June 2017 Mission to Montenegro Newsletter

God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords,  

who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, 

whom no one has seen or can see. 

To him be honor and might forever. Amen. 

I Tim. 6:15-16

Grace and Peace to you in the name of God our Father!

Greetings once again from Nikšić, Montenegro! Our return trip was remarkably uneventful: All flights on time and all baggage arrived—miraculously, because one bag bore zero (zip, nada) luggage tags—not a scan barcode at all—and two others had shredded tags.  Thank you, Lord!

• Stan is glad to be back in the pulpit, continuing on in Luke 16 for our morning services. He finished the parable of the rich man and Lazarus with a sobering look at the reality of hell which highlights the joyous good news of salvation in Jesus Christ.   In our evening services, Stan preached from I Tim 6: 14ff, with the theme Theology Leads to Doxology: The more we know God—He who is Immortal, Invisible, in Light Inaccessible, most Blessed, most Glorious, Almighty, Victorious*— the more we will love, praise, and obey Him.

• Earlier this month we attended the annual All-Montenegro Believer's Meeting (a chance for all 150+ believers in country to get together for mutual encouragement and edification--it is rather like a family reunion) which was hosted, for the first-time ever, by the Roma (Gypsy) Believers in Podgorica. We know the organizers were nervous (but eager) and everybody was thrilled with their more-than-respectable first effort!  These gatherings are always a foretaste of heaven, when we will join the heavenly hosts from all tribes, nations, and tongues.

Upcoming Ministry and Prayer Requests

• The regular ministry continues on with preaching and teaching, ongoing mentoring, our midweek prayer meeting and fellowship,  an active hospitality ministry, and our visitations (particularly to the elderly and infirm).  Please pray for all these good works, but particularly for Stan as he plans and prepares to proclaim God's Word faithfully week after week.

• We are once again entering in our busy season of camps and teams. Coming up at the end of this month we  will be busy with the Student English Camp (with British UCCF team), followed by the 11th annual Camp Monty sports camp.  Additionally this summer, we are expecting other guests for varying lengths of time--some coming to visit, some coming to celebrate the July wedding of one of our young people, some coming to get situated before moving into a permanent residence.  Please pray for the volunteers who are coming, that they might shine with God's love and speak winsomely by the power of the Holy Spirit and for the hearts of the young people who will meet and speak with them.

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

Stan and Vicki Surbatovich

Mission to Montenegro

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

*Lyrics from hymn by Walter Chalmers Smith (1824-1908)

May 2017 Mission to Montenegro Newsletter

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die... 

a time to mourn and a time to dance… 

He has made everything beautiful in its time.  

Eccles 3: 1-2,4,11

Grace and Peace to you in the name of God our Father!

How reassuring are the above words! These Scriptures are so utterly timeless and true despite being penned thousands of years ago.  This past month, this season of activity,  we’ve experienced God’s loving kindness in so many ways.

We've had a time to laugh and a time to dance  as we celebrated the graduations of of our two youngest children and rejoice in the good things ahead for them in this next season of their lives.  Josiah will soon be working in the medical field as a Physician Assistant and Milijana is pursuing PhD studies at Carnegie Mellon. We were also able to touch base with our other three children. Join us as we praise God for His many mercies and pray for all our children as we minister in Montenegro and they live in the US.

We've had a time to build and a time to speak as Stan enjoyed giving a report on the work and preaching in Virginia earlier this month and will be presenting in Upstate New York this coming weekend.  Vicki had a chance to visit the saints from our sending church, Faith Community Church, and help out Stan's mother as well.   It has been a wonderful time of being mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and ours.  (Rom. 1:12)

We've had a time to mourn and to weep as we lost one of our elderly ladies in Nikšić to cancer.  We believe she had a simple, sincere trust in the Lord, so we do not mourn as those without hope. Please pray, though, for her grieving family.

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

Stan and Vicki Surbatovich

Mission to Montenegro

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

April 2017 Mission to Montenegro Newsletter

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away... 

I Peter 1:3-4a

Grace and Peace to you in the name of God our Father!

With both western and Orthodox Easter falling on the same date this year, a number of people were away attending annual (western) Easter camps. While missing our brethren, we were blessed to have with us American, Ukrainian, and Bulgarian believers for our celebration!

• Stan's Easter sermon, Daily Blessings Inherent in the Resurrection, showed forth the abundant goodness and mercies of God in the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ and reminded us to reflect on those blessings not only at Easter, but throughout the days and weeks of our lives.  In our ongoing Lord's Day services, he is continuing in the Gospel of Luke in the morning and will be wrapping up 1 Timothy this month in the evening.

• April has been a month of hospitality!  Before this month is over, we will have been privileged to host four different families in our home for varying lengths of time.  We are always amazed (and thrilled!) at the number of people who manage to pass through Niksic...  Some were here for refreshment, some seeking to know if God is calling them to Montenegro, some for practical help.   Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! Amen!

• We've been able to visit the elderly and infirm of whom two are now completely housebound.  We are encouraged with the interest shown in reading Scripture and singing hymns.  Plus we are reminded to take advantage of modern technology to send small, encouraging texts often--they truly are much appreciated.

Upcoming Ministry and Prayer Requests:

• Please pray for those families and individuals who have heard the Word (especially unbelieving family members) but have yet to turn wholeheartedly to God.  Pray that they would be freed from the shackles of unbelief; from the fear of man; and from the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.  Oh, may God have mercy!

• Please pray for our elderly and sick, that God would comfort them in their affliction and they would know, truly know, a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. And pray that we stir ourselves to love and good works on their behalf.

• Please pray for our time in the States next month as we celebrate the university graduations of not one, but two of our children!  We thank the Lord for their accomplishments and ask you to join us in praying that they will hold fast to Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.  Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil."

• Please pray for the men who will be ministering the Word and leading the services while we are away.  And please continue to pray for a person to be raised up to oversee ongoing ministry to the children of the church and of the community.

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

Stan and Vicki Surbatovich

Mission to Montenegro

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

March 2017 Mission to Montenegro Newsletter

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.  John 16:33 

Grace and Peace to you in the name of God our Father!

This has been a month for all of us in Nikšić to take heart, for it has been a month full of challenges and tribulations, as well as a time to rejoice in God our Savior.

• Stan returned to the States (earlier than we expected) to help his mother downsize and move from the family home.    This was our first personal delving into eldercare issues, and while much was accomplished (by God's grace), we are still pursuing a better final set up for her and other family members.  Please pray for that we would be granted Solomonic wisdom.

• We had opportunity to mourn with those who mourn as two families close to us lost loved ones, a mother to cancer, a brother in a tragic car accident.  These sobering events make us long for that time when there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.  Please pray for those who are grieving, even though they grieve as ones with hope, but especially for those who aren't---that they might meet Him who has conquered death and offers life everlasting.

• The Danish Bible School is here!  They've been reaching out to the local university students with several events including meeting students on campus, hosting a fellowship evening at our home,  and leading a student bible study. After a week of such meeting and engaging with students, they are hosting a mini evangelical outreach camp in the local mountains this weekend.  Please pray that God would be pleased to open the hearts of many, protect them from cultural and familial discouragements to seek Christ, and for the local EUS (Evangelical Student Ministry) to follow up with each student.

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

Stan and Vicki Surbatovich

Mission to Montenegro

February 2017 Mission to Montenegro Newsletter

The Lord is righteous in all His ways,  Gracious in all His works.

The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth.

He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them.

Ps. 145: 17-19

Grace and Peace to you in the Name of God our Father!

Because Christmas is celebrated here on Jan. 7th, January wins the busy holiday+vacation month award.  Thus, February is the time to map out the rest of the year.  And, by God's wisdom and providence, 2017 looks to be quite full.

• Along with our usual weekly ministry doings (preparing sermons, mentoring, hospitality), we've had much opportunity to fulfill God's call to visit the sick this past month, both young and old.  Sadly, several of the older ladies have recently been diagnosed with cancer and are facing a new and challenging reality.  

• We're excited to see the Lord working through EUS (the student ministry) and bringing about contacts with serious, interested high schoolers here in Nikšić.  We have long desired to establish an avenue to reach out to high schoolers apart from summer camp activities, and we pray this is the beginning of good and glorious happenings.

Upcoming Ministry and Prayer Requests

• We will be hosting a Danish Bible School Team for two weeks in March.  They'll be reaching out to university students.  Please pray that the team will be allowed to set up on campus and that God would bring many students to hear the Word and turn from their own way to the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

• A few highlights of upcoming events besides the Danish Team include:  hosting and meeting up with several different families seeking to discern future calling to MNE (throughout spring/summer);  participating in the annual All-MNE Believer’s Meeting and other conferences (April); taking time to celebrate our children’s university graduations and meet up with East Coast churches and supporters (May); hosting the UCCF Team for the annual English Outreach Camp (June/July);  celebrating the marriage ceremony of one of our young people (July);  participating in Camp Monty (July).  Please pray that each of these events and activities would honor our Father and glorify His name.

• Please pray for continued healing of Stan’s injuries (ribs & scapula) and Vicki’s (stress fracture in right foot) and that they would not hinder fulfilling all our responsibilities.

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

Stan and Vicki Surbatovich

Mission to Montenegro

January 2017 Mission to Montenegro Newsletter

Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths.

Guide me in your truth and teach me,

For you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old.  

Ps. 25:4-6

Grace and Peace to you in the name of God our Father!

Greetings once again from Nikšić, Montenegro! We were blessed with a very smooth trip home--all four flights on time or early, plus our baggage arrived and made it through without any fuss at customs.  While we are not quite yet over jet lag, we are full-speed ahead with life and ministry, including readjusting to REAL winter weather!

• Stan is back in the pulpit (and the brethren here are glad to have him back!), and he looks forward to finishing up 1 Timothy in the evening services this month.  He is currently prayerfully considering which Old Testament book to work through for our morning services.  Because the Christmas/winter holidays are still in progress here,  we are still debriefing with respect to all that has been taught in our absence as people return from their holidays/visiting with family.  

• Due to Stan's injuries, we curtailed travel and visiting other churches for the most part.  However, we capped our time in the States with a wonderful visit to the San Diego area, meeting up with numerous old friends and ministering at a church in Vista.  All in all, by God’s good kindness, we accomplished pretty much everything we hoped to during our mini-furlough and have been much refreshed in spirit.

• Meanwhile, the Nikšić church participated in distributing hundreds of OCC/Samaritan's Purse Christmas shoeboxes to children, both in town and in the surrounding villages.  A simple dramatized presentation of the Christmas story preceded the distribution of the packages along with the booklet The Greatest Gift and a New Testament.

Upcoming Ministry and Prayer Requests

• Please pray for us as we pick up with visitations, the regular ministry of the Word, hosting the fellowship meals, and all the ordinary aspects of life after an extended time away.  We confess our need that God would show us His ways,  teach us His paths, guide us in His truth as we seek to serve Him faithfully.

• Please pray that the number of those coming to the services would increase and that hearts would be open to truly knowing and loving Jesus Christ for salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved. 

• Please pray for the follow-up to those children and their families touched via the OCC packages who are interested in knowing more about Jesus, the Greatest Gift.  And please join us as we continue to beseech the Lord in bringing a gifted individual to head up an ongoing children's ministry within the body.

• Please pray for the Bojovic Family, one of the families that visited us last year, who will be moving to Montenegro in autumn to serve the Lord here after a decade of ministry in Swaziland.  They are still working out the details of where in the country they will serve.

• Please pray that Stan might find a suitable physical therapist to continue his recovery.  He is sorely disappointed that in this year of abundant snow, he won't be able to go skiing even once this season.

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

Stan and Vicki Surbatovich

Mission to Montenegro

December 2016 Mission to Montenegro Newsletter

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given;

And the government will be upon His shoulder.

And His name will be called

Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Is. 9:6

Grace and Peace to you in the name of God our Father!

We are amazed at how quickly our schedule filled up and time is passing.... Only 3 more Sundays until we are back in Nikšić!  With the wonderfully busy holiday season upon us, this newsletter will be short highlights of God's goodness to us.

• Stan's recovery is going smoothly; he is now out of the sling, has begun physical therapy, and expects to be ready for normal activities in another five weeks or so.  Thank you for your concerns and prayers.

• We enjoyed a lovely Thanksgiving, with all our children present (and no bad weather delays!) and other relatives as well.  It was a time full of feasting: 2 turkeys!  3 kinds of stuffing!  3 kinds of pie!  4 types of Cranberry sauce! Along with plenty of laughter, games, and visiting. God was most kind to us.

• We've been blessed to share what the Lord has being doing both in our lives and with the ministry in Nikšić with many, many families, both long-term supporters and those just finding out about the work. We enjoy these smaller, more intimate gatherings and greatly appreciate those saints who've generously hosted us and others over many a delicious meal.

• In our remaining time, we will be spending Christmas with most of our family, celebrating two birthdays, helping Stan's mother as she needs to move and downsize,  finishing up with our medical needs,  and getting together with more families, both here at Faith Community Church and in the San Diego area.

• Please remember the brethren in Nikšić:  for the services and preaching, for the upcoming OCC Christmas Shoebox distribution ministry, for health and stamina as there has been a wave of chicken pox along with the usual flu bugs of the season.

And, as we wrap up the year, we are exceedingly grateful for all of you, for the living truth and testimony you bear, fulfilling God's command:

Please send them on their way in a manner that honors God. It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth. 3 John 1:6b-8

Thank you, fellow workers for the truth.  With much love and appreciation for your ongoing prayers and support in this great work of God,

Stan and Vicki Surbatovich
Mission to Montenegro