Hundreds of visitors came to Vicksburg last weekend for a tournament that wasn’t athletic but was very competitive.

First Pentecostal Church in Vicksburg hosted the 2016 Apostolic Bible Quizzing Tournament Feb. 19 and 20.

This tournament brought 81 teams from 12 states and over 500 visitors to Vicksburg.

Julian Ryder, regional coordinator, said the competition had a record level of participation and said the number of competitors represented a significant local investment in support of Bible quizzing.

The competition was divided into multiple divisions for different age groups. This year the teams primarily studied the books of Romans and James for the quiz. The most experienced quiz teams learned as many as 541 verses.

Tournament director Michael King said the recent enlargement of the novice divisions was important to the growth of the tournament.

“We believe learning the word of God will impact and change the lives of young people,” King said.

The Vicksburg Beginner Team placed first in the beginner division, for ages 8 and under, with members Lane Stokes and Taylor Hamm of Vicksburg. Hamm was named the highest scoring individual. The Vicksburg Junior Team 2 placed fourth in their division with members Jadon Hughes and Daniel Tipton of Vicksburg and Kaitlyn Hill of Magnolia, Ark.

State Sen. Jenifer B. Branning, R-Philadelphia, attended the tournament to support her 10-year-old son, Ellis. This year was his second to compete in quiz tournaments, and his team won a fourth place trophy for their division. The Brannings attend Pine Grove Pentecostal Church in Sebastopol.

“The Apostolic Bible Quizzing program is an intense Bible memorization and critical thinking program equipping young people with a level of Biblical knowledge that will forever change their future,” Branning said. “The benefits of this program include providing spiritual growth, academic furtherance and a boost in self confidence, which are qualities that our children critically need. I have seen such a positive impact in my children both spiritually and academically that I highly recommend and endorse this program.”

Pastor Dathan Tipton of First Pentecostal Church in Vicksburg said he appreciated the involvement and the support of the church that made the event possible.

“Bible quizzing is a powerful ministry that is impacting the lives of our young people for time and eternity,” Tipton said. “We are grateful to be involved in such a worthwhile and beneficial endeavor.”