Following their recent victory in the Bible Beacon Quiz Competition hosted by the West Jamaica Conference, team Genesis from the Glendevon District of Churches proved their mettle once again by taking on a fresh challenge—this time in the highly competitive JAMU Heritage Quiz. Rising to the occasion, the team ultimately secured an impressive 2nd place.
The final match was held on Sabbath, October 26, 2024, at the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Port Maria, in St. Mary. This dual achievement has ignited a sense of pride across the West Jamaica Conference territory. Reflecting on the experience, team captain Donna Gordon shared insights into the journey.
"With the Bible Beacon Quiz, I had some materials to work with, and the team members rallied to the call. However, some hiccups along the way made it somewhat discouraging and very frustrating," she shared.
The preparation for the JAMU Heritage Quiz posed even greater challenges.
"We didn't get the materials on time, but we had some from previous years and worked with that until we got the pool. We even used the materials prepared by other conferences because we didn’t meet the deadline to send in ours," Gordon explained.
Clad in yellow, the WJC team members proudly display their trophies earned at the JAMU Heritage Quiz Finals. Pictured (from left): Mikel Graham, Debra Johnson, Mekhalia Brackett, Nathan Gordon, Peter-Kay Malcolm, Donna Gordon, and Tracey-Ann Smith. :: Photo credit: Contributed
Despite these obstacles, the team– made up of both adults and children– crafted a plan and persevered.
"We developed a strategy and worked as best as possible to stick to the plan. Absenteeism, classwork, homework, and projects for the children were challenges we had to balance. But with the help and encouragement of supporters, we stuck it out," she added.
Competing in the quizzes not only tested their knowledge but also reinforced their connection to their faith and heritage.
"Overall, working back-to-back for the quizzes was fun. What I see is how God has gone to great lengths to preserve His truths and has invested in us as a church to spread the gospel," Gordon reflected. "We do have a great heritage to promote and protect."
Captain of the WJC team, Donna Gordon (left) and coach Tracey-Ann Smith (centre) proudly accept the 2nd place trophy from Pastor Adlai Blythe (right), Treasurer of the Jamaica Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, at the JAMU Heritage Quiz award ceremony. :: Photo credit: Contributed
When asked about the team’s 2nd place finish, Gordon was honest about her feelings.
"We would have loved to be the first-place winners, but such is life," she admitted. Still, she expressed pride in her team’s efforts. "I am proud of the team, and we will continue to give God the glory and honor."
The team from West Jamaica received the 2nd place team trophy, individual trophies, and a cash prize of JMD $75,000. Launched in 2015, the Heritage Quiz aims to deepen members' understanding of Seventh-day Adventist doctrines, the history of the church in Jamaica, and its key figures, while fostering spiritual growth among participants.