This weekend, from 11 to 13 October, the annual leadership conference of the BCSU was held in Tryavna. Student leaders from various groups across the country gathered to examine the topic of leadership through the lens of the three images described in 2 Timothy 2:1-7 - the competitor, the farmer, and the soldier.

The conference focused on the qualities a leader must possess to be successful in the work God has placed him or her in. The image of the runner represents determination, discipline, training "muscle" and striving to finish the race the right way. The farmer symbolizes patience and perseverance as well as the willingness to sow in faith even when the fruit of the labor is not immediately visible and that of trusting God completely for things that are not up to us. The soldier, on the other hand, carries the meaning of dedication, responsibility, faithfulness and willingness to sacrifice in the struggle for a just cause and accountability to commitments and promises made to God.

The conference program included various activities that encouraged fellowship and relationship building among the students. There were sports competitions, art activities, games, and a seminar that talked about the importance of taking on difficult tasks in a leader's life and how it shapes character. We talked about leaders being "vessels for honorable use", each having a role in God's work. Despite the challenges this role brings, student leaders were reminded of the importance of their mission and that their faith and perseverance in laboring for the Lord is not in vain.

Here are some of the responses from the participants:

"I saw firsthand how important it is to be in an environment with people who are running in the same direction as you. I was very encouraged that absolutely everyone took up the challenge to step out of their comfort zone, and others encouraged it and in turn showed courage to step out of it too. I am grateful for all that I heard. It was very accurate and practical."- Eli Goranova

"Thanks to the conference, the verses of 2 Timothy 2:7 came alive for me. It was very helpful to look at the phrases of the farmer, the competitor, and the warrior, and I definitely took away something from each image that I would like to develop in my life right now and aspire to."-Renieta Pashova

"The workshops helped me to see the image of a leader in a new way, even the games had their role in that, I got a sense of what leadership is to some extent, I understood what it means to be responsible for the success of a team of people who rely on you to achieve their goal. The questions were quite thought-provoking and the invitation to discuss them was key."

The conference in Tryavna was not only a time of spiritual building, but also of strengthening leadership skills and relationships. We are grateful for the good time God gave us.