A Visit to Montenegro

Introduction HistoryGeographyEconomyReligion

Map of Montenegro Size of Connecticut Fertile valleys Rugged Mountains Deep ravines and canyons Sandy beaches along coast

Political Map

Overview of Montenegro’s history First wave of Slavs came in 6th century Second wave arrived in 7th century Slavs were pagan, but converted to Christianity Fiercely independent for 1000 years Never conquered by the Ottomans Fought with Allies during WW I

Old Kingdom of Montenegro The Proclamation of the Kingdom in 1910 Ottoman Turks finally leave the Balkan Peninsula, and Serbs unite

Later History Forced into Union of 6 countries to form Yugoslavia; communist rule Union collapsed after death of Tito Forced into uneasy union with Serbia and Kosovo under Milosevic With fall of Milosevic, hopes for independence in 2 years

Geography of Montenegro On east side of Balkan Peninsula Lovely beaches on Adriatic coast High ranges of mountains Industrial cities, including Niksic, behind first range of mountains Sub-tropical climate along Adriatic coast Cold winters, hot humid summers inland

Adriatic Coast

Budva, on the Adriatic

Medieval Coastal Town

Medieval Town of Kotor

Town of Prkani

Inland from the coast - the fertile Tara Valley

Durmitor Mountains

Rafting on the Tara

Hot Summers, Cold Winters

Economy Since collapse of Yugoslavia, and ouster of Milosevic, many problems Country has fertile land, and many natural resources; oil, gas, coal, copper, lead, zinc, nickel, gold, pyrite, chrome, hydropower - but High unemployment Rising prices Poor work ethic (relic of communism) Widespread stealing and other crime Few markets for shoddy industrial production; lack of interest in farming Hope that independence in 2 years will improve things

Religion in Montenegro Most people are Eastern Orthodox Some Muslims, mostly Albanian immigrants No real gospel witness there in last 1000 years 3 church planting works now Pray for this crack in the devil’s hold on Montenegro

Orthodox Church

Church built into the rock at Ostrog

Orthodox Priests and Frescoe

Orthodox Church converted to Mosque

Podgorica - the Capital City (pronounced “Podgoreetza”)

Niksic ( pronounced Niksheech) Montenegro’s second- largest city Niksic in the 1880’s, and now Air pollution is still severe

The Surbatovich Family Back Row,L-R Christian, Josiah James, Amy Joelle, Anna Marie Seated: Milijana, Vicki and Stan (Stanisa in Serbian)

Stan’s parents moved from Montenegro to California before he was born, so he is an American citizen, but grew up speaking Serbian (the language of Yugoslavia.) He was converted in college, and became a chaplain in the Navy. He had a vision to go to Montenegro as a missionary, and his church sent them out in 1996.

Prayer Requests Helpers to come throughout the year 2 have come this year to help 2 have come this year to help God’s work among young people in Niksic Now running short of young people Now running short of young people Influence for 2 university teachers in the church Pray for 3 new families Blessings on Thursday night dinners Anna Marie Surbatovich, at college in NJ House-building: find faithful workers Helper for Milan Djurisic to support his new work Against spiritual darkness Baptisms Pray for at least one this year Pray for at least one this year