One simple interaction in Paraguay and an offering collected at the National Bible Quiz Finals in the USA are reaping great rewards in Colombia.

It all started when missionary and the mission district leader of Colombia, Thad Roller, sat next to Gerry Coates, the director of global engagement, at an annual meeting in Paraguay. When everyone else opened their Bibles to read a specific text, Gerry sat still, and Thad noticed. Gerry later explained that he had those passages memorized thanks to his and his sons’ participation in Free Methodist Bible Quizzing.

Thad began to investigate. He secured Bible Quiz equipment and materials on the book of James from the USA. He also recruited Paola Lopez to lead the Bible Quiz movement in Colombia. She translated the materials, and they launched an invitation in May 2024. Ten churches across the country responded, each forming their own Bible Quizzing team.

Thanks to a special offering taken at the U.S. Bible Quiz finals, 27 students between the ages of 9 and 17 received scholarships, making it possible for them to attend the Colombian Annual Meeting and the first-ever Bible Quiz Competition in August 2024.

Christian and his sisters came from a town north of Bogotá. When they began attending church, they found the love and acceptance they never received at home. When asked if the Word they were hiding in their heart helped them make decisions, all three of them raised their hands. Dana, Charlotte and Salome attended from Medellín. They used to hide in the closet when their father abused their mother. Now they are hiding God’s Word in their hearts and took second place in the tournament. Their pastor shared how they are now studying Romans on their own.

We know this Word they are learning will guide their paths and keep them from sinning against God. The Word of God deep in the hearts of these youth and others can bring about God’s restoration in their neighborhoods, Colombia and beyond. All of this was made possible thanks to a positive example, a generous donation and God’s grace.