Our host recently upgraded servers, which caused the blog to be “un-updateable” for several days. The following post was written on June 13.

This past week, June 5-9, the National Christian Forensics and Communication Association (NCFCA) held their National Speech and Debate Championship Tournament at Patrick Henry College in Purcellville, VA.

For those of you who are unfamiliar, the NCFCA is a highly-competitive league of some of the most competetent young communicators in the country. Participants begin competition at local tournaments where the top competitors qualify for a regional tournament, and from there, can qualify to compete at the national tournament in June.

Brett and I competed at the national level for three years. Many of our best friends today were made through competing at various tournaments around the country. The “myth of adolescence” was originally developed as a 10-minute platform speech in the Persuasive speaking category. There are few things that God used more to prepare us for the hard things we are attempting now than our years of participation in the NCFCA.

This year’s National Tournament was the first one Brett and I have not attended in four years. However, we are pleased to share with you the success of several rebelutionary teen bloggers, each of whom did incredibly well.

Cody Herche and Rachel Heflin of Legal Redux won the Team Policy Debate Championship. This is not only the most prestigious event in the league, but also the most competitive. Brett and I are so proud of Cody and Rachel’s hard work, their pursuit of excellence, and most importantly, their firm commitment to glorifying God in all they do. Congratulations, dear friends!

Karen Kovaka of Rhetorical Response won the National Championship in Apologetics — the defense of the Christian faith. Karen has consistently demonstrated her love for God’s Word and devotion to Truth. It is a blessing for us to see God honoring her for that commitment. Congratulations, Karen!

Marshall Sherman of Advancing His Kingdom is officially the nation’s funniest homeschooler, winning the Humorous Interpretation National Championship with his parody of the Lone Ranger. Congratulations, Marshall!

What Brett and I appreciate most about each of these young people is their correct understanding of the NCFCA (and other activities like it) as a stepping stone to the higher calling God has for their lives. They have not only developed their communication and thinking skills, but they are applying them, through their blogs and through other real-life endeavors. That’s what makes them rebelutionary.

Be sure to visit each of their blogs and congratulate them for their hard work and well-deserved recognition. God bless you all!