Mission to Montenegro newsletter
Blog entry for 20 June 2016
June 2016 Mission to Montenegro Newsletter
Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Cor. 5: 20, 21
Grace and Peace to you in the name of God our Father!
This past month, we've been privileged to have many opportunities to be Christ's ambassadors, representing His kingdom here in Nikšić, Montenegro.
- Preaching from Luke 11:1-13 in the morning, Stan encouraged us to embrace and delight in coming to God our Father, the best Father there ever was or ever will be. In the evening, Stan is in 1 Tim. 3, addressing the offices and structure of the local church as revealed by God’s Word, that we might do all things decently and in order. We also rejoice that we continue to have unbelievers coming to our services and hearing the Words of Life.
- We enjoyed a full-house this past week as God brought several people, all full-time missionaries in other parts of the world, to Montenegro to see what the Lord has done here and to prayerfully consider a calling to come back for longterm ministry. It was a delight to be among peers for mutual edification, encouragement, and worship. Truly, all nations whom You have made shall come and worship before You, O Lord, and shall glorify Your name. Ps. 86:9
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| God's People from Montenegro, Ukraine, Serbia, United States, and Swaziland. PTL! |
- This Lord's Day will mark the start of a new tradition for us: A regular monthly Fellowship Lunch following after the celebration of the Lord’s Supper in our morning service, with an emphasis on connecting as church family and not as an evangelistic outreach event. Our desire is that this not be construed as an imported Western custom (potlucks are unknown here) but rather as one deeply rooted in Christendom (So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart. Acts 2:46) and as an opportunity to contribute to a contemporary Montenegrin Christian culture.
Upcoming Ministry and Prayer Requests
- At the end of this month, we will be welcoming the UCCF team from the UK, here to meet, befriend, and minister to students with activities and events in town as well as away at English Camp. After their departure in mid-July, camp season will continue with the arrival of Camp Monty folks for their annual evangelistic Sports Camp. Please pray that God would be pleased to touch hearts...
- Following Camp Monty, Rebekka from Denmark, will be returning as a volunteer to work for one year with EUS-CG ministering to students, building on the relationships which have developed over the past five years and making new ones. She is hoping to quickly settle into a place of her own, that she might be another "point of light" in the community. Please pray for her move, settling in, and fruit from her ministry.
- While we rejoice that Peter G was granted a one-year visa, please continue to pray for the visa situations of Peter S and Rebekka, especially Peter S as his visa situation is currently ensnared in bureaucratic entanglements.
- As always, the regular ministry, the lifeblood of the church, continues on with Stan's preaching and teaching, ongoing mentoring, our midweek prayer meeting and fellowship, our visitations (particularly to the elderly and infirm), and an active hospitality ministry which always ramps up in summer time! Please pray that the Lord grant that we not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
With great love and appreciation for your ongoing prayers and support in this great work of God,
Stan and Vicki Surbatovich
Mission to Montenegro
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