The annual women's forum, titled "Her Story," took place in the picturesque Revival town of Tryavna, Bulgaria, from October 10 to 12. This year's event showcased the inspiring narratives of four women who shared their personal battles with life's unexpected challenges and their unwavering faith in God's guidance.
Traditionally, such forums feature an international guest speaker; however, this year’s organizers chose a different approach. Instead of a single expert, attendees were moved by the heartfelt stories of four women, leading to an atmosphere filled with both tears and laughter, united in praise for divine intervention. The forum aimed to demonstrate how faith is lived out in everyday life, particularly encouraging Adventist women to invite their non-Adventist family members and friends.
The Speakers and Their Stories
Gabrielle: At just 22, Gabrielle captivated the audience with her story titled “I Put Words in Your Mouth.” She recounted her unexpected call to preach an evangelistic campaign and how she navigates the challenges presented to her by relying on her relationship with God.
Ralitza: Sharing a contemporary interpretation of the biblical story “Who Touched My Robe?”, Ralitza spoke about her own year-long struggle, emphasizing that faith can lead to divine rewards even in the face of trials. Her declaration, “I fully trusted Him in that moment when there were just me and Him,” resonated with many attendees.
Vyara: A mother driven by her love for her child, Vyara detailed her journey to support her son battling addiction abroad. Her story underscored her belief that “everything works for good” and highlighted her faith as a source of strength during the darkest times. She discovered her trust in God through the practice of tithing, which played a transformative role in her life.
Bilyana: Having encountered cancer in her family multiple times, Bilyana shared her experience with the disease, including her own diagnosis. While facing the emotional turmoil of losing her hair, she emphasized the importance of prevention and understanding for cancer patients. Bilyana instilled hope by affirming that life continues beyond such a diagnosis.
Workshops and New Initiatives
In addition to the personal stories, the forum featured four engaging workshops that contributed to its value: “The Home of Emotions” – Exploring the connection between body and mind; “Spirituality Styles” – Fostering spiritual passion and strength; “The Silence That Cries” – Addressing family wounds through biblical lessons; “Making Our Beauty Loom” – A practical workshop focused on enhancing personal beauty.
A significant highlight was the introduction of a new web platform, developed by Women’s Ministries in Bulgaria, Radio 3:16, and Hope Channel. The website, www.her-story.eu, features real-life stories and biblical narratives, addressing themes such as infertility, loss, and resilience. It also connects users with professionals in various fields, including psychologists and therapists, to support those in need.
Closing Remarks
As a token of appreciation, every attendee received a special gift set titled “Women in the Bible and Me,” designed for personal and group study.
Ivan Nikolov, a pastor and workshop speaker, noted the importance of male participation in such forums, stating, “More and more men should attend women’s forums in order to better understand the women.” Similarly, Hristo Stanev, secretary of the Bulgarian Union, expressed that all pastors should attend, affirming that every woman has a powerful story to share.
The forum concluded with a profound message: God has a purpose and a plan for each individual. Attendees were encouraged to trust Him completely, inspire faith in others, and surrender their burdens to experience His blessings in unimaginable ways. The event fostered connections among old friends and new acquaintances, all while celebrating the transformative power of faith.
