Ohio Baptist Brings Home Gold

It seems fitting that the Golden Isles along the Georgia coast held a little piece of gold for one of the Ohio representatives to the National Invitational Tournament for Youth and High School Bible Drill and Youth Speakers on June 22^nd. For Julia Bonifield, this gold came in the form of a first place trophy for the Youth Bible Drill. I am extremely proud of both of the Ohio Bible Drillers, Julia Bonifield (Youth Drill) from First Baptist Church of Kettering and Alexa Hershey (High School Drill) from Jersey Baptist Church, who participated in the National Drill. Just to have made it to the National Drill is quite an accomplishment in itself, but to compete with poise and steady hands in front of a larger crowd is very commendable.

Here is the announcement for Julia’s award that was placed in her association’s newsletter. It was submitted by Kimberly Kubik, Bible Drill Coordinator of First Baptist Church of Kettering.

 Julia Bonifield of First Baptist Church of Kettering was declared winner of the Youth Division at the National Invitational Tournament last Friday in Brunswick, Georgia. Shocking those from the Bible Belt, Julia competed against 11 other entrants and was one of the two high scorers – making her a national champion.

  There was an audible tittering at the pre-competition banquet when Ohio was announced as present. Some seemed to think that Ohio is on the northern side of Canada. However, everyone was gracious and congratulatory as Julia posed for pictures and continuously gave the glory and honor to God. Congratulations Julia. May God continue to bless you as you honor Him!

At the National Tournament I had the opportunity to watch students from all over the country reciting the Word of God. There is no better feeling than to know that these students, who may occupy themselves with most anything, choose to occupy their time with studying and memorizing the Scriptures. Every student I observed had such a sweet spirit and I know this is because the Holy Spirit indwells them and they have been blessed with their efforts.

Congratulations, Julia and Alexa, on your accomplishments at the National Invitational Tournament. You have done the state of Ohio proud in representing us. As you move on, whether it is to college or to the next level in Bible Drill, always remember and hide in your heart the things you have learned through this experience. Know that God will use what you have worked so diligently on and will bless you. This is a prize worth far more than gold or any trophy you could earn.

State Bible Drills are supported by Mission Ohio Cooperative Program Giving.