Competitions Across the Country

It’s been an epic two and a half weeks!  From May 2 through 18, Sérgio, Stélio and I traversed the country, putting in 2300 miles, over both highways and dirt roads, on my hardy pickup, and staying in pastors’ homes along the way.  Our assignment was to hold seven Scripture memory contests for our new Bible bee at the district level in four provinces, and by God’s grace it was accomplished!

Contestant turnout was only 25% of the 210 pre-registered for these competitions, and half of those competitors hadn’t even pre-registered.  Though most had memorized only a fraction of the hundred passages on our list, they showed enough effort that we sent 40 of the 53 upward to the provincial level.  We admonished them to study harder in preparation for these competitions in August.

In the next six weeks, volunteers around the country will hold thirteen more district competitions in the remaining six provinces, using procedures refined by our experience.  Pray that the events will run smoothly and justly, with robust participation.  Pray also for wisdom and resources to effectively execute the provincial contests in August and the national competition in December, as well as publicity for next year.  Most of all, pray that God would bring many to faith in Christ through their memorization of His precious Word.