Mission to Montenegro newsletter
Blog entry for 16 May 2012
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!
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
- 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.
- That God would draw the right young people to attend these camps and for a concerted follow-up by our own people.
- 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.