She competed against many contestants from the so-called “Bible Belt.” In one published account of the national event held in June, it was noted that during the pre-competition banquet there was “audible tittering” when it was announced that an Ohioan was among the contestants.
However, Bonifield went on to tie for first place in the youth division.
“This was the first year there was a tie. The other winner was a girl from Texas and although the judges deliberated for awhile they couldn’t decide between either of us,” Bonifield said.
In order to get to the national Bible Drill she had to win at the church, associational and state level.
“I got involved in Bible drill when I was in fifth grade. Bible drill was among the activities our church, First Baptist Church of Kettering, was doing on Wednesday nights,” said the daughter of Tom and Melissa Bonifield.
The competition involves five segments, each giving the contestant eight seconds to find a Bible book or verse, said Bonifield, who is home-schooled and about to begin 10th grade.
“In the first segment, you are required to look up different books of the Bible, in the next segment you are given random verses to look up and in the last three segments you look up and recite different verses you have learned throughout the year,” she said.
Family and friends spent many hours drilling her for the competition.
“Even though I practiced a lot and had tons of help from everyone, I don’t think I would have won without the Lord’s help,” she said. “I prayed before the drill asking Him to help me, because I knew there was no way I could do well in the drill without His help.”
Still, when she found out that she had won, she was “shocked. I just couldn’t believe it. I still can’t believe it sometimes. I am very thankful for the way the Lord has just blessed me. It is so awesome.”
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