West Venezuela Union Finalist Takes the Win in Inter-America’s Annual Bible Connection

November 19, 2022 | Montego Bay, Jamaica | Libna Stevens, Inter-American Division News

It took a few seconds for Antony Guevara of the West Venezuela Union to hear his name announced as the top winner at this year’s Inter-America’s territory-wide Bible Connection Final competition held earlier today from Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Finalists representing each of the 24 unions of the Inter-American Division (IAD) territory answered 96 questions on the Book of Revelation and several chapters of the Great Controversy—a book written by Adventist co-founder Ellen G. White.

Guevara, 23, who was unable to travel to Jamaica due to visa issues, was watching his computer screen when his name was called. He had been battling with internet connection right before the competition began, but he pushed through and cracked a smile while a crowd of finalists, leaders and church members applauded his accomplishment from the Noel Fraser Auditorium in West Jamaica. He scored 1,195 total points after in a time of 15:20.

Guevara, who is a teacher at the Yaritagua Adventist School in his home country, won a brand-new computer, a medal, certificate, a trophy, a tablet and will get to choose a scholarship from three available Adventist universities in the territory.

Daniela Lobaina, 23, of Cuba could be seen nervously moving on her seat in front of her computer awaiting the results when she heard her name as the second place winner. She wiped her tears of joy and was embraced by several persons who were near her computer monitor. She too was not able to travel to Jamaica and had to answer bible questions online.

Lobanina took the second spot with a score of 1,195 points and a completion time of 18:10. Lobaina, who is a violinist and cellist in her home country, will get to choose a scholarship. She will receive an iPad a medal, certificate, trophy, and tablet and an iPad.

José Segura of the Panama Union grabbed the third-place spot with a total score of 1,185 points, completed in 21:17. Segura, 19, is studying a degree in education and chemistry will also have the opportunity to choose a scholarship at one of three Adventist Universities participating in the prizes this year. He won an iPhone as well as a trophy, medal, certificate and a tablet.

The three universities offering scholarships and partial scholarships included: Montemorelos University, in Mexico, offering a one year scholarship; Colombia Adventist University in Medellin, Colombia offering a one-year scholarship; and the Northern Caribbean University, in Jamaica – 50 percent of a four-year scholarship.

The bible competition becomes the 19th annual event that aims to engage thousands of children and young people in reading and studying designated bible books every year and compete at their churches, districts, conference, missions, and union levels.

“You are all winners here,” said Pastor Al Powell, youth ministries director for the IAD. “We’re excited to see that you excelled to get to this point and come out knowing the Word of God better and looking into a brighter future.”

Powell stated how happy he was to see most of the finalists participate in person with their youth ministries leaders after holding online finale events during the 2020-2021 pandemic years.

The grand finale competition program included music, prayer, and spiritual messages, before finalists answered five rounds of questions.

To watch the live stream of Inter-America’s Bible Connection program, go to webcast.interamerica.org