By Henry R. Moncur III | ACTU Communication
On Saturday, September 27, 2025, the Savannah Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Cayman Islands pulsed with excitement as the Atlantic Caribbean Union (ATCU) Bible Connection unfolded before a live audience of youth, family, and church leaders. Finalists were tested on Scripture knowledge with quick thinking and composure ultimately culminating in a stirring victory that reflected deep commitment to God’s Word.
A Triumph Rooted in Faith
This year’s competition drew top young minds from across the four conferences in the region. Keshan Gibson from the North Bahamas, Astra Bowlin from the South Bahamas, Daissa Israel from the Turks and Caicos Islands, and hometown favorite, Aleque-Benjamin Bennett, from the Cayman Islands competed in a high-stakes format featuring three rapid-fire multiple-choice rounds of 20 questions each based on assigned biblical passages.
Finalists faced both accuracy and speed tests. Every finalist answered questions on a tablet, accumulating points by selecting the correct answers in the shortest amount of time. After each round, the accumulated scores were displayed in the screen for all to see.
Stepping onto the stage with poised confidence and a heart full of the Word was Astra Bowlin whose calm demeanor and sharp recall powered her to victory. Emotions soared as the results were announced. In reflection, Bowlin opined “I felt God’s presence the moment I opened my computer. Each question wasn’t just a test—it was a moment to connect with Him. I’m thrilled and humbled to have represented my conference and to have been faithful in my studies.” She encouraged other youth to participate in the event. “Do it. Study God’s word. It will change your life.”
“Her victory is a win for all of us who believe in raising up youth who are grounded in truth and bold in faith,” noted Pastor Manessah Simms, South Bahamas Conference youth director.
As champion of the ATCU, Bowlin will now carry the union’s banner at the Inter-American Division (IAD) Bible Connection finals to be held in Trinidad and Tobago on November 15, 2025, where she will face the best of the best from across the IAD region.
Second place went to Daissa Israel of the Turks and Caicos Islands Conference and third place to Keshan Gibson of the North Bahamas Conference.
What is Bible Connection?
Bible Connection is not just a competition. It is a discipleship initiative designed by the IAD to encourage young people to develop a personal relationship with God through daily Bible study. Participants prepare for months, studying carefully selected books of the Bible and memorizing key passages. This year’s focus was on Luke, along with several chapters from The Desire of Ages, a book written by Ellen White. The event tests not only knowledge, but faithfulness, consistency, and spiritual growth and provides an opportunity for young people to see the world, to make friends, and to connect not just with each other but with Jesus Christ Himself.
Youth Director Reflects
Andrew Burrows, ATCU youth director, offered his perspective on what this event meant for the union’s young people. “Tonight was evidence that dedication to the Word transforms lives. Beyond competition, Bible Connection is about nurturing spiritual discipline, confidence, and fellowship among our youth. Seeing their passion on this Cayman stage gives me hope and pride for the future. We congratulate all of our young people and all of them have done well.”
Burrows spoke with genuine warmth, applauding not just the winner’s scholarship, but the growth each participant achieved.
More Than Just Winners
What made this year’s event so special was not only the live, in-person gathering in Grand Cayman, the first of its kind since 2019, but also the spirit of unity and fellowship that radiated throughout. Youth from all four territories of ATCU came together, representing diverse cultures and voices yet united by the same Word. The atmosphere was both competitive and encouraging, reminding everyone present that the true reward lies not in titles but in the spiritual discipline gained from months of faithful study.
The winner’s faith-filled testimony, coupled with Burrows’ pastoral encouragement, captured the essence of an event designed to build deeper roots in Scripture and community. “As Astra prepares to represent the union at the IAD finals, the entire Atlantic Caribbean Union stands united in prayer and support for her,” stated Peter Kerr, ATCU president.
The ATCU, headquartered in Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas, comprises 27,694 members across four fields: the Cayman Islands Conference, the North Bahamas Conference, the South Bahamas Conference, and the Turks and Caicos Islands Conference. Additionally, Northern Caribbean University in Mandeville, Jamaica, is co-owned and operated by both ATCU and the Jamaica Union.