Mission to Montenegro newsletter
Blog entry for 19 September 2019
September 2019 Mission to Montenegro Newsletter
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God. In Him was life,
and the life was the light of men.
John 1: 1, 4
Grace and Peace to you in the name of God our Father!
It is hard to believe that we've been back in Nikšić for just a month, so much has happened. We share the following highlights that you might know, rejoice, and pray with us in all that the Lord is doing:
- Stan picked up his morning sermon series in Exodus with an introduction to the dreadful tenth plague, the death of the firstborn. In the evening, he finished his series going through the book of James, that practical book of how to live a faith-filled life rooted in Christ. Now, in the evening, he will be preaching through Hebrews, a timely follow-up, as we focus on Christ Jesus who is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word.
- We are enjoying the regular rhythm of church life again: services, prayer times, visitations, and hospitality opportunities. A week ago we had an extra-long* prayer meeting--for the most delightful reason. One church member, Rade, recently moved his family into their new home after 8+ years of living multi-generationally while building it. The first Sunday after the move, when Stan asked who wanted to host our weekly prayer meeting, Rade was quick to raise his hand. Praise the Lord for a new point of light in Niksic! (*Because our prayer gathering counted as a formal "initial visit to a new home", the family had prepared the typical company-over meal: cold roasted lamb and pork, smoked meats and cheese, bread and salad. We all sat around a big table and ate first, then enjoyed a normal prayer meeting, followed by dessert and coffee. Fun!)
- The EUS-CG University Student Bible study has resumed for the school year, beginning a series through the "I AM" statements of Jesus found in the Gospel of John. May many come to hear and respond to these truths.
- The Gospel Coalition Southeast Europe is moving forward; the goal of the current phase is to transition from one steering committee (of which Stan is a member) to national councils who will nominate country representative(s) to engage in future planning of the group as a whole. Please pray as there are several big challenges, including how to navigate the language barriers with so many different nations involved as well as how to fairly balance representation between large countries (eg. Albania) and small ones (eg. Montenegro).
Upcoming Ministry and Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for Stan as he studies, prepares, and preaches, that he might rightly divide the word of truth. Please pray for us, the believers, that we might see with our eyes, hear with our ears, and understand with our hearts. Please pray for the lost to come that they might know the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.
- Please pray for both returning students and new (especially the new!) students at the university, that they realize the precious opportunity to learn from God and His Word and take advantage of the bible studies, conversation club, and other outreaches. Pray, too, for the EUS-CG workers, all members of our local church: Danijel, Saša, and Jelena V (just back after a two year internship in the UK!) as they are planning the school year and how best to reach the students.
- Please pray for the other ongoing ministries of the church: the prayer meetings, visitations, hospitality (especially as we are adjusting to a new normal now that Stan's mother is living with us), inter-church interactions, and more. May we glorify God in all we do.
- Please pray for meaningful follow-up and fruit from the summer outreaches, particularly Camp Monty and a new ministry, headed by Heidi Sharpe and interacting with a local group, NVO Osig, which is reaching out to the hard-of-hearing community here in Nikšić as well as nationally. May the people look beyond the practical, physical benefits and see Him who has done all things well; He makes even the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.
With great love and appreciation for your ongoing prayers and support,
Stan and Vicki Surbatovich
