Meet Caleb Urdaneta, a National Bible Bee Competition Alumnus. Caleb participated in the NBBC for thirteen years, from 2011 to 2023. Now that his time in the National Bible Bee has concluded, he is a junior in college in pursuit of a Biblical Languages degree. He is also serving the Lord through The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry. In his free time he enjoys reading, running, and watching sports.
Hi Caleb! Welcome to the Bible Bee Blog! I’m excited to interview you about your time in the NBBC and how it has left an impact on your life.
What is one of your favorite memories from your time in the NBBC?
One of my favorite memories is praying with fellow contestants backstage. Even in the most intense moments of the competition, it was such a blessing to encourage and be encouraged by my brothers and sisters in Christ. This is a special part of the NBBC that you usually won’t find in other competitions. I encourage you to take advantage of the opportunity to become friends with your fellow contestants.
What was your favorite aspect of the NBBC study, and why?
My favorite aspect was the independent aspect of studying. The NBBC helped me learn how to study the Bible on my own and to work hard while doing so, which continues to benefit me even now. Study books and commentaries are helpful, but they cannot replace learning how to study the Bible for yourself. Study hard, so that you will not be ashamed and can rightly divide the Word (2 Timothy 2:15).
What is a passage/passages that has been an encouragement to you in your time after participating in NBBC?
Psalm 119:44-48 is a passage I learned while in the NBBC, and it still greatly impacts me to this day: “So I will keep Your law continually, Forever and ever. And I will walk in a wide place, For I seek Your precepts. I will also speak of Your testimonies before kings And I shall not be ashamed. I shall delight in Your commandments, Which I love. And I shall lift up my hands to Your commandments, Which I love; And I will muse on Your statutes.” The NBBC is a wonderful season of life, but it is temporary. However, delighting in and loving God’s Word should characterize the rest of your life. Doing the NBBC helped cultivate in me a deeper love for the Word of God. This has kept me in His Word and encouraged me to keep pressing on in my study and memorization of it. The Bible still brings me greater and greater joy through the years.
What is a piece of advice you would give to this year’s participants?
I encourage you to study for the Lord’s glory, not your own. Don’t be stressed out or overly focused on the competition. The competition’s prizes and glory will fade, but God’s Word endures forever. Learning God’s Word more and knowing God more are the true rewards from the NBBC. May you have a blessed time studying and competing, and may the Lord guide you all your days by His living and active Word.
Thank you again, Caleb!
Interview by NBB Alumna: Rachael English
