FBC Allen students take first place in State Bible Drill and Speakers’ Tournament

(Pictured above) First place winners at the Texas Baptists Bible Drill and Speaker’s Tournament were all from First Baptist Church of Allen, including (left to right) Gracie Daugherty, Anna Kemp and Katie Davidson.

This year, the first place winners in all three categories at the Texas Baptists State Bible Drill and Speakers’ Tournament were from First Baptist Church of Allen. Gracie Daugherty took first place in Youth Bible Drill for 7-9th grades, Katie Davidson won High School Bible Drill for 10-12th grades and Anna Kemp took first place in the Speakers’ Tournament.

Eighty-four students competed in tournament on April 30 held at Dallas Baptist University. The students represented 35 churches from around the state.

“​Every year we are amazed at the number and quality of the children and youth who participate in our regional and state Bible 

drill/Speaker's tournament events,” said Keith Lowry, adult discipleship specialist for Texas Baptists. “These students exhibit incredible skill and have proven their ability and willingness to spend hours in preparation, and it ​pays off each year. The value of the foundation of faith being laid down in their lives cannot be overestimated, and we are so thankful to churches, sponsors and parents who continue to support this invaluable ministry.”

The first place winners will represent Texas Baptists at the National Invitational Tournament held at First Baptist Church of Brunswick in Brunswick, Georgia, on June 16, 2017.

“We know that at this level, everyone who is drilling and speaking has earned the opportunity to be there, and are all excellent at what they do,” said Pam Davis, Bible Drill coordinator for FBC Allen. “God has been gracious to us over the years and we were proud of all of our students, but humbled that we have been given the opportunity to represent Texas Baptists at the National Tournament. Gracie, Katie and Anna will represent us well.”

Additional winners included Cailin Powell, Memorial Baptist Church in Temple, who took second place in Youth Bible Drill; Madison Lee, First Baptist Church of College Station, with second place in High School Bible Drill and Brendan Waller, First Baptist Church of Dallas, who took second place in Speakers’ Tournament.

“To keep the students engaged each year, we have leaders who are passionate about the Word of God. We cannot take lightly the importance of respecting, memorizing, learning to use and loving the Bible,” Davis said.

Throughout the spring, 774 participants competed at five regional locations representing 112 churches.