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The Children's Bible Fellowship held it's annual Bible Memorization Contest May 30, 2015 with 44 participants. 29 memorized fully and 15 partially and 10 were perfect with no mistakes, with only 5-10 choosing not to participate. The passages were divided up by length and complexity, 7th-8th John 13:1-17 and The Apostle's Creed (491 words); 5th-6th Luke 16:19-31 (297 words); 3rd-4th Luke 10:25-37 (312 words); 1st-2nd Mark 10:35-45 (236 words). 

Children came one by one and each recited their verses based on their grade range and then 1st-5th place trophies were awarded to 7th&8th, 5th&6th, 3rd&4th, 1st&2nd--so 20 trophies total. In addition we encouraged participation through two raffles. Anyone who partially memorized were added to a raffle for $5 McDonald's Gift Card and those who memorized fully were in a raffle for $15 McDonald's Gift Card. Three names were chosen from each and in that way over half of those who participated were given a prize. 

This year we encouraged total participation by having two "memorization parties" in which children practiced together with teachers and parents volunteered to provide lunch. In this way almost everybody knew at least a few verses. Amazingly, almost every one of the community children who have joined CBF participated with several being only a few points from perfect. This year was a huge success with 80% participation, but the big number is 65% completed and of the participants 22% perfect.

Thank God who heard our prayer that all children may be encouraged to put the Word of God in their heart. We pray it may be a guard for their heart and light their path and be a sword against the evil one. Thank God for many parents who fully supported us helping their children to memorize and for those who generously provided food and feedback. Thank God for our CBF Teachers who give their lives to serve the little ones, the least of these with a life-giving spirit may God richly bless them. Amen.

by Tim McEathron