in due season. That thou givest them they gather: thou openest thine hand, they are filled with good. Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust. Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of the earth. The glory of the Lord shall endure forever: the Lord shall rejoice in his works. He looketh on the earth, and it trembleth: he toucheth the hills, and they smoke. I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the Lord. Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless thou the Lord, O my soul. Praise ye the Lord. (Psalm 104:24-35)
Thank you, Viaan! In closing, what words of advice would you give a first-year NBB contestant?
The National Bible Bee is a really fun experience. You get to know new people, make great friends, and memorize many passages of God’s Word. You learn a lot of things through God’s Word, so you should keep doing it as long as you can.
Caleb Urdaneta
Hi Caleb! Winning the National Bible Bee is a huge accomplishment—was it extremely unexpected for you? Now that there’s been a bit of time after the competition, how would you describe your time competing this year?
While I especially wanted to win this year, I knew that it was certainly no guarantee. It was not as big of a surprise when it happened, but looking back now, I remember so many obstacles. I’m so grateful to God for allowing me to win because I know I don’t deserve it and I couldn’t have done it on my own. It is all because of Him. Competing this year was different than all the other years because I got a part-time job, which limited my studying time. I also was not very diligent and focused. But I really enjoyed the competition. It was a great blessing to compete one last time before going to college. I also enjoyed competing with so many friends I’ve made over the years. They’re not my rivals; they’re brothers and sisters in Christ who are seeking the same goal I am: to know God and to make Him known.
How many years have you participated in the National Bible Bee, and what prompted you to begin? And now that you’ve aged out of NBB, is there one overarching theme that the LORD has taught you throughout your entire time participating?
I’ve participated in the National Bible Bee for twelve years (since I was six years old). I think I started participating just because my older brother had been doing it. I wasn’t a Christian yet, so I didn’t have a desire to study God’s Word (at least with the right motives). Little did I know where the National Bible Bee would take me… I’ve learned so much through the National Bible Bee, but what stands out above all else is that my whole life is all about God. Everything that happens to me and everything I do is for His glory and for my good (Romans 8:28), including NBB. When I first started participating, I was just doing it to do well in the competition. But the Lord has been changing my heart over the years. Now, I’m not doing the National Bible Bee ultimately to compete and certainly not to bring glory to myself. I am doing it to bring glory to Him, know Him more, and make Him known to others. I still struggle with exalting myself and not Him, but He is gracious and He is sanctifying me.
Throughout your time studying over those many years, I’m sure you faced times when you felt burned out and wanted to give up. What would you do in those times? What is your main encouragement to others who have felt stuck in that place of being overwhelmed?
I’ve felt discouraged many times when studying for the National Bible Bee, thinking that there’s too much to study and that I just can’t go on. Many times I failed to trust in the Lord, but He continued to sustain me. He taught me not to do it in my own strength, but to rely on Him. My encouragement for when you’re in those times is to seek the Lord in prayer and surrender your studying to Him. He will help you and give you the endurance you need. Remember that He is gracious, as well. Many times I failed to do these things, but He was still faithful.
Thank you so much for sharing with us, Caleb! Are there any other final thoughts or encouragements you’d like to leave us with?
If you’re a contestant, don’t put your hope in earthly treasures, like the competition (Matthew 6:19-21). The competition and everything else on earth will disappoint you. Put your hope in Christ, because only He can satisfy you. Compete to know Him and make Him known. If you’re aged out of NBB, do everything with that same goal. The National Bible Bee has been a great means to that end, but I know that the Lord will provide other means for me now. To all of you, wherever you go and whatever you do, keep fixing your eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2)!
Interviews by NBB Alumna: Bethany Boone, Janese Hurst, and Rachel Sheppard
