STUDENT LEADERSHIP RETREAT Report

Here is our new Student Leadership Team: Sandy, Aidé, Jose Luis, Mily, Martin, Chuy, Ruben, Pedro, Gollo, Luis, Esteban.

Dates: July 14-16

Amazing! This was our fourth year doing this retreat and I am completely convinced that this is so vitally important for our ministry--and others as well! We started off towards Mazatlán on Wednesday morning getting to know each other better in the van and I had some questions for them to think about as we prepared to review the last 12 months of youth ministry and plan for the future.

As we arrived at Hotel del Sol, we found that there was only one family there so it made for an excellent place to not only stay, but meet and accomplish what we needed to. The two nights we stayed there were pretty peaceful and the place felt like "ours." The atmosphere of this retreat speaks volumes as to how it will turn out.

After we got settled, we had an orientation then went to eat lunch at our favorite restaurant in Mazatlán--Pura Vida. Then, we headed back to the hotel and had a couple of sessions about our Identity as an Individual: The Need for a Leader to have an Encounter with God and The Need for a Leader to Make Forgiveness a Major Part of their Life. After this, we were ahead of schedule and I had a movie prepared to watch on Thursday night, but we decided to change plans and switch the movie night and Worship nights because Martin's message on Forgiveness lead right into what I wanted to teach from the movie Invictus (A movie about the 1995 Rugby World Cup in South Africa and the countries initial moves into being united after the apartheid). Tons of Leadership learning moments in the movie!

Breakfast: Chuy and Martin were awesome at taking on the food responsibilities. I was really impressed with their servants heart!

Thursday, we had breakfast and headed up the hill to the highest functioning lighthouse in the world (no joke). The sun was hot and it was a tough climb (especially because I hurt my knee again that morning as I slipped in the shower--the swelling is just now starting to go down after a week). At the lighthouse, Luis shared about how God is our lighthouse who guides us to where we need to be--great stuff!

The hike up the hill.

Back at the hotel that afternoon, we did some team building exercises and we spent a number of hours talking about our Identity as a Team Member and then focusing on reviewing the past year and looking towards the future. It was a lot of fun and the worship at the end seemed to seal our unity together.

"Me Against the World" helps students get a feel for the need to be on a team. You can run a ministry by yourself.

After a number of students had the opportunity to go against "the world," we divided them into two teams--much better!

Gollo guiding his brother Chuy.

Aidé guiding her sister Mily and Sandy guiding her cousin Ruben.

Reviewing last year, planning for the future.

Chuy and Sandy volunteered to unknowingly represent a couple as I talked about Guy/Girl relationships.

Friday morning, we focused on our Identity as Servants and the need to focus on "them" instead of "us" when we serve. God knows our motives! Each year we give the team a project; in years past it's been a day retreat with the new students who are entering into Jr. High as a welcoming. This year, so far there is one student who comes to church regularly who will be entering the youth group. So, I decided to have them select an activity that they would like to see happen in the next months and plan it without Luis' or my help. They did a great job working together and are planning on a Rap/Rock concert plus movie night for August 21st. They are really excited and so am I to see them doing this!

It's always strenuous to meet for so long together, people get tired. Each year, we've ended the retreat with a special trip to Mazagua (a big water park).

Thank you so much for all of you who prayed as well as those who responded to the petition of support for funding this event. We received all we needed and continue to raise support for the upcoming EL RETO starting at the end of August.

If you would like to participate by making a donation to this ministry, click here to see how.

Tucson, AZ

In June, we took a quick trip up to Tucson, Arizona for a week to take care of a few things and visit some friends while we were there.

On our way up, we stopped in La Cruz, Sinaloa where I lived for about a year helping Pastor Hector Robles of "Cosecha Final La Cruz" get things going over 10 years ago. This was the first time I had the opportunity to preach in La Cruz, usually I lead worship when invited. It was a great time, they really know how to make you feel comfortable and special. I preached from Mark 8, specifically focusing on how the Revelation of God's Truth is a process in our lives. Sometimes we may be completely blind to a certain truth like the Pharisees were; sometimes we misinterpret Jesus' words like the Disciples did in the boat; and sometimes we think we understand the Truth, but we've been misinformed by those who've taught us like the Jews who were taught by the Teachers of the Law in their time. It's important to not have the things of man in mind, but instead the things of God. Interesting Chapter--the title of the sermon was "Walking Trees".

Rebecka, Emma, Isaí, Heymi, and Josué on Sunday afternoon after the service.

Nogales, Sonora and Nogales, Arizona boarder.

Once we arrived in Tucson at our friends' house, we were able to get a little rest and hang out in the pool...

The girls enjoyed the toys in the back yard also.

We were going to go shopping one evening, but encountered a little problem...apparently the 108 degree weather caused the window to burst out (our friends and their neighbors plus the police all confirmed this). Nothing was missing and there was no evidence of rocks or bullets so the window had to have had a crack in it to have bursted like this.

Emma, Rebecka, and Savanna played together inside, outside, and in the pool.

Bob and Dorothy Micher--some great friends! We appreciate them so much! For more than ten years, every time we've come up through Arizona they've let us stay at their house.

My mom flew down from Washington to stay for few days, it was great to see her again and the girls absolutely enjoyed playing with their Grandma.

The Silbermans; getting ready to leave for Mexico.

Rebecka and Emma

Strapped in...

We had a great time! Thank you Bob and Dorothy, Mom and Dad, and Savanna for making the trip a memory.

QUICK PRAYER REQUEST

We leave tomorrow morning (Wednesday, July 14) for a three day retreat with our Student Leaders. This is the fourth year our Student Ministry has been doing this and it has turned into being what sets the pace for the next 12 months in our ministry. Please pray for safety, willingness to learn and participate, and a surrendering to the Lord as we allow Him to speak into our lives and form us to become a strong team.

Tomorrow we arrive in Mazatlan where we’ll start right off with two sessions in the afternoon about our Identity as Individuals focusing on why it’s important to have an encounter with God as a leader and why it’s important that forgiveness (both ways) is a big part of our life. We finish the evening with Praise and Worship.

Thursday we’ll head up to the lighthouse in the morning to talk about how God is our focal point in our life and all we do. Then, we’ll work on some team building activities at the hotel and continue talking about our Identity as a team and the necessity to work together.

Friday we’ll focus on our Identity as Servants and consider ways we can serve the students who attend and reach out to new students. In the afternoon, we’ll have our traditional recreation time at the water park Mazagua.

Thank you for your prayers and those of you who have given donations towards this ministry.

Blessings,
Steve Silberman

OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE

Each year we have two major events in our Student Ministry. There are many more other things we do, but these two events have the most impact--and are the most expensive :).

STUDENT LEADERSHIP RETREAT (JULY 14-16)

This is our fourth year of taking a few students to Mazatlán for a couple of nights and spend time together as we intensely train for leadership and develop team work ethics. This year we'll be focusing on our Identity as Individuals, as a Team Member, and as a Servant. This retreat sets the tone for the next 12 months and is the most important thing we do in our Student Ministry. I'm excited about the potential we have this year.

Will you commit to pray Wednesday through Friday, July 14-16?

Will you donate a portion of the $1000 we need? (click here to see how)

Click here for a report on last year's retreat.

EL RETO [THE CHALLENGE] (ALL SEPTEMBER)

This is a fun and huge Survivor-Amazing Race-Fear Factor style event that challenges everyone from the students participating to the adults helping as staff. It brings the whole church together: the youth participate as team members, team captains, and some leaders as staff; the adults cancel their meetings to participate as staff, and the children cannot wait to be part of the youth group in order to participate.

The main purpose is outreach. We want to have as many youth as possible be exposed to God's word. Most of the students who participate in this event will not come to church or even youth group--this is our chance! Some students are impacted and have started coming to youth group on a regular basis. Then, there's a few who have actually made life-changing decisions by making Jesus Christ Lord of their life through this event.

The outcome of this event is learning about life. Life is a challenge at times; some have bigger challenges than others. This event helps the students grow and know how to respond when a real-life challenge confronts them.

We have been planning for this event for over a month now and it is going to be a lot of fun this year. I cannot share details because some students read this :), but if you'd like to know more about what we're doing this year, send me an email.

Will you commit to pray each Saturday starting August 28 through September?

Will you donate a portion of the $2,000 we need to make it happen? (click here to see how)

Click here to read a report on EL RETO 2009

Click here to read a report on EL RETO 2008

THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST AND HELP.

Amber has done a phenomenal job putting together some more details on this event here.

STUDENT MINISTRY GIVING

Thank you for your interest in becoming a part of our ministry and investing in the Kingdom of God. If you would like to donate to a specific event in the Cofradía Student Ministry, this is how...

Make a note that indicates it is for COFRADIA STUDENT MINISTRY. If you'd like to be more specific, add in parenthesis the event you wish to sponsor ie: (EL RETO, LEADERSHIP RETREAT, etc).

1. Send to:
Alternative Missions
PO Box 5835
Goodyear, AZ 85338

Checks made out to ALTERNATIVE MISSIONS.

Send your note on a separate piece of paper.

2. You can also safely and easily donate online directly by clicking here. Make your indications by commenting the note option available.

Los Que Siguen

"Los Que Siguen" means "Those Who Follow" or "The Follwing". That is the title of Alex Osuna's CD and one of the songs he wrote. Alex is from Mazatlán's Centro Familiar Amor Y Libertad church and spent the weekend with us as he and his worship band led us in song at a "worship concert" on Saturday night and then again led the congregation on Sunday morning for worship. Brother Silvino was kind enough to bring the band which included his daughter Paulina on Bass Guitar, Isaí on Electric Guitar and Israel playing the drums (see pictures below). They did a great job and were very impressive!

Alex had some great perspectives on worship for our congregation and we were really blessed to have him here.

One of those "small world" instances came up when I found out that pastors and members of New Life in Kitsap County have been working with them for a long time now. New Life, Pastored by Wes Davis, is a church that started in my home church Christ Memorial and Chad Alvarado whom I've known since High School is good friends with Alex and the staff in Mazatlán. Way to go New Life!

Alex in with our announcement in the Youth Room.

Saturday night service in the New Church.

Sunday morning service at the Mission Base.

Alex, Paulina, and Isaí.

Israel, Paulina, Isaí.

Front: Israel

Back: Jose Luis, Silvino, Esteban, Paulina.

JUNE UPDATE

Greating Everyone! The weather is getting warmer, but surprisingly not too bad this year. We want to thank you for your much appreciated prayers and support as the Lord continues to unfold His will.

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

• Youth Staff Retreat Thank you for your prayers! We had a great time together. Our meetings we long, but they were more than beneficial! We were able to determine together why we have a Student Ministry—that helps us all get on the same page for why we do what we do--”Reach Out; Reach In; and Train Up”. Also, we were able to talk about our Strategy, how we’re doing and what we need to change. Then, finally we were able to plan the next few months in general for the activities we’ll be having over the summer. I’m excited for what God has in store and looking forward to see the Youth Staff executes the plans with the Lord’s help.
• Student Leadership Retreat Thank you for your continued prayers this week we’ll be nailing down what kind of details we’ll need to work on this next month in preparation for the Retreat. I’m always excited for this time because it’s a great time of reflection on what’s really important. The first thing we’ll focus on is our own personal relationships with God—without that, we are only hypocrites; we might have a good plan and do things well, but...on our own. (July)
• House We continue to save what we can for the hopes of a second story with a couple of rooms and bathroom. Thank you for your continued prayers and support.

Follow these links for more..
Jay’s trip to Cangrejo Jay TenBrink took some men up to the mountains to a Cora Indian village to hand out some food to each family. He’s posted about it here.
Salmodiando This was a “Psalm Night” youth event competition; read about it here.
Facebook—if you’re on Facebook, I’d love to get in touch with you!

This month, would you please pray for...

• House We would love your continued prayers and support for this as it will open more doors to have guests stay with us as well as High School Students from out of town. For the past three years, Mily, who will be graduating from High School next month, has stayed with us in the girls’ room. Our girls are growing and it’s getting a little crowded. 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!
• Mazatlán Worship Band This Saturday we’ll be hosting a Worship Band from the Church Amor y Libertad in Mazatlán. We are expecting the Lord to do some great things and move in the hearts of many. Please pray for people to have a meaningful encounter with God. (June 5)
• Dwellings House Build Our church will be building a home for the parents of José Soto (Cheché) who has been part of our Student Leadership for the past couple of years. Since we announced that we were going to build them a home, Cheché’s prayers have been answered and they have been coming to church ever since. Please pray for smooth work, safety, and that the seeds that are being planted in this families hearts would healthily grow. (June 14-18)
• Border Trip We are hoping to make a quick trip to the border (not Taco Bell!) near the end of June. I’m still waiting for my foreign visa to come in in order to go. (June 21--)
• Cofradía High School Graduation Three students who have been solidly involved in youth group for many years are graduating from High School. This is the FIRST generation of graduates ever from the High School in Cofradía which started three years ago. Pray for Mily, Ruben, and Goyo as they endeavor new things in their life. (June 29)

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.

I’ve been encouraged a lot lately as I listen to Ravi Zacharias’ radio broadcasts (Just Thinking) on the internet as well as spending some time in Josh McDowell’s The New Evidence that Demands a Verdict. We’re continuing to dig into the Book of Mark as well. What are you reading/listening to?

Blessings,
Steve, Geña, Rebecka and Emma Rose Silberman
Missionaries to Mexico
SKYPE: “srsilberman”

Salmodiando

"Salmodiando" was an event at last week's youth group. An English equivalent would be "Activity with the Psalms". The purpose was to encourage the students to get into the Bible and read. The activity was to have them recite, write a song, or use their imagination to present a Psalm in front of a panel of judges and the audience of youth.

It was pretty good. I think we'll be doing this again sometime because there was interest, but not many signed up. Now that the ice has been broken, I think there will be more interest in future "Salmodiando" nights.

Two groups participated and presented two different songs. Ruben and Alfredo presented a couple of Psalms in the form of rap music...

Alfredo and Ruben

while Chuy, Pedro, and Jose Luis presented a couple of songs with guitars and drums, making their own music. One song was in the style of rock, the other was in the style of adoration...

Jose Luis, Chuy, and Pedro

They all did a great job and Chuy's group "After Death" (suggesting new life) won as they did a song to Psalm 101.

Beto Leading Worship

Beto lead worship this Sunday and did an excellent job! We are blessed to have a young adult like him who loves God and is dedicated to doing his best for Him. Bien hecho Beto!

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

Pastor Marc Pearson

This was a note that one of my friends on facebook shared. It is some words that were written and read by Rev. Greg Asimakoupoulos at an awards presentation yesterday. Pastor Marc Pearson was my pastor growing up and helped me make decisions that would eventually form who I am today. A great man of God who has set a great example of God. We are still in contact today and words cannot express how thankful I am for his influential life.

Here is the note...

It was my honor to write and read the following to a cherished colleague in ministry.

Today we honor you, my friend.
A humble man God chose to send
to redefine abundant life
as more than health and wealth.

You've taught us by your life and words
that grace once promised is assured
no matter what a day may bring
or what a doctor says.

In weakness, Marc, God's strength is shown.
And as you've persevered we've grown
to trust the One whose plans for us
aren't always what we'd choose.

You've modeled grace and dignity
while dealing with adversity.
You've shepherded a healthy flock
in spite of being ill.

You've helped us understand Paul's words
that may at first glance seem absurd.
That cracked pots are the means by which
God's glory is revealed.

You've preached the Word transparently
discovering humility
will starve the ego's appetite,
but nourish childlike faith.

Courageously you've faced your test.
And as we honor you be blessed.
Take comfort knowing you have touched
more people than you know.

Just fix your gaze on Jesus' face
and focus on His boundless grace.
The Savior bids you peer, son, peer.
Peer into His soft eyes.

And as you look you'll surely see
reflections of eternity
and glimpses of what yet awaits.
The best is yet to be.

by Rev. Greg Asimakoupoulos

* Marc's dad and my dad were both Assemblies of God ministers in the Northwest District when we were small boys. Our families were friends. In 1973 Marc and I served on staff at Shoreline Community Church (where my uncle Ben Birkeland was pastor). Marc was senior pastor of Christ Memorial Church in Poulsbo, WA for 31 years until his advancing case of A.L.S. forced him to retire last November. (That is the church my maternal great-grandparents helped to start more than 100 years ago.)

You can listen to Marc's final two sermons to a congregation he loves with all his heart. Here is a link to the church website. The two part message was preached on November 15 and 22. It is titled FINAL THOUGHTS. May God speak to your heart like He did to mine. http://christmemorial.podbean.com/

Marc and I

My mom and Marc

Where does time go?

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!

Emma's Birthday

Emma turned 4 years old on April 10. In the midst of a very busy weekend, we had a small fiesta for her with a piñata and hot dogs!