Texas Bible Bowl features tests on Moses, plus games, sports, fellowship and devos

MARBLE FALLS, Texas — Caleb Kirkwood, a high school junior, certainly impressed judges at the recent fourth annual Texas Bible Bowl.
Kirkwood, who attends McDermott Road Church of Christ in Plano, Texas, correctly answered 232 of 250 questions regarding the life of Moses.
More than 150 children and teenagers studied 1,622 verses from the books of Exodus, Numbers and Deuteronomy to prepare for the event, held at Camp of the Hills.
“These kids know their Bible,” said event coordinator Paul Hendrickson of the Hawley Church of Christ in Texas. “What a blessing they are, not to the future of our churches, but to the church right now.”

Students take tests at the Texas Bible Bowl. PHOTO PROVIDED

Competitors were separated into four divisions according to age. Students in sixth grade or lower competed in the elementary division; students in seventh grade through ninth grade competed in the junior division; high school students competed in the senior division; and older participants competed in the adult division.

But event organizers said the Texas Bible Bowl is about more than competition. Throughout the weekend, participants are encouraged to “spur each other on” and view each other as family in Christ. Beyond Bible Bowl activities, games, sports, fellowship and devotionals play a key role in the camaraderie.
Event coordinator Nick Schroeder of the Magnolia Church of Christ in Texas said the event is similar to summer camp. Some travel from up to seven hours away to participate.
“This is not your ordinary Bible Bowl,” he said.  
Many churches host celebrations for participating students. Jessica Hooks, coach of a team from the Memorial Church of Christ in Houston, said her congregation held a party — complete with pizza, cake and buzzer Bible Bowl games — to encourage students to keep participating in Scripture-focused events.
Eight students from the Memorial church participated this year. The congregation covered all expenses for students.
“It is important that we encourage our young people to pursue God,” Hooks said.