For alumni Drake ('94) and Christina ('95) Levasheff, Bible classes taken at Biola have paid off in the form of a sizable check to support important medical research, carry on the loving memory of a lost child and offer others in suffering hope. In October, the couple was crowned tournament champions of the first season of The American Bible Challenge game show on The Game Show Network. The pair competed on the Judson’s Legacy team along with their friend Dean Bobar, winning a total of $140,000 for research towards Krabbe disease.

Judson’s Legacy is a nonprofit public charity that was started by the Levasheffs after their son Judson, who was born on Christmas Eve 2004, died in November 2007. Judson suffered from a rare, genetic disease called Krabbe disease. Krabbe disease is an incurable terminal disorder of the nervous system and is one of many genetic diseases that ultimately destroys the white matter of the brain. The mission of Judson’s Legacy is to raise awareness about Krabbe disease, share God’s comfort and compassion, fund research, and to partner with organizations that minister to those who suffer from the effects of this illness.

“The American Bible Challenge not only proved to be a wonderful national platform to share our mission, but winning the tournament is allowing us to tangibly express God’s compassion for those who suffer by significantly funding research that could impact the lives of people afflicted by various diseases,” said Christina Levasheff.

The American Bible Challenge game show, hosted by comedian Jeff Foxworthy, is a Bible trivia challenge that is currentyly casting its second season on the Game Show network. Each team participating on the show plays for a charity. The game show uses both current and historical references and biblical knowledge to create questions.

“My education at Biola significantly expanded my biblical literacy, which most certainly helped prepare me for our win,” said Christina Levasheff. “In fact, the Final Revelation Round in the grand finale episode centered on the book of Romans and I couldn’t help but think back to my undergraduate days at Biola when I took a class on Romans taught by Dr. Victor Rhee.”

The money will be used to fund a medical research lab at the Hunter James Kelly Research Institute. It will also be used to continue raising awareness about Krabbe disease.

For those who are interested in learning more about Judson's Legacy, the book "Eyes that See: Judson's Story of Hope in Suffering" is available in select bookstores. The award winning documentary "Judson's Eyes" is also available to view and purchase on their website.

Watch the winning moment.

Written by Sarah Enriquez, Media Relations Intern. For more information, contact Jenna Bartlo, Media Relations coordinator, at 562.777.4061 or jenna.l.bartlo@biola.edu.