Testimony Bee

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INDIANAPOLIS — After months of intense preparation, hundreds of youths converged at the RCA Dome for the ninth annual National Testimony Bee.

"My testimony is awesome, and I tell it with genuine feeling so I think I have a chance at winning," said Megan Enrica, 14, who traveled from Juneau, Alaska, where she has given her testimony many times at local youth groups.

At the packed convention center, hundreds of kids found quiet corners to practice their presentations one last time before competing. Judges listened for authenticity and refinement in each 3-minute testimony. In the first round kids lost technical marks for "rambling" and repeating phrases like, "And then I" and "My mom was like." During the crux of each performance — the salvation moment — some kids faltered and fell into traditional descriptions like "I felt this heavy burden lift off of me," or "it was like love pouring into me."

Soon, word spread among contestants that the judges were leaning against emotionally charged deliveries. Several participants had lost points for TMI (too much information) and OT — Over the Top.

"The judges are probably reacting against last year when the testimonies were kind of overwrought," said a past judge on hand to observe. "One kid last year told us he 'wept like a broken fire hydrant with gushing sobs racking his body.' It was a little much."

As the dry conversion trend took hold, kids scrambled to tone down their emotional appeals. One contestant dropped any mention of tears and focused on the "seismic spiritual shifts" that took place in his soul.

"Testimonies have to change with the times," he said.

During the fourth round one girl was dismissed for gratuitous description.
"We didn't need to hear about her aunt's abortion," said a judge. "That was outside the scope of her testimony."

A 13-year-old boy from south Florida was removed for faking facts about his testimony. Enrica of Juneau lost in the third round to an 8-year-old from Kansas City who delivered a near-perfect testimony.

"I thought I had a chance," Enrica said tearfully, "but the competition is amazing. I'll have to work hard to get to the level of some of these kids."

Emerging victorious was June Clawson, 15, a lifelong Christian from Palm Springs whose testimony of quietly struggling to define her own faith found favor with judges.

"She nailed her presentation," said the lead judge as Clawson held the trophy aloft.

She will give her testimony on the 700 Club, which co-sponsors the bee.

Oh by the way...... April Fools!

Thank you Lark News.

1 Peter 3:15 come to mind?

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.