Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
Ps. 46:10
Grace and peace to you in the name of God our Father!
The year is flying by--summer solstice already! Read on to see what the Lord has done and is doing here in Nikšić.
On Sunday mornings Stan is currently in Colossians 2. With the mention of baptism in this section (‘In Him you were circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, buried with Him in baptism,…raised with Him through faith.”), Stan centered the past few morning sermons on Baptism, a much-misunderstood topic here, emphasizing that we are immersed in Christ by God and that water baptism should follow that. He also highlighted the truth that it is not an act to gain merit with God, but a sign of what God has *already* done in the heart and life of the believer.
The format of our evening service has morphed a bit and includes an inductive bible study approach. We are hopeful that this will prove helpful to both new and more mature believers as we study the Bible together, particularly with the end goal to be better equipped to make new disciples. We will next be looking at Who God Is as He reveals Himself in His Word.
Excitingly, with this recent teaching on baptism, we’ve had several people indicate a desire to be baptized and one or two more pondering the issue.
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Please pray for Stan (and really for all who share the Word) that whenever [we] speak, words may be given [us] so that [we] will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel. Eph 6:19
Please pray for those who desire to be baptized, that taking this step would be a reflection of their new life in Christ.
Please pray for Stan and Peter (co-Elder) as they *continue* to formalize details of foundational documents relating to church membership and the legal status of the church to own property. Some small steps have been taken.
Please pray for continued unity in the church--both locally and for the fellowship of believers throughout Montenegro.
Please pray for progress in getting our own church building--for land, for building, for finances.
Balkan Network for Life--including Montenegro for the first time!
The Together for Life pro-life seminar wrapped up two weeks ago. Despite many hindrances (changed schedules, illness, flight delays, car breakdowns), the conference was a great success--a time of teaching, encouragement, and connection with like-minded co-workers for the gospel.
When this Balkan Network for Life was established 13+ years ago, all the former Yugoslav republics were represented except for one: Montenegro. This conference marked the first event with believers in MNE present.
Stan led the opening session which was to orient the attendees with the realities of Protestant church life (pioneering) in Montenegro as well as the particular challenges faced with respect to abortion. On another morning, he gave an encouraging devotional as well.
Vicki attended nearly all the sessions, taking copious notes, and meeting people and establishing relationships with an eye to taking next steps towards a visible Pro-Life ministry in MNE.
Danijel, Peter, and Jelena
Our gifted music team led the singing another morning with Danijel sharing a short devotional, too.
Representing Montenegro, final session
Please pray for the all those already actively involved in these ministries--there is little support in general, even from churches.
Please pray for us here in Montenegro with a heart to see hope for life offered to scared women, expectant parents, bereaved families. God can do great things from small (very small) beginnings.
Upcoming Activities for Prayer:
Camp Monty Sports Camp (latter part of July): Please pray for the volunteers who are preparing even now, for the logistical details to be sorted in a timely way, for the children who will be coming, for clear gospel content, and for post-camp follow-up.
This Season of Coming and Goings: We will be hosting a number of families and invididuals throughout July and August. Please pray that our times together will be mutually encouraging, that each visit would accomplish its intended purpose, and for continuing good health for all during a hot, busy season.
Summer Visitations on the Coast: There are more than 6 believers from our fellowship working down on the coast this summer. It is our plan as a church to visit them that we may encourage one another to love and good works.
New-to-MNE Missionaries John and Grace Kremer are still targeting mid-August for their arrival here. They’ve pretty much sorted out the paperwork needed for Grace (an American citizen) to be here, but still need to tackle John’s (a Dutch citizen). Pray for smooth sailing through bureaucratic hoops. Our God is able!
Montenegrin Women’s Retreat in September: There will once again be a short women’s retreat in the beautiful mountains of Montenegro due to the hard work of Jelena V in securing finances. Please pray for her as details are finalized and for the speakers: Vera K (from Serbia) and Vicki S (yours truly).
Stateside visit in October: We will be in the States for the month of October. Our time there is centered around a Ladies’ conference mid-month in Bremen, Indiana, where Vicki will be speaking and Stan preaching on Sunday. We haven’t figured out any other details, yet. Please pray for us as we prayerfully cement plans and dates as well as for us in preparing to serve at this conference.
On a personal note, in the midst of all this good news, we have been experiencing physical challenges as well as emotional ones. Please join us in giving thanks to God for His great mercy to us and pray for us to press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called [us] heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Join us in giving thanks for all the good things the Lord is doing! May His name be ever more glorified!
We so appreciate your earnest prayers, your sacrificial support, your quick notes and cards, and the blessing of working together for God's name to be exalted here in Montenegro.
One with you in Christ,
Stan and Vicki Surbatovich
Vicki's Snapshot: Photo Collage
With the prospect of a baptism or two this summer season, I thought it might be fun to look back at those we've had through the years. This is not all of them--photos have been lost--but God is building His kingdom! Alleluia!
