Mission to Montenegro newsletter

Blog entry for 23 December 2013

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; 
         and the government shall be upon his shoulder, 
and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, 
     Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6


Glory to God in the highest!

We've have definitely gotten into the Christmas spirit this week with our big outreach to children through a short Christmas program combined with the shoebox gifts from "Operation Christmas Child."  Several thousand packages were handed out as well as hundreds of New Testaments.  There are still several hundred more packages to be handed out, so our work is not over even though the large-scale event is finished.  Thanks be to God; this year was our best year ever for these events.  The planning, training, praying, and team work were incredible.

Most exciting of all is that a dozen+ children have signed up for a 12 week course to learn more about Jesus.    Last year no one signed up, so we are greatly encouraged by the response.  This program will begin in February after the holidays--Christmas is celebrated on Jan. 7 here and schools are out until the end of January.

This newsletter is in a much different format because of the busyness of the holiday season coupled with a hand injury that makes typing difficult.    

Main Prayer Request:  For effective pastoral ministry and balancing family time.  Along with preaching the Word, there is generally a heightened need for pastoral counseling and visitation with those who find the holidays stressful and depressing.

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

Stan and Vicki Surbatovich
Mission to Montenegro  

Enjoy this brief photo essay of our recent outreach as it testifies to the wise counsel that "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms." I Peter 4:10

11pm and several thousand gifts unloaded and stored at our meeting place. Thanks, guys!

Heated facilities this year! Getting ready:  Packages? Check.  Music?  Check.  Bibles?  Check.

A full house!  We had ten programs over two days. Stan encouraging the children to know Jesus, not merely know about Him. Scripture reading from Luke 2 Jelena V. inviting the children to the follow-up course. Teaching and singing Tiha Noc (Silent Night)  Christmas Shoebox time! To God be the Glory!

Original link: https://christianitymontenegro.blogspot.com/2013/12/december-2013-mission-to-montenegro.html

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