The Recent Civil Unrest in Mexico

Taken from the bridge near Las Pilas our taco town. (P. Salaiza) 

Some of you have been asking us and wondering how things are going where we live. As you know, just recently the Mexican military captured and killed the leader of one of the biggest drug organizations in Mexico. This caused a retaliation by the drug organization towards the government to bring Mexico to a halt. They succeeded on Sunday, February 22, to freeze Puerto Vallarta, Guadlajara, and Tepic, which had an affect on smaller cities throughout the region. While it still had an affect on even smaller communities like ours, the affects were more of people just being scared.

People are safe. The attacks were strategic in blocking major toll roads and city streets by burning vehicles. Most of those vehicles were buses and taxis...the modes of transportation. Other vehicles included tractor trailers parked sideways and burned. They were taking people out of the vehicles and lighting them on fire. They also burned some businesses, banks, and gas stations (by the way, Costco DID NOT get burned, only vehicles and semi's in the parking lot). As of right now, I have not heard of any civilian deaths, only those who were in the standoff between the National Guard and the drug organization. 

We were supposed to head to Puerto Vallarta on Sunday after church to visit some friends whose cruise ship was docking on Monday. We were going to leave early to visit other friends, pastors, and a church on Sunday evening. Before we left the house, our friends let us know that their ship had cancelled the docking into Puerto Vallarta. So, we did not go and instead enjoyed the afternoon at home and got a few things done around the house.

 

Thank you for all who have inquired about our safety. We are fine and life is pretty much back to normal already and it's only been just a few days. We are not and never were scared because of what was going on. Our trust is in the Lord and we know that He is with us. We appreciate your concern. Blessings to all!

Happy Thanksgiving

We pray for those of you celebrating Thanksgiving will enjoy your time with family and friends. It is an important time to stop and give thanks for our lives and what the Lord has done for us. There are many things we can be thankful for. Let's be thankful today and everyday.

I came across an article from a group called "WallBuilders" and it has some very enlightening information on how Thanksgiving started. I'm sure you will find this read very fascinating and helpful to understand the history behind why we celebrate Thanksgiving.

Click here to read about Thanksgiving.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING 

From the Silbermans 

and Cofradía United!

Family Camp Movie

 This looks like it's going to be good...

Middle East News

Amir Tsarfati, an Evangelist/Speaker born in Jerusalem, has a ministry called Behold Israel. He consistently updates his followers on Telegram about breaking news and news in general through the eyes of Biblical Prophecy. You will not see this information in the mainstream media (I've looked for it). Go to his site or follow him on Telegram to receive his daily updates of the truth about Israel and the Middle East. A number of years ago, a friend of ours introduced us to this ministry and I have been blessed by it and I'm sure the same will be for you.

Coffee Resurrection

I BELIEVE IN THE RESURRECTION!
(Para español, desliza para abajo)

Without a doubt, Jesus Christ has risen from the dead!  He conquered death and reigns in victory!  If we abide in him and he in us, we also are victorious over any scheme and lie that Satan tries to throw at us!

Today, I want to share with you a different kind of resurrection!!!

Many of you saw my recent post on FaceBook about the death of our Espresso Maker.  Well, it's still broke.  The fact is, this is the fourth time it has broken (each occurrence being of a different piece).  The first two times where under warranty and I was able to get it fixed free of charge.  The third time I jimmy-rigged it by inserting a 2 ½ inch decking screw to function in the place of the broken piece.  It's not comfortable, but it worked!

So, this is the fourth time and I assumed that the piece that broke would be irreplaceable.  It is with great joy, excitement, and emotion that I can share with you that with a skinny little screw driver I can manually maneuver what the broken piece performed!

THE ESPRESSO MACHINE HAS BEEN RESURRECTED!!!!

(I'll still be saving up for a new one, this one will do until we get a new one)

ESPAÑOL

Sin duda, Jesucristo ha resucitado de la muerte!  Conquistó a la muerte y reina en victoria!  Si permanecemos en él y él en nosotros, también somos victoriosos sobre cualquier artimaña y mentira que Satanás nos avienta!

Hoy quiero compartir con ustedes de una resurrección diferente!

Muchos de ustedes vieron mi post reciente acerca de la muerte de nuestra máquina de espresso.  Bueno, todavía esta roto.  De hecho, van cuatro veces que se ha quebrado (cada vez, una pieza diferente).  Las primeras dos veces estaba bajo garantía y me la arreglaron sin cobrar.  La tercera vez le hice una "mexicanada" metiéndole una pija para porches de 2 pulgadas y medio para hacer la función que hacía la pieza que se quebró.  No es cómodo, pero funcionó!

Así que, esta es la cuarta vez y creí que la pieza quebrada no se podía reparar.  Es con gran gozo y emoción que puedo compartir con ustedes que con un desarmado delgado puedo manualmente maniobrar lo que la pieza quebrada hacía.

LA MAQUINA DE ESPRESSO HA SIDO RESUCITADO!!!!

Hurricane Patricia

I just wanted to express our thanks to all of you who prayed for us and the people of Mexico.  Our hearts go out to those who suffered damage and loss during the hurricane.  Fortunately for us, we were far enough away that it didn't affect our area.  It appears that because of the high mountains near the coast, the hurricane had dissipated quickly and pretty much only affected it's direct line.

I have copied a couple of photos.  One is the google map showing Cofradia's location.  The other is a photo I found in an article from the Weather Channel showing the Hurricane's path.  For those of you who are interested, you will see where the hurricane travelled and how close/far away it was from us.

Notice below that Cofradia (the red dot) is north of the city of "Tepic"in the state of Nayarit...

Below you will see the path of the storm.  Notice that it was south of Tepic, but north of Guadalajara as it traveled the state line of Nayarit and Jalisco...

As you can see, it made landfall quite a ways south of us, but travelled closer.  It passed by about 1 ½ to 2 hours (driving) away.

JUNE UPDATE

Greetings from Cofradia, Mexico! We have a lot of news to share with you this month!  One of the more exciting answers to prayer is that we will be receiving new staff members by the end of the summer!  We have seen the need since becoming the Directors of the mission four years ago and have been praying regularly about this for the past couple of years.  You can meet Lain and Kelly Grant here

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever!

In the “links to more” section below, you’ll see that we also had some baptisms.  Plus, see what kind of “rare find” Geña came across in our back yard!

Thank you for your prayers for our family and ministry as we walk through challenges and victories.  We really appreciate your participation.

In our last update, we asked you to pray for...  

1. Bible School.  We are finishing up the Spring Quarter which has definitely served as one of the most productive so far, studying Biblical Theology and Vision. There were a number of excellent visions for ministry that came out of the Vision class.  Once we get the Civil Association squared away, we have the potential of this organization, “Cofradia United”, exploding!
2. Mexican Civil Association.  We’ve sent in our objectives for review and are waiting for a response.
3. Upcoming Activities.  Thank you for praying for these as the planning continues to be fine tuned.

Here are some links to more:

• Baptisms of Centro Cristiano Cofradia 
• Geña’s “rare find” 
• New “Dwellings” tab in our blog. Meet three families that are in need of a home. 
• Last month’s update 
• Emma’s 9th Birthday video (3 minutes) 
• Pastor’s Perspectives: Click here to read reports from three of our Pastors 
• Cofradia’s Short-Term Missions Manual explains more of our mission in detail.

This month, will you please pray for...

1. Bible School.  The Summer Quarter will begin on June 30 with Pastor Goyo and Pastor Luis teaming up to teach Hermeneutics and Pastor Martin will be teaching Homiletics. 
2. Mexican Civil Association.  Please continue to pray for a smooth start-up to the official organization.
3. Trip to the States.  Please pray for safe travel, smooth border crossing, and wisdom as we look forward to the God-encounters on the way.  We’ll be speaking in churches and visiting friends throughout California, Oregon, and Washington.  We would love the opportunity to share at your Church, Sunday School class, Youth Group, Home Group, etc.  Please contact us about setting up a date!  We leave Cofradía on Saturday, June 13 and should be arriving in Bremerton, Washington on Friday, June 26.  Then, tentatively, we’ll start our way back to Cofradía leaving Washington on Monday, August 10 and crossing the border into Mexico on Thursday, August 27.  Can’t wait to see you! 
4. Upcoming Activities.  Please pray for wisdom and direction for all the leaders and staff involved in our upcoming events; pray for those who will be ministered to to have open hearts and lives to be changed; pray that our ultimate goal of glorifying God will be fulfilled.  Three major activities coming up are a Short-term Missions Team in July,  EL RETO youth outreach that begins August 29, and we’ll be hosting a Freedom in Christ conference (through Neil Anderson’s ministry) in December.

Thank you so much for being part of our team as we work together to RAISE UP LEADERS IN RURAL MEXICO!!!!

Blessings,

Steve, Geña, Rebecka, Emma, and Mackenzie Silberman
Missionaries to Mexico
Alternative Missions Cofradia
Area Director

--- PLEASE JOIN OUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT TEAM ---

ONLINE. Click here to donate to our personal support 

BY POSTAGE MAIL/CHECKS. Send a check made out to Alternative Missions to Alternative Missions / PO Box 3107 / Ferndale, WA 98248.  On a separate note, indicate that it is for The Silbermans.

JUNE UPDATE

GREETINGS from LINCOLN, CALIFORNIA!  That’s right!  We are in the United States making our way to Washington State.  It has been 2 1/2 years since we’ve been back and we’re looking forward to spending some time with family and visiting friends.  Our trip started on May 21 as we drove north and visited friends in Phoenix, Palm Desert, family in Perris, Oxnard, family and friends in Bakersfield, Santa Maria, Salinas, family in Tracy, and now we’re with family in Lincoln.  Our plans are to head east from here crossing Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, and South and North Dakota to arrive in Winnipeg to visit more friends.  Then, we’ll head back through Montana, Idaho, and Washington.  Please keep us in your prayers as we’ll be travelling with a full truck (this trip has just about convinced us that we need a bigger vehicle, LOL).

Last month, we asked you to pray for...

• EL RETO LA CRUZ has been a huge success.  180 students were involved and they will finish up for EL RETO FINAL on June 8.  Here is something I wrote about it recently. 
• Mother’s Day 60 women came to our annual Mother’s Day Breakfast.
• Ruben Garzon, one of the youth who grew up in the church was married on May 18 to a young lady who goes to a church in Tuxpan.  We’re happy for him!
• Trip to States  As I’ve mentioned, we are doing some travelling.  We’d appreciate your continued prayers and if we are in your area, please let us know. Here are some recent pics.

Links to other news:

• Hardcopy June Newsletter We periodically send out a very general hardcopy newsletter to those who do not have email.
• SILBERMAN PRAYER CARD We have just updated our prayer card with a new photo and Support Address.
• Rebecka’s Bible Study Group Rebecka gathered some of her friends and started a Bible study group all by herself.
• MINISTRY NEEDS Please click on the link to see how you can help us.
• ALTERNATIVE MISSIONS COFRADIA VIDEO UPDATE  Sunday Church Services, Children’s Sunday School, and Youth Group.
• ALTERNATIVE MISSIONS COFRADIA MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES Click here to see where you can fit in.

This month, will you please pray for...

• Trip in the States  Please pray for our trip as we’ll be travelling all this month of June.  Again, we’d love to see you if we’re in your area.  You can follow us on Facebook.  Please pray for safe travels, divine encounters, and ministry opportunities.
• Ministry Needs Our ministry has many needs right now.  Check out the list to see how you can get involved.

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

PLEASE NOT THE NEW MAILING ADDRESS FOR ALTERNATIVE MISSIONS SUPPORT.  Another way to donate is by sending a check made out to Alternative Missions to Alternative Missions / PO Box 3107 / Ferndale, WA 98248.  On a separate note, indicate that it is for The Silbermans.

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

Pastor Heriberto Rodriguez

Pastor Heriberto Rodriguez was born and raised in Cofradia and now is an ordained minister living in Florida with his wife, Alba.  They work together preaching in jails and visiting and praying for people in their homes.   Pastor Heriberto and Alba came to visit Cofradia in January for a couple of weeks.  During their time here, they were able to participate in some of the ministries in the Church sharing testimonies and messages in the Men's Ministry, Youth Ministry, and Congregation.  Before meeting Christ five years ago, Heriberto was involved in some pretty rough things that led him to a dead end in his life.  Now, free from all of the addictions and habits, he and his wife enjoy a life of ministry together with heavy hearts for children and youth. 

There are two interesting facts about Heriberto that relate to this mninistry.  I met him in the late 1990s, but had very little contact with him.  In the year 2000, we started a weekly prayer meeting here on the base.  There were consistently about 10-12 people that would come and a few others who, if they had a need, would come as well.  We saw miracles happen during that time.  One of which had to do with a grandmother asking for prayer for her grandson whom she had not heard from for a long time and she was worried.  The next day to her surprise, she received a phone call from him.  Heriberto was that grandson.

Also, in 2006 we purchased the property where the church located.  That property belonged to Heriberto's family.  His mother sold it not knowing that Heriberto had plans to build a home on that land some day.  Needless to say, when he found out it was sold, he wasn't very happy.  Since conversion to Jesus Christ, he is more than excited to know that the property where he once was going to build a home, is now used for the Kingdom of God to which he belongs.  His home is built.

We were more than delighted with their visit and look forward to working together in the future.  This is a very exciting testimony to how God works in the lives of people to whom we minister.  God answers prayers, He frees the enslaved, and gives hope to the hopeless.  What an exciting reality!  Thank you for praying for this ministry!

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.

They Smell Like Sheep by Dr. Lynn Anderson

They Smell Like Sheep by Dr. Lynn Anderson is one of the best books I've read in a long, long time.  I think it's a must read for Pastors, Elders, Deacons, any Leaders in the church.


He focuses on the simplicity of what it means to mentor someone, what it means to pastor someone, and ends with the authority that a Pastor has (or doesn't have) amongst the sheep.


It's an easy read and very interesting.  I highly recommend it!

Hermano Magdaleno

Para los que hablan Español, Hermano Magdaleno es de Arrayanes y compuso esta canción.  La cantó en la inauguración de la nueva iglesia.  Está chistosa!  Espero que la disfruten.

Coffee Farmers

Here is a clip of a trip we took up to Puerta de Platanares near Ruiz, Nayarit to see the Coffee Farmers process the coffee just after it was picked off the plant and as they got it ready for drying.

MAY UPDATE

Greating Everyone! We’re excited to share with you about some of the things Lord is doing here. We’ve been able to update our blog with some of the events as you will see below. God is working on all of us as we grow closer to Him and that’s exciting! And it’s always extra-exciting to see God moving as He heals physical ailments as well. In March, when my parents were here, we had a prayer time after the service and María (Pastor Horacio’s wife), asked my mom to pray for a cyst in her womb. She had her doctor’s appointment last week and everything has been cleared up and she testified at church on Sunday of her complete healing in her body. Praise the Lord! Please continue to pray for these requests that God would continue to move. “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind.”--Jesus.

Last month, we asked for your prayers concerning...

• Worship Workshop. We had a great time with Pastor Kevin and Brad from Houston. Kevin shared for a couple of days with our worship band some things about what worship is and then on Saturday night we had a special worship service. Lives were touched and it was a great way to help the worship band take another step in the right direction. Here is a link to the short report.
• Dentists. The five dentists that came did a great job the day they were here. Thanks for praying for them.
• Guy’s Retreat. Martin is amazing! This year’s theme was “Overcoming Your Fears.” Everything went really smooth except for a foot injury, but Martin was able to reach out to some guys that don’t come to church. He put together everything...games, speaking, chapel, kitchen, bathroom, and the dormitory. You will be impressed by seeing what he did here.
  

Follow these links for more..
Cy-Fair Youth Team Report I did not have the report done in last month’s update.
Everything Video Our youth group put together the Everything video for a couple of teams this year. Click here to see the video.
Emma’s Birthday
Horseback Riding A friend took me out on horseback the other day.
Hummingbird Check out the Hummingbirds in our backyard tree.
Coffee Plants I’ve got cherries on my coffee plants!
Facebook—if you’re on Facebook, I’d love to get in touch with you!

This month, would you please pray for...

• Youth Staff Retreat Six of us will be taking a day to rethink the Student Ministry and talk about why and how it functions. These meetings normally take place in my office between myself and a couple of interns; this time we’ll be adding three strong student leaders who have shown an outstanding ability to take ownership and lead. Please pray for myself, Luis (Intern Pastor), Jesus (Intern), Martin, Sandy, and Jose Luis and we listen to God’s voice for the future of this Student Ministry. (May 12)
• Student Leadership Retreat We are starting to prepare for our annual Student Leadership Overnight Retreat in July. Please pray for guidance as we begin planning. This team makes up the youth staff as well as students who stand out as leaders in the group. In the past, this has been a very important time where our team forms a bond and connects with one another. We want to give you the opportunity to join us by praying and giving towards this retreat; we need $500 US dollars. (July)
• House We have received a few hundred dollars towards the continued construction of our house. We should have enough for the kitchen upper cabinets and are in the process of looking around for prices. When we arrived in November, we had to repair our roof (almost $1,000) as the house was very wet inside and moldy. We still have plans to build a couple rooms and a bathroom upstairs. Many have asked how that’s going; as soon as the kitchen cabinets are in, we’ll be buying material in preparation for upstairs as money comes in. Please join us in prayer for the Lord’s provision. Thank you to all who have helped us in this area. If you would like to invest in our family, this would be a great way!
  

Thank you very much for your prayers and continued support.
As you give, you are investing in the Kingdom of God. This is an opportunity for you to further His Kingdom, thank you so much! Click here to donate.

Blessings,
Steve, Geña, Rebecka and Emma Rose Silberman
Missionaries to Mexico

If you would like to receive this update by email, please contact me steve@alternativemissions.com

Coffee Plant

I'm really excited about my coffee plants! I have four plants (which some call trees) and this last year there were 9 cherries on them. This year, three of the plants are already flowering and some already have some cherries. Click here to see an interesting video on the growth process of coffee.

This is a picture of a branch on one of my plants.

Hummingbird

There is a cute little hummingbird who has decided to make her home on the tree in our back yard. She started to make the nest a few weeks ago and then laid some eggs. Now they've hatched and there are two little...I mean little! hummingbird babies in the nest. Here are some pics...pretty interesting!

November 20th Parade in Cofradía

November 20th is a Holiday in Mexico celebrating the Mexican Revolution and they always have a parade that the school kids and land owners participate in. Here are a couple picks, see more on Facebook.

Coffee Time 0530 (2)

We continue to meet on Tuesday mornings in my office.  Lately, the guys have been showing up later and later.  We start at six, and I had told them that if they wanted coffee to come at 5:30.  One stumbled in at 6:30 with swollen eyes as if he had just woken up and walked in the door.  It was kinda funny.  The point is, they are still coming to be fed from the Word and they are continuing to enjoy what the Lord is showing us from the book of Mark.  So, I'm excited that they aren't coming "for the coffee" as the reason to come.  They're coming "for the food."

We are just about finished with Mark 3, but I am one study short of finishing chapter two on the blogsite.  The two reasons for doing this are:

1. In order that their hunger for God and reading His Word would grow.
2. In order that they would have an anxiousness to share about God and His Word to others.

I'm seeing this happen.  Their hunger has grown and one of them has been teaching another student in the youth group what he's been learning during this time.  We've got a little ways to go still, but I'm having fun...and the coffee is good too!

Here's a link to the blog.

Coffee Field Trip

One of the neatest things about living in Mexico is that nothing really is guaranteed.  Not even what you buy at the store--they say you can bring it back when you buy it, but when that time comes it's either "No, we don't take things back" or you're given a credit.  Not all the time, but generally speaking--just like what happened today.

Not a big deal, but it was a little funny how things worked out today.  Our plan was to go up to the foothills in the mountains with my brother-in-law Hugo and his family to pick, toast, grind, and drink fresh coffee from the plant.  Once we got there, Hugo's friends had either gone to town for a political meeting or were in the hills working.  After a while, the guys that were working came home for lunch and we had some very good soup with some very good meatballs and some very good and spicy salsa!  Also, we had some very good pineapple as well.

Right around the time we had to leave, Hugo mentioned to his friend that we'd like to take some coffee.  They had four gunny sacks full of coffee--around 100lbs each.  So, since harvest time is over, we weren't able to pick.  Instead, we got to see the next phase--his friend pulled out an electric grinder that takes off the shell from the bean.  After a loud 30 minutes we got maybe one pound of coffee beans.  Still we needed to sift through the garbage just like they do with the beans you eat.  We brought some home and they gave us a bunch more that still has the shell.  That was pretty awesome!

Something even better was that he took us up to his fields on a big hill where he has a little fruit called "nanchi."  I don't really care for them, but Geña and the girls LOVE them!  They were the biggest one's I've ever seen!  After picking a few nanchi's, he took us up to his pineapple plantation.  That was pretty cool too.  There aren't many ready yet, maybe a couple more weeks and there will be a few ripe ones.

In the end it was a pretty good day.  Even though it wasn't what I expected, it turned out to be very adventurous and there were some pretty neat things to learn.  So, with that, I'm going to start toasting some coffee!!!

Beans still in the shell.

Putting the beans in the grinder to take off the shell.

Sifting the garbage from the beans.

Coffee plant trunks that have been cleaned and varnished.  They make these and supply them to a Florist in town.

Nanchies that are not ready.

Ripe Nanchies.

Pineapple plantation...lots of pineapple!

A young pineapple sprouting from the plant.

We had some VERY GOOD Pineapple!

Full of Beans

Last Friday I went out to Pastor Gollo's bean fields to take a couple pictures and some video. Before I knew it I was helping them as they were "desgranando"--taking the beans out of the pods. I thought it was a very interesting process so I stayed to help. Once they pick the dried up plants, they put them in piles so they will dry some more. Later, they put a big tarp on the ground and through all the piles of bean plants onto the tarp. Then, a tractor drives over them opening up the dried pods. After that, they whisk the flattened plants, sift out the plants and leave the beans on the tarp. From there they fill up buckets and pour beans back and forth between two buckets in order to get most of the garbage out. Pastor Gollo left with 11 gunny sacks full of beans that evening.