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Astra Bowlin, from the Hillview Church, secured first place in the Atlantic Caribbean Union (ATCU) Bible connection finals held online and at the Maranatha church on September 30, 2023. Bowlin represented the South Bahamas Conference and scored a total of 670 in 2 minutes and 44 seconds.

The other territory representatives were: Angia Russel from the North Bahamas Conference with 625 points, Arimique Sinclair of the Turks and Caicos Islands Conference with 555, and Dejean Sutherland of the Cayman Island Conference with 505 points. 

According to South Bahamas Conference President Pastor Kenny Deveaux, Bible Connection provides its contestants an opportunity to remain engaged in God’s words while hiding his words in their hearts. 

He said, "This is an event where we are encouraged to study the bible so we can show ourselves approved. Every now and then we are challenged on the word of God and the only way to defend ourselves is to be knowledgeable about the bible before your challenge."

This year, participants studied the Biblical book of Judges and Patriarchs and Prophets. Originally called Bible Boom, Bible Connection is the official Inter-American Division (IAD) Youth Ministries Department’s Bible study program. 

ATCU Youth Director Pastor Terry Tanis presented the participation awards to each contestant as well a special token of appreciation to the former Youth Director of the Atlantic Caribbean Union, Pastor Kent Price who has served as youth Director for the Atlantic Caribbean Union for six years. Bowlin will represent ATCU at the 2023 IAD Bible Connection finals that will take place on November 25, 2023, in Bogota, Colombia.