On Sabbath afternoon, Feb. 20, 13 Pathfinder teams gathered in the sanctuary of College View Church in Lincoln, Nebraska, to demonstrate their knowledge of Scripture as they met for the annual Mid-America Union Pathfinder Bible Experience.

Ninety questions later, teams found out if they placed first, second or third. First place awards would earn them an opportunity to compete with Pathfinder clubs from throughout North America on April 15 and 16 in Prescott, Arizona.

How difficult were those 90 questions?

Here’s question #45 for six points: “According to Exodus 33:2, God promised to drive six people groups out of the promised land. Who are they?”  Do you know the answer off the top of your head?

So how did the Pathfinder teams prepare for this contest?

Many teams actually memorized Exodus, the book assigned for 2016 Pathfinder Bible Experience. That’s right—they memorize word for word. Not only that, many teams also memorized the Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary on the book of Exodus because questions were also asked from the commentary.

In a day when young people are being rewarded for winning basketball or volleyball tournaments, it is good to know that there is also a place that cheers the academics of God’s Word.  That’s why they call it an “experience.”

Young people are invited to experience the transforming power of Scripture. They can experience the fun of meeting new friends from around the United States and international clubs that compete. Pathfinders experience the care of parents and Pathfinder leaders who care about them and their spiritual growth. Pathfinders experience traveling to new places and the joy of learning. And best of all Pathfinders experience a relationship with Jesus Himself because He said that those who loved Him would love His Word too.

By the way, the answer to question #45 is: Canaanite, Amorite, Hittite, Perizzite, Hivite, Jebusite.

We are proud to announce the following teams that met for this year’s Mid-America Union Pathfinder Bible Experience. Every team is a winner!

Minnesota Conference:

Faith Warriors: 1st Place

Kenyan Community Church: 1st Place

Iowa-Missouri Conference:

Joplin Jaguars and Neosho Ocelots: 1st Place

Columbia Show Me Pathfinders: 2nd Place

Ankeny Son Seekers: 1st Place

St Louis West County Sapphires : 3rd Place

St Louis Central: 2nd Place

Willow Springs: 3rd Place

St Louis West County Emeralds: 3rd Place

Kansas-Nebraska Conference

College View Trailblazers: 1st Place

Piedmont Shovals: 3rd Place

Kansas City Explorers: 3rd Place

Rocky Mountain Conference

Loveland Cougars: 1st Place

Hubert Cisneros is youth director for the Mid-America Union.

Photo Credit: Timothy Floyd