Mission to Montenegro December 2011 Newsletter:

Recent Church/Ministry Events:

Thank you for your prayers for the All-MNE Believers meeting held mid-November, right here in Niksic.. It was our church's turn to host the annual fellowship meeting for born-again believers here in Montenegro. This involves logistics like booking a room, arrangements for lunch, inviting a guest speaker. Stan invited Mr. Horvatek from Croatia who teaches at a seminary there that is sponsored by Master's College. We felt everything went very well: the teaching was very good and solid, the fellowship great, the weather cold but sunny, and we had a record crowd! :-)

The College Outreach ministry is being blessed by God. There is a weekly bible study (led by Danijel P.) and a weekly English Conversation Club held at the university. This past week we had a student outreach at the Cafe Atrium in downtown Niksic. We are thrilled that we have good relations with a (currently) non-believing cafe owner who is willing to let us host public lectures/concerts in his cafe. The topic this week was Servant Leadership (as exemplified by Jesus Christ our Savior) and there was good discussion with students, the employees, and other guests in the cafe. Please continue to pray particularly for V, L, and A (three students) and N (former student) who have varying degrees of understanding the gospel. Pray, too, for Danijel and Peter S. as they spend the most time with these students.

Ongoing and Upcoming Ministry

We have been seeing new faces at our Sunday morning services, in particular Danica's family. Danica is the young lady who was baptized this summer along with our Milijana. Her parents have a communistic background and merely permitted (an answer to prayer in itself) Danica to participate in our Christian meetings and events. Danica's baptism was the first time her father attended a service. But now they are regularly coming to Sunday services and other fellowship-sponsored events and are really listening to God's Word. Please pray that the good seed being sown would bear fruit in their lives.

Our BIG project in the next few weeks is the distribution (and gospel presentation) of the 4000+ Samaritan's Purse Christmas shoeboxes that arrived today. Please pray for this as it takes the whole fellowship to get the job done! For our Christmas program, it appears that we will be able to use large rooms at both the hotel and the conference center where we hosted the All-MNE Believer's meeting. Please pray that God would grant us wisdom in explaining the Good News to so many unbelieving children and their parents, that the packages would go to appreciative homes, and that God would be pleased to magnify His name through these efforts.

We will be celebrating Christmas on Jan. 7th because Montenegro still follows the Orthodox calendar. Additionally, there are several Saint's Days that are culturally important. Please pray that as we get together with unbelievers, we would redeem the time and winsomely share God's truths about Jesus, His birth, life, death, and resurrection, and that all the true saints of the past want to see the Lord glorified and honored and not themselves.

Family News:

Right now we are in the throes of Josiah's university application process--without a "local" college (so to speak, since the ones here aren't a worthy option for us), he has all of the U.S. open to him and with a lot of interests, he is applying to more schools than the rest of the kids (so far) combined. Please pray that God would guide Josiah and that he would end up at the school that will best equip him for life, mentally, spiritually, and physically. We've seen the Lord mightily answer this prayer with respect to our three oldest, and once again, we earnestly seek and pray for the Lord's direction.

Christian arrived Dec. 17) after another successful semester at CSU Fresno. This will be his first time back since heading off to college a year and half ago and he will be here til mid-January. Amy Joelle will also be spending the Christmas holidays with us but needs to head back on Dec. 27th; as a working woman, she no longer has those long between-semesters college breaks. Sadly, Anna Marie can't make it over here and will be spending the holidays with good friends in New Jersey.

Lastly, please pray for Stan as he has been having an increase in the number and magnitude of migraine headaches and other physical distresses. Please pray for both mercy from God and wisdom in knowing how to best manage his busy days.

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 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.

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

3. For the unbelieving families of church members: Danica's parents and brother, the wives of Rade, Milan, Jovan, the extended family of everyone (no multi-generational Christian families here--these are the first converts in the country).

4. For the leadership of the Niksic Fellowship: particularly Stan, Danijel, and Peter.

5. For the Samaritan's Purse Outreach project: grace, stamina, wisdom, and fruit.

Mission Trip FCC Team 2011

LAX Airport

Friday, July 1

Highlights from Winter 2010

As I get ready to do more up to date blogging, here are some highlights from Winter 2010

Highlights from a Recent General Update.

FURLOUGH

We are very encouraged by what God is doing in Montenegro, but I am feeling the most worn out I ever have in ministry. We are presently enjoying a short furlough (1 November – 30 January) with our sending church in California while already looking forward to getting back to Montenegro at the beginning of February with new vigor. Though we don't anticipate visiting many churches this furlough, I am prepared to visit churches that really want a visit. Also, should any of you know of churches that would like to grow into missions but have not yet done so, please feel free to tell them about us and the work in Montenegro.

During our furlough we will be resting, recuperating, reequipping, and resupplying.

Milijana and Josiah are with us. Christian, Amy, and Anna Marie joined us for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

STATUS OF GOSPEL IN COUNTRY

Montenegro continues to be the least evangelized country in Europe. Twenty years ago there was not a single Biblical church. We continue to be one of only three churches in the whole country and the only one with a reformed commitment. A number of missionaries have come but had to leave in recent years. We give thanks that God has enabled us to remain and that he continues to use us. Since the country is so small and missions is still in the pioneering phase, we are in the midst of laying a solid Gospel foundation which we pray God will use for those who will follow us.

GOD PROVIDING DURING OUR ABSENCE:

Praise: During our absence one of our "own" is ministering in our place. The Adams family (Nathan, Rada, and daughter Anya) are in Niksic, with Nathan preaching weekly at our services. Nathan met Rada herein Niksic at a Christian student outreach camp we hosted 10 years ago. Nathan spent his holidays with us (he's from England) so he could spend time with Rada (who had become a believer through the ministry here). They married 8 years ago and have been living in England, finishing their various schooling. Nathan has been involved with Christian work of different types. Now, they are seriously considering entering the mission field and offered to help out in our absence. This will give them a chance to test the waters, so to

speak, and encourage our people as well. We are very grateful to the Lord (and to the Adams Family) for providing so abundantly.

Though Nathan will be doing most of the preaching, Danijel and Peter will be helping in leading and Peter will have overall oversight.

SHORT TERM HELPERS

Praise: Two Norwegians (Junas and Sundre) have joined us here in Niksic for six months as part of their Bible College program. They are being very proactive in meeting and inviting people to meetings and are adding much to the ministry here.

PROGRESS DURING OUR FURLOUGH

With the presence of the Adams family, the Norwegians, Danijel, and Peter during our absence we anticipate God doing much and our absence being a time of progress in Niksic rather than maintenance. This is God's work and progress. There have been new contacts recently. The brethren are following up in our absence. We look forward to meeting new visitors when we return.

RESIDENCY ISSUE

Just about 10 days before leaving on furlough, we found out that due to new laws in effect connected with Montenegrin independence (in an attempt to curb people from having dual Serbian/Montenegrin citizenship) Stan and the children's citizenship papers are no longer valid (it's complicated but the reason is our citizenship was recorded in Belgrade in the no longer existent Yugoslav Ministry of Interior Affairs.

Ironically, it appeared that Vicki was the only one with a legal right to be here long-term. I (Stan) was plunged into the depths of bureaucracy (and there is no bureaucracy like Balkan bureaucracy) trying to sort out the options and get the necessary paperwork done before leaving. I was prepared to send the family ahead to the U.S. on furlough while trying to get a necessary piece of paper. It wasvery stressful. I give praise that two days before we were to leave I was able to have my permanent residency confirmed and submit an application for MNE citizenship without loss of U.S. citizenship. Again, praise God--marvel at His providence!

MAJOR OUTREACHES PLANNED

We will be receiving several thousand Samaritan’s Purse Christmas boxes which we will be giving to children in conjunction with special Christmas Gospel programs. Though this is a tremendous opportunity, it is also a great challenge as we are so few and our resources are very limited. Please pray that God would lead and help us us and open children’s and parent’s hearts.

We have received the largest number of New Testaments (from the Gideons) that has ever been in Montenegro. In addition to one-on one distribution, we are considering some very large outreaches—the entire army, entire police departments, entire schools, university departments and similar. Please pray that God would grant us favor in the eyes of the various authorities; that He would help us to distribute these New Testaments in the best way, that He would open people’s hearts, and that many would read and receive the Word with gladness and be joined to Christ.

NEEDS

Our major need continues to be help—short term and long term workers.

Finances: The economic crisis has affected our income. A few additional regular givers as well as a few special gifts for special projects would be very helpful. Thanks to all who have been helping.

As always please continue to pray in all the normal ways—this is so necessary.

Yours in Christ,

Stan, family, and the brethren in Niksic

Stan: stan.surbatovich@gmail.com or stanisas@t-com.me

Vicki: vmsurbat@gmail.com

Website: http://christianitymontenegro.org (needs to be updated but has good information)

God's Great Work in Montenegro

Twenty years ago there was not one single Protestant church in Montenegro. Now there are three! In this Blog we will considering God's great continuing work in Montenegro.

April 2010 Prayer and Praise Points

1. College ministry:  We now have a young man (Danijel, married to one of our young ladies) from Serbia helping us reach out to college students.  After many years we have restarted a student Bible study (actually held in the student dorm) and we are seeing a number of students showing up.  This is exciting!  Please pray that they would receive the Gospel and start coming to our regular worship services.

2.  New church visitors:  We have two young men and one lady coming regularly to our Sunday services.  They come from completely unchurched backgrounds and are interested in learning more: about God, church, body life, salvation.  Also, a young woman has been coming regularly (and joyfully) after an absence of several years. Please pray that the Lord will work in their hearts and minds.

3.  Church in Montenegro:  Fortunately, the Lord continues to bless His people here (3 church works, including the one in Niksic, plus a scattering of believers in other towns/cities)  with great unity despite some theological differences and practices.  We thank God abundantly for this blessing.  Plans are currently being made for the 2010 All-Montenegro Meeting (of believers) to be held in June. 

4.  Losing Missionaries:  This year marks the first year that there are now fewer missionaries than the previous six years.  Between dwindling support and the inherent difficulties in living here (mainly spiritual/emotional, not standard-of-living), we’ve seen five missionary families leave the field in the past year.  Please pray that God would raise up and equip more believers to be lights in this dark land.  Out of 700,000 people, there are fewer than 200 believers in the country.  The people here walk in darkness, and how great that darkness is! 

5.  Weddings and babies:  From our own fellowship, we have had the joy of marrying two couples  (Danijel and Martina; Dragan and Mikica) this past year.  They are the spearhead of a new generation of believing Christian FAMILIES living in Montenegro.  Both couples are now expecting their first child--the fellowship is growing! Please pray for the expectant families:  for safe deliveries and great wisdom to raise their little ones in the light and grace of God’s truth and love.

 6.  Please pray for employment for men in the fellowship.  The economic crisis is felt here as well; the few men who had jobs have been laid off.

7.  Please pray for Christian's (our oldest son) transition to college life and studies this coming fall.  He has few memories of life in the US, having moved to Niksic when he was four.  Thus, he will have a greater number of adjustments to college-life than the average young person.  We are greatly encouraged that there is a good church work nearby and some family members living an hour away, but also know there will be many challenges ahead for him.  Please pray that God would watch over him and protect him from evil influences.

8.    We are considering a short furlough at the end of this coming year—it will be three years since we were last in the States.  Please pray that we would find the right balance of refreshment, family time (our eldest, Anna Marie, hasn't seen her siblings in 2 years due to lack of time to travel to Montenegro), stateside business, and fellowship.

Thank you for your prayers on behalf of your brothers and sister in Christ in Montenegro.  To God be the glory!

Mission to Montenegro update February 2007

Dear Brethren,
God has been keeping us busy and has been making Himself known amongst us.

All Montenegro Meeting

We had the All-Montenegro Believers meeting on Dec. 9 here in Niksic which was well-attended (over 100 people). The meeting was co-organized by the three Protestant churches in Montenegro (we being one of the three), and attended by members of these three churches, church planting brethren, plus other believers from parts of Montenegro where there are no churches. At the beginning of our time together, all the various cities/towns of Montenegro were mentioned and believers from the one just announced stood up. We were all so amazed when Niksic was called to see a couple of people stand up whom we didn't even know! It turned out that one lady (who actually lives in Australia but was born here) was visiting friends and relatives and somehow or other, she (a believer) heard about the meeting being held at the Onogost Hotel, so she came and brought her friend as well. God's providences are wondrous. About 130 people attended which is a significant increase from the last All-Montenegro meeting 5 years ago, and the number of towns represented tripled. Last time, I think we (the Surbatovich family) had pretty much both the oldest and youngest attendees. This time there were more people from all ages. We rejoice to see the work of God here in Montenegro--God is building His church here. Montenegro continues to be in a period of transition. At the conference, I preached on the need for the Lordship of Christ in all areas of public life in Montenegro.

New Constitution being worked on for country

Since its declaration of independence this past year, Montenegro has been drafting a new constitution. One proposed section, while not prohibiting non-Orthodox churches, highlights the Eastern Orthodox churches. Stan and the two pastors from Podgorica (all with registered church groups) are following the developments and are prepared to get involved with government officials to ensure freedom of religion with a further desire that the constitution, itself, would be pleasing and honoring to God--Please pray for this
Tied with both items above--please pray for big things in Montenegro: that there would be a great awakening, that the Lordship of Christ would permeate all spheres and institutions in Montenegro, and that God would keep the doors open for missionaries and biblical ministries.

Christmas and ministry activities

Anna Marie arrived on Dec. 27, Dan and Stan, short-term helpers from Trinity Reformed Baptist Church, Baltimore arrived on Dec. 29, and on Jan. 5, we had a team of 9 people from Toccoa Falls College, Georgia, arrive who stayed through mid-Jan. We celebrated two birthdays, two Christmasses (Dec. 25/Jan.7--plus we had a family Christmas celebration on 29 December)) and New Year's!
For New Year's Eve we hosted a large group of Christian young people (from both Niksic and Podgorica including an unbelieving sister of one of our members) at our house and it was a very edifying evening of ministry with good fun, food, fireworks, and fellowship.
We had our annual Christmas outreach on 7 January (Christmas is still celebrated according to the Julian calendar here) and we had a few visitors.
The two teams were a great blessing and we accomplished the following: lots of one-on-one ministry, Samaritan's Purse ShoeBox distribution, a VBS week for children, putting in insulation in part of our roof, and more. Please pray for the seeds that were sown, especially for Stefan Sljukic ("Shlyukich") and his family. We've known them a long time and Stefan, now 15, is open to the Gospel. Young men from the teams spent quite a bit of time with him... Please pray, too, for Jenny A. She was one of the team and would like to come here to do an internship involving teaching English as a Second Language.

House

Due to a generous gift from one of the church we are making progress on house furnishings.
We are still waiting on the completion of the furnace (promised to us months ago) for our heating system and are cold much of the time. The factor that produced the furnace has simply continued to lie and be irresponsible--this just life in the Balkans.... Because the local representative of the factory has not been fully payed, we do have good reason to believe that the system will eventually be finished. We have a masonry heater in operation in the living room, but the masonry heater is not enough to heat the large living room so we tend to camp out in the school / family room which we have supplied with propane heaters and lap blankets. It is bigger than the LR in our old house, so it is an improvement over last year. We long for the day when I can write: "We stayed warm and comfortable all day!" Please continue to pray for this real issue.
We do rejoice that the house is truly being used as a ministry / hospitality house--we were able to house all the team members plus our family--18 in all.

25th wedding anniversary

This past week Vicki and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary. Praise God! As unromantic as it may sound, we spent the early evening shopping for a microwave--and found one! Vicki's been waiting 11 years ever since we moved here--it is one of the things she missed most after being on furlough. After our successful shopping endeavour, we did go out to dinner at one of the nicer restaurants in Niksic...(and managed to bring home lots of leftovers to reheat in that new microwave).

Furlough

Please pray for our 2007 furlough. It has been five years since we've been in the States as a family. We are tentatively planning to be stateside from early fall through early winter. We already have several possible teams coming during July and Aug.

Summer ministry plans

A number of teams and individuals have expressed an interest on coming to help during the summer. God has blessed us during these visits. There is a Holy synergy when brethren come and so much encouragement and ministry take place. Please pray that God's hand of blessing would be upon these endeavors.

Amy and College

Please pray for Amy's college plans; that the Lord would direct her steps. She has been accepted to two colleges so far, and rec'd various scholarships but it is not enough yet for her to go to either of these Christian schools....

Music

With Amy leaving this coming fall, we will have a big gap in our worship through song as she is the one who plays the keyboard. Please pray that God would raise up/bring someone gifted musically to help lead worship in singing.

New Christian in Niksic

Please pray for a young man named Jovan Bulajic (Yovan Bulayich) who is in his early 30's. He became a believer while in Belgrade ( out of a drug background) and is now in Niksic, living with his parents and working here. He found out about us through a mutual acquaintance. Stan met with him two weeks ago and he has been coming to our meetings (both Sunday services and mid-week prayer meeting) since. Although a believer, he is "unchurched" as he was active in a Christian rehab program while in Belgrade and not actually involved with a local church. Please pray that he would continue to settle in well, would grow in his relationships with other believers here, and would grow spiritually under the teaching and preaching. We are glad to have him a part of the fellowship!

Ministry ship visit

Please pray for the visit of the Logos II (OM ministry ship) which will be here in April. They are planning for a three week visit here in Montenegro. In previous years they have worked very closely with the local churches and we have been able to do some good outreaches.
These above are some highlights. Please continue to pray for standard, ongoing needs:

• That God would establish us as a healthy church
• That God would bring new visitors
• That there would be new conversions
• That we would be faithful to followup on visitors and those showing interest
• That our brethren would be sharing the Gospel and inviting people to worship services
• That we would be able to put up a sign on our rental or find another rental where we can put up a sign and have more visibility to the public
• That we, as a family, would grow in loving and blessing one another
• That Stan would persevere in faithful ministry
• That our children would all be in and grow in Christ

Your fellow servant in Christ,
Stan, family, and the believers in Niksic