Young children are often taught to memorize the Lord&8217;s Prayer, but few have committed as many verses to memory as Vincent teen Brett Frizzell.

The freshman at Vincent High School and member of The Lighthouse Community Church in Harpersville, placed first at the Alabama Baptist State Youth Bible Drill competition in April.

&8220;Learning God&8217;s word and being able to have it in your heart and mind at all times is a great reward in itself,&8221; his mom, Lynda Frizzell said. &8220;But I am glad he was recognized by four judges and his peers for being the best in Alabama.&8221;

Frizzell said she originally made Brett participate in Bible Drills, but his own desire has kept him at it.

&8220;It helps you to memorize and use the Bible in times of trouble,&8221; Brett said. &8220;Everyone&8217;s a winner because they have learned the scriptures.&8221;

Frances Elliot began coaching Brett on Bible drills in the third grade. She said people don&8217;t realize what a tough competition it is.

&8220;You aren&8217;t allowed many mistakes,&8221; said Elliot, who has been a Bible Drill coach for more than 40 years. &8220;At state you can&8217;t miss any.&8221;

Brett had to have quick fingers and a sharp memory. Each competitor had to memorize 25 Bible verses that he or she could be asked about at random and be able to find Bible verses in a matter of seconds. Yes, using a Bible with tabs would be cheating.

&8220;It&8217;s about teaching them how to handle God&8217;s word – an in-depth Bible knowledge,&8221; Elliot said. &8220;Not many adults can find the book of Joshua in eight seconds.&8221;

Since Brett is in the ninth grade, this is his last year to compete as a youth. Brett got to the state competition by winning at the church, association and district levels. Once at state, Brett tested his skills against 60 other youth through seven Bible Drills. He will now compete at the national level on June 8 in Raleigh, N.C.

Worship Schedule

Lighthouse

Community Church

Sunday Morning –

9:30 or 11:30 a.m