When the Bible comes to life: Children experience faith at Bible Kids Day

It is completely silent in the large hall at the Oslofjord Convention Center. About 1,500 children are fully engrossed in watching what’s on the screen. They immerse themselves in the story of the prophet Elisha and his servant: The situation seems hopeless—the Syrian army has surrounded them. And the servant gets scared.


But then Elisha asks God to open his eyes. Suddenly, he sees what had previously been hidden: a mighty army of chariots of fire protecting them.

This is how Bible Kids Day kicks off during the Easter conference—taking the children straight into the Bible’s stories of faith.

The theme of the children’s meeting at the Easter conference was faith.

The faith taught in the children’s meeting is just as relevant today as it was back then. Just like Elisha’s servant, children can choose to believe in God and His word—and experience the assurance that God is with them.

A world from the Bible—for real

After the children’s meeting, the children get to be part of the story themselves. The town of Dothan has been recreated as an interactive world where children can explore and participate.

After the children’s meeting, the children were able to immerse themselves in the story and explore the town of Dothan.

At ten different stations, they can try their hand at archery, tackle an obstacle course, or experience what market life might have been like back then. They meet animals, explore Elisha’s house and garden, complete tasks, or enjoy a good meal.

“The goal is to create an experience that children can really immerse themselves in—so that they don’t just hear the Bible stories, but also get to experience them,” says Judith Opitz who is from Germany and a member of the project team.

Targeted efforts for children and faith

An event like this requires a lot of planning. There has been a team working on the development and testing of the program since the beginning of the year. During the event itself, around 130 volunteers are on duty.

At ten different posts, the children got to try archery, an obstacle course, and experience the atmosphere of a market.

“We want to guide children through faith and through what they find in the Bible, so that they can make good choices in life,” says Annette Riis Pedersen of BCC Media, the producer of the children’s program and the representative of the children’s ministry at BCC.

The children explore Elisha’s house and garden, complete activities, or meet real animals.

Experiences that leave a lasting impression

The town of Dothan is now bustling with life and activity. The children move from post to post and try out what’s on offer.

“What I liked best was the obstacle course where we had to go blindfolded,” says seven-year-old Leni.

The “town of Dothan” is bustling with life and activity as the children explore the posts.

After collecting several stamps on her card, she can pick up a prize and a coloring book related to the film.

“We hope the children will be left with some wonderful memories from the day,” says Judith Opitz. “And that they’ll also come to trust that God is there and will help them—even when we don’t always see or understand it.”