MAY MINISTRY UPDATE

Greetings from Cofradia, Mexico! I’ll start this out with a prayer request.  Some of you know Isabel from Mazatlan who lives in Cofradía and has been part of our ministry since the beginning in the 1990s.  Her husband, David, is very sick.  The doctors have told him he has prostate cancer and needs an operation.  Due to no insurance and an amazingly high cost for the procedure, they have not been able to do this.  His niece works for one of the insurance agencies and was just able to get him coverage last week.  This has been going on for months.  Tomorrow, Tuesday, he will go to see the doctor again; pending he is active in the system now.  Once he goes in, they will start from ground zero and take him in.  He is unable to walk, has lost his ability to stand and is numb in the pelvic area.  We spent some time with them last night at their house singing with the guitar and sharing from the Word.  David is encouraged.  This all started to happen just as soon as he decided to serve Jesus.  He is really excited about serving in the church and his and Isabel’s relationship has been the best it has ever been.  We are believing for a miracle.  Please believe with us!  They have a 12 year old boy, Josué.

GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD, FOR HE IS GOOD; HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER!

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

1. David Medina.  Please continue to pray for a complete healing.  Thank you! 
2. Rebecka is doing really well in school.  Please remember to keep her in your prayers. 
3. Safe Travels from Washington to Cofradia last month.  Everything went smooth except a delay in LA due to some distraught passengers who were eventually dismissed from the plane. 
4. Administrative Tasks.  Please continue to pray for this.  We’re working on becoming authorized to receive tax-exempt donations.  All I need right now is time to work on this and help from our accountant. 
5. Freedom in Christ discipleship course  Please continue to pray for us as we teach each Tuesday night in Arrayanes. 
   
6. Emma’s 12th Birthday  We had a great day at the beach and some fun at home after school on her actual birthday. 
   
7. Parents’ 50th Wedding Anniversary  What an excellent time!  On April 12, they officially completed 50 years. :) 
8. Freedom in Christ Seminar  An incredible time with a number of new believers.  Read here to see what happened.

Here are some links to more:

• Last Month’s Update 
• Cofradía Dwellings Candidates 
• Pastors’ Perspectives: Click here to read bi-annual reports from our Pastors.
• Quick Look into our Ministry: A two minute clip of some of the activities and more.
• Cofradia’s Short-Term Missions Manual explains more of our mission in detail.  

This month, will you please pray for...

1. David Medina.  Please continue to pray for a complete healing.  Thank you! 
2. Rebecka Please continue to pray for her safety, godly friends, and wisdom in decision-making. 
3. Administrative Tasks. We are trying to get some things situated with our Civil Association in order to become authorized to receive tax-exempt donations in Mexico.  This will open up many more doors of ministry as well as create a need for more personnel.  Thank you for your continued prayers!!! 
4. Freedom in Christ discipleship course.  Please keep this in your prayers as we wrap this up this month. 
5. Freedom in Christ Retreat. Please pray for Pastor Goyo, Pastor Luis, myself, Geña, and Mari on May 5 as we lead the participants through Steps to Freedom in Christ and work with them on how to Demolish Strongholds in their lives. 
6. Happy Mother’s Day.  Happy Mother’s day to all of the mothers!!  Geña will be taking the women to a breakfast on May 7.  Mother’s Day in Mexico is on May 10 every year. 
7. La Iglesia Hermosa in Rosamorada with Pastor Amado are celebrating their 4th anniversary on May 12.  Congratulations! (They are still working on starting the Drug Rehab Center). 
8. Stateside Trip.  We’ll be heading up to the states in June.  We do not have any dates set in stone, but please pray for us as we begin our plans.  We would love to see you and be able to share in church services, Sunday schools, house groups, etc.  Let’s keep in touch!

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

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

** JOIN OUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT TEAM **


ONLINE:
Online, you can make a one-time, tax-deductible gift, or set up to make automatic monthly donations to our personal support at this link. 

MAIL IN A CHECK: 
Send a check made out to Alternative Missions to Alternative Missions / PO Box 3107 / Ferndale, WA 98248.  Indicate that it is for The Silbermans.

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!!!!

Freedom in Christ - Tuxpan

Pastor Goyo, Pastor Luis, and I spent three days teaching an intensive course on Freedom in Christ with the Church of God congregation in Tuxpan, Nayarit.  Most of these believers are very new to the gospel and have been around the block!  With great enthusiasm, Pastor Abimael continued to encourage those attending and has done a great job as their Pastor. 

With these new believers, some didn't know what to expect and expressed a nervousness and fear as we approached the sessions of going through the Steps to Freedom in Christ.  It was obvious that the enemy was at work.

As we always do, we separated the men and women.  In both groups, we experienced interesting circumstances.  There were many interruptions at the location where we met with the men, but we still sensed freeness in the atmosphere.  The women stayed at the church to walk through the steps.  They needed to stall a bit when they reached the point of renouncing past experiences with witchcraft.  One of the participants had been involved in such activity.  As she was renouncing these things, there was a cry that was heard and all of the sudden the door slammed shut.  One of the leaders continued with her until she was able to renounce all the activities in which she had been involved.

Amazing things are happening.  Every person who participates in this course expresses a sense of freedom and a realization of the lies they have believed about either themselves or God.  One woman said she felt like a feather.  We have found that the biggest obstacle that prevents believers from growing is unforgiveness in their life.  It's amazing what happens when one is able to forgive!

Thank you so much for praying for us as we continue to lead these seminars.  Pastors are continually asking us to come out to their church and teach.  Your prayers and support at this link are helping people find Freedom in Christ!

APRIL MINISTRY UPDATE

Greetings from WASHINGTON STATE! Yes, we are in Washington state, but fly out tomorrow morning to return to Cofradía.  We came up to surprise my parents for their 50th wedding anniversary and it was surely as surprise!  We arrived late Monday night and the expression on their faces was priceless.  We laid low for the week as we secretly helped my sister, Sheri, prepare for the party on Saturday.  It was a great and special occasion as family and friends came out to celebrate with us.  Thank you to all of you for making this day special.  Their actual wedding anniversary is April 12, but since the girls are on vacation from school, we came up early.

 

GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD, FOR HE IS GOOD; HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER!

HE IS RISEN!!!

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

1. David Medina.  Please continue to lift David up in prayer as he undergoes more testing.  It looks like they have been able to get some kind of insurance for him; however, that is not confirmed. 
2. Rebecka Thank you for your continued prayers for Rebecka as she attends High School in a different town. 
3. EL RETO in La Mesa Martin said his event went great!  The kids all had a great time and he was able to continue teaching them about Jesus as his relationship with them strengthened through the event.  Thank you to those who gave and prayed. 
4. Administrative Tasks. Thank you for your continued prayers!!! 
5. Freedom in Christ discipleship course.  Please continue to pray for us as we teach each Tuesday night in Arrayanes.  There are more than 30 participating and it is really exciting! 
6. Freedom in Christ Seminar.  We look forward to our next seminar will be April 13 – 15 with Pastor Abimael’s Tuxpan, Nayarit, congregation.  We look forward to a great time learning and helping others find Freedom in Christ.

Here are some links to more:

• Last Month’s Update 
• Mackenzie’s class’ Spring Parade (New Post) 
• Cofradía Dwellings Candidates 
• Pastors’ Perspectives: Click here to read bi-annual reports from our Pastors.
• Quick Look into our Ministry: A two minute clip of some of the activities and more. 
• Cofradia’s Short-Term Missions Manual explains more of our mission in detail. 
  

This month, will you please pray for...

1. David Medina.  Please continue to pray for a complete healing.  Thank you! 
2. Rebecka as she continues to go to Tuxpan via taxi each day for High School.  Pray for her safety, godly friends, and wisdom in decision-making. 
3. Safe Travels as we fly back to Mexico early tomorrow morning, April 4. 
4. Administrative Tasks. We are trying to get some things situated with our Civil Association in order to become authorized donor recipients which means people can donate money or materials for a tax deduction in Mexico.  This will open up many more doors of ministry and create a need for more personnel.  Thank you for your continued prayers!!! 
5. Freedom in Christ discipleship course.  Please continue to pray for us as we teach each Tuesday night in Arrayanes.  There are more than 30 participating and it is really exciting! 
6. Emma’s 12th Birthday on April 10.  We plan on taking her to the beach on Friday, then she’ll have some friends over on the 10th. 
7. Parents’ 50th Wedding Anniversary We’ve already celebrated, but their Golden Anniversary is April 12.  May the Lord bless them and bring healing to my dad’s knees; he’s having a hard time walking. 
8. Freedom in Christ Seminar.  Our next Seminar will be April 13 – 15 with Pastor Abimael’s Tuxpan, Nayarit, congregation.  We look forward to a great time learning and helping others find Freedom in Christ.

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

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

** JOIN OUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT TEAM **
ONLINE:
Online, you can make a one-time, tax-deductible gift, or set up to make automatic monthly donations to our personal support at this link.

MAIL IN A CHECK: 
Send a check made out to Alternative Missions to Alternative Missions / PO Box 3107 / Ferndale, WA 98248.  Indicate that it is for The Silbermans.

Parents' 50th Wedding Anniversary

April 12, 1968  Gary and Marilyn Silberman were wed.

Saturday, March 31, we celebrated their 50 year anniversary with family and friends.  It was a very special occasion to hear people share about their experiences with them and I led them through their vows; it was the 4th time they've done that! 

We appreciate all who were part of this, especially my sister, Sheri, for organizing it.  She did a great job.

No need for words.

"What are you doing here?"

Since we live in Mexico and do not get to see them often, we decided that the best gift we could give them was our presence.  We flew up unannounced on Monday and arrived at the house (thanks to my sister for picking us up at the airport) at 11:30pm.  It was a definite surprise for them and the look on their face was priceless.  We tried to relax for the next few days as the party was set for Saturday.  That was a surprise as well...nearing the time, they kept wondering what was up.

Blessings to them for their next 50 years!!

Kindergarten Spring Parade 2018

Wednesday afternoon, the Kindergarten classes of Cofradia held their anual parade for the Spring as they dressed up as a number of different things like butterflies, chickens, dogs, flowers, etc.  Mackenzie dressed up as a bunny.

They presented a couple of dances to everyone who was in the town center and then proceeded to parade through town in trucks as they waived and threw candy to the onlookers at their homes, most of the candy went to all the elementary kids who were following. :)

Mackenzie and her teacher.

Mackenzie the bunny.

MARCH MINISTRY UPDATE

Greetings from Cofradía, Mexico! We just finished a three-day seminar on Freedom in Christ with Pastor Abimael’s congregation in Guadalupe Victoria, Nayarit.  It was a great time in spite of the long hours! :)  Now, we’re getting back into our daily routines as we catch up on a few immediate things and try to get some tasks done that have been waiting for a couple of months.  Thank you for your continued prayers over our family and ministry!

GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD, FOR HE IS GOOD; HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER!

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

1. Administrative Tasks. Thank you for your prayers as we continue to work on these things. 
2. Cofradía Date Night.  We had another great evening with Doug and Jan Taylor as they spoke.  A number of churches were represented amongst the over 30 couples.  They also shared that weekend with our leaders, women, and on Sunday morning with the congregation.  Click here for a quick report and pics.
3. Short-Term Missions The His Place Church team from Mount Vernon, Washington, did an excellent job helping us repair the roof to the church’s education wing.  They were a fun and amazing group!  Click here for the report.
4. Freedom in Christ discipleship course.  We have just completed four of the 13 weeks of the discipleship course.  It has been going extremely well with over 30 people attending.  Pastor Goyo, Pastor Luis, and I are taking turns on the teachings. 
5. Freedom in Christ Seminar.  Thank you so much for your prayers over this seminar!  We had an excellent time and the Lord touched the lives of many of them as they became aware of some of the lies they have believed and how to break the strongholds the enemy has had on them.  We learn something new every time we share this message and it helps us grow as well.  We are excited for what God is doing and look forward to the next three day seminar in Tuxpan, Nayarit.  Click here to see a report.

Here are some links to more:

• Last Month’s Update 
• Cofradía Dwellings Candidates 
• Pastors’ Perspectives (Updated January 18, 2018): Bi-annual reports from our Pastors.
• Quick Look into our Ministry: A two minute clip of some of the activities and more.
• Cofradia’s Short-Term Missions Manual explains more of our mission in detail.  

This month, will you please pray for...

1. David Medina.  Many of you know Isabel who has worked with us for so many years and was on staff with us in the past.  Her husband, David, has been having some health complications and the Doctors are saying that it could be something very serious.  They do not have Health Insurance and are trying to see if he can get that before they move on.  In the meantime, we are doing our best to help him with Doctor visits, medications, and lab work.  Please pray first of all for a complete healing.  Than also that they will have success getting insurance as his issue could cost thousands of dollars.  Thank you! 
2. Rebecka as she continues to go to Tuxpan via taxi each day for High School.  Pray for her safety, godly friends, and wisdom in decision-making. 
3. EL RETO in La Mesa Martin Garzon, a young man who grew up in our church from Arrayanes, is living in the mountains working with the Cora Indians at an indigenous school as he teaches them the bible.  He is doing an excellent job!  This month, he is organizing a four-day RETO for the students there.  Please pray for safety, success, and that the Lord’s message would be heard through the outreach.  To help Martin with this event, you can give here; To support Martin as one of our missionaries, you can contribute here.
4. Administrative Tasks. We are trying to get some things situated with our Civil Association in order to become authorized donor recipients which means people can donate money or materials for a tax deduction in Mexico.  This will open up many more doors of ministry and create a need for more personnel.  Thank you for your continued prayers!!! 
5. Freedom in Christ discipleship course.  Please continue to pray for us as we teach each Tuesday night in Arrayanes.  There are more than 30 participating and it is really exciting! 
6. Freedom in Christ Seminar.  Our next Seminar will be April 13 – 15 with Pastor Abimael’s Tuxpan, Nayarit, congregation.  We look forward to a great time learning and helping others find Freedom in Christ.

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

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
Ministry Website

** JOIN OUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT TEAM **
ONLINE:
Online, you can make a one-time, tax-deductible gift, or set up to make automatic monthly donations to our personal support at this link.


MAIL IN A CHECK: 
Send a check made out to Alternative Missions to Alternative Missions / PO Box 3107 / Ferndale, WA 98248.  Indicate that it is for The Silbermans.

Freedom in Christ Seminar in Guadalupe Victoria

For three days, Pastor Goyo, Pastor Luis, and I went to Guadalupe Victoria, Nayarit, to give a Seminar on Freedom in Christ with the brothers and sisters from Iglesia Maranatha.  It was a great time in spite of the long hours and commute.  We met some wonderful people and in the end, a couple were able to share how the Lord impacted their life through the talks.  Some experienced difficulties when it came time to renounce past sins so we THANK YOU very much for your prayers.  Your prayer covering for these seminars are so important!  We stand in Victory in Jesus and decide to believe the truth of His Word.  It was great to see that some testified on how they plan to break strongholds over the next few weeks.  It's a daily process as we continually need to "renew our mind" in Him (Romans 12:2).

Thanks again for your prayers!  Your contributions help make this possible in order for us to only charge for the material.

The group minus a couple.

During the sessions

Prayer at the closing service in the church.

Pastor Abimael finishing up the service and time together.

His Place Team

A group from the His Place Church in Mount Vernon, Washington, came to help us repair the extremely leaky roof at the church.  The roof had been getting worse and worse in the past few years and the sealants that are normally used here were not working.  During the last rainy season, it seemed that the roof worked as tight filter as water would seep through the ceiling.

The team did an excellent job for the four days of tireless work mixing cement with lime, sand, and pumice rock, filling buckets, raising them up, and lots of shoveling.   We had some great help from a few of the locals for whom we were very grateful.

It was a great week working together.  The team had the opportunity to make a quick trip up to La Mesa, Nayarit, where Jay had been working and along with some other missionaries, helped get Martin (one of our own) established teaching the bible in a school there.  Everyone came back saying that it was a great experience.

Thank you very much Jim, Leslie, Mary, Tony, Jay, Mark, and JJ!!

WEEKEND WITH THE TAYLORS

Doug and Jan Taylor, missionaries to Mexico from Winnipeg, Canada, came to visit us as the special speakers for the weekend.  Specifically for our annual Date Night Banquet for married couples.

They spoke four times: Friday night was an excellent time with the Leaders of our church and the Rosamorada church.  The message was challenging and very appropriate as it hit right at home where we needed it.  They encouraged us to Walk in Love; Walk in the Light; and Walk in Wisdom.  The next morning, Jan spoke with the women as she challenged them to walk in the calling that the Lord has for them; it's time.  Saturday evening's Date Night Banquet was bitter-sweet as Jan heard the news of her brother's passing that afternoon.  However, they continued to pour themselves out to us and share what the Lord had laid on their hearts for the couples.  There were a number of different churches represented and it was an exciting time for everyone.  On Sunday morning they shared another encouraging word from the Psalms to the whole church.

Friday Night Leadership Meeting

Date Night Banquet

Date Night Banquet

Sunday morning service.

FEBRUARY MINISTRY UPDATE

Greetings from Cofradía, Mexico! Another full month has passed.  Upon returning to Cofradía from our two-week visit in California/Arizona, I took off the next day with the Elders of the church on a two-day retreat.  It was tiring, but a blessing.  We then scrambled to prepare for the arrival of the Cy-Fair team who came down to build Florentina’s house which was a tremendous joy to be a part of!  Pastor Luis and I sat down afterwards to fill out a report to the government on our Civil Association activities of 2017 just in time before the January 31st deadline.  We’re moving forward and anticipating an exciting February with more activities.  Thank you so much for your prayers!

GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD, FOR HE IS GOOD; HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER!

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

1. Border Trip. Thank you for your prayers!  We had an exciting time visiting friends and family and (finally) celebrating Rebecka’s 15th birthday at Six Flags.  I’ve posted a quick report here which includes a boat trip in San Diego! 
2. Elder’s Retreat.  We had a great time with the Elders.  We continue to focus on the Freedom in Christ material as it becomes more and more real to us every time it’s taught.  The Elders team is growing stronger under Pastor Goyo’s leadership and direction. 
3. Short-Term Missions team from Cy-Fair Christian Church in Houston, Texas.  We had an amazing time.  The house dedication was very delightful as Florentina joyfully began dancing once she opened her door and stepped over the threshold.  Follow this link to read about her story.
4. Bible School Thank you for your continued prayers as we focus on the 6 students who still need to finish an exam to officially be done with their degrees.

Here are some links to more:

• Last Month’s Update
• Cofradía Dwellings Candidates 
• Pastors’ Perspectives (Updated January 18, 2018): Bi-annual reports from our Pastors. 
• Quick Look into our Ministry: A two minute clip of some of the activities and more.
• Cofradia’s Short-Term Missions Manual explains more of our mission in detail.  

This month, will you please pray for...

1. Administrative Tasks. I still have a number of administrative tasks to take care of before I get back into the “normal” routine.  Please pray for strength, endurance, and wisdom. 
2. Cofradía Date Night.  Our annual Date Night will be held next Saturday with our friends Doug and Jan Taylor coming to speak again.  This is an excellent time to reach out to married couples who one or both may not know the Lord.  The Taylors will also be speaking to our leaders on Friday and the congregation on Sunday (January 9-11). 
3. Short-Term Missions team from Mount Vernon, Washington, will be joining us to help us fix the extremely leaky roof in the education wing of the church (February 17-24). 
4. Freedom in Christ discipleship course.  We’re going to start a 13 week discipleship course with the Freedom in Christ material.  This will be our first time teaching it in the format in which it was designed.  We expect this to be an excellent, eye-opening time for many as we will be able to take advantage of all the material instead of having to skip over some things.  Please pray for Pastor Goyo, Pastor Luis, and myself as we take turns teaching on Tuesday nights starting February 13. 
5. Freedom in Christ Seminar.  The pastors who have attended these seminars have been asking us to take this to their churches and places they have mission churches.  This is what we’ll be doing in March with Pastor Abimael from Tuxpan in the town called Guadalupe Victoria, about an hour and a half away (towards San Blas for those of you who are familiar with this area).  Please pray for us as we prepare and teach (March 2-4).

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

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
** JOIN OUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT TEAM **
ONLINE:
Online, you can make a one-time, tax-deductible gift, or set up to make automatic monthly donations to our personal support at this link.

MAIL IN A CHECK: 
Send a check made out to Alternative Missions to Alternative Missions / PO Box 3107 / Ferndale, WA 98248.  Indicate that it is for The Silbermans.