23 Jan 2022

The 2022 edition of Spelling Bee competition is not only going to be bigger in terms of number of participants, but this time around, the contest slated for March 26, 2022 at Christ Embassy church will also see pastors mentally wrestling for the top spot.

The man behind the competition, Mr Kabelo Malala of Francistown Methodist Church made the revelations in a recent interview.

He explained that a total of 800 words picked from the Bible would be used to test the spelling ability of 25 young people aged 13 to 35 from different churches in Francistown.

“Many churches are warming up to the idea and we are happy with the results that it is bringing to the spiritual grow of the youth.

You should also bear it in mind that the idea came as a solace to the church community because it helped lift up the morale of young people during difficult moments occasioned by COVID-19,” he said.

Unlike the first edition, this year’s contest will pit a total of seven churches against each other being; Methodist, Christ Embassy, Lutheran Church, Roman Catholic, Church of God in Christ and as well as new entrants, United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) and The Apostolic Faith Mission.

Additionally, the 2022 edition will feature a total of seven pastors who will also slug it out against one another just to add pomp to the competition.

This year positions one, two and three will respectively walk away with mouth-watering prizes of P1, 300 a gold medal and a floating trophy, P1000 and a silver medal as well as P700 and a bronze medals respectively. Losers will have to try next time.

Last year positions one, two and three received P700, P500 and P400 respectively.

The losing two received P300 consolation prize each. Preparations for the contest were at an advanced stage and all that was left was for the panel of four judges to convene and agree on the words that would be used.

The host, Christ Embassy’s Haven-Governor, Mr Kabelo Moleta said his church had bought into the idea because it was in synch with the word of God.

“Young people have resorted to vices such as alcohol and this competition is a platform to keep them busy and help them grow spiritually.

A church is a place where holistic future leaders are raised and it is only through the word of God we’re able to do that,’” he said. Ends