Saipan Tribune

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Thursday, January 31, 2013

MBA launches scholarship essay competition

To encourage more students to learn about the Bible, Marianas Baptist Academy recently launched a scholarship essay competition that will provide financial assistance of up to $2,000 to qualified and deserving winners.

According to Leah Alfred, overall event coordinator, the competition is open to students who are currently enrolled at the institution for the 2013-2014 academic year. Members of the graduating Class of 2013 are also encouraged to join, as well as prospective MBA students who will register for the next academic year.

Alfred disclosed that each contender may have the chance to win a scholarship award of $2,000 for first place; $1,000 for second place; and $500 for two third place. Upon winning, the awards will be credited to the student's tuition for academic year 2013-2014. Cash awards will be provided if winners are members of the graduating class. Alfred pointed out that cash refunds may not be requested upon withdrawal from MBA.

For interested students, essay must be hand delivered to MBA no later than 4pm on April 30. Winning entries will be notified by mail on May 10, 2013.

Alfred said that essays must cover at least two of the three topics for the competition. These include the following:

- First, Dr. Bob Jones Sr. once said: “Education without salvation is damnation.” How and why is this pertinent in our lives today?

- Second, the King James Version of the Bible was completed in 1611. During the past century, many different versions of the Bible have emerged. Notably, in these versions, there have been many substitutions and deletions of words and phrases by the translators. However, can the King James Version of the Bible arguably be said to be a more accurate translation as opposed to the Revised Version, Revised Standard Version, New International Version, or any other English translation of the Bible? Why or why not?

- Third, sin is disobedience to God's commandments. God is always willing to forgive and forgiveness of sin is a gift from God. However, can sin be forgiven in exchange for indulgence?

Alfred emphasized that essays must be the student's own work and must be written in English with a minimum of 250 words per topic.

This is the first time that MBA will conduct the competition and the school hopes to make it an annual event for students.