Three words that are commonly used to describe Rachel are thoughtful, encouraging, and caring. She is passionate about living life to the fullest with an eternal perspective.
Here are a few fun facts about Rachel…
- Age: 20
- Home state: Florida
- Favorite thing about Florida: The access to various bodies of water
- Siblings: She is the 2nd oldest of 6 siblings
- Favorite hobbies: Crocheting, reading, baking, cooking, walking/running, playing the piano and cello, and spending time with family and friends
Let’s get to know Rachel a bit more!
How many years did you participate in the National Bible Bee before becoming an alumna?
I participated in the National Bible Bee from 2018-2021.
How did you first hear about NBB, and what got you to begin participating?
I first heard about the NBBC through the Homeschool Legal Defense Association. One day in the spring of 2018, I was browsing a list of scholarships on their website. The National Bible Bee caught my eye. After watching a few videos of participants reciting God’s Word passionately, I was amazed, and after talking with my parents, I registered myself and my siblings that evening. I was blessed to participate in the senior division for four years and experience how the NBBC and time in God’s Word can change one’s life.
What is one of your favorite Bible passages, and why?
Oh, this is a great question! My favorite passage (at the moment!) is 2 Timothy 2:11-13. I love this passage because of the comforting promises it provides. In verses 11 and 12, we see that when we die with Christ, we will live with Him, and when we suffer, we will reign with Him. Our God truly is the rewarder of those who seek Him. But my favorite part comes from verse 13. It says, “If we believe not, yet He abideth faithful.” The faithfulness of Christ supersedes our unfaithfulness, and nothing we do can change that! What a beautiful truth.
How did the NBB impact your life, and what was your biggest takeaway from the program?
From participating as a contestant to serving on the Alumni Service Team, the National Bible Bee has impacted my life in many ways! My biggest takeaway from this program has been noticing the power of the word of God. In 2018 as I studied the book of James focusing on the theme “Thrive,” I learned that God’s Word holds the power of complete comfort. While examining various Psalms in 2019, I found that God’s Word gives us the power to worship amid all circumstances. Studying the life of Joseph in 2020, I learned that the word of God gives us the strength to trust Him for the entirety of our lives. And in my last year, 2021, I realized that God’s holy Word empowers us to be a witness for Him in this world.
What would you say to someone participating in the NBB for the first time?
I would tell a first-year participant to begin their season in NBB with a mindset fixed on Christ. You can have fun and even advance in the competition, but your greatest reward will be found in the words of God that you apply to your life. Countless times the Lord has brought passages to mind that I memorized while participating and used the wisdom in those verses to guide me in various situations. Prizes will vanish, friendships may fade, but the Word of the Lord will endure forever.
Written by NBB Alumna: Bethany Boone
