AUGUST UPDATE

Greetings from Washington State! It has been an enjoyable month visiting family and friends.  Our plans are to begin our trek back to Mexico and leave from Washington on August 9.  We’ll be heading down via I-5 and staying with family in California for the next couple of weeks and speaking in Bakersfield on the 21st just before we cross the border.

As many of you know through facebook, all nine of our Passports were stolen out of our truck along with a checkbook, $50, our dog’s vaccination papers, and a few other less important things.  Everything has been recovered except our checks, the $50, and one passport!  Within a day, three of our passports were found along side the road in different locations.  A couple days later, four more were found and just a week ago one more was found.  We are so grateful for those of you who have been praying.  We have been at peace and our hearts go out to the people who felt the need to take these things and pray for them to be able to find hope in Jesus!

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

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

1. Religious Association Status.  We are still waiting for the government to respond and finalize our paperwork; the financial need is still at hand. 
2. Drug Rehab Center.  We are still praying for a place to be able to house these people who need help. 
3. Trip to the States.  Thank you for your prayers!  We are enjoying our time as we visit family, friends, churches, and have even had the opportunity to go camping. 
4. EL RETO 2016: Thank you to those who have already began to send in contributions for this outreach!  We do not charge the students to attend so your help is very appreciated.  Our goal each year is $2,000 to pay for transportation, materials, prizes, and snacks; we are almost at 50% of that goal.

Here are some links to more:

• **NEW** Pastoral Perspectives: Click here to read bi-annual reports from three of our Pastors.
• Last Month’s Update.
• A Quick Look into our Ministry: A two minute clip of some of the activities and more.
• EL RETO 2015
• What is EL RETO
• “Dwellings” candidates in Cofradia: Meet two families that are in need of a home.
• Cofradia’s Short-Term Missions Manual explains more of our mission in detail.
  

This month, will you please pray for...

1. The final passport to be found. 
2. Religious Association Status.  $2,000 USDollars. Donate here to help.  
3. Drug Rehab Center. Please pray that Amado would be able to raise the $20,000 he needs to get things going.  What the Lord has called him to do will put a dent in the Kingdom of Darkness and Satan will not be happy and try to impede this work.  Please pray for protection over him, his family, his staff, and all of those involved.  Let me know if you would like to help make a dent in the financial need he has. 
4. Trip to the States. Continue to pray for travel safety, good visits, and time to rest. 
5. EL RETO 2016.  Pray for all of the planning that is happening right now and the Pastor Luis, the Leadership team, and the team captains who are currently preparing for this event.  We still need just over $1,000 to reach our goal in order to pay for transportation, materials, prizes, and snacks.  Donate here to help.  Click here to view a video spot for this year’s event. 
6. Speaking in churches.  Hosanna Bellevue on August 7 and Templo Calvario Bakersfield on August 21. 
7. Birthdays this month.  Rebecka turns 14 (13th) and Mackenzie turns 4 (31st).

SPECIAL NEEDS:  We are looking for: old iPhones, old macbook laptops, mountain bikes, RETO raffle items (cameras, cell phones, tablets, instruments, etc).  Let us know if you have anything you’d like to donate before we leave.

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

OPTION B---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.

Pastors' Perspectives

Here are recent updates from three of our Pastors in Cofradia.  If you would like to make a special donation to them or support them on a monthly basis, just click on their name which will take you to their donation page.

Pastor Gregorio Hernández

Centro Cristiano Cofradia

Lead Pastor

Over the course of this year we have experienced different events in the church, such as opening the Bible school and the opportunity to emerge as a church totally dependent on God. But I thank God for the event of new believers being baptized. I find these particular baptisms very interesting, because two of the people who were baptized I see as a very slow but very effective miracle. Why do I say this? Because one of them was a woman who met  Jesus almost as long ago as when the mission first came to Cofradía--almost 23 years ago to the day! And it took until May 22 of this year that she decided to take that step of faith. That is why I consider this a long-term miracle. On May 24 of last year, we also had the privilege of baptizing her husband, and I think that was a significant motivation for her to finally take this step herself.

            The other person I mentioned, also met the Lord many years ago, just like the  woman, and also finally decided it was time to be baptized. It was such a special event, especially because of all that God has been doing in this season of the church’s life. We had a time of preparation for those who were going to be baptized; it was not as a rule to participate, but it was strongly recomended for them so they would understand the basics of baptism. Thus they will begin their journey with feet firmly established, and understanding the step they have already taken. It is worth mentioning that it was necessary for them to make this decision for themselves, and not see it as an requirement on the part of the church.

We greatly appreciate all the contributions made by this ministry, both through prayers and support with finances. All this abounds in thanksgiving. We thank the Lord for all of you.

Sincerely,

Pastor Gregorio Hernández Galván, my wife Maty, and family

 ____________________________

Pastor Luis Vazquez

Centro Cristiano Cofradia

Student Ministries

Hello. May the Lord God bless your lives now and forever in all your needs. We are well as a family and as children of God. We are working in various areas of ministry, but especially with young people, as I have mentioned before. Since last year’s EL RETO event, a pastor and his youth group have traveled every Saturday to Cofradía to join us for our weekly youth group meetings. This is something I have always and continued to yearn and long for--that we labor and grow together.

I am grateful to God, on June 19 we celebrated our first college graduation: I and my wife and all the leaders who help me in the youth ministry received our degrees.. I think it is a great blessing that we were able to have such a lovely experience all together; it brings me great contentment that through this training we can be better as teachers and counselors.

This year we will once again put on EL RETO, which begins on August 27 and ends on October 1. So I ask for your prayers, for your financial support, and for you to share about this event, if possible, with friends and/or relatives. I know that the support you give me is wonderful, and my family and I thank you for it.

Our goal for EL RETO this year is to focus our young people on the things of God and diminish their focus on the things that distract them from God, such as technology, lust, unforgiveness, and lack of purpose, among other things. I also plan to focus more this year on the team captains who help me in EL RETO so as to be preparing them so that they may continue afterward as part of the youth group leadership and in that way to be fulfilling the Great Commission that Christ left us, which is to raise up leaders.

I appreciate again your generosity, which is huge, because we have been blessed more than you can imagine. My daughter is studying at college, and your generosity has been such a huge support for that; she wants to be a chemical engineer, and I believe she can do it.

The Vazquez-Sicairos family is eternally grateful to you.

Please pray for:

1. A good time in EL RETO
2. Finances for EL RETO
3. A calling in the hearts of this year’s team captains for EL RETO
4. Open doors for young people who want to continue studying

5. That my children do not lose their vision

6. Growth in leadership and in the youth group

________________________________

Pastor Horacio Garzon

Centro Cristiano Cofradia

Arrayanes and Indigenous

Brothers and sisters, it is with great pleasure that I greet you, and I desire God’s continued blessing upon you. We have spent this full week supporting a ministry in the mountains with work activities, doing repairs, and painting some buildings of significant size. We partnered with a group from Nebraska. They brought a comprehensive work plan for sharing the hope that we have in Christ. We were ministering to a group of about eighty young people who board weekly so that they may receive basic education. They are young people who come from dysfunctional families and therefore lack the basics to enter oficial schools.

During that time, we shared boldly through devotional moments in the Word before and after daily activities. We did not escape unpleasant incidents, such as dealing with alcoholics and those who lose touch with reality because of other addictions. Also, most of us experienced the stomach flu, but thank God we are all healthy once again. To Him be the glory forever!

Brothers and sisters, thank you. We are grateful for your generosity in supporting us through your financial donations. You are a great blessing to us.

God bless you,

Horacio and Maria

Dwellings Cofradia Time Lapse Video

What a small group of people can do to change the life of a family in one week:

CLICK HERE TO MAKE A SPECIAL DONATION TOWARDS THE MINISTRY IN COFRADIA.

JULY UPDATE

Greetings from Southern California! We have been in Southern California for about 10 days visiting family and friends.  We are making our way up to Washington for a few weeks and we’ll be heading back to Cofradia in August.  If you live in Washington, Oregon, California, or Arizona, we’d LOVE to visit with you.  You can reach us through email or Facebook.

THANK YOU!!! Thank you so much to those of you who responded to our request last month regarding the “Cofradia Internet”.  We have reached our goal and the tower has been purchased!  We will purchase the antenna and get things hooked up when we return to Mexico in August.

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

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

1. Religious Association Status.  We are still waiting for the government to respond and finalize our paperwork; the financial need is still at hand. 
2. Bible School. Graduation was a great day.  Twelve people graduated from Summit Bible College Nayarit Extension in Cofradía.  Click here to view pictures and read the report.
3. Drug Rehab Center: Still no progress.  Pastor Amado and his leaders are needing to raise $20,000 dollars to buy land and start the Center.  They are looking for a house to rent in the meantime. 
4. Civil Association. After a few weeks of unanswered questions and not knowing what to do, our accountant has offered to help us with getting the bank account.  We’re just waiting now for the bank to approve us. 
5. Trip to the States.  We spent the 4th of July weekend with our friend, Francisco Jimenez, and his family in Oxnard.  We should be in Washington by the end of the week.  We will be available to share reports at any services or small group meetings. 

Here are some links to more:

• Last Month’s Update
• A Quick Look into our Ministry: A two minute clip of some of the activities and more.
• Pastoral Perspectives: Click here to read bi-annual reports from three of our Pastors.
• EL RETO 2015
• What is EL RETO?
• “Dwellings” candidates in Cofradia: Meet two families that are in need of a home.
• Cofradia’s Short-Term Missions Manual explains more of our mission in detail.  Click on this link to check it out.
  

This month, will you please pray for...

1. Religious Association Status.  $2,000 USDollars. Donate here to help.  
2. Drug Rehab Center: Please pray that Amado would be able to raise the $20,000 he needs to get things going.  What the Lord has called him to do will put a dent in the Kingdom of Darkness and Satan will not be happy and try to impede this work.  Please pray for protection over him, his family, his staff, and all of those involved. 
3. Trip to the States: Pray for travel safety, good visits, and time to rest. 
4. EL RETO 2016: This annual outreach to young people is an incredible open door we have to speak into their lives.  We do not charge them to come which means we need your help.  Our goal each year is $2,000 to pay for transportation, materials, prizes, and snacks.  Donate here to help.  Click here to view a video spot for this year’s event.

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
Facebook


--- JOIN OUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT TEAM ---

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

OPTION B---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.

Graduation 2016

On June 19, twelve people graduated from the Summit Bible College extension we have in Nayarit.  After two and one-half years of studying, some received Associates Degrees, others received Bachelor's Degrees, and others received their Master's.  SBC takes into consideration of not only former education, but experience as well making these degrees reachable.

We are excited about this opportunity and have noticed that there are many pastors and leaders in Mexico who have not received a formal education.  Those who have received previous education have been typically taught only the doctrines of their denomination.  SBC encourages us to study what the bible says and what other religions and denominations believe.  This will either reinforce what we've been taught or challenge us to re-think what we've been told is a correct interpretation.

Here is what a few graduates had to say about their experience...

"As Christians we can know the basics, but when you really dive into the Scriptures, you can learn great things.  It's also amazing how books written by other brothers and sisters from around the world can help.  I encourage everyone to be motivated to study and learn more." --Liliana Garzon, Arrayanes, Associates in Biblical Studies and Bachelors in Theology

"I learned a lot through the scriptures and some of the investigations I did through articles and other books.  I learned about God's character and how He is exalted even through some non-Christian Historians whose accounts of what has happened in the past support the Word of God." --Pastor Gregorio Hernández, Cofradia, Bachelors in Theology and Masters in Theology

"My wife and I had been praying and fasting and asking the Lord to guide us to a place where we can receive training in order to preach the gospel according to the Truth in the Scriptures.  While at the beach, two hours away, we saw Steve and his family and he told us about the Bible School.  It was an answer to prayer and we are so grateful for all that we have learned and realizing how much we didn't know."  --Pastor Amado Verdin, Rosamorada, Bachelors of Theology in Biblical Counseling

I was introduced to the school through a long-time friend, Francisco Jimenez.  I first met Francisco when I was in High School.  He was our interpreter for our youth group's short-term mission team in Mazatlan.  We kept in touch and visit him and his wife at their home in Oxnard, CA when we drive through.  Francisco was also our interpreter at our wedding (Geña and I were married twice in one day! HA!)

It only seemed fitting to invite Francisco to be the special speaker.  He has graduated with a Masters from SBC and was the Director of the Ventura extension for a few years.  He shared about his ministries, the college, and delivered an excellent message to the Fathers as it was Father's Day.

So, after 2 ½ years of studying, I would like to present to you the First Generation of graduates from Summit Bible College's extension in Nayarit...

Pastor Amado Verdin, Rosamorada.  Bachelors of Theology in Christian Counseling.

Lourdes Soto, Rosamorada.  Bachelors of Theology in Christian Counseling.

Maria Sicairos, Cofradia.  Associates in Biblical Studies and Bachelors of Theology in Christian Counseling. 

Pastor Luis Vázquez, Cofradia.  Honors Graduate.  Bachelors of Theology in Christian Counseling.

Victor Hugo Díaz, Cofradía.  Honors Graduate.  Bachelors of Theology in Christian Counseling.

Pastor Horacio Garzon, Arrayanes.  Honors Graduate.  Bachelors of Theology in Christian Counseling.

Efigenia Silberman, Cofradía.  Honors Graduate.  Bachelors of Theology in Christian Counseling.

Sandra Garzón, Cofradía.  Honors Graduate.  Associates in Biblical Studies and Bachelors in Theology.

Liliana Emilia Garzón, Arrayanes.  Honors Graduate.  Associates in Biblical Studies and Bachelors in Theology.

Angel Martinez, Cofradía.  Bachelors of Theology and Masters of Theology.

Martin Garzón, Arrayanes.  Bachelors of Theology and Masters of Theology.

Pastor Gregorio Hernández, Cofradía.  Honors Graduate with highest grade.  Bachelors of Theology and Masters of Theology.

CONGRADULATIONS, CLASS OF 2016!

COMING SOON...EL RETO 2016!!

JOIN US IN MAKING A DIFFERENCE!!!


We need $2,000 dollars.  We need your help!
Click here to join us in making a difference in young people's lives!!  All contributions are tax-deductible!

JUNE MINISTRY UPDATE

Greetings from Cofradía, Mexico! Praise the Lord for the seven people who were baptized this month at the river.  Some were new converts while others have been visiting church off and on for nearly 20 years!  We look forward to their growth! Click here to see the report.
GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD, FOR HE IS GOOD; HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER!

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

1. Religious Association Status.  We are still waiting for the government to respond and finalize our paperwork; the financial need is still at hand. 
2. Bible School. Thank you to those who have responded to the tuition sponsorship request.  All the students who were in need have been covered! Graduation is June 19! 
3. Drug Rehab Center: Please keep this in prayer as Pastor Amado and his team continue to reach out to young people while they try to find a place to rent and/or land to buy. 
4. Internet. Thank you for your prayers!  I found out this week that there is a new internet service to become available soon in our town.  Today, I visited with the company who is bringing out the service.  The man says that for us to have internet at the mission base that will serve our needs, we would need to purchase a tower and antenna ourselves.  It is available!  We need $1,000 dollars for the purchasing and installation of the tower and antenna.  Our monthly cost will be less than what it is now and the service will be much faster and not limited like it is now (The service we have now limits us to a certain amount of use.  If we go over, we lose service for 24 hours).  We are excited about this opportunity! Please consider how you can help.  This will help us with our communications with the Mexican IRS (Hacienda), Reporting, Updates, National and International Video calls (Facetime, Skype, etc).  This is an incredible answer to prayer!!  Click here to help us reach our goal of $1,000 dollars.  Geña and I will be joining you as we give also. 
5. San Diego.  We have not gone to San Diego because we’ve been told the leaders of the bible study have not returned and it looks like they do not have plans to do so.  We still lift up San Diego for Jesus! 

Here are some links to more:

• Last Month’s Update 
• Emma’s 10th Birthday Mini-RETO See a quick report and video of her birthday party here: 
• A Quick Look into our Ministry: A two minute clip of some of the activities and more.
• Pastoral Perspectives: Click here to read bi-annual reports from three of our Pastors: 
• EL RETO 2015: 
• What is EL RETO: 
• “Dwellings” candidates in Cofradia: Meet two families that are in need of a home: 
• Cofradia’s Short-Term Missions Manual explains more of our mission in detail.

This month, will you please pray for...

1. Religious Association Status.  $2,000 USDollars. Donate here to help.
2. Bible School. Graduation will be on June 19.  Our friend, Francisco Jimenez from Oxnard, CA, will be our guest speaker and we look forward to this first generation of graduates.  The next term begins July 5. 
3. Drug Rehab Center: Pray for Pastor Amado and his team as they continue to reach out to the community.   There are so many people in need who seek him out for help.  Pray for finances to purchase land; he will initially need $15,000 to $20,000 US dollars to purchase a piece of land (6 acres).  In the meantime, he is looking into renting a house in town for those who are coming to him.  If you would like to help him, please let me know.  
4. Civil Association: I feel like we took a few steps back this month.  I was informed that we are obligated by law to open a bank account that allows us to pay taxes online through the bank’s internet page.  Now we NEED to open an account.  This will incur extra (unwanted, LOL) expenses of about $50 per month.  There are no options for internet banking without fees.  I have been working on this for three weeks now researching banks and trying to figure out what we’re supposed to do and have.  Please continue to pray as my hair continues to fall out and turn a lighter color. :) 
5. Trip to the States: Pray for us as we head back to the border to turn in our truck permit.  We will continue on to Washington for a few weeks then be back in Cofradia by the beginning of our youth outreach, EL RETO, which starts the last Saturday of August.  We will be available to speak at your church, Sunday School class, home group, etc.  We also would love to meet up with you for either lunch, dinner, or coffee.  Respond to this email if you have time to visit. 

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 ---OPTION A---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. 

OPTION B---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.

Baptisms at the River

Last Sunday, we celebrated our church service with baptisms at the river, underneath the toll road's bridge.  We held our baptisms at the same place last year.  Seven people were baptized ranging from new converts to people who have been attending off and on for over 20 years.  One person was from the indigenous village of Mojocuautla where Pastor Horacio ministers every Thursday.  We enjoyed the fellowship with everyone as well as the welcomed congregation of La Iglesia Hermosa from Rosamorada who joined us and baptized two of their own.  We all sat around and had lunch together at the water's edge as we all continued to shift under the shade of the bridge throughout the afternoon.  Thank you for your continued prayers and support as we continue to make disciples and raise up leaders to extend the Kingdom of God in this area.

Geña's brother, Hugo, led us in some songs as we got started.  He has been slowly taking over for me leading worship more often on Sundays.  Praise the Lord!

The crowd continues to the left as they find shade under the bridge during worship.

Pastor Goyo gives a last minute word to the seven candidates for baptism.

Lencho Franco is baptized.  His wife suddenly passed away a year ago due to complications in surgery.  His family has been part of the congregation almost since the beginning of the church plant.  His daughter, Antonia, is our Children's Ministry Pastor and his son, Gustavo, works on our vehicles.  Praise the Lord!

Emma's 10th Birthday

Emma turned 10 years old on April 10 this year and invited all of her class and other friends to a mini-RETO birthday party at the house.  We had over 20 kids and divided them into two teams as usual.  It has been over a month since the event so I don't remember much, just that we had games after games and everyone had a blast.  It was the first time we had interaction with some of the kids from her class and it's a great way to open doors for the future.  They will someday participate in our big EL RETO event we do each year once they're in Jr. High.

Thank you for your prayers for our family and Emma Rose.  She is doing great!

Here's a video clip that our friend Macx put together for her of the birthday party...

Emma th10 birthday 2016 from macx on Vimeo.

MAY UPDATE

Greetings from Cofradía, Mexico! “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” (James 1:2)  I have had a couple of days this month that have lead me to stop and consider whatever I was going through as pure joy.  Thank you so much for your prayers over us and our ministry; we need you to pray.  Our hope is in the Lord and there is no greater joy than knowing that in Him, we are victorious!

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

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

1. Religious Association Status.  We are still waiting for the government to respond and finalize our paperwork; the financial need is still at hand. 
2. Bible School. Thank you to those who have responded to the tuition sponsorship request as we are down to only one person in need of finances before graduation.  The classes we have this quarter are excellent.  Jay TenBrink is teaching a Missions class and doing a phenomenal job and we are learning a lot from John Maxwell’s The 21 Most Powerful Minutes in a Leader’s Day in the other class. 
3. Drug Rehab Center: According to the town commissioners, there is no more land available to give away and they are unable to help Pastor Amado.  This means that he will have to purchase the land for the drug center.  There are a couple of options that have been presented to him.  We (Pastor Goyo, Pastor Luis, and I) visited with him a couple weeks ago and looked at the options he had and prayed over them.  After talking more with him, it has become aware to me that there is a bigger problem with drugs and prostitution than I was aware of.  Everyone he talks to (government officials, town leaders, and the townspeople) has encouraged him to keep moving forward because the need is so great.  With Rosamorada being the county seat, it is a prime location. 
4. Accounting: Thank you for your prayers as little by little we’re getting the hang of things as we continue to ask questions and explore the way other ministries handle certain situations. 
5. Internet. No word yet.  Please continue to pray for a better system to become available to us. 
6. San Diego.  Because of a death in Geña’s extended family, we were unable to visit the group last month.  We hope to see them this Month. 
7. Emma’s Birthday Emma had over 20 kids at her “mini-RETO” birthday party and everyone had a blast!  We will have a short video up sometime this month on our blog.  Be looking for it or wait for a link to it in the next update.

Here are some links to more:

• Last Month’s Update
• A Quick Look into our Ministry: A two minute clip of some of the activities and more.
• Pastoral Perspectives: Click here to read bi-annual reports from three of our Pastors.
• EL RETO 2015
• What is EL RETO?
• “Dwellings” candidates in Cofradia: Meet two families that are in need of a home.
• Cofradia’s Short-Term Missions Manual explains more of our mission in detail.

This month, will you please pray for...

1. Religious Association Status.  $2,000 USDollars. 
2. Bible School. Graduation will be on June 19.  All but one student has been able to finish his tuition fees.  If you would like to help Angel Martinez, “Niko”, send me a message and I’ll share with you how to do that.  He still needs ($340). 
3. Drug Rehab Center: Please pray for Pastor Amado as he puts together a proposal and seeks financial help from different avenues.  He will initially need $15,000 to $20,000 US dollars to purchase a piece of land (6 acres).  In the meantime, he is looking into renting a house in town for those who are coming to him.  If you would like to help him, please let me know. 
4. Internet. Continue to pray for a better system to become available to us. 
5. San Diego.  Pray that the Lord would continue to encourage the leaders in that Bible Study and that those who meet together would be impacted by His love and Spirit. 

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 ---

OPTION A---ONLINE:

Online, you can make a one-time, tax-deductible gift, or set up to make automatic monthly donations to our personal support by clicking here.

OPTION B---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.

APRIL UPDATE

Greetings from Cofradía, México! Over twenty years ago when this mission began, a group of people went to a village called San Diego del Naranjo to assist those who were sick and share God’s love with them.  We began to visit them each week to conduct Bible Studies there and some of you may remember that I eventually took over as the leader for that outreach.  We had a number of converts and baptized some of the believers.  There was one man named Joel who’s testimony and encouragement to others was really a backbone for the believers.  He was unexpectedly shot to death in 1997 (not for religious reasons) and the outreach began to see it’s struggles and opposition.  After a number of years, it was hard to get people to come to the bible study anymore.  Our youth Pastor, Luis, and his wife took over for a couple of years and found the same wall of opposition.  Eventually, we began to shift our focus elsewhere and continued to pray for the people with an occasional visit.  Last month, someone from our congregation went there to sell shrimp and came across a group of believers.  It turns out that just recently, some locals who have returned from living in Guadalajara for a while are leading a bible study there and they’ve been meeting for a few months.  Pastor Goyo has gone to visit them and they are asking for our help.  We have committed to pray for them and assist the leaders encouraging them to continue what they’re doing and offer training for them.  They have over 20 people meeting together and praying on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays!  God is amazing!
GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD, FOR HE IS GOOD; HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER!


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

1. Religious Association Status.  We still do not have sufficient funds to complete this. 
2. Bible School. Thank you to those of you who have responded to the request of sponsoring a student.  There are now only two students who have yet been able to finish paying their tuition before graduation in June. 
3. Drug Rehab Center: Please continue to pray for the barriers of opposition to be broken.  Drug abuse is rampant here and there is no specific Christian help for these people in the region.  Pastor Amado and his wife continue to meet with young people and do what they can to help.  One young lady is now staying at their own home.   
4. An Accountant: I met with our accountant last week and it was a very productive meeting!  Little by little I am understanding what to do and how to do it.  Please continue to pray for clear direction as we dabble with delicate duties. 
5. Internet. We continue to hope and pray.  Someone had a conversation with the phone company a couple weeks ago and the phone operator could not believe we do not have internet here.  They said they would get the ball rolling.  Well, let’s have faith they will keep their word. 
6. Splash 2016: Phenomenal event!  We had a number of churches participate and it was a lot of fun!  Read about it and see pictures at this quick “Splash Report”.
7. Church Anniversary Celebration.  Excellent time!  We had one of the biggest Sunday services ever.  Visiting churches celebrated God’s faithfulness with us as we have now been in the building for 5 years! Click here to see a quick report.
8. Mesa Team.  Successful week.  The team shared Bible stories and led various workshops for a week at one of the Cora Indian villages in the mountains.  Here is what Missionary, Jay TenBrink, had to say.

Here are some links to more:

• Last Month’s Update.
• A Window Looking into our Ministry: A two minute clip of some of the activities and more.
• Pastoral Perspectives: Read the bi-annual reports from three of our Pastors.
• EL RETO 2015.
• What is EL RETO?
• “Dwellings” candidates in Cofradia: Meet three families that are in need of a home.
• Cofradia’s Short-Term Missions Manual explains more of our mission in detail.
  

This month, will you please pray for...

1. Religious Association Status.  $2,000 USDollars. 
2. Bible School. Spring classes start on April 5: Missiology and Leadership.  Two students have yet been able to pay their tuition in full.  If you know them and/or would like to help, let me know and I will share with you how to do that.  The two students are Hugo Diaz ($70) and Angel Martinez “Niko” ($340). Thank you on behalf of them. 
3. Drug Rehab Center: Pray that a piece of property becomes available for this Center; pray that the costs of purchase, construction/renovation, furnishing, and function would be covered. 
4. Accounting: Pray the Lord will help us grasp the details of the requirements for the Civil and Religious Associations.  Pray the Lord will bless this ministry. 
5. Internet. Continue to pray that a better system becomes available to us. 
6. San Diego.  Pray that the Lord would continue to encourage the leaders in that Bible Study and that those who meet together would be impacted by His love and Spirit. 
7. Emma turns TEN on April 10.  We’ll be having her annual RETO Birthday party with all her friends and it should be a great time.

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

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CENTRO CRISTIANO COFRADIA - 5 YEARS!

CENTRO CRISTIANO COFRADIA ANNIVERSARY

The Christian Church in Cofradia has been alive for more than 20 years, but it wasn’t until recently that they obtained a meeting place just for themselves.  It was a sweet accomplishment led by missionary Dave Elias who proceeded to move his family back to Canada shortly after its completion.

It marked the end of the era of planting a church body and meeting together at the mission base...

The inauguration took place on February 27, 2011...

It has been five years since we opened the doors to the new church building after five years of construction projects brought to fruition and funded by your help.  It was a large project, but definitely worth every drop of sweat that went into it.  The locals also gave so much of their time and heart into the project helping teams and working while no teams were present.

Now, it is a place where the locals meet together to worship God; it is a place where people find restoration through a Savior named Jesus; it is a place where people find freedom in Christ; it is a place where people grow in their leadership skills and are trained through a Bible school; it is a place where people of all ages meet to have fun together playing soccer and volleyball during the week; it is also a place where a diverse group of Christian churches meet in unity to worship the same God and share the same purpose of extending HIS Kingdom.

This past Sunday, we celebrated God’s faithfulness to His children.  Throughout the years, He has shown His kindness and love in so many different ways.  As we look to the future, we continue to march forward towards the goal of finishing the race that has been set before us.  We are “La Cofradia United”.  “Cofradia” means a brotherhood that shares a common goal whether it be religious or charitable.  We are working together with other churches to expand the Kingdom of God and raise up leaders in rural Mexico.

Pastor Ruben from Las Varas leading worship. 

Pastor Benjamin from Chiapas sharing from God's Word.

Dramas

Children's graduation from Samaritan's Purse Christmas Box Bible Study (12 weeks).

Thank you for your dedication to prayer for this congregation.  Thank you to all who have come and participated on a team.  Thank you to all who have donated financially to increase the Kingdom of God in this area.

The work here is not finished.  With the foundation set, we are excited about extending “La Cofradia United” to other towns where meetings are already taking place.  We need your help.  Here is a quick look at our ministry and the current needs we have and ways you can help.

One-time or monthly gifts can be made online or by sending a check made out to “Alternative Missions” with a separate note indicating that it is for “Cofradia Operations” to: 

ALTERNATIVE MISSIONS

PO BOX 3107

FERNDALE, WA  98248

CLICK HERE TO MAKE A ONE TIME OR MONTHLY CONTRIBUTIONS ONLINE.