At the Dundee Seventh-day Adventist Church, 14 children aged 4 to 16 embarked on a five-day adventure titled SCUBA: Diving Into Friendship with God during Holiday Bible School. The church transformed into a vibrant underwater world, with marine animals guiding the children through various biblical themes.
Daily sessions included Sing and Splash, where the children enjoyed lively songs like “Thanks, God” and “Count Your Blessings.” They also participated in dramatised Bible stories, hands-on experiments at the Imagination Station, team games, ocean-themed treats, and a “fun-tastic” finale that reinforced the day’s theme.
Day 1: God is a Friend Who Is Real
Marine Animal: Tad the Frogfish
Children learned about God’s real and present nature through the story of Elijah and the false prophets of Baal. Tad the Frogfish, who camouflages himself in the ocean, symbolises God’s constant yet sometimes hidden presence. The memory verse for the day was John 6:69: “We know and believe that you are the Holy One of God.”
Day 2: God is a Friend Who Loves
Marine Animal: Finley the Dolphin
On day two, children discovered God’s unconditional love through the story of Jonah, with Finley the Dolphin representing care and friendship. Activities included games, a water bubble experiment, and exploring John 13:34: “Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.” A sketch of Jonah and the Three Doors reinforced the message of God’s love and mercy.
Day 3: God is a Friend We Can Trust
Marine Animal: Fisher the Seal
Children learned to trust God through the story of Jesus calming the storm, with Fisher the Seal symbolising peace in difficult times. They played trust-building games, recited John 14:27: “I am leaving you with a gift - peace of mind and heart,” and engaged in tidal current and sink/float activities to visualise how God’s presence brings calm.
Day 4: God is a Friend Forever
Marine Animal: Waylon the Whale Shark
Day four focused on Jesus’ resurrection and the concept of God’s eternal friendship, with Waylon the Whale Shark representing the vastness of God’s love. Activities included a dramatisation of the resurrection, exploring saltwater properties, water balloon games, and a dissolving paper craft that highlighted God’s unending friendship and victory over sin. The memory verse was John 11:25: “I am the resurrection and the life.”
Day 5: God is a Friend for Everyone
Marine Animal: Octavia the Octopus
The final day emphasised God’s inclusive love through the story of Lydia and Paul, with Octavia the Octopus symbolising that God’s love reaches everyone. Children learned John 3:16: “For God so loved the world…” and participated in activities that reinforced the message of God’s universal love.
The programme concluded with a graduation ceremony during the church’s International Day, where the children received certificates of completion, marking the end of their underwater adventure. The celebration reflected themes of unity and God’s love for all, leaving the children excited to continue their journey of friendship with God, enriched by their SCUBA-themed experience.
A heartfelt thanks to all volunteers and Pastor Njabulo Ndlovu for their support. The assistance from church members who invited friends from the community, provided props, and offered prayers was outstanding.
We also extend our gratitude to Craig Young from the United Children and Youth, SEC, for his invaluable support in securing the SCUBA VBS.
