Welcome to
The Newspaper Spy
Challenge!

This is a timed challenge. You will have 15 minutes to decode and answer as many puzzles as possible. Don’t worry, your time has not started yet. The clock begins when you click the ‘Start Mission’ button below…so before you start, take some time reading this page. It will contain directions and even a couple hints.

Needed Materials

  • Bible (any version will work)
  • Paper
  • Pencil
  • Computer or Tablet (challenge is best when played on a larger screen) 

What to Expect

Once you click the button below the time will begin! You will be taken to another page that will contain a countdown timer and the challenge. While you might want to keep track of your time, I suggest you enlarge the challenge and make it full screen. You can do this by pressing the double arrows in the bottom right corner of the challenge (see image below).

You will be able to navigate through the game by pressing the arrows or clicking an answer.

Each puzzle will have one answer. If you enter the incorrect answer, you will be given the opportunity to try again. 

      • If you are confident in your answer, enter it a second time in case you hit a wrong button.
      • If a * symbol appears, that means it is a multidigit answer. Keep entering digits to continue.
      • Double check your answer in the Bible (a scripture reference will be hidden in the challenge).
      • Use the hint buttons (using these will count against you, but it might be worth it to move on quickly).

If you answer correctly, congrats! Be sure to write down the passcode before continuing to the next puzzle. YOU WILL NEED THE PASSCODES at the end of the challenge!

When time has elapsed, you will be redirected to a page to submit your results. Answer the questions on the page to be entered into the competition.

Hints

  • Write notes as you work through each puzzle.
  • Stay organized (ex. new piece of paper for each puzzle or cross out information that is complete)
  • Each puzzle is independent of the other puzzles.
  • Keep track of PASSCODES and the number of hints used.
  • Look up answers in your Bible
  • Read the questions carefully. Some are meant to be tricky with their wording.
  • Take NOTHING on the page for granted. 
  • All the information you need to solve each puzzle can be found on the single puzzle page and your Bible. (Yes, the newspaper is supposed to extend off the page. What you need to see will be on the screen.)
  • It is timed, so be ready when you push the button. Gather all materials and put away distractions.

Setting the Stage

This is the story that is included at the beginning of the challenge. If you read it here, don’t waste time rereading it again within the challenge. Good Luck!

You are a MI5 agent and for the past several years you have been working with one of the agency’s top spies, Edna Pettit. She has been working undercover as a reporter at a small newspaper company, The Daily News. She has been hiding vital information within the front page of the paper. Your job is to decode her information and enter it into a computer cipher. This morning, your director called and said he needed the rest of the information Edna hid in the newspaper and the passcodes this information provides. He will be arriving in 15 minutes to collect the information. You are a little behind, so you need to hurry and discover as much information as possible before he arrives. Good luck…the clock is ticking!

Start Mission