A joyful October!
As the autumn leaves begin to fall and the chill of the season sets in, it's not just a new academic year that's in full swing; but October is also a fresh semester for the Bulgarian Christian Student Union groups in different cities across the country. This season marks the beginning of a spiritual journey filled with learning, growth, and togetherness.
Varna: This semester is very exciting for the groups in Varna. With the two groups, meeting on Mondays and Wednesdays at 6:30 pm, they've created a more intimate environment for discussion and participation. Their chosen study material, Paul's letter to the Ephesians, explores the themes of Jesus' work of salvation and the inclusion of Jews and Gentiles. In addition to their regular gatherings, they've introduced "prayer partners" – an initiative that fosters deeper friendships and stimulates individual prayer life.
Burgas: The Burgas group meets every Wednesday and has embarked on a journey through Ephesians, seeking to uncover the wisdom and guidance the epistle offers.
Veliko Tarnovo: The students in Veliko Tarnovo kicked off their semester on October 10th with a visit to Jillart, a venue filled with games like billiards, foosball, and darts. They are planing to study the book “Uncover”:Gospel of John and are also introducing new students, some of whom are unbelievers, to the community. The group aims to create an inviting atmosphere through events like board game nights, fostering inclusivity and camaraderie.
Sofia: The capital city boasts four vibrant groups this semester, and one of them is for the recently graduated students. They started their year with an opening event on October 5th, followed by regular group meetings on Monday-Thursday. Their semester is centered around "encounters with Jesus" found in the Gospels, designed to be accessible and enjoyable for non-believers. The first event of the semester was a special one – they joined in the international day of prayer for students, dedicating several hours to prayer stations and a shared sense of spiritual connection.
Plovdiv: In Plovdiv, students gathered early in the semester for games, discussions, and quality time together, officially launching their semester on October 10th. Their groups meet on Mondays and Tuesdays and are diving into the Epistle of Paul to the Ephesians. To add a dash of excitement, they've decided to bring both groups together every third week for various enjoyable activities, such as bowling, board game nights, movie nights and etc. They're also planning community involvement, as visiting villages or joining causes.
IConnect Sofia: This semester, the IConnect group has embarked on an exploration of the Book of Acts. Meeting every Tuesday at 7 pm, the group gathers to delve into the text, seeking inspiration from the early Christian church's actions and experiences. But their gatherings aren't limited to just Bible study; they're spicing things up with events like board games, theme parties, and mountain hikes, making room for friends and colleagues to come together in fellowship and share joy.
IConnect Varna: In Varna the group for international students is meeting every Sunday at 5:30 pm. They're diving into the Gospel of Luke this semester. Their recent game night on October 22nd brought friends into the fold, showcasing the spirit of inclusivity and friendship. Upcoming plans include an escape room event and a Thanksgiving celebration, further uniting their diverse community.
Across the nation, the Christian Student Union groups are kicking off the semester with a strong sense of purpose, unity, and a commitment to deepening their faith. The variety of activities and their inclusivity are not only inspiring but also offer a warm welcome to anyone interested in joining. Please, pray that these students are not only growing spiritually but also forging lifelong friendships and making a positive impact on their communities. As the semester unfolds, it's clear that the journey ahead is bound to be filled with faith, fellowship, and fun.
