Meet Faith Anema, one of the members of the 2025 NBB Alumni Service Team! Here are some quick facts to help you get to know Faith:
Where she’s from: Demotte, IN
Age: 20
NBB Participation: 10 years (2 years as an NBBC contestant)
Fun facts:
- I love traveling anywhere and everywhere
- I love playing piano
- I love to do anything artsy and crafty
What she’s doing now:
I have been working on an organic vegetable farm since I was 15!
Hi, Faith! Welcome to the National Bible Bee Blog. Tell us about your NBB journey!
How did your family first become involved in the National Bible Bee?
My mom saw an ad in the WORLD magazine and decided to sign our family up in 2013. We participated in a really great local [host] group that year. My brother made it to nationals the next year and after that we were hooked!
Do you have a favorite National Bible Bee theme or study passage from the years you participated? Why is it one of your favorites?
One of my favorite themes was Thrive in 2018. I loved getting to study and memorize the book of James.
With the many verses you have memorized over the years, do you happen to have a favorite Bible verse?
I have always loved Romans 8:35-39. It talks about how nothing can separate us from the love of God! This is so comforting when in the midst of trial or when losing a loved one. It’s also a reminder that the world and the devil cannot separate us from the love of God no matter how hard they try.
What have you found to be your favorite ways to study Scripture?
I love finding scenic spots to study, so that I can be surrounded by God’s creation. It’s amazing how you can see His power in every single detail and His creativity in the variety of His creations.
I’ve also found that accountability is a big help for consistency and perseverance. I am fairly competitive, so having someone who is pushing me forward has helped a lot.
Can you share a favorite moment you’ve experienced while studying for NBB or attending the National Bible Bee Competition?
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 would you say to a participant who is newer to NBB and/or competing at Nationals for the first time?
Just give it a try and relax and have fun. Yes, NBB is a competition, but it’s also a way to grow in your faith and knowledge of the Bible. It’s also a great way to make friends who are like-minded and passionate about studying God’s word.
Interview by NBB Alumna: Emma Fernandez
