YouVersion is launching an adaptation of its popular free Bible app to appeal to younger users.Designed for children aged between four and ten, the Bible App for Kids has been developed in partnership with OneHope, an international ministry which has reached nearly a billion young people worldwide with the Bible.
The app is part of the outworking of OneHope's vision that every young person, in every nation, will be reached with a relevant Gospel message by the year 2030.
"Just like we've seen the Bible App transform how our generation is engaging with Scripture, we believe the Bible App for Kids will change how the next generation discovers the grand narrative of the Bible," said Bobby Gruenewald, Innovation Pastor of LifeChurch.tv in Oklahoma, the creators of YouVersion.
As smart phones and tablet devices become the norm in many children's everyday lives, the developers of the app saw an opportunity to engage the younger generation with the Bible in a way that is both stimulating and relevant.
According to YouVersion, "It's the beginning of a lifelong love of God's Word."
The app is both "fun and interactive", says YouVersion UK representative James Poulter.
"It's a great way for children to engage with the Bible."
The creators are keen that modern children don't miss out on the depth that the Bible has to offer.
"It's important that we don't lose the tradition of reading with our children in the digital age," notes Poulter.
The app explores the wider story of the Bible "from a walk through the garden with Adam and Eve to a journey to Bethlehem the night Jesus was born".
It has been designed with children who can't read, or are learning to, in mind.
Plans are already in place to develop the app into different languages and expand its release worldwide. "Even in countries where evangelism is difficult, Smartphone's are prevalent," said Poulter.
"With translations in other languages also in development, the App will make it possible to reach children all over the world."
The Bible App for Kids is available to download for free on all Apple and Android mobile devices.