The Church of Pentecost’s Youth Ministry successfully hosted the grand finale of the 2024 National Youth Quiz on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at PIWC Kokomlemle, Accra. The event marked the culmination of a rigorous contest that began at the local, district, area, and zonal levels and culminated in an electrifying national showdown.
The annual National Youth Quiz has two categories emanating from the two clear age brackets within the ministry. The teens (13 to 19 years) form the junior category, and the young adults (20 to 35) form the senior category. Additionally, there is a Bible Bee quiz competition where contestants are expected to recite some portions of the Bible they have committed to memory. There is a Question-and-Answer segment (popularly called ‘Q & A’) where constants are asked questions from the Bible, the history and current affairs of the church, and the vision of the church, among others.
In the opening remarks, Pastor Gordon Ansah, Koforidua’s Traveling Secretary, and National Youth Ministry Secretary emphasized the Youth Ministry’s strategic plan couched from the overall vision of the church themed “Grounded in Christ, Reaching Everyone, and Taking Over Everywhere for Jesus.” He reiterated the five core mandates of the vision: discipline, evangelism, holistic development, takeover, and repositioning of committees, urging all participants to remain grounded in Christ while taking the gospel to every corner.
The Junior Category of the Bible Bee opened the day’s contest, with contestants reciting portions of Jonah, Micah, and Nahum in 900 seconds and 1 John in 1,050 seconds. After a tightly contested battle across three rounds, the Ho Area emerged victorious with 210.3 points, narrowly edging out Tepa (209.3) and Bompata (206.9).
The Senior Category of the Bible Bee is presided over by Dcns. Prof. Gladys Quartey featured contestants reciting Zechariah, Malachi, and Galatians within a combined time of 2,490 seconds. The Tarkwa Area triumphed with 265.6 points, surpassing Madina (263.3) and Goaso (261), in a contest that showcased their exceptional memorization and understanding of scripture.
In the Q & A segment, chaired by Pastor Frank Akonnor, Campus Pastor of the University of Cape Coast, the Junior Category saw a riveting face-off among the Odorkor, Goaso, and Suame areas. After breaking a tie, Suame Area clinched the top spot with 32.5 points, followed by Odorkor (31.5) and Goaso (27.5).
The Senior Category Q & A was equally competitive, with Abuakwa Area emerging as champions after accumulating 15 points, outperforming Ashaiman (12.5) and Goaso (10.5).
The event was graced by the National Youth Director, Apostle Ebenezer Hagan, Apostle Daniel Sey (Dansoman Area Head), Apostle Kingsley Addai (Resident Apostle of PIWC-Kokomlemle), and several Campus and Traveling Secretaries as well as youth workers from the various areas in Ghana. The champions and all participants were awarded medals, certificates, and other prizes, leaving attendees optimistic and eager for the next edition.
The 2024 National Youth Quiz was a testament to the ministry’s commitment to nurturing biblical literacy and holistic development among the youth. It was indeed a day of intellectual brilliance, spiritual edification, and camaraderie.
Written by;
Miss Salome Kwaw, PENSA-ATU.
