Monday, April 17, 2017

Emma's 11th Birthday

We celebrated Emma's 11th birthday on Monday, April 10, at the beach in San Blas.  She invited two school-girl friends and had family from Cofradia join us along with some friends from Tepic.  All day long they were in the water with the boogie boards.  It was a great time.  Lain took some really good pictures...













Friday, April 14, 2017

Rosamorada Outreach

Pastor Amado and his congregation, Casa de Oración la Hermosa, put together a three-day open-air outreach in the plaza of their town, Rosamorada.  Throughout the three days, many people were touched by the Lord.  On the final evening, one lady gave a testimony about how she had been loosing her sense of smell and hearing.  As she was dancing at the altar after the service during ministry time, she said she heard a "pop" in her head and all of the sudden could smell "un rico carne asada" (grilled beaf at a nearby taco stand) and she could hear just fine.  Praise the Lord!

A pastor from Chiapas spoke the first two nights and the final night a lady from Rosamorada who now lives in Las Vegas shared a very appropriate testimony of how God took her out of living on the streets and drug addictions.  The people of Rosamorada remember her from her previous lifestyle, but now she is excited to be able to share with everyone what God has done in her life and what He can do in others...especially in Rosamorada.

It was also great to see a number of different evangelical churches gathered together in unity at one public event.

Here are some pictures that Lain was able to take:




Monday, April 03, 2017

APRIL MINISTRY UPDATE

Greetings from Cofradía, Mexico! Thank you for your prayers last month as it was a pretty busy one!  In our last letter, we mentioned that we had just returned from a quick border trip to Southern California, held a Drummer Workshop, and Celebrated our 6th year in the new Church Building.  Activities continued with a celebration of life for our friend Roger Reeh who lived in Mazatlan with his wife Hazel, the Church Elders’ Retreat, a new class for Pastors and Leaders through the Bible School, grading papers for previous classes, filling out paperwork for the Civil and Religious Associations, inquiring about local High Schools, the Financial Administration seminar, planning for upcoming events, and Rebecka’s first Violin lesson!

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

  1. Elder’s Retreat: Pastors Goyo and Luis did an excellent job organizing and executing the in-house retreat for the elders of the church.  It was very helpful to come together for the two days in fellowship as we analyzed how we are doing and planned for the future. 
  2. Administration Seminar: It was a great blessing to have Pastor Hector from La Cruz and one of his associates, Hector Quintero, come to share about Biblical Principals on Financial Administration.  Many of the things he taught will be very helpful for our people! 
  3. Restoration Center: Within days of sending out our last update mentioning the need for $2,000, we received it!  Thank you so much for all of you who participate in our ministry whether its prayer, financial support for the ministry or us, or by coming down to help.  You all make a difference!  The owner of the land we want to purchase will be arriving at the end of this month so we can work out details.
  4. Rebecka’s High School: We think we found the best option for Rebecka’s High School.  Though it is not the best logistically, it is the best option to prepare her for University.  The High School, Preparatorio 5, in Tuxpan is about 40 minutes away and will add $150 - $200 of travel expenses a month to our budget. Thank you for your prayers concerning this and we ask for your continued prayers as she begins this new chapter of her life in August. 
  5. Our Family: We constantly need your prayers.  Thank you!
Here are some links to more:

This month, will you please pray for...

  1. Rosamorada Outreach: Pastor Amado is heading up a three-day outreach in the middle his town of Rosamorada.  Our church will be participating in a number of areas and I will be leading worship the final night.  Pray for souls to be saved and lives to be touched.  Pastor Amado has a gift of reaching those who have Drug and Alcohol addictions. (April 7-9) 
  2. Emma’s Birthday:  We’ll be heading to the beach on Emma’s birthday this year with a number of family and friends.  Pray for safety and a great day for Emma! (April 10) 
  3. 49th Anniversary: Mom and Dad will be celebrating their 49th anniversary this year! (April 12)
  4. Pastors’ Retreat: We are putting together a retreat specially made to help a few pastors with their churches and leadership teams.  We look forward to an excellent time together.  The dates are not set as we are looking for openings in a hotel with kitchenette.  Pray for guidance as we plan; open hearts as we teach; and a humble spirit as we learn. 
  5. Our Family: Please continue 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


** 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.




Wednesday, March 08, 2017

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:

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...




Friday, February 17, 2017

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:


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!!





Saturday, February 11, 2017

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!


Monday, January 09, 2017

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.

__________________________________________________

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.


__________________________________________________

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.

__________________________________________________

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.

Saturday, January 07, 2017

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:


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.


Tuesday, January 03, 2017

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.




Tuesday, December 20, 2016

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.