Randall Martin of Conway Baptist Church in Conway won first place this summer in the Southern Baptist Convention's first national youth Bible drill in Atlanta, Ga.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO | DAILY HERALD Randall Martin displays his first place awards from the Southern Baptist Convention's first national youth Bible drill. Advertisement

Students in grades seven through nine from 13 states competed in the drill by looking up passages in the Bible in eight seconds or less. Martin competed against 14 other teenagers. He had a perfect score.

"He has a phenomenal knowledge of the Bible," Martin's mother, Tammy, said. Martin had to make it through three competitions before reaching the national level - church, regional and state.

Martin's mother said he has been practicing two years for the contest. "Most start when they're younger at the child level. It speaks highly of him and his dedication that he's done so well," his mother said.

Martin studies the Bible as part of his home-schooling. "We try to have devotion each day," said his mom. "I think it's a great extracurricular activity. There aren't many better choices. I think it's a really neat program."

As a sophomore, Martin is too old to compete again, but his mom has high hopes for her daughter. "Sarah (13) was a state winner, too," she said. Sarah participated at the child level.

Martin said he competed in Bible drills simply because he enjoys it. "I think it's good for people to know the Bible," he said. "I like to show that I know it. My mother helped me a lot. She's the driving force behind my success."

He's undecided about a future career but has recently joined the junior Roanoke Valley Rescue Squad. "Maybe he will do something in the medical field," his mom said. "He's a good kid."

Staff Writer Jennifer Reed may be contacted at 537-2505 ext. 238.