JANUARY UPDATE

Greetings, from Cofradía, Mexico!  We are excited to share with you some of  the things that have been happening in our part of the world.  First of all, we want to thank you so much for your faithfulness in praying and supporting this ministry.  We are blessed to have such a great team of friends and family partnering with us.  Really, words cannot express our gratefulness to you as these past few months have been busier than normal; we’ve really needed your prayers!

Last month, we asked for your prayers concerning:

• Parents’ Visit: It was an extremely huge blessing to have my parents with us for Christmas and New Years.  That time of year is the best time in Cofradía; the weather is nice and it’s so fun to be able to visit people and spend time with them around bonfires and barbecues.  We were a little more busy this year than in years past, but we were still able to spend some quality time together as a family.  There’s lots more to read and see on our blog post of their time here.
• Youth Activities: The youth ministry is doing really well under the supervision of Pastor Luis.  The annual Christmas party went really well and a number of un-churched students participated in the Winter Sports Tournament that is designed to be a door of opportunity to share with them the love of Christ which was done successfully.
• Upper Room Project: We have been working hard on getting the roof done before the rains.  Just this Monday, the cement trucks came and poured the roof.  There are a few more details to be taken care of in order to finish and seal the roof.  Windows are going to be a high priority for us as it would be very easy for someone to hop through one and invite themselves in the house.  Click here for more updated pictures and comments..
• Follow up of New Believers: We have been working hard to develop structure for the local church that will enable them to make follow-up natural for them.  Thank you for keeping this in your prayers.
• Ministry Transition: Things are going very well.  Please keep praying as this has become one of the main focuses of the Mission Base and Church.  It is a very exciting time and in much need of your continued faithful prayers.
  

Links to other news:

• Short Term Mission Teams in January. We had two teams in January, a women’s team that came to work specifically with the women’s ministry and a men’s team who came to put pavers in our church’s courtyard.  They are regular teams that come down and they did an excellent job, again.  Here is a little more info.
• Church Courtyard Pavers. A report about Short-term Missions team, His Place Church, helping us by setting pavers in the church’s courtyard.  Click here to see the new improvements. 
  

This Month’s requests:

• Administration.   I would appreciate your prayers this next month as I will be dealing with a number of administrative tasks with our family, the mission base, and the church.  I ask the Lord for a clear mind, encouragement, strength, and wisdom to complete these tasks.
• Homeschool.  This is an area that I really struggle with for the mental energy and patience it requires.  Please pray that time, patience, wisdom, and willingness to learn would all be plentiful as I meet with Emma in the mornings and Rebecka in the afternoons.
• Marriage and Family Conference.  Former Alternative Missions Cofradía Missionaries, Doug and Jan Taylor, will be with us to meet with our church leaders (2/16) and the congregation (2/17 – 2/19) as they speak in this conference.
• Inauguration Anniversary.  We will be celebrating one year in our new building on Sunday, February 26, with a special service and meal.
• New Baby.  We are excited to announce that Rebecka and Emma will be sisters of a new baby in August!  Please pray for Geña during the pregnancy and keep this in your prayers over the next upcoming months.
  

Thank you very much for partnering with us through your prayers and financial support.
Click here to donate to our personal support.

Blessings,
Steve, Geña, Rebecka and Emma Rose Silberman
Missionaries to Mexico
Alternative Missions Cofradia
Area Director
Facebook
SKYPE: “srsilberman”

Church Courtyard Pavers

His Place Church from Burlington, Washington sent 5 men to help us with the project of putting in pavers in the church's courtyard.  We have had difficulty during the rainy season with it being very muddy.  The slope of the ground causes that mud to run right to the main door making it a big job on Sunday mornings to clean before people come.  We still would like to put a cement slab between the pavers and the rocks in order to have vehicle access to the library.  Here are a few pictures of the project in process and the final product at the end.  THANK YOU HIS PLACE!

Upper Room Project Update

Click here and scroll down to see the update.

Silberman Christmas in Cofradía

What a joy it was to have my parents here for their first Christmas in Cofradía.  It was an unforgettable time filled with memory making moments.  One of the most memorable things that happened the impact that Santa Claus has on not just children, but adults as well.  Why?  Take a look...

It was comical as to how many people turned their heads and made comments (sometimes not knowing that I could understand).  He even had someone come up to him on Christmas Day asking him where their presents were....oops!   Everywhere we went, people thought, and kids believed he was Santa.  One little boy commented, "He really does exist!"  It was fun, and people had fun getting their pictures taken with him at the house, at Church, and even at the Mall in Tepic (even the fake Santa there got his picture with him).

More memorable moments were spent with Rebecka and Emma playing "Slap-Jack," "Spoons," putting puzzles together, coloring, and watching movies.

We ventured out on a couple of trips away from Cofradía to Puerta Platanares to see the coffee fields and learn a little of the process on how they're grown, picked, dried, and cleaned.  We also saw the pineapple fields as they are starting to flower.

Also, we went to Aguamilpa; which is a humongous lake in the mountains.  The attraction there is the damn that provides electricity to the whole state of Nayarit.

Many more memories were made, but along with bonfires on Christmas Eve and again on New Year's Eve accompanied with an Armadillo feast, these were just some highlights.

 Here are some more pictures of our time together...

the first night in Mazatlán with Roger and Hazel was a great way to start!

I'm beginning to wonder if....

Hugo and his family

Adopted son, Max. :)

Christmas morning.

Hugo took us out to his corn and been field.

Can't wait until next time they come.  It was a lot of fun!

Short Term Missions in Cofradía

We are blessed to have had many, many people come through Cofradía to work on the church, the mission base, and in the community coupled with ministering to children, youth, and adults; sometimes in a general sense, mostly with a specific purpose.  We are very thankful for these Short Term Missionaries who made commitments to help shine the light of Jesus in the hearts of people.  We welcome you if you would like to do the same or reconnect with a friend you made in this ministry.  One of the most impactful things we can do is build relationships.

Building relationship is what Cy-Fair Christian Church from Houston, Texas has done for many years by sending youth teams and adult teams to minister with a specific purpose in mind.  Each year they send a team of women to minister to the women in our church.  What an exciting time!  All year long our women look forward to their return.  The past couple of years, they have finished their time with a huge overnight pajama party just for women while the children stay home with their dads.  The only thing I know is that they stay up all night long and their singing and laughter can be heard beyond the confines of the church walls.  The excitement that is heard is incredible.  The relationships that are built and nurtured are unforgettable.  God's work through them is undeniable.  They laugh together and they cry together.  Amazing. 

One of the team members has been writing about her experiences and the relationships she has built.  She has given me permission to pass this link on to you: Click Here. 

His Place Community Church from Burlington, Washington is another team that comes down frequently as a construction team to accomplish specific jobs.  They have become well known here as hard workers and very relational.  This week they are here working on the church's courtyard installing a special cobblestone, which will be very nice during the rainy season, as it gets really muddy.  They are doing a great job.

If you have an interest in serving people through missions, I invite you to be part of or put together a team.  There are many things we can do.  Let's be creative and partner together to help support the local church, raise up leaders, serve the community, and share the love of Jesus to those who don't know him.

Please let us know here.

The Upper Room Project

Help make a difference in Cofradía through The Upper Room Project.

DECEMBER UPDATE

Merry Christmas Everyone from Cofradía, Mexico!  As the cool weather approaches, it’s nice to sit down in the morning with a hot cup of coffee and consider the day and the different aspects of our life and ministry.  Our prayer is that this time of year is a joyous celebration for you as we are reminded of our Savior's birth.  Some of you will be with family, others may not.  Still, others might be missing loved one’s who have passed this year.  Our hearts go out to you.  May the Lord bring His Peace upon your life, especially in this time.

Last month, we asked for your prayers concerning:

• Pastor Gollo, he is in good health.  He has had some studies done and after investigating, it appears to be something very minimal and for no need of an operation.  Thank you VERY MUCH for praying for this issue.
• Youth Concert Thank you for continuing to lift up the student ministry as they make good efforts to reach out to their peers.
• Border Trip Thank you for your prayers over our family as we travelled to and from Tucson, AZ to take care of a couple of business items and spend time with our friends’ family during Thanksgiving.  It was a very busy time for us leaving us with minimal time to rest.  However, we enjoyed our time and the new people we met.
• Pastor Rafael Gradilla came last weekend and, as always, he made a great impact on the lives of our Pastor, Leaders, Church, and even the visitors who came to our Evangelistic outreach.  There were 6 people who have never come to church before who responded to the invitation of receiving Christ into their hearts.  One of which was a wonderful surprise to see step forward, Doña Chuy (for those of you who know Pastor Horacio, it’s his mother-in-law).  We had an excellent time of fellowship and teaching and wish that the time could have been longer.  Thank you for your prayers.
  

Links to the news:

• August Video Update
• Student Ministry Transition
• Home Construction
• EL RETO News
  

This Month’s requests:

• Parents’ Visit: We are all excited for a visit from my parents between December 13 – January 5.  It will be their first Christmas with us in Mexico.  Please pray for travel safety and good health while they are here.
• Youth Christmas Party: Each year the students have a Christmas Party where they invite their friends to youth group.  This usually has a good turn-out.  Please pray that the students who come will be impacted during this time (December 17).
• Youth Winter Sports Tournaments:  Our Annual Winter Sports Tournament for the youth will take place the week of December 26 – 31.  This is another door for the unchurched to know Christ.  
• Upper Room Project: We have started building our upstairs rooms and are praying that you can be part of the Lord’s provision to finish the roof before the rainy season.  Sometimes, a rain or two will come in January or February.  We need to raise at least $8000 more dollars.  You can send a one-time gift before the end of the year or extend a gift over 6 months, whichever is more convenient for you.  Donate here and make a note that it’s for the Silberman’s Home: 
• Follow up of New Believers: Please continue to keep in prayer the new believers and that the Lord will give us wisdom in the follow-up.
• Ministry Transition: Thank you for continuing to keep this ministry in your prayers as we follow the Lord’s direction during our transition period.  The initial changes have been set in place, our mission and new vision have been established, now we need patience and wisdom to carry out God’s call on us in this part of the world as more changes will be necessary.  Please pray, also, that the church body adjusts well to this transition time as well.
  

Thank you very much for partnering with us through your prayers and financial support.
Click here to donate to our personal support.

Blessings,
Steve, Geña, Rebecka and Emma Rose Silberman
Missionaries to Mexico
Alternative Missions Cofradia
Area Director
Facebook
SKYPE: “srsilberman”

NOVEMBER UPDATE

Greetings Everyone from Cofradía, Mexico!  New beginnings is a good summary of the past month in Cofradia.  A Marriage Class was started and will meet the first Sunday of each month, it’s called “Unteaching Marriages” as some of the things locals have grown up to “know” about marriage are contrary to scripture.  Also, our new Missionary Staff spent a couple of days in Mazatlan on an Off-Site Retreat to reflect, plan, and prepare for the future.  And, another ministry transition has taken place as I have stepped down from being the Student Ministry Director and handed to my right-hand man, Pastor Luis Vazquez.  Finally, we have begun the continued construction of our home.

Last month, we asked for your prayers concerning:

• Staff Retreat.  This was a great time of getting away, being with each other, and re-evaluating our goals.  Thank you for your prayers, you can read about it here.
• Visitors.  Thank you for your prayers as a couple from the US came to travel up to the mountains with Jay to minister to the Cora Indians.  Their trip was very smooth and were able to communicate the gospel to the people.
  

Links to the news:

• August Video Update
• Student Ministry Transition
• House Construction
• Book Report
• EL RETO News
  

This Month’s requests:

• Pastor Gollo is going through a series of tests for his health.  Please keep him in your prayers as surgery is in his near future.  Finances will be an issue.
• Youth Concert The Student Ministry will be putting on a concert to invite their friends to learn about Jesus.  Pray for open doors and open hearts. (Nov. 12)
• Border Trip Our family will be going to Arizona for a couple of weeks to take care of some business, do some shopping, rest a little, and spend Thanksgiving with some friends. (Nov. 14-28)
• Pastor Rafael Gradilla from Hosana Asamblea in Bellevue, Washington will be sharing with our leaders and congregation soon.  His pastoral leadership has a tremendous impact on the people here and we’re all excited to have him come.  Please pray for open hearts and safe travels. (Nov. 30 – Dec. 4)
  

Thank you very much for partnering with us through your prayers and financial support.
Click here to donate to our personal support.

Blessings,
Steve, Geña, Rebecka and Emma Rose Silberman
Missionaries to Mexico
Alternative Missions Cofradia
Area Director
Facebook
SKYPE: “srsilberman”

House Construction

The final phase of our house has begun.  Hugo (Geña's brother) started working last week and we're pretty excited about this--especially Rebecka and Emma!  It will be nice to have some extra room as the girls are getting older.

Our immediate goal will be to put up the walls and roof before the next rainy season.  To make sure that we can do that, we'll need $10,000.  Can you help?

Donate online here or click here to view other ways if donating online is not for you.  Thank you.

Staff Retreat

What an exciting time in Mazatlán we had with our Cofradía Missionary Staff!  We spent three days in a very nice Hotel/Hacienda in Old Mazatlán's downtown called The Melville.  We rented two suites, each with two bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchen, dining, and living rooms.  It was a great, private place to refocus as we edified, planned, and prepared.

We spent the first day having fun together and talking about cancer in teams as opposed to what makes a great team.  We hiked up to the lighthouse and had a very nice dinner at La Playa Mazatlán as we caught the tail end of the beautiful sunset over the Pacific.  

The next day we talked about almost every aspect of our ministry.  It was a series of long needed discussion and clarification of our responsibilities as team members and ministers.  We finished the evening with a very engaging and exciting game of Pictionary.  Men vs. women.  The women had us beat, but the we came back very strong at the end to squeak out the win!

The final day we prepared ourselves to return back to Cofradía.  It was a great three days that brought our team together.  We are unified and ready to RAISE UP LEADERS IN RURAL MEXICO.

If you are interested in ministry as a missionary or intern, don't hesitate to email us.  We would love to give you an opportunity to minister.  You might want to come down with a short-term missions team, as an intern, or consider a longer term commitment.  Alternative Missions' catch phrase is "Creative Ways of Serving the World."  What creative way would you like to serve God, serving the World?

Staff at the top of the Mazatlan Lighthouse

Dinner at La Playa Mazatlan

The tail end of the sunset during dinner.

Planning

"Pictionary" awaits

Max drawing...something

Student Ministry Transition

As I've been mentioning in our monthly reports, our ministry in Cofradía has been going through a transition since June. In July, I was appointed as the new Area Director for this ministry.  I am excited about the opportunity to lead this ministry in the next step of raising up leaders in rural Mexico. 

Pastor Luis Vazquez

For the past couple of years I've been able to watch my right-hand man in the Student Ministry, Luis Vazquez, grow and take ownership of the Youth Group. He's really been leading it for a while, I've just been there coaching him.  With new responsibilities and knowing how God has developed the Student Leadership team, I'm confident in taking new steps myself as I step down as the Student Ministry Director in Cofradia.

In my opinion, I couldn't ask for a smoother transition.  For the newer and younger youth, this change is not even close to monumental. Luis has been their "Pastor" for a while.  It's a strange feeling not being in charge or working first hand with the youth, it's hard to imagine doing anything else.  I love the Student Ministry we have; they're awesome!  At the same time, I'm excited because this was my goal as a Missionary--to work myself out of a job.

As we continue to move forward, we appreciate your prayers and continued support.  Please pray for Pastor Luis as he accepts the responsibility the Lord has given him in leading the Student Ministry of Centro Cristiano Cofradia.  Also, thank you for your prayers for our staff as we follow the Spirit's leading in this ministry.

Alternative Missions Cofradía Staff:
Max, Jay, Faith, Mati, Pastor Gollo, Geña, Steve, Sandy

Thanks again for your continued support.  Your donations are changing lives.

Transforming Discipleship by Greg Ogden

Transforming Discipleship by Greg Ogden

I just finished reading this book that has been staring at me for a few years now since my dad gave it to me.  It was a little difficult to get into just because I'm not an enthusiastic reader.  Once I got about half way, I could relate to a lot of what Greg was writing about.  This book is very similar to one I read earlier this year, They Smell Like Sheep, which I really enjoyed.

Transforming Discipleship is all about that, Discipleship.  This is not a new concept to me although he claims to have invented it.  Maybe I've heard or read something about him before??  Either way, it is something that I've always been passionate about.  He talks about getting into small groups of 3 or 4 same gendered people and spend a year together studying, reading, praying, and challenging each other to grow as you keep one another accountable.  This is a great concept and is similar to a couple of relationships I already have down here.  The obvious purpose is for discipling the believers.  The goal is that those other two or three people in your small group do the same thing the next year, but with different people.  This, ideally, would create solid multiplying growth.  We can sometimes get caught up in "such and such a number of people got saved."  That's great, but I've always wondered who's discipling those who get saved??

I am very interested in integrating this as a "process" (he calls it) in our ministry.  I want to try it out for a year.  To start it, it will take $100 to buy two Transforming Discipleship books in Spanish and four Discipleship Essentials manuals in Spanish.  Pastor Gollo and I are planning on starting this as soon as we can purchase them.  I'm pretty optimistic about this since we already have a men's group that is integrated in the Church Ministry.  It would be great if we could develop some more solid believers who are not ashamed of the Gospel.  Cofradía would continue to be transformed into a different place.  God is moving here and we're excited about it!

Here are just a few quotes that caught my attention:

• "The tragedy is that most Christian leaders have placed almost no priority in transitional leadership."
• "Discipleship is an intentional relationship in which we walk alongside other disciples in order to encourage, equip, and challenge one another in love to grow toward maturity in Christ.  This includes equipping the disciple to teach others as well."
• "Intimate, accountable relationship with other believers is the foundation for growing in discipleship."

I recommend this book, not just to church leaders, but anyone who is interested in learning more about God and developing a more intimate relationship with Him.

You can be part of this transformation by making a donation so we can purchase manuals.  Click on this link and choose "AM Ministry Location" "Cofradia" and make a note for "Discipleship."  Thanks for transforming the World.