Our Bible Society Quiz was held at the Belmont, Hawera.  In a warm and friendly atmosphere, Pastor John Omundsen put questions to the four teams participating, supported by an audience of about 30 people.  Two Seventh Day Adventist teams were pitted against two Salvation Army teams, and right from the first we were well tested because the answers (from the NIV) had to be precise.  We were permitted to confer, but had to keep our voices down.
 
We found the story of Elijah good to study because there was an eventful story framing the facts, but the Last Supper discourse Jesus had with his Disciples was challenging.  After each round of questions, when our answer papers had been collected for marking, Pastor John told us what we should have recorded, and we realised the precision with which our knowledge was being tested.  One question that was asked illustrates - over which two things did Elijah pour the water?  In my team we wrote ‘the sacrifice and the wood,’ but the answer sought was ‘the offering and the wood.’  Some had put as their answer ‘the altar and the wood.’  It also made us appreciate the skill and effort required to construct good quiz questions and obtain clear answers.
 
Running totals after each round of questions produced by the markers, were presented by OHP, so we saw our changing scores and the audience knew how well we had done.  Pastor John then helped us to relax with laughter by telling us a funny story - or in one case a very touching yarn about a kindly green-grocer who bartered marbles with destitute lads to feed their out-of-work families. 
 
At the close, the 1st, 2nd and 3rd teams were identified and presented with certificates, and the winners received their trophy to be held for the oncoming year.  We then enjoyed good fellowship with our audience over afternoon tea.  We think it’s a very worthwhile event to sharpen up our minds, and to enjoy the company of like-minded people, young and older, who value the words of life.

Results:

• 1st Place,  SDA  Larrisa, Benjamin and Lenora.  -  135 points
• 2nd Place, SDA  Dorothy, Marilyn and Colleen.   -  130 points
• 3rd Place, S.A.   George, Bevin and Graeme.     -  128 points
• 4th Place,  S.A.  Faith, Yasmin and Christa.       -  112 points

 
Story reported by Graeme Bateman - Chair, Hawera action Group