Hosting a National Bible Bee (NBB) summer study group is a great way to get involved in your community and instill a love for the Lord and His Word through fellowship with other families participating in the summer study. Whether you are new to the National Bible Bee or have been participating for several years now, hosting a summer study group creates a fun and encouraging environment where families can build friendships and motivate each other through the summer study.
Two NBB hosts, Scott Zachary and Jennifer Doonan, both from the Dallas-Fort Worth TX area, have joined the blog to share about their hosting experience and provide encouragement to those who are already hosting or participating in the summer study, as well as to those who are considering hosting a summer study group.
Hello Mr. Zachary, welcome to the National Bible Bee blog! We would love to hear you share some of your experiences over the past years as an NBB host.
When did you begin hosting a summer study group?
I began hosting a summer study group in 2021.
What inspired you/your family to host?
I was inspired to host a local summer study group after our family had participated in another local host group for the previous nine years. We had enjoyed our time together as a family each summer in the various Bible studies and in fellowship with other local families. Our children also qualified for the National Bible Bee competition in a few of those years and we deeply appreciated our time with other families from around the country who treasured the word of God and who wanted to encourage their children to hide God’s word in their heart.
How has hosting impacted your family and community?
Hosting a local Bible Bee group is an opportunity to serve the Lord Jesus. I want to be a faithful steward of the children that God has entrusted to my wife and I and we both see hosting as a door to serving our local neighbors. I know that our family has also formed several valued friendships with other Bible Bee families over the years. Our children and our neighbors in our local community have had the opportunity to memorize many Bible passages and to reinforce biblical truths that we learn at home and in our local churches. God’s Word is truly a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path (Psalm 119:105). We understand that the grass withers and the flower fades, but the word of God stands forever (Isaiah 40:8). The Bible points us to the Savior. Jesus is our only hope individually. He is our only hope as a family, as a church, and He is the only true hope for our neighbors. Whatever good has come, is by His Spirit through the proclaiming and living out of His word. We are an imperfect family. But He is the sinless Savior, the Good Shepherd, who calls His sheep. We believe that His sheep hear His voice and they follow Him. We trust that God continues to call a people to Himself from every tribe, tongue and nation – and that He is doing so even today in and around our local Bible Bee group in Southlake, TX. The impact is an eternal one as we labor for the precious souls of our children and our neighbors.
What is a favorite aspect of your host group meetings?
My favorite aspect of hosting a local Bible Bee group is watching the rising generation of young boys and girls grow in their knowledge and understanding of their Bible.
Do you have any tips for newer hosts?
My primary counsel to newer hosts would be to glorify the Lord Jesus through your time in God’s word this summer. His Word is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). The word of God called Lazarus from the grave. He continues to call spiritually dead people to life (Ephesians 2:1) in our own day and we want to be faithful stewards who encourage our children and our neighbors to know Him and to make Him known.
How would you encourage someone who is considering hosting a summer study group?
I would encourage others to prayerfully consider how God may be opening a door to serve their local neighbors in the summer. Children are out of their typical schooling routines for three months and free of many of the typical daily commitments that often dominate daily life. It is a unique season where many local families are seeking help with managing the additional free time available to their children. Hosting a local Bible Bee group is a tremendous opportunity to serve the Lord and our neighbors that carries an eternal impact. His Word will not return to Him void without its purpose being fulfilled (Isaiah 55:11). an NBB host, and hear any encouragement you might have to give to other NBB families.
Hi Mrs. Doonan, thank you for taking the time to share a bit about your family’s National Bible Bee experience. This will definitely be an encouragement to newer families who may consider hosting.
Can you describe your family’s NBB participant journey for us?
In 2017 we were on vacation and I saw an advertisement for Bible Bee. It looked so wonderful and it was in line with our desire to have our children memorize God’s Word. We signed up and were very excited!! There was no host group in Midland, Texas and so we signed up to be the Host group. We really had no idea what we were doing but we were very excited to begin the journey. We had a wonderful time participating and hosting. Our oldest qualified that year and we went to Nationals. It was such an amazing and inspiring time. Our children made friends and really looked up to other contestants. This spurred our children to want to memorize more and more. Fast forward years later, we are still doing Bible Bee, still hosting, and still going to nationals! It’s such a wonderful experience for our family. Each one of our children knows so many scriptures and how to Study God’s word! Bible Bee was a huge instrument for our family to grow and thrive in God’s Word!!
When did you begin hosting a summer study group?
2017
How would you encourage someone who is considering hosting a summer study group?
Just go for it!! It’s fantastic!! You won’t regret it!
Interview by NBB Alumna: Emma Fernandez
