EDINBURGH, Scotland — A year ago the National Bible Society of Scotland launched the mobile version of their hi-tech Bible experience, ‘Bibleworld II’. The purpose was to take this interactive video and computer Bible introduction to all parts of the country so that children from 8-13 in every area would have access to this new Bible-learning concept. How has the project progressed?

The aim was to reach more than 10,000 children in its first year of operation and by June nearly 4,000 visitors from about 70 schools had passed through the facility, with many more requesting visits as word about it gets around. And it is not only an introduction to the Bible and its history that the students are given: the program is linked to the national education curriculum, not only touching on areas that will be covered in the classroom but also provoking discussion on central religious issues.

At one point in the journey, as the timeship enters the future, there is a computer malfunction and the students are then instructed to work in groups at four work stations set out around the timeship, where they engage in a number of activities which will reactivate the computer and enable them to continue their journey. The time journey is portrayed on a large video screen and is enhanced with special effects inside the timeship. "I enjoyed the tunnel and travelling through time," said Liam Hunter. "I liked when the lights flashed and went up and down the capsule. I felt as if I were really moving," said another pupil, Colin Hazelton.

There are more than 2,500 primary and secondary schools in Scotland, and unlike the static ‘Bibleworld I’ – visited by some 30,000 people since 1991 – the new mobile unit can reach pupils who would probably not have the opportunity to see it otherwise. All pupils are given a Gospel upon leaving the timeship and teachers are presented with a pack of additional material to follow up the presentation in the classroom.

Running costs are in the region of US $86,400. How can such an expense be justified? "We believe the Bible is a key which young people need today to understand our history and appreciate our traditional values. We are confident that Bibleworld II will build on the work already begun and will make a very significant impact on the thousands of lives it will touch," said the Bible Society General Secretary, the Rev Fergus Macdonald.

But perhaps most significant of all, it helps to reintroduce young people to the faith of their fathers and a moral code based on God’s law, and this is especially welcome in the wake of the tragic killing of 16 children at Dunblane.

"I could tell the children enjoyed being in the trailer because I could see the looks on their faces," wrote Darren Banks from Westerton.