FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  April 17, 2008

Contact:     Doyle Srader, NCC, 684-7216

           Pat Walsh, The Ulum Group, 434-7021; 513-1236 (cell)

STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN SCRIPTURE READING CONTEST

Eugene, Ore.---Northwest Christian College (NCC) held the 2008 annual Bash-Whisler Scripture reading contest in the NCC Chapel on Friday, April 4.  Senior Jenelle Fisher from Renton, Washington, this year's first place winner, will read her selected Scripture passage at commencement on May 10.

This competition was open to NCC students, who were to read one Old Testament passage and recite by memory a passage of at least 12 lines in length from the New Testament. The top six students were awarded cash prizes and the top three advanced to a final round.  Fisher's first place prize was $300.  Taking second place was Daniel Norland,a senior from Eugene, Oregon, who won $200, and third place went to Kaitlin Coppins, a junior from Halingen, Texas, who took home $125. Jedediah Noles, a freshman from Corbett, Oregon; Sam Robison, a freshman from Flagstaff, Arizona; and Daniel Szczesniak, a senior from Medford, Oregon all tied for fourth place, winning $75 each. The contest is open to all registered NCC students; nine students 

entered the competition this year.

NCC has hosted the Bash-Whisler Bible Reading Contest for more than 40 years.  It began as the Ralph and Edna Whisler contest, but the Bash name was added when Whisler family members joined the Bash family through marriage, and they decided they wanted to help support the contest.

Fisher says of her achievement, "I started this contest with the intention of winning some prize money. As time continued, however, God showed me that it wasn't about that; it was about communicating His Word and blessing people. It was just an added blessing to win!" She notes that when she found out she won, she didn't even know how much the prize money was.  "God completely shifted my focus," she says. "I just completed my taxes and found out I owe money. I really believe that God provided this contest to help out with my needs, as well."

Fisher selected Isaiah 53 and John 7:53-8:11 for her recitation. "This contest is not about the participants or the prize money or the actual event," Fisher says. "It's about the Word of God, what He does, and how He chooses to communicate to His people. The fact that He suffered so much, as described in Isaiah 53, and that He chose to 

forgive the adulteress woman and tell her to 'go and leave your life of sin' in John 7:53-8:11 shows His all-encompassing love and mercy."

The judges for the final round of competition included Dr. George Knox, professor of Biblical Studies and Homiletics at NCC from 1978 to 1994; Dr. Ron Heine, NCC Biblical Studies professor; and Pastor Alan Gayle, a 1995 graduate of NCC and  pastor of Fairfield Baptist Church in Eugene.

Doyle Srader, assistant professor of speech and communication, coordinated the event.  In emceeing the event, he told judges, participants and audience members, "We've hosted this contest for more than two generations to prepare students to proclaim God's word. Whenever they do so, they store up their treasure in Heaven, and 

through this contest we show them that seeking His kingdom brings earthly rewards as well. Today's presenters are speaking God's word, which is living and effective and sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as to separate soul, spirit, joints and marrow. For your own safety, please wear eye protection."

About Northwest Christian College

In July 2008, Northwest Christian College will be renamed Northwest Christian University. Northwest Christian is a liberal arts college dedicated to developing competent, ethical leaders for service in the workplace, community, Church, and world. The College was founded in 1895 and is affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the Christian Churches/Churches of Christ. Northwest Christian College offers 18 undergraduate degree programs, four 

master's degree programs, and a professional studies program for working adults. More information about the College is available at http://www.nwcc.edu.

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