In our morning service, Stan continues to preach from Jeremiah, having just finished Ch. 8, a sobering look at the fate of those who refuse to heed God's word, listening to the lies of "'Peace, peace'" when there is no peace only to find out (too late) “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, And we are not saved!"
Like Jeremiah, we grieve for the lost, and yet rejoice (and proclaim!) that in Christ, there is indeed a balm in Gilead.
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Please pray for Stan as he studies and prepares to faithfully preach and teach God's Word. May God open eyes to see the Good Way in Christ Jesus and be saved.
Please pray for the church to grow in our love for God and to please Him with all aspects of our lives, lovingly serving His people through the many "one another" commands He has given us as well as reaching out to the lost.
Please pray for Stan, Peter, and others who are serving the church, to be wise in leadership and to be sustained with joyful perseverance.
Joy #1: Team from Georgia:
At the end of May we hosted a small team of 5 from New Covenant Bible Church (GA). Since they’d all been here before, it was rather like a reunion of old friends visiting and so very refreshing!
Highlights of their time with us included encouraging families they had met before; hosting a Ladies’ Coffee in the Park—which was a blessing to all, but especially to D who made a special effort to come (as her family situation makes such events quite difficult to attend); and teen night!
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Joy #2: Teen Night!
Despite being held on Thursday (a school night), we had an excellent turnout of over a dozen young people: 6 from Nikšić, and 6+ from Podgorica (brought up by their leaders in a van from the capital city
With help from our Georgia friends and N (a local teen), we prepped and baked several pizzas before the event. The teens enjoyed some fun ice-breakers, devoured pizzas and homemade ice cream, attentively listened to encouragement from the Word, and fellowshipped together.
Sharing from the Word
We trust this is the first of many co-events with the young Christian teens in Podgorica.
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Joy #3: Wonderful vacation in Ireland. We had a lovely time away enjoying a superb meal out, two historical sites including a castle, fun shopping trip at Ireland's largest supermarket for easy meals and take-home treats, plus time spent amongst the rolling green hills for rest and relaxation.
Joy #4: Christian Concert in Podgorica!
The local churches in Montenegro worked together to bring the first-ever Christian music concert to the capital city on a beautiful June evening. This was in cooperation with the local government as the performance was held outdoors in a large square. We give thanks for this special event which refutes the lie that evangelical Christianity is a 'cult and sect' but rather demonstrated that we are a blessing to the Montenegrin people.
Sharing a Testimony Praising God with a joyful heart
Join us in giving thanks to the Father for these abundant blessings. And pray with us for lasting fruit: for all believers to abide in Christ that we may be a faithful witness for Christ so that many may come to Christ.
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Along with the many positive events of the past month with teams, outreaches, and normal church life, we’ve had, as a fellowship, quite a few hardships as well: a fall requiring a tetanus shot (Stan), dental emergency (Vicki), several family members passing away including the tragic passing of an 18 year-old (broader church body), other health issues (church body), stolen vehicle (broader family), and more.
Join us in praying that the God of hope will fill us with all joy and peace in believing… that we may wholeheartedly proclaim: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort. 2 Cor. 1:3
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Bits & Pieces:
- The season of camps is upon us: Children's Camp, Teenager's Camp, Sports Camp (Camp Monty). We are not directly involved with all of these but many of our young people will be going. Please pray for God to bless and guide this next generation of the household of faith.
In closing, we want to say once again how truly blessed we are to be co-laborers with you all in seeing God establish His church here in Nikšić. We truly could not be doing what we are doing without you.
We appreciate your earnest prayers, your sacrificial support, your quick notes and cards, and the blessing of working together for God to be exalted here in Montenegro.
One with you in Christ,
Stan and Vicki Surbatovich
Vicki's Snapshot: A Night of Fun, Food, & Fellowship
