In celebrating Bible month in Guatemala, the Church of the Nazarene “Nazland” in Guatemala City held its first Bible Quiz for adults. Some 25 persons took part in the quiz, with ages ranging from 35 to 65 years old.
The event was held on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th August. Organized into 5 teams, participants studied the Gospel of Matthew from the New International Version.
Laura Campos, co-pastor of the church and wife of Pastor Wilmer Ac, said the competition took place in an atmosphere of color, laughter and great joy. “We are happy and proud of each quizzer and trainer who participated, memorized and worked hard to make this event possible. Glory to God for the holy scriptures and for a group of people who seek to know His truth!” said Campos.
Erika Franco, 56 years old and one of the participants shared: “At first I felt nervous and uncertain. It has been 30 years since I last participated in a competition and I was worried that I would not be able to memorize the texts; but I asked God for understanding to memorize, and each time I read the chapters, I felt God was speaking into my life.”
Josefina Ruíz, 58 years old, who achieved 2nd place in individual points, also shared: “This was definitely a new experience for me and it was really difficult to remember some things. There was one day when I thought that I could not memorize, but I prayed and then I felt like God gave me the strength and the wisdom to commit the verses to memory.”
As co-pastor Laura Campos explained, some of the most important achievements of this event were: intentionally involving adults in Bible study; familiarizing them with a different version of the Bible from what they are used to; and building a stronger atmosphere of unity and harmony among the adults.
On Sunday, family members of the quizzers were invited and for many of them it was their first time coming to the church. “The Sunday service was full, like it had not been for a long time,” said Campos. Since they were expecting this, pastor of the church Wilmer Ac prepared and shared an encouraging message of the good news of salvation.
Nohé Pérez, Bible Quiz Coordinator for Guatemala, was in attendance as judge and special guest of the event.
Campos said they would like to be able to host this event next year, as they have seen the many ways God has blessed them.
Source: Communications Team, Church of the Nazarene Nazland
