We’re back for another Alumni Service Team member introduction, Philip Minica! Here are some quick facts to help you get to know Philip:
Where he’s from: San Antonio, TX
Age: 21
NBB Participation: I participated in the summer study for 12 years from 2011-2022, I qualified for nationals four times.
Fun facts:
- I am the fourth oldest in a family of eleven kids!
- For a few years I ran my own dog breeding business!
- I learned about a car’s transmission by pulling the one off of my truck and rebuilding it!
- I once slept for over 16 hours straight!
What he’s doing now: I currently work as a carpenter for a general contractor who does residential remodeling.
Hi Philip! Welcome to the National Bible Bee Blog, we’re excited to hear about your NBB journey! How did you first start participating in the National Bible Bee?
My family heard about Bible Bee back in 2009 when it started, my older sister got 3rd place in primaries that year. Ever since then, all of us have done the summer study each year!
What’s a lesson you learned from your time in the National Bible Bee that has practically influenced your life?
God will never leave us nor forsake us! I’ve memorized many many verses over my Bible Bee career, and although I couldn’t recite them all perfectly today, they’re still hidden in my heart, and there’ve been so many times where I’ve been in a troubling or stressful situation, and God brought the perfect verse to my mind to help me in that specific situation.
From the time you’ve spent in Scripture over the years, do you have a favorite verse or chapter of the Bible?
Oh there’s so many! But my favorite recently has been James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him.
If you could only have a copy of one book of the Bible for the rest of your life, which book would you choose?
I think I would choose the gospel of John, it’s an amazing book that summarizes the gospel message and also tells us a lot about Jesus.
What’s one of your favorite memories from the National Bible Bee, either from studying, a local meeting, or nationals?
The impromptu hymn sings each year are amazing – so many people worshipping God together!
If you could be described like any person in the Bible (besides Jesus), who would it be and why?
I would be honored to be described like Daniel, he had so much courage and trust in God he was willing to go to the den of lions. Also, the wisdom that God gave him is truly inspiring!
Before you go, is there one thing you’ve taken away/learned from competing in the National Bible Bee Competition that you would like to share with everyone?
Nothing is beyond God, if something is in his will for you, he will give you the strength and wisdom to accomplish it! All you have to do is trust him and pray.
Interview by NBB Alumna: Julia Cagasan
