December 2012 Mission to Montenegro Newsletter

The Lord has made bare His holy arm in the eyes of all the nations;
And all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. Is. 52:10

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!

• After more than a two year wait, Stan was finally re-granted Montenegrin citizenship (lost after the break-up of the former Yugoslavia).  This is great news because not only does it ease our ability to stay here long term, but it is a positive good in that Stan is a Montenegrin pastor (the only one in Montenegro) and this will be attractive to some.

•  We are expecting to distribute 5000 Christmas Shoeboxes this season.  This is a big job for our small fellowship, and others in the Niksic community help out.  Please pray for Stan and Danijel as they are responsible for the decisions and overseeing the practical logistics (which are many!) as well as for the presentation of the gospel during the program.

• The evangelistic outreaches to students via conversation club, guest lecturers, bible study, camps, and more continue to bear fruit as new students are joining in these activities on their own initiative.  Praise God for His increased activity amongst the high school and university students.

• It has been a busier-than-usual month of pastoral care with the birth of healthy TWINS to the V. family, the loss of a beloved grandma in another family, and the sad tidings of a terminal illness in yet another.  Additionally, we have been blessed to see one woman eagerly coming again to our Sunday meetings after a year-long hiatus.

Upcoming Ministry and Family News:

• The Christmas season is always exceptionally busy for us because we have two Christmases, two birthdays, two Slavas (Saints Days), and New Year's (the big holiday here--this is when presents are exchanged) to celebrate PLUS distributing the Christmas packages and spending time with family, neighbors, and friends.  Many families here celebrate their family's saint day (Slava) which varies and is an automatic day off work/school--that is how central they are to the local culture. It is always an honor and opportunity to be asked, so we go when invited.

• Our sons Josiah and Christian, both university students, will be joining us for two-three weeks while on Christmas break.  Sadly, our daughters Anna Marie and Amy are not able to come because of work/cost/time.  Please pray for them especially, and for us all that we would cherish the good things the Lord has done for us as we remember Him this Christmastide.

• Our daughter, Milijana, is finishing up the last of her university applications; however, the prayer continues for the Lord's hand in directing where she will be studying next fall, Deo Volente.

With great love and appreciation for your ongoing prayers and support in this great work of God,

Stan and Vicki Surbatovich
Mission to Montenegro  
PS.  Thanks to all the dear Ladies who send us birthday and other note cards.  It would be great if an email contact could also be included in them because then we could thank you immediately.

Prayer and Praise Bulletin Points:      

• Praise God for the granting of Stan's citizenship.  Pray that this privilege will be used to further the gospel even more.
• Praise God for the kind generousity of our fellow saints in providing these Christmas Shoeboxes.  Pray for the families that receive them, that they would long to know the God who is the giver of all blessings.
• Praise God for the growing work amongst university and high school students.  Pray that they would take to heart the Truth and turn from darkness to light.
• Praise for the safe arrival and good health of mother and sons in the V. family.   Pray for those who have recently lost and expect to lose loved ones.
•  Praise for Christmas vacations and sons returning home!  Pray that we would all stay in good health and enjoy our limited time to the max.

Note:  If you would like to receive this newsletter update directly, please subscribe at:  http://christianitymontenegro.blogspot.com/    

November Mission to Montenegro Newsletter

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,  to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.  Eph 3: 20, 21

Oh, how great is Your goodness! 

We have had a very blessed month in the Lord with so many good things to share:

• We reached an agreement with the landlord for an acceptable sign which was not at all a certainty.  Rejoice with us!  For the time being, the landlord has decided to sit on his decision to sell or not to sell until at least after the new year.   We now realize that getting a place of our own (whether this or another) would be a very good next step for our growing fellowship.       

• Peter Williams, a Christian philosopher and debater, spoke at the university on the topic of "Morality and the New Atheism."  By God's providence, the Philosophy Department helped promote this event amongst the students and many attended; the best part is that several students left contact information for follow-up purposes.                  

• Three new families have moved to Montenegro as missionaries desiring to see new churches raised up.   They are currently in the capital city of Podgorica learning the language.  We feel a close kinship with one family in particular because the husband (Jesse) first came to Niksic on a college mission trip about six years ago and spent a week+ with us.  He left with the desire to return one day, and now that day has come.  Praise the Lord!       

Upcoming Ministry and Family News       

•  We have begun planning for the Samaritan's Purse Christmas Shoebox distribution.  One of our own, Jelena V.,  has gone to a mini-conference on effective follow-up after the giving of the boxes.  Jelena has also written a brief drama outlining the Christmas story to accompany our presentation.         

• Our daughter, Milijana, is in the process of applying to university for Fall 2013.  She has finished taking all her required SAT, SAT II tests for which we are very grateful as we have to travel out of country to accomplish this.

With great love and appreciation for your ongoing prayers and support in this great work of God,

Stan and Vicki Surbatovich
Mission to Montenegro

Prayer and Praise Bulletin Points:

• Praise God for the agreement reached with our landlord.  Pray for the means to purchase a place of our own.

• Praise God for the contact with new and unbelieving students.  Pray for ongoing relationships to be built and for the student bible study and outreach activities.

• Praise for the sending of new missionaries here to Montenegro.  With currently only 4 registered churches in the whole country, this is proportionately a great increase!   Pray for our brethren as they work hard to learn the language (grammatically challenging!) and for the Lord to direct them to their place of ministry.  

• Praise for the yearly blessing and opportunities associated with the Christmas package distribution.  Pray for us as it is a major project, and for the Christmas drama directed by Jelena V. as many children here know absolutely nothing about Jesus's birth, life, or reason for coming to earth.

• Praise for Milijana's success with required testing and the wonderful ability to submit college applications online! Please pray that God would guide and give us all wisdom as she seeks "next steps" after her graduation this coming spring.              

• Please pray for all the regular ministries of the church:  preaching of the Word, prayer meetings, student Bible Study, Ladies' Coffee fellowship, and individual mentoring.   

•  Please pray for Randi and Anton, to continue to be effective in their witness and ministry as they increase their contacts and opportunities amongst university and high school students.            

Note:  If you would like to receive this newsletter update directly, please subscribe at:  http://christianitymontenegro.blogspot.com/   

October 2012 Mission to Montenegro Newsletter

Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness,
     And for His wonderful works to the children of men!
For He satisfies the longing soul, 
     And fills the hungry soul with goodness. Ps. 107:8,9

Declare His works with rejoicing!

The busyness of summer evangelistic camps has given way to the autumn rhythm of weekly meetings, coffee fellowships, Student Bible studies, and more.  Some recent highlights include:

•  We were blessed with the recent visit of Pastor and Evangelist Dr. Michael Green, Oxford, England who gave an encouraging and practical talk to our fellowship on sharing the love and good news of Jesus Christ to family and friends.  He also unabashedly shared that love and good news at our sponsored Student outreach at the Atrium Cafe in downtown Niksic.  Please pray for the students (N., in particular) and the staff who heard the Words of Life.

• A week ago, we had another drop-in visitor, T. a man in his mid-30s, who came to our morning service because he saw our church sign.  This last week, the weather was poor and he didn't come.  Please pray that he would continue to join with us, hear God's Word, and grow in love, knowledge, and faith.

• Landlord Concerns continue: Given that the sign announcing our services, detailing days and times, is being noticed by the public at large, it is disappointing that our landlord, after a month of silence, has decreed that we must take down our sign this week.  He is still willing to negotiate (possibly) a smaller sign as well as selling the premises outright.  Please pray for continued wisdom as we navigate these opportunities.

• Pray for all the young believers in unbelieving (and usually dysfunctional) families.  Along with the dreariness of gray and grim weather outside, they face a spiritual darkness and battle within their family circles.  The Christian camps and summer teams of the past few months have been (as always) a great encouragement, but now they need to battle on with the Lord's help. Please lift these "pioneering " brethren before the Lord, that they would know His sweet mercies and Presence and be helped to actively love their families for Christ's sake.

Upcoming Ministry and Family News:

 

•  Stan is expecting to finish up his preaching through the book of Daniel in our morning services and is in the process of choosing another book for exposition.  In the evening services, he is currently preaching from I John 2.  Please pray for Stan, for physical strength and health and that he would continue in his faithful teaching and preaching and right handling of God's Word: in the pulpit, in counseling, in everyday conversations.

• Our daughter, Milijana, is in the process of applying to university for Fall 2013.  Please pray that God would guide and give us all wisdom as she seeks "next steps" after her graduation this coming spring. 

With great love and appreciation for your ongoing prayers and support in this great work of God,

Stan and Vicki Surbatovich
Mission to Montenegro

Prayer Bulletin Points:

• For the students, cafe staff, casual Sunday visitors, family members, and friends who have been loved by our sharing the Word of God, the truth and claims of Jesus Christ, and their great need of a Savior; that they would turn to Him who is the true lover of souls.

•  For our church meeting location and landlord, that we would be able to have a suitable sign and building for worshipping the Lord as a growing body of believers.

• For young believers in unbelieving families, that they would find their sustenance in the One who is nearer and dearer than a brother, father, or mother. 

• For Randi and Anton, to be effective in their witness and ministry as they increase their contacts and opportunities amongst university and high school students.

• For all the regular ministries of the church:  preaching of the Word, prayer meetings, student Bible Study, Ladies' Coffee fellowship, and individual mentoring.   

• For God's leading as Milijana applies to US universities.

Note:  If you would like to receive this newsletter update directly, please subscribe at:  http://christianitymontenegro.blogspot.com/ 

September 2012 Mission to Montenegro Newsletter

Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne,  and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth.   Rev. 1: 4b-5a

Make known His deeds among the peoples! 
 
God has been busy amongst us this past month; we will have to hit the highlights of the highlights!

• R., the older woman who had visited twice when we wrote last time, has continued to come faithfully to our Sunday morning worship service, and even to a midweek prayer meeting once.  She is now hopeful that her husband might begin to come to service as well.  Please pray for him to come and hear God's Words of life.

• Two Danish young people are now with us:  Randi (young woman, for the next 9 months) and Anton (young man, for the next 3 months).  They are here to reach out and minister to both university students and high schoolers.  Please pray for them as they settle in, adjust to Montenegrin life, attempt to learn the language, and most importantly, for opportunities and boldness in sharing their faith.

• Wedding in Belgrade.  Earlier this month, Stan was honored to preside over the wedding ceremony of S. and B.  B. grew up in the church here, was one of the first to be baptized, and is very dear to our hearts.  It is a joy to have witnessed in the past year three weddings of Christian young people who are establishing new points of light in their communities, extended families, and work places.  Praise be to God!

• Landlord Concerns  The Landlord for the church is very concerned about the church sign as he believes it makes the building a target of attack and is considering what to do about it.  His fears are not unfounded:  we did have 3 men hanging around the sign/door one evening after a service and they were very hostile to the idea of a "sect" in the area. (Note:  This occurred while Stan was away.  Danijel ended up speaking with these guys and witnessing to them and ending everything on pleasant terms (though they still couldn't understand why we just weren't Serbian Orthodox)).   One EXCITING possibility that the landlord mentioned was selling the entire building/land at cost to us, because then it would be our problem, not his.  Please pray that we would consider this offer wisely, taking ALL possibilities into account.

Upcoming Ministry  and Family News

• Resuming "Normal" Ministries.  With school now started, the weekly student bible studies, teen meetings, one-on-one Bible Study, and Ladies' Coffee Times are all back in action.  Please pray for the unbelievers to be challenged to come to Christ, for all to be encouraged.

• Stan and Josiah had a whirlwind two week trip getting Josiah outfitted for his new life as a university student:  driver's license, bank accounts opened, cell phone stuff, school books bought, and more. Josiah is now settled in at the Rochester Institute of Technology, NY, in the Physician Assistant Program and starting his third week of classes.  Please pray that he would find a good church home.

With great love and appreciation for your ongoing prayers and support in this great work of God,

Stan and Vicki Surbatovich
Mission to Montenegro
 
Prayer Bulletin Points 

• For R's husband, to come to church, hear the Word of God, and be saved.
• For Randi and Anton, to be effective in their witness and ministry.
• For S+B, that their marriage would grow in love and maturity, and they would glorify God through their union.
• For our church meeting location and landlord, that we would be able to have a sign and building suitable for worshipping the Lord as a growing body of believers.
• For all the regular ministries of the church:  preaching of the Word, prayer meetings, student Bible Study, Ladies' Coffee fellowship, and individual mentoring.
• For all our children:  Anna, Amy, Christian (3rd year university student), Josiah (1st year university student), and Milijana (high school senior): to grow in favor with God and man.

Note:  If you would like to receive this newsletter update directly, please subscribe at:  http://christianitymontenegro.blogspot.com/

August 2012 Mission to Montenegro Newsletter

Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you.  2 Thess. 3:1

I will tell of all Your marvelous works...

We just finished a very busy month, wrapping up a full season of camp evangelistic outreaches.  Some highlights of the past month include:

• Camp Monty is a sports-oriented evangelistic camp targeted for youth, ages 8-20.  This year's turnout was larger than ever, with more than 200+ children participating in the various programs.  This camp is sponsored by Life Impact for Eternity who organized the 35+ adult volunteers leading the activities.  Our work, as a fellowship, is to follow-up with the young people who gave contact information and want to know more about Christ and His Word.  Please pray for the Bible studies that are being started for these interested youth and for their salvation.

• Saying Good-bye to our short-term summer missionaries, Tanja and Rebekka.  They helped out with several camps, leading Girls' Bible Study, and being general encouragers to the fellowship. Deo volente, we will be seeing them in 2013! 

• New Church Sign is noticed! Not once, but twice.  One older women, R, noticed our sign and has been coming to morning services for the past two weeks.  She had contact with an evangelical church while living in Bosnia but just found out about us.  Later that same week, Stan had a police officer contact him, stating that he noticed the church sign, and wanted to meet with Stan as our location is in his precinct.  Stan spent a pleasant hour with him, and we rejoice in the good relationships we have with city officials. Rejoice with us and may the Lord be pleased to bring many more souls to our doors.

Upcoming Ministry

• Guest Preachers  Stan is gone for the remainder of August, equipping our son Josiah with all he needs to begin his university studies.  So, we will have two guest preachers for our morning worship services, and Danijel (involved in student ministries) will lead our evening services.  Please pray for these men as they bring the Word of the Lord before us, and for our sweet fellowship as our numbers will be down all month.

• Welcoming a New Student Helper  Next week we are anticipating the arrival of Randi, a young Danish woman, who will be in Niksic for the next nine months with a mission to participate in  student evangelism and discipleship.  We are thrilled for "the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few," especially in light of the much needed follow-up of  young people reached through the summer camps.

With great love and appreciation for all your prayers and ongoing support in this work the Lord has for us,

Stan and Vicki Surbatovich
Mission to Montenegro

Prayer Points:

• Follow-up for the young people reached through camps: by personal visitation, bible studies, social events.
• For our newest visitor, R, that we would get to know her and welcome her into God's family here in Niksic. 
• For Stan and Josiah's travels and packed schedule, plus Josiah's acclimation to life in the US as a univsersity student (aka "culture shock"), that he would find his place and  a good church home.
• For our Sunday services while two key leaders are gone (Stan and Peter Stonelake), and for Danijel who is in charge in their absence.
• For Randi's safe arrival and settling in, that she would find her calling quickly.

Note:  If you would like to receive this newsletter update directly, please subscribe at:  http://christianitymontenegro.blogspot.com/

July 2012 Mission to Montenegro Newsletter

       
For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow,  and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.      Heb.4:12

Many, O LORD my God, are your wonderful works...

We invite you to rejoice and give thanks with us for all the Lord is doing here in Niksic and in Montenegro.

• Ministry of the Word  Stan has been preaching through the book of Daniel in the morning services, emphasizing the truths of God's sovereignty over the nations,  the certainty of God's prophecies, and His ultimate Kingdom victory. In our evening services, Stan is preaching from  I John 2, encouraging us in recognizing and overcoming the love of the world and knowing with assurance that we have eternal life.

• English Student Camp  We've just wrapped up another successful English Student camp, an evangelistic camp targeted for university students.  For the past few weeks, we hosted a great UCCF team from England who led the actual camp, leading the Bible studies and discussion groups from the book of Luke, planning the events and social activities, and generally witnessing as they engaged with the students.  Please pray for continuing fruit from this outreach. 

Upcoming Ministry

• Teen Camp and Camp Monty  These will take place the last week of July.  The teen camp is hosted directly by the church in Podgorica while Camp Monty is a sports-outreach camp right here in Niksic.  We have supporting roles in each but are not the main organizers.

• One-on-One Bible Study  Vicki is starting a one-on-one Bible Study with one of the young ladies in the fellowship, for mutual encouragement and discipleship.  Please pray that we would dig deeply and rightly into the Word of Life.

With great love and appreciation for your ongoing prayers and support in this great work of God,

Stan and Vicki Surbatovich
Mission to Montenegro
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Prayer Points:

• For the conversions and further sanctification of the students at the English Camp, particularly A, J, D (males), and A, J, M (females).

• For the Teen and Sports Camp being held at the end of this month.  Many unbelievers will be attending, just for the fun of the activities, but God's Word is a powerful two-edged sword, so pray that God's Word would be boldly proclaimed and that hearts would respond. 

• In God's wonderful providence, a number of young people who've visited in the past are interested in returning for longer periods of time.  Right now, we are in the process of attempting to get a one-year visa for a young Danish woman who would like to come in September and stay for a year.  Please pray that we will be able to smoothly get her a visa through our registration as a local church.

• For our family, as we prepare for Josiah to go off to university next month.  In fact, next time I write, Stan and Josiah will be off to the US to take care of necessities before classes start...

June 2012 Mission to Montenegro Newsletter

You make known to me the path of life; 
     in your presence there is fullness of joy;
          at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Ps. 16:11

**This is the Lord's doing; It is marvelous in our eyes.

This past month has been full with the regular ministry of the Word, weekly prayer meeting, and ongoing hospitality plus many new opportunities for witnessing, for encouraging young believers, for meeting with God's people from around the world.  Highlights include:

• Visitations We visited and witnessed to the B family, having them over for a meal, and encouraged them in reading the Bible diligently and prayerfully.  Also, the man (D.), who recently made a gate for us, asked to meet with Stan and to discuss the Bible and other Christian topics; their time together was fruitful.

• Student Outreach In late May, we enjoyed a couple of whirlwind, activity-filled days with a young college team from U of Georgia, reaching out to our local university students.  In the following weeks, we helped host a "Tennis Table Tournament" at our house and 15 young men/students came to participate.  Plenty of fun, good food, and conversation!

• Wedding! In early June, we traveled to Serbia to celebrate the marriage of N and J.  Stan preached on the great Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Rev. 19), encouraging the believers to anticipate that wondrous event and calling the unbelievers to Christ himself.

• Summer Friends We gladly welcomed back our Danish daughters, Tanja and Rebekka,  for the summer.  They will be working primarily with our teens and helping out at camps.  

• Mission Accomplished!  We had the joy of seeing God's answered prayer through the McLaughlins:  The primary building tasks were completed (without injury!) and the fellowship greatly encouraged through their loving practical ministry and wise words. Sadly, though, with Mission Accomplished!, we had to say good-bye to Richard, Julie, and Michael this past week.

• Possibilities This week we also met up with Sam. B, a Romanian living in the US, who works with an international missions agency to aid local churches with evangelism and follow-up discipleship, to discuss possibilities in how this organization might help in furthering the gospel here in Niksic. 

**Upcoming Ministry

With the arrival of Tanja and Rebekka, it seems summer has officially begun.  We are looking forward to:

• The English UCCF Team  They will be arriving on June 25 and will be with us here in Niksic until mid-July.  They will be the main leaders of the evangelistic camp for university students, to be held the first week of July.

• The Teen Camp and Sports Camp  These will both be held in late July, one in the local mountains, the other in the city.

• Ministry to the Coast  With the arrival of summer, many of the students are headed to the coast in search of jobs.  We plan to meet up with some of these students, especially JV, to encourage them in the Lord while away from the church body.

With great love and appreciation for your ongoing prayers and support in this great work of God,

Stan and Vicki Surbatovich
Mission to Montenegro

Prayer Bulletin Points

• For D, the gate maker, who has honest questions about Christianity and the bible.
• For N+J,  that their marriage would be a beautiful reflection of God's covenant love.
• For the camps:  that the right young people would come, meet the Lord, and begin a new life in Christ. For those who are believers, to grow closer to the Lord and be encouraged to share their faith boldly.
• For summer time Student Ministry: That the leadership would find just the right ways to encourage, challenge, disciple those still in town as well as those who are away.
• With Josiah with us for only two more months, we are trying to take/make some quality family time and/or a getaway, but find it difficult with the busy camp schedule.

Note:  If you would like to receive this newsletter update directly, please subscribe at:  http://christianitymontenegro.blogspot.com/

May 2012 Mission to Montenegro Newsletter

And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.  Col. 3:17

**Life in the Fellowship

    The past month has seen an increase in Fellowship activity, in no small part due to wonderful spring weather.  Highlights include:

• All-Montenegro Meeting  The All-MNE fellowship gathering for 2012 was held in late April in the capital city of Podgorica.  It is a joy and a privilege to gather together with our fellow Christians to encourage one another, to pray for one another, and to pray for the nation.  God blessed our time together most richly.
• Getting to know some Orthodox Believers  We were finally able to meet up with the Orthodox family (Father, Mother, 3 children--Father works for the Orthodox church) who moved here from Canada.  They had been looking forward to meeting us as much as we were interested in meeting with them.  We are mutually desirous of fostering our friendship and hope to be a light and a testimony of God's grace, mercy, and love.
• New Regulars  It is a joy to recognize that one of the students, JV, is wholeheartedly joining in the fellowship, attending regular meetings, and developing relationships with us all.  She is the first of those reached via student ministries to do so in a long while.  Praise the Lord!
• Babies and Weddings  It is very exciting to see God growing His Church here in Montenegro.  There are two families (V. family, S. family) connected with our fellowship expecting their first babies; however, both pregnancies have been beset with various complications.  Please pray that God would watch over these little ones and their parents.  Also, two of our young people (N+J) are getting married next month; Stan will be presiding over the church ceremony to be held in Belgrade.  Another Christian family in Niksic!  Another Light in a dark place!

**Upcoming Ministry
   
As always, summer is a busy time of extra outreaches, camps, hospitality ministry.

• Danish Friends  We are expecting our Danish friends, Tanja and Rebekka, to be with us for two months starting in June.  They will be reaching out to the teens and university students and helping with the various camps that are scheduled.
• Camp Outreaches  There will be three major outreaches this summer:  English camp for university students, an evangelistic and discipling camp for teens, and Camp Monty which is a sports outreach camp for mixed ages.
• Ongoing Follow-up  All these camps generate a number of contacts which need to be maintained and followed up.  This can be taxing on a small fellowship like ours.   Stan has been meeting with the Leadership team to discuss possible, effective ways to reach interested people including teaching a  "Basics of Christianity" course, ongoing Bible studies, one-on-one discipling, and general hospitality.

**Family News
    
     Stan and Josiah were away for a whirlwind 10 day trip to visit several of the universities to which Josiah was accepted.  Not having lived in the US for most of his life, Josiah enjoyed seeing and experiencing the differences and similarities of various American universities, especially in light of European ones.  We are pleased that he has chosen to attend Rochester Institute of Technology (NY) and has been accepted into their Physician's Assistant Program.

Also, the McLaughlin family is (unbelievably) now in the countdown phase of their time with us.  We are most grateful for the practical help rendered by both Richard and Julie as well as their sweet communion in fellowship with all the saints here.

With great love and appreciation for your ongoing prayers and support in this great work of God,

Stan and Vicki Surbatovich
Mission to Montenegro

Prayer Bulletin Points  

1. For our "new" regulars attending the fellowship:  JV, and D's family.  That they would grow in their love and knowledge of God and their place in His Kingdom.
2. For the babies, the first generation to be born to Christian parents here, that they would be strong and healthy, nurtured in the love and fear of the Lord.
3. For the upcoming wedding of N+J, that the ceremony would be a testimony and witness of God's goodness and gospel truth to the many unbelievers who will be attending.  And for their marriage:  the wedding is just the beginning!
4. For the many preparations needed in light of the camps this summer.  As an example, we will be hosting a team of 11 in the next few days who are here in advance planning for the teen camp in July.  
5. That God would draw the right young people to attend these camps and for a concerted follow-up by our own people.
6. For the ongoing construction projects headed by Richard.  We thank the Lord that the work has been progressing smoothly and without injuries.  Please pray that we would determine the best projects/priorities for the remaining few weeks.

Mission to Montenegro April 2012 Newsletter:

 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.  Phil. 1:3-5.

**Easter Celebration

            This past Sunday, April 15^th, we were blessed with a joyful service commemorating our Lord’s triumph over sin and death.  We are also thrilled that J., a college student, seems to have crossed over from just attending student meetings to joining us wholeheartedly in worshipping the Lord and learning from His Word at our regularly scheduled church meetings. 

** New Contacts via book promotion

            Last week, a well-respected, local politician who is also a believer, held a promotional event for his recently published book Metanoja (which comes from the Greek word meaning “forgiveness”).  In a show of solidarity, Stan and a few other believers from our fellowship went, and Stan was able to meet and renew acquaintances with unbelievers genuinely interested in the book and the Christian ideas inherent.  Please pray for follow-up contacts and opportunities to share the gospel with these searching souls.

**Ladies’ Coffee Fellowship

We have been able to meet quite regularly this past month.  Again, the purpose is to foster relationships and encourage one another as well as to model Christian living, thinking, and joyfulness to all who come.  It is also a time of informal “older women teaching the younger women” because we are adding young mothers and wives to our mix of older ladies.  Please pray that the Lord would increase our wisdom as these young wives and mothers are the first generation here to marry and raise children in the Lord.

**Family News

Although the beginning of month saw us all plagued with colds and viruses, we’ve recovered and are now enjoying having Nemanja with us. We had the privilege of meeting his family over Easter weekend.  Nemanja is Richard McLaughlin’s right hand man during their stay with us.  To see what they are all up to, check out    http://familyblog.bldrmcl.com/ .

Stan and Josiah are currently stateside for a whirlwind tour of the most likely universities that Josiah might attend.  Please pray for traveling mercies and confirmation of the best place for Josiah, academically, spiritually, and emotionally.  Also, please pray for Peter and Danijel who will be leading our services while Stan is gone.

How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed?  And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard?  And how are they to hear without someone preaching?  And how are they to preach unless they are sent?  Rom. 10:14ff

 With great love and appreciation for your ongoing support in this great work of God,

Stan and Vicki Surbatovich
Mission to Montenegro

Prayer Bullet Points:

1.  For the many unbelievers who have been ministered to this past month:  the students, friends, family members, neighbors attending the book promotion.

2.  For the  Ladies’ Coffee time and the Girls’ Bible study targeted for unbelieving high school students.  This is especially needful as a local high school student recently committed suicide and thoughts of life, death, and ultimate purpose are on many hearts.

3.  For Stan and Josiah as they travel and visit universities:  for safety, wisdom, good fellowship, too!  Josiah’s decision will need to be made by May 1^st.

4.  For upcoming planned ministries and teams:  summer camp for teens, university outreach camp, longer term ministry visits in Niksic from amongst our Danish brethren.

5.  For the construction projects spearheaded by Richard M.  That wise decisions would be made and that everyone would keep safe and whole.

Mission to Montenegro March 2012 Newsletter:

Recent Church/Ministry Highlights:

**Extreme Weather:  Because of the heavy snowfall in February, we canceled meetings for two weeks.  However, we are happily back in action after a week of springlike weather—only vestiges of snow remain.

**Arrival of the McLaughlin Family:  We joyfully welcomed the McLaughlin family on March 8 who arrived tired but in one piece after many hours of travel.  Since they are posting their perceptions and experiences on a family blog:  http://familyblog.bldrmcl.com/ , we won’t duplicate their efforts.  They are updating their blog several times a week, so we suggest you bookmark it and check in often!  (And if you do head over there, compare the picture against the fence with the one from the Big Snow!)

**Postponed Get-togethers: 

--This past week, Danica gathered her unbelieving friends for bible study.  Please pray for wisdom as Danica seeks to share the good news with her classmates:  some are searching, others are avowed atheists.

--We enjoyed our first Ladies Coffee Fellowship of the new year, which is currently scheduled for every Wednesday afternoon.  Julie and I met with Rada (a believer) and M. (an unbeliever).  The purpose is to foster relationships and encourage one another as well as to model Christian living, thinking, and joyfulness for M  Although we rejoice that M now comes fairly regularly to our Sunday services and participates in special events, we long for her to know sweet communion with Christ as her Lord and Savior.

**College Ministry:  After a month of holidays and inactivity due to the weather, this past month has seen a flurry of activity with the coming of a small team from Norway and a large group from Denmark.  The Norwegians came expressly for the purpose of producing a video to show Christian students in Norway the state of the Christian student ministry here in Montenegro. The desired outcome is  to encourage Norwegian students and recent graduates to pray for the young people here and to consider coming themselves for short/long term ministry amongst them

We hosted 12 Danish Bible school students and their teachers for 10 days this last month.  Their efforts focused on activities such as a Danish Cultural Night and Acoustic Café night to bring non-Christian students into contact with believing students, providing an opportunity to build relationships and witness about Christ.  We now have 8 new names to follow-up on.  Please pray for Danijel and Peter as well as all the believers to keep on reaching out to these eight people.

**Saved from Death:  We all are thanking the Lord that the father (N.) of one of our members not only survived a severe heart attack (and follow-up bypass surgery, neither of which the doctors thought he would live through), but he (N.) has since indicated that he knows he has Jesus to thank and honor for his new life.  N. has heard the gospel many times—both from his daughter and son-in-law and from visiting the church several times.  Please pray that his love for Christ will grow and that his new life (physically speaking) will be blessed with new spiritual life as well.  We all have great hope in what the Lord is doing and can accomplish!

Family News:

Soon after saying good-bye to Rebekka and her family, we welcomed and hosted the Danish team.  With 18-19 people in the house, things were hopping on the home front.  Now that the McLaughlins are here, we are still hopping!  We have already been blessed both practically (Richard and Julie are gifted artists and craftsmen) as well as spiritually in everyday discussions around the table and at family devotions.

We are expecting Nemanja, a young Christian man engaged to one of the young ladies in our fellowship, this weekend.  He will be staying with us for the next few months, becoming Richard’s right hand man with the construction projects and enjoying time with his fiancee.

Josiah should finish hearing from the schools that he applied to this month.  Please pray that he (and we) would prayerfully consider his options and sense the Lord’s direction and peace.

With great love and appreciation for your ongoing support in this great work of God,

Stan and Vicki Surbatovich
Mission to Montenegro

Prayer Bullet Points:

1.  For the many unbelievers who have been ministered to this past month:  the students, friends, family members, especially M. (of the Coffee time) and N. (saved from death).

2.  For the  Ladies’ Coffee time and the Girls’ Bible study targeted for unbelieving high school students. 

3.  For the construction projects spearheaded by Richard.  That wise decisions would be made and that everyone would keep safe and whole.

4.  For an improved financial situation for Mission to Montenegro. And many thanks to you who have already responded; it is a great encouragement to us.

Mission to Montenegro February 2012 Newsletter

Mission to Montenegro February 2012 Newsletter:

Recent Church/Ministry Highlights:

**First time visitor:  We are thanking the Lord that the young adult daughter (J.) of one of our regular attenders chose of her own initiative to join us at our last Sunday morning worship service.  We’ve been reaching out to her for many years, including her in “fun” activities with visiting teams, so we are quite excited that she wanted to come to a regular service. Please continue to pray for the unbelieving family members of our fellowship and for J. in particular.

**Bijelo Polje Outreach:  There is a small group (2 families) of believers in the small ethnically Muslim town of Bijelo Polje, MNE which is 3+ hours from Niksic.  They are struggling to remain strong and bold in their faith.  We are discussing possible ways to minister to them including sermons via the internet and a monthly Sunday visit led by the qualified men in our fellowship.  Please pray for these brethren and wisdom on our part in encouraging them.

**College Ministry:  This has been on hold for the past month, initially because of the Christmas Holidays and then because of our “extreme” weather.

**Extreme Weather:  Since early February, Montenegro has experienced its worst winter weather in more than 60 years, and it continues to affect the whole country, effectively shutting down transportation, schools,  and many businesses.  We had to cancel our Sunday church services for the first time ever.  Like many others, we spent the last weekend digging ourselves out of being snow-bound.  The first picture shows the record snow against our 6.5 ft high fence.  After clearing paths, it is necessary to take snow off the roof.  The second picture shows Josiah, Milijana, and Vicki working hard to get the weight off a flat section of the roof.

We make our plans, the Lord directs our steps:

We had planned several small get-togethers, including a Ladies’ Coffee Fellowship time and a Girls’ High School Bible Study for some of Danica’s friends, but the weather precluded these events.  We trust that the Lord will bring these about in His good time.  Also, there is a Canadian Orthodox family that has recently moved to Niksic and  is undergoing culture shock and would like to meet with us.  Please pray that we would connect and be a blessing to this family, both emotionally and spiritually.

Ongoing and Upcoming Ministry

We are currently enjoying good fellowship with  Rebekka’s family whose arrival was delayed because of the recent snowstorm.  Next week, we are anticipating hosting a group of 14 Danish Bible School students who will be reaching out to the  university students.  In early March, we are looking forward to the arrival of the McLaughlin family from our home church, Faith Community, who will stay with us for three months, helping us and the fellowship with their many talents.  Please pray that we would honor the Lord through our hospitality.

Family News:

Stan and Vicki recently had some health check-ups for ongoing issues.  While Vicki’s situation looks very good, Stan’s does not.  Please pray that Stan would find the right combination of medicines and lifestyle choices that would enable him to feel better and function well.

With great love and appreciation for your ongoing support in this great work of God,

Stan and Vicki Surbatovich
Mission to Montenegro

Prayer Bullet Points:

1.  For the unbelieving families of church members: wives, husbands, children, siblings, the extended family of everyone (no multi-generational Christian families here--these are the first converts in the country), especially J. who actually came to a service.

2.  For wisdom in encouraging the believers in Bijelo Polje, for the desired Ladies’ Coffee, for the Girls’ Bible study targeted for unbelieving high school students.  This last is especially close to Danica’s heart.

3.  For Stan’s health issues.

4.  For the university students who are grappling with the Big Questions of Life, that they would meet the Giver of Life, and particularly for the ministry during the Danish Bible School visit.

5.  For an improved financial situation for Mission to Montenegro. And many thanks to you who have already responded; it is a great encouragement to us.

6. For everyone’s safety as the weather forecast predicts colder temperatures and more snow in the next week.

Mission to Montenegro January 2012 Newsletter

We thank the Lord for a very rich and blessed 2011, and we thank all of you for your generous ongoing support, prayer, and encouragements. One change in 2012 is that our newsletter is going to be regularly posted on a blog and thus more public in nature. Currently, until we think of a better solution, we will be writing about most people without mentioning names; but God will know who is meant when we pray for them.

Recent Church/Ministry Events:

Thank you for your prayers for Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Shoebox distribution.

This is a large project for our small fellowship. Some highlights include:

• We had over 8 Christmas presentations with 200 children and their parents present each time in a large auditorium. We offered free New Testaments to any who wanted and more than a thousand were gladly taken. Please pray that God would mightily use His word in the hearts of those reading it.
• For the first time, we were able to give a presentation in a public school forum, complete with a gospel-oriented Christmas message and credit given to the church (and not merely a generic “humanitarian aid” organization.) This took place in Savnik, a small town about an hour away, and while we had enough Christmas packages for the children, we ran out of New Testaments and the director asked us to come back and bring more!
• Also for the first time, we were able to distribute and minister to Roma (gypsy) children in Niksic.
• In total, we gave away 4000 boxes to children and were very grateful for the many helpers in making this happen: box movers/loaders/unloaders, greeters, distributers, musicians, speakers, and more.

Theft of Church Offering Box.

We were quite shocked to discover that our locked offering box was broken into and a substantial amount of money taken. No windows were broken but some are not hard to pry open if one is determined to do so. Because our meeting facilities are multi-purposed (formal meetings, study groups, mid-week language lessons, and more), a number of believers and non-believers are in and out fairly regularly. We have instituted some new procedures for handling the offerings and will be changing the locks.

Building Relationships: The Ministry of Presence

A large part of the ministry here is getting to know people and establishing ongoing relationships and this past month has been ripe with just such opportunities. We’ve spent time together and shared meals with several (unbelieving) families, including the family of the worker who has been building our stone wall, a long-time but still unbelieving dentist friend, the extended family of young believer, and two different American families who are considering moving to Montenegro as missionaries to minister in the as-yet-unreached interior regions.. Please pray that God will open their hearts to His calling: to repentance, to restoration, to obedience.

Financial Considerations:

For several years now, while US and global economies have been struggling, we have been relatively untouched as Faith Community Church has been supplying what we lacked budget-wise. However, we have been informed by the elders at Faith Community Church that we will need to work together to address this situation. Please pray that the Lord would stir the hearts of His People to give to this work, this outreach to Montenegro, because:

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? ¹⁵ And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news! (Romans 10:14-15)

Ongoing and Upcoming Ministry

This month is still a partial holiday month as the schools (K-12) are on break until the beginning of February, and the universities have no classes, just exams scheduled. We, however, began our studies on January 9^th as we will be having a busy spring.

Beginning in February, the hospitality aspect of our ministry will take off, with the expected return visit of Rebekka (a young Danish woman who stayed with us this past summer) and her family, followed by hosting a number of Danish Bible students for approximately two weeks. In early March, we are anticipating the arrival of the McLaughlin family from our home church, Faith Community, who will stay with us for three months, helping us and the fellowship with their many talents. Please pray that we would honor the Lord through our hospitality.

Family News:

We greatly enjoyed our White Christmas together though missing Anna Marie. Amy has been back in the States for two weeks already; Christian leaves in two days.

We are grateful that Josiah has received several college acceptance letters. Now the challenge (and prayer request) is that he would choose that place which will best help him grow spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally.

With great love and appreciation for your ongoing support in this great work of God,

Stan and Vicki Surbatovich
Mission to Montenegro

Prayer Bullet Points:

1. That the newly distributed New Testaments would be read and be a two-edged sword in the hearts of those who read.

2. For the families that we visited during these holidays. That they would be moved to seek God, to fellowship, to know of and learn of Him.

3. That God's Word would be boldly proclaimed from the pulpit, in the mid-week Bible study, in casual conversation, in counseling, in every opportunity that God grants.

4. For the university students who are grappling with the Big Questions of Life, that they would meet the Giver of Life.

5. For the unbelieving families of church members: wives, husbands, children, siblings, the extended family of everyone (no multi-generational Christian families here--these are the first converts in the country).

6. For an improved financial situation for Mission to Montenegro.