South Central American Union Finalist Wins Inter-America’s Annual Bible Connection Competition

November 20, 2021 | Miami, Florida, United States | Libna Stevens, Inter-America Division News

Yerid Ruíz of the South Central American Union was crowned top winner of Inter-America’s territory-wide Bible Connection competition this year held online today. Ruíz, 21, who is from Nicaragua, had an emotional moment when his name was announced as the winner during the annual event hosted from Chiapas, Mexico.

Ruíz, led with a score of 1,000 total points, beating 23 other regional finalists in the 18^th annual event held across the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Inter-America. He answered all 80 questions in a time 9:19. Ruíz is studying tourism and hotel administration in his home country and chose a one-year scholarship in Montemorelos University in North Mexico among his top-winner prizes.

Jennifer Córdoba of the Panama Union trailed behind by a few seconds taking the second spot with a score of 1,000 points and a completion time of 9:58. Córdoba, 17, who is studying science and technology in Panama will get to choose from four other Adventist universities throughout Inter-America offering scholarships to the top three winners.

Samuel Montaño of the East Venezuela Union grabbed the third spot with a total score of 995 points, completed in 5:51 minutes. Montaño, 18, is studying engineering in chemical processes will also have the opportunity to choose a scholarship of at one of the four Adventist universities participating in the prizes this year.

The four universities offering scholarships included:

Northern Caribbean University, in Jamaica – 4 years full scholarship

Central American Adventist University, in Costa Rica – 4 years full scholarship

Linda Vista University, in Mexico – partial scholarship for first four years

Colombia Adventist University, in Colombia – one-year full scholarship

All 24 finalists participating this year also will receive prizes for taking part in this year’s finale competition, said Pastor Al Powell, youth ministries director for the church in Inter-America.

“This Bible Connection is all about getting more young people in forming the habit of studying their bibles and drawing important life lessons as they face daily challenges in their lives,” said Powell. “Everyone who has participated this year is a winner because you all have been studying the Bible for a whole year.”

Finalists answered 80 multiple choice questions on 5, 10, 15 and 20 points on the books of Psalms 1-46 and its corresponding chapters from Adventist co-founder Ellen. G. White’s Patriarchs and Prophets, chapters 62,64, 71 and 73.  The online two-and-a-half-hour program connected the finalists during the live event.

Powell announced next year’s Bible Connect competition is scheduled for in-person finale in Cartagena, Colombia. The books to study for next year’s competitions from Adventurers, Pathfinders and Master Guides level include the Book of Revelation, Chapters 1-22, as well as several chapters of Ellen G. White’s “The Great Controversy.”

The grand finale competition program included music, prayer, and spiritual messages.

To view the Inter-America’s Bible Connection Final Competition visit:

HERE for English

HERE for Spanish

HERE for French