ON THIS PAGE: Podgorica Pentecostal Church  /  Roma Camp  /  Churches  /  Schools

Montenegro is a beautiful scenic country with majestic mountains and the lovely Adriatic coastline with its sandy beaches, and is now becoming a popular tourist spot like neighbouring Croatia. Spiritually, however, Montenegro is a rocky and barren place. There are just three evangelical churches in the country and out of a population of 600,000 people there are only 70 known evangelical Christians. Smile works with all three churches – Pentecostal, Brethren and Baptist.

PODGORICA PENTECOSTAL CHURCH

In the spring of 2002 Smile contributed towards the cost of buying a house and garage for Podgorica Pentecostal Church, with Pastor Jovica living in the house and the congregation worshipping in the garage. This is the first Pentecostal church building in the nation, and 8 years ago there was no known church in the country at all. The pioneering work which is taking place at present is vital if the country is ever to be reached with the good news of the Gospel.

In July 2003 and 2004, Smile team members from England, Scotland and Belgium helped with building work to join the garage and house, to expand the seating capacity from 30 to 100. The Belgium team members included professional builders and joiners, and along with help from local church members they worked hard as roofs came off, walls came out, windows and doors went in, walls went up and the two buildings became one. Most of the tools used on the work were kindly donated by Tools With A Mission, for which Smile and the church are extremely grateful.

In August another Smile team helped with the final decoration and in October 2004 Smile team members joined over 130 people at the church's opening and thanksgiving service where, despite the expanded premises, it was still standing room only! During the evening four people made an indication faith. We understand this was the largest gathering in an evangelical church in Montenegro to date, for which we praise God. The church has literally expanded its walls ready for the harvest which they believe in faith will come in the coming months and years.

   
Jovica with team member Gordon – Team giving Creation Story puppet show

REACHING ROMA PEOPLE FOR JESUS

Each Step Out team in Montenegro has visited the Roma camp outside Podgorica to care for the children and distribute aid. During the summer 2003 Step Out trip, we showed the Jesus video one evening in the open in the centre of the camp. Over 300 parents and children watched the 2-hour epic film and after a brief Gospel challenge by Clive, over 100 people made first-time commitments to Christ. The President of all the Roma people in Montenegro has become a Christian and Bible studies have already commenced in his home. It is hoped that a church will now be formed in order to reach more Roma with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

   
The Jesus video at the Roma camp – Team face painting – Parachute game at the Roma camp

CHURCHES

Smile has supported church workers and planters in Montenegro. Smile has also visited a number of isolated Christians in northern Montenegro who have to travel to the neighbouring country to visit their nearest Christian families, often making arduous, long and dangerous journeys over the mountains. We pray that the Lord may raise up many people with a heart to reach Montenegro with the Gospel.

   
Smile team praying over Montenegro – Taking aid to over the mountains – Delivering aid to Rozhaje

SCHOOLS

In 2002 Smile delivered four donated computers to the High School in Rozhaje in order for pupils to have a new IT department. Rozhaje is a remote town that stands at 6,000 feet in the mountains close to the Kosovan border and is surrounded by spectacular scenery.

In October 2002 the Smile team were invited to lead a concert at the school. The concert was attended by over 250 pupils and was a unique occasion. The English teacher said it was wonderful that the Smile team were willing to come to their school to put on a musical concert, which was a great encouragement to both pupils and staff at the school. A return visit was made in 2003 with a further concert, at the invitation of the school.