MARCH MINISTRY UPDATE

Greetings from Cofradía, Mexico! Thank you for your prayers for our friend, Pastor Gerardo Ozuna of Templo Calvario in Bakersfield.  You joined countless people who had been praying for him. He was admitted into MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston at the beginning of February with a very aggressive cancer that filled his abdominal cavity, liver, lungs, and brain.  I watched an interview by his doctor and he says that it was a “very impressive recovery...almost miraculous” because he has fully recovered in three weeks after not being expected to survive when he first arrived.  A couple weeks ago, Gerardo said he woke up and there was nothing wrong!  No Cancer!  God is good!  Thank you for praying!

Pastor Gerardo’s Testimony (Spanish)
The Doctor’s words (English)

GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD, FOR HE IS GOOD; HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER!
Last month, we asked you to pray for... 

1. Taylors Conference: We had a great time with the Taylors again as they spoke to our leaders on Friday, at the Date Night on Saturday, and Sunday morning at church.  
2. Border trip.  Thank you for your prayers as we spent two weeks in Southern California.  With the exception of mechanical problems with our truck, everything went really smooth, even the border crossing both ways!  Thank you to all who hosted us as we stayed: Julia Rivera and daughters, Francisco Jimenez and family, Jon and Donna Harrison, and Bob and Dorothy Micher; you were all a blessing to us! 
3. Drummers’ Workshop: Our friend, Hernan, did an excellent job teaching at the Drummer’s Workshop.  We hope that the seed he planted will grow and bear fruit in the Kingdom of God.  Those who attended were pretty excited about learning to play the drums. 
4. Church Anniversary: Pastor Carlos Montoya of Sinaloa came to speak at our 6 year anniversary of the inauguration of the church.  It was a great time and he took time to honor everyone who has participated in helping the church get to this point.  All who have come as missionaries, whether it was long term or short term, were honored on Sunday.

Here are some links to more:

• Cofradía Dwellings Candidates (NEW)
• Most Recent House Build (NEW)
• Pastors’ Perspectives: Click here to read bi-annual reports from three of our Pastors.
• CENTRO CRISTIANO COFRADIA’s Facebook page
• Last Month’s Update
• EL RETO: If you missed any of the reports or are curious about EL RETO, click here to see the latest.
• What is EL RETO?
• A 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. Elder’s Retreat: Pastor Goyo and Pastor Luis are leading an in-house overnight retreat for our elders in order to strengthen one another and analyze how we are doing.  It should be (as these retreats always are) a very good and insightful time. (March 10-11) 
2. Administration Seminar:  Pastor Hector Robles of La Cruz, Sinaloa and one of his leaders, Hector Quintero, will be joining us for a Seminar on Administration; this is a great need in our community. (April 1,2) 
3. Restoration Center: We have received almost $4,000 dollars as we are raising support in order to purchase the first (of three) plot of land (about 2.5 acres) in Rosamorada for the Drug Rehabilitation...Restoration Center.  The owner of the land will be arriving in six weeks and we need $2,000 more in order for us to purchase this first section.  Please pray for this need, give to this need, and share this link to others who would join us.
4. Rebecka’s High School: Please pray with us as we consider options outside of Cofradía for Rebecka’s High School years.  We really want the Lord’s guidance in this. 
5. Our Family: Please remember to pray for our family.  Pray for the Lord’s wisdom, clear communication amongst each other and with others, a considerate and loving heart to hurting people, God’s guidance in leadership, and whatever else the Lord lays on your heart.

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
Facebook
** 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.

DATE NIGHT 2017

We have made it a tradition each year to have a date night for the couples of the church inviting the town and other churches in the area.  It was another great night as Doug and Jan Taylor spoke.  Here are a few pics...

CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE FOTOS OF SOME OF THE COUPLES.

Betancourt-Rodriguez House Build

He was on his way to work; it was his final day as he was to resign and return home to Cofradia after working in Tijuana for a few months.  The bus that Humberto was standing in with a number of other people flipped over killing 7 and injuring everyone else.  His injuries were somewhat minor as he received a hit to the back of his neck/head which continues to give him pain; he did not expect to walk again as he felt numbness for a couple of days.  As I asked him about the other passengers on the bus, he said there were people all around him with very severe injuries and went on to describe a few that I will leave out of this post (otherwise, I'd have to make this rated R!).

This happened just days after Cy-Fair Christian Church had selected Humberto and his wife, Choco, as recipients for the house they were going to Cofradia to build and already had begun to pray for them.  We all believe that it was God's hand on Humberto's life that kept him alive; it was also a great testimony to Humberto as he acknowledged that it was God who helped him through this.

Humberto is from Cofradia as well as his parents and was part of the youth group a decade ago.  His wife, Choco, is from the Cora indian village of Mojocuautla where Pastor Horacio visits each week for Bible Study.  They have a seven year old daughter named Frida.  They were given a piece of property from his parents, but did not have the means in order to build a house to live in.  Meanwhile, they lived with his parents in an adobe walled, thatched roofed room on the back of the house.  They had been on the list of candidates for two years.

Standing in front of their old home when they first became candidates for Cofradia Dwellings.

This was a great gift for a family who does not know Jesus.  It's exciting for everyone to see the faces of recipients of homes and this was no exception!  Humberto and Choco were so grateful and excited.  Humberto said that he didn't think he'd ever be able to build a house for his family and received this gift with a very thankful heart.

This is so much like the gift of salvation.  We do nothing to deserve salvation; salvation is not earned as so many think so.  It is an unconditional gift.  This house was an unconditional gift.

Humberto receiving the keys to his new home.

Panoramic...this is a typical house we've built with a small kitchen added to the front porch.

We have a special gathering for each home built as we dedicate it to the family.

This is one way to reach a family.  This is one way to share God's love.  Come and bless a family by building them a house and you will be blessed!

We are excited about our new design for a house that will accommodate a family much better.  It includes two rooms, a living room with dining and kitchen area, a bathroom and water cistern.  Click here to a layout of the new design and the current families who are in need of a home.

Put together a team today and contact us!  A good size team is 10-15 people to build a house in one week.

FEBRUARY MINISTRY UPDATE

Greetings from Cofradía, Mexico! Will you please join us in prayer for our friend, Gerardo?  He is a Pastor in Bakersfield and has been diagnosed with an aggressive cancer.  They have transported him to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.  He has two young daughters.  Thank you!

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

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

1. Bible College: Thank you for your prayers.  We are working on a new format. 
2. Short-term Mission House Build: Cy-Fair Christian Church came to Cofradia to build a house for a young family in need.  They were a great team and did a great job!  We have not been able to post a short report.  If you have facebook, you will see a number of posts on my wall about the family and a time-lapse video from one of the team members.  Humberto and Choco were extremely excited to receive the house.  It was so fun to see their faces light up!  Great example of Christ’s unconditional love.  Thank you, Cy-Fair! 
3. Freedom in Christ Seminar: We had a wonderful time at our one-day seminar on Freedom in Christ.  The experience is something that brings so much peace and it’s a great way to know God more, who we are in Christ and how Christ can work in us.  Great stuff! 
4. Border trip.  We leave on Monday morning, February 13, to California for a few days in order to renew our truck permit.  We will be travelling through Arizona and I’ll make a quick trip to Bakersfield and Oxnard.  Would love to see any of you in those areas!

Here are some links to more:

• Pastors’ Perspectives (NEW): Click here to read bi-annual reports from three of our Pastors.
• CENTRO CRISTIANO COFRADIA’s Facebook page (NEW) "Like" us on Facebook to see what's happening.
• Last Month’s Update 
• Cofradia Dwellings Candidates: We are currently interviewing a number of families in need and will be placing their profiles on our blog.  Come on down and build a house with us!  Click here to see three families who are in need of a home.
• EL RETO: If you missed any of the reports or are curious about EL RETO, click here to see the latest.
• What is EL RETO?
• A 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.  Click on this link to check it out.
  

This month, will you please pray for...

1. Taylors Conference: Our friends Doug and Jan Taylor will be here speaking at a one day leadership conference, our annual Date Night at the church, and Sunday morning service.  It’s always a blessing to have them.  Please pray for open hearts as they speak. (February 10-12) 
2. Border trip.  We need to make a trip to the border to renew our truck permit.  We will be leaving on Monday, February 13.  Please pray for safe travels, divine encounters, and that we’d be able to acquire the things we would like to get for the ministry. 
3. Drummers’ Workshop: March 4, our friend Hernan Mercado will be here to give a workshop for those interested in learning how to play the drums.  Pray for us as we disciple these new worship leaders. 
4. Church Anniversary: We will have a special guest speaking on March 4 and 5 as we celebrate 6 years in the new building.

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.

THANK YOU!!

FREEDOM IN CHRIST

This Freedom In Christ material by Neil Anderson and Steve Goss is designed as a 13 week discipleship course.  The content is great as it enlightens you to the truth of who you are in Christ, it challenges your faith to grow and walk in the power of God that is in you through Christ, and it guides you towards a daily life full of victories in Christ.

We had 17 people attend our one-day seminar from three different churches.  We reduced it to four different sessions in order for more people to be able to make it and after the four sessions we led everyone through a number of practical steps of repentance, forgiveness, and renouncing that help us experience freedom and a renewed mind.  The peace of God is incredible!

Pastors' Perspectives--January 2017

Every six months I ask the main three pastors of our church in Cofradia to share a quick update with you.  They all have some important prayer requests so please check those out.  It is very difficult to dedicate sufficient time to take care of the flock as pastors.  For this reason, we have set up a way for you to help them out financially.  One time gifts or monthly gifts can be made by clicking on each of their names.  Please consider how you can help them.

__________________________________________________

Pastor Gregorio Hernández

Lead Pastor

(His supplemental financial need is $250 per month)

Thank-you Letter

For a while now we have been experiencing growth in some leaders. Some are already preaching, others are leading worship, and still others are serving as deacons serving within the church and for the church. In Las Pilas, the sister in Christ in charge of the outreach there continues to do a good job in her own town. They gather continuously there locally, and in that way they are keeping the fire burning in that town. In short, we are very encouraged by the brothers and sisters who are rising up as leaders here in the church.

To start off 2017 well, we will have fasting and prayer for twenty-one days, beginning January 1, with our focal verse being Galatians 5:1. Our theme for the year is “Let us live in freedom,” in order to keep alive the vision of Cofradía Christian Center and thus be a place where people come and find the truth and restoration through Christ who is the One who gives freedom (John 8: 31-32).

In Las Pilas I would like to have a place specifically for the gathering of the believers who congregate there, and I hope that the Lord Jesus will help us this year to achieve it. For a long time I have wanted to achieve this, and I hope that soon we will carry it out with the help of God.

We thank you for all the support you have given us financially and in prayer, giving thanks to God for His gift which allows the kingdom of God to have many feet and hands. Thank you and may God bless you.

Sincerely,

Pastors Gregorio and Maty Hernández and family.

__________________________________________________

Pastor Luis Vázquez

Students, Maintenance, Dwellings

(His supplemental financial need is $150 per month)

Activity Report

Hello!

We greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, hoping that you are well, just as we are all well. As always, we thank God for your prayers and for the generosity you have shown us all this time, supporting us with your resources, which is and will ever be a great blessing for me and my family.

My wife and I graduated from Summit Bible College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Christian Counseling, and it is an honor to have done so, growing in the knowledge and character of Christ along the way. We are still studying together for our Masters in Christian Counseling, in the hope of help those in need in their marriage and family.

We completed EL RETO (the CHALLENGE), and it was another season of great blessing. Over the six weeks of EL RETO, we had the opportunity to invest in the new young people who came to the event, and we had a good time with the five captains who helped us by leading teams. We gave them more responsibility, which they enjoyed, introducing the name, design, and vision for their team. Pastors and leaders of other churches were involved in the event, and their young people were blessed as well.

My wife and I are working in many areas in the ministry of the church, and we are very happy to be laboring together for the same God. One of those areas I am involved with is the construction of houses for Dwellings. We are building three houses for people who are in need, and it is a very special moment when we hand them the keys to their home and are able to bless them with the word of God.

Recently, my wife and I have had the opportunity to attend women's and men’s retreats, and our relationship is much better for attending those events. Our children are also well here with us.

We ask your prayers for.

●      A house that we want  to buy.

●      One of my children does not know what to study and is discouraged. Please ask God to speak and guide him toward what He has for him.

●      For the youth of our church to find their true identity.

Thank you for praying for our requests, and thank you for your support.

__________________________________________________

Pastor Horacio Garzón

Los Arrayanes; Indigenous

(His supplemental financial need is $50 per month)

Brothers and sisters, I send you greetings and good wishes of blessing and hope God is preserving you in good health, as he has done for us.

Thank you for your clear demonstrations of generosity toward us through your financial support. We are pleased with what God is doing in the lives of those who believe.

We continue to participate in the ministry of the local church. Thanks be to God, I had the privilege of sharing God's Word for the church on Sunday, November 12, 2016.

I also thank God that we continue ministering to the indigenous community of Mojocuautla, in the home of Antonio and his wife. Antonio has become a believer, and I hope that God will raise him up as a strong leader in his town..

I also thank God for the ministry of Dwellings, through which many have received the blessing of having a house built for them. One was built in November, and I had the pleasure of working on another last month in December.

Brothers and sisters, please keep Martin in your prayers. He is working as a missionary in the mountainous village Mesa del Nayar, where he works with youth and children.

Thank you, brothers and sisters.

Sincerely,

Horacio Garzón Orozco and Maria, Alfredo, and Kenya.

JANUARY MINISTRY UPDATE

Greetings from Cofradía, Mexico! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!  The sun is rising!  It’s a new day with new opportunities!  We put our hope and trust in the Lord and He allows us to be His witnesses to share His love.  We discussed briefly at our last staff meeting what each of us would like to work on this year.  John Maxwell states that “leadership is influence; nothing more, nothing less.”  The question is, what are the effects of our influence?  Positive or Negative?  As we Raise up Leaders in Rural Mexico, I want my influence to be intentional with a refurbished focus gazing at life through God’s lens.  We pray that this year is a blessed year for all of you who read our updates, give towards our ministry, and pray for our family.  We love you and thank you very much for being a part of our team as we Raise up Leaders in Rural Mexico.

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

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

1. Mazatlan Women’s Conference: The reports from all the women who went were phenomenal.  Many of them shared testimonies of how God impacted their lives through the speakers and worship.  Thank you for your prayers! 
2. Drug Rehab Center. A portion of the land has been paid for and we’re waiting for the paperwork to be completed. 
3. House Build.  An excellent time with the Ramos-Garcia family.  Just as this house was a gift to be received, so is salvation that comes from God.  It was an excellent opportunity to share with the family and offer them an invitation to be part of God’s family.  Click here to see photos as we started and finished the project.  Thank you to Hosanna Asamblea for sponsoring this House Build. 
4. Bible College: The students have been off for a while and we are still considering ways to continue as it is very difficult and expensive for people to come out to class from other towns. 

Here are some links to more:

• Last Month’s Update
• Cofradia Dwellings Candidates: Click here to see four families who are in need of a home.
• EL RETO 2016: If you missed any of the reports or are curious about EL RETO, click here to see the latest.
• What is EL RETO?
• Pastoral Perspectives: Click here to read bi-annual reports from three of our Pastors.
• A 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.  Click on this link to check it out.
  

This month, will you please pray for...

1. Bible College: Please pray for us as we continue to analyze the direction the school is going.  As I mentioned above, it is logistically difficult for many of the potential students.  We start our next class on January 10. 
2. Short-term Mission House Build: Cy-Fair Christian Church will be joining us again this year.  They have ministered with a specific focus to youth, women, men, and couples each year for over a decade.  This year they will be building a home for Humberto Betancourt and his family.  Just recently on his way to work, Humberto was a passenger on a bus that was involved in an accident.  He was injured and sent to the hospital, but is home now and doing a lot better.  Many other passengers died in the accident.  We believe that God had His hand on his life.  This happened within a couple of weeks after Cy-Fair chose this family.  We look forward to what God will do here. (January 21 – 28) 
3. Freedom in Christ Seminar: We will be hosting an all-day seminar using Neil Anderson’s material on How to Make Disciples.  We look forward to a fruitful time. (January 28) 
4. Border trip.  We need to make a trip to the border to renew our truck permit.  As January and February are busy months, there are many ministry and school activities we need to consider as we plan.  Pray that we will find a window to do this before February 20.

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.

Ramos-Garcia House Build - Finished

Today was an exciting day for not only the Ramos-Garcia family, but us as well as we handed over the keys to the house to the new owners.  Pastor Luis, the lead construction worker, led the dedication of the house with some very nice words and how this house being a complete gift is similar to the gift of salvation.  This was a material gift that fades away, but salvation is a spiritual gift that lasts an eternity.  What an amazing time!

Thank you to Hosanna Asamblea for sponsoring this and being a very important part in an effort to reach people who are not only in need physically, but spiritually as well.

The Family in their new home.

Those who attended the dedication.

The back porch.

Their former house.

Here is Pastor Luis who led the construction project dedicating the house (Spanish)

You can help a family, too!  Contact us for more information.

Ramos-Garcia House Build - Begins

Octavio Ramos and his family will be receiving a new home this month.  Last Saturday, some church members came out to help pour the floor in preparation for next week's build.  The house will be built in one week with the help of the Centro Cristiano Cofradia family and sponsored by our friends from Hosanna Asamblea in Bellevue, Washington.

We are looking forward to helping this family as they have been living in a chicken coupe that leaks for the past few years.  This is a major step up for a family who is unable to do this with their income.

Here are some pics from last Saturday...

Octavio, the owner of the house.

This is their kitchen.

This is their current living conditions.

This is their bathroom.

This is where they wash dishes, clothes, and shower.

Contact us about helping another family.  Here are the current candidates.

DECEMBER MINISTRY UPDATE

Greetings from Cofradía, Mexico! Merry Christmas!  We pray that this season the Lord shows himself to you in a very special way.  Thank you for your prayers and involvement in our lives and ministry.  You all mean so much to us!

GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD, FOR HE IS GOOD; 

HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER!

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

1. Drug Rehab Center. We have been in contact with the owner and the initial payment is in process. 
2. House Build - Dwellings Team.  We had a successful build with the Dwellings team that came down to help.  It was initially meant to be a training build in order to teach the Cubans how to build these homes in Cuba through the Dwellings ministry there.  The Cubans were unable to obtain a visa to enter Mexico so everything was documented and those who were here will go and teach them in March with the possibility of a couple men from here joining them.  In the end, the receiving family was very thankful and blessed.  They had been living in a small mud hut that his grandparents built years ago. Here is a quick report.
3. 16th Anniversary! Geña and I celebrated our 16th anniversary as we took the team back to Mazatlan.  We enjoyed the company and were able to sneak out for coffee after dinner and in the morning before breakfast. 
4. Public School Mini-RETO:  We helped Pastor Hector Robles do a two-day mini-RETO in San Ignacio, Sinaloa with a Jr. High school.  One of the teachers of the school made this a project to help students who were struggling with their grades.  His desire was to try to help them have a different perspective.  It was difficult at times to capture and hold their attention, they had no idea what this was.  By the end, they all seemed to enjoy themselves.  Pastor Paulo Bermudez spoke about Identity and Relationships in his two talks. 
5. Bible College: Fall classes are finished and the students are working on their final exams.   
6. Mazatlan Women’s Conference: The women left for the conference yesterday and will be there until tomorrow.  Reports are that they all are enjoying themselves!

Here are some links to more:

• Last Month’s Update 
• Cofradia Dwellings Candidates: Click here to see four families who are in need of a home. 
• EL RETO: If you missed any of the reports or are curious about EL RETO, click here to see the latest.
• What is EL RETO?
• Pastoral Perspectives: Click here to read bi-annual reports from three of our Pastors.
• A 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.  Click on this link to check it out.

This month, will you please pray for...

1. Mazatlan Women’s Conference: Eleven women from our church are in Mazatlan for a women’s conference this weekend.  Pray for the Lord’s anointing on the speakers and open hearts for the women.  Also pray that the Lord works on the hearts of the husbands who will be staying home.
2. Drug Rehab Center. Please pray for Pastor Amado and his team for protection over him, his family, his staff, and all of those involved.  Let me know if you can help make a dent in the financial need he has in order to get this ministry safely on it’s feet. 
3. House Build.  Hosanna Asamblea from Bellevue is sponsoring a house which we will build this month for another family who is in dire need.  Please pray for spiritual encounters with the family. (December 26 – 30)  
4. Bible College: Please pray for us as we continue to analyze the direction the school is going, what classes to offer next year, and how to offer them. 

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
Facebook

** 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.

Ramos-Arreola Family House Build

This was the 10th house we've built for a needy family in Cofradia and the surrounding areas.  Five men from Washington and Arizona came down to bless this family.  As you can see by the picture of the mud hut they lived in previously, this family truly has been blessed with a better place to live.  With their economical situation that does not allow them to save money, this was very appropriate and we are excited for Abel and his family.

This is their former house that Abel's grandparents built years ago.

Abel and his family in their new home.

This build was originally planned in order to bring Cuban workers over from Cuba who will be building similar homes through the Dwellings ministry.  There are a couple of builds already lined up for March.  Since the Cubans were unable to obtain a visa, everything we did was documented in order for the men who were here to teach them how to build this style of home.

NOVEMBER MINISTRY UPDATE

Greetings from Cofradía, Mexico! November is here!  We like November because even though the temperature hits an occasional 100 degrees, there is a noticeable change in the weather.  It is cooler with a little less humidity...a nice time to be here. :)

Pastor Goyo started a mid-week Bible Study at the church in October.  A few people meet together to worship and study.  One of the main purposes is to help those leading it gain experience as we raise up leaders.  The other night, I was asked to lead the worship to fill in for someone.  I took advantage of this opportunity to lead with my new gift...a ukulele! (Thanks, Alan!)

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

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

1. Drug Rehab Center. We are still having difficulties communicating with the owner of the land.  Our hope is that this month we’ll be able to get into contact...all in God’s timing! 
2. House Build - Dwellings Team.  We are hosting a team of men who will be here November 12 – 19 to build a home for the Ramos-Arreola family here in Cofradia.  We just poured the floor last Saturday and are preparing for the team’s arrival. 
3. Sandy Garzon.  This is Sandy’s last month as a missionary staff with us.  We have been working on transition for a couple of months and she is excited for her new adventures.  Please continue to pray for her.

Here are some links to more:

• Last Month’s Update.
• Cofradia Dwellings Candidates. See four families who are in need of a home.
• EL RETO: If you missed any of the reports or are curious about EL RETO, click here to see the latest.
• What is EL RETO?
• Pastoral Perspectives: Click here to read bi-annual reports from three of our Pastors.
• A 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.  Click on this link to check it out.
  

This month, will you please pray for...

1. Drug Rehab Center. Please pray that we can get into contact with the owner of the land.  Please pray for Pastor Amado and his team for protection over him, his family, his staff, and all of those involved.  Let me know if you can help make a dent in the financial need he has in order to get this ministry safely on it’s feet. 
2. House Build - Dwellings Team.  Pray for safety, divine encounters, and that this family will know that God is their provider. (November 12 – 19) 
3. 16th Anniversary! Geña and I will be celebrating 16 years of marriage on November 18.  Thank you to all who have been a part of our lives, family, and ministry.  We love you! 
4. Public School Mini-RETO:  We have been invited to help organize and carry out a two-day Mini-RETO for a Jr. High and High School in San Ignacio, Sinaloa November 25 and 26.  Pray for safety and that we will be able to share the love of God to these students.  What an opportunity!  Our Student Ministries pastor, Luis, and his family will be accompanying us (the Silbermans) for this outreach.  We will need $300 to cover the cost of gas, tolls, meals, and supplies.  If you would like to make a special donation, please click here.
5. Bible College: We currently have 10 students taking classes right now.  We are studying Eschatology and Discipleship Counseling.  It has been very helpful and challenging.  Please continue to pray for the students as they are challenged to grow in their knowledge of the Lord and practical aspects of ministry.  Fall classes end on November 29. 
6. Mazatlan Women’s Conference: Eleven women from our church will be headed to Mazatlan for a women’s conference the weekend of December 2 – 4.  Pray for the Lord’s anointing on the speakers and open hearts for the women.  Also pray that the Lord works on the hearts of the husbands who will be staying home.

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.