LADRICU (Ladrillos [bricks] Cofradia United) is a ministry to provide employment opportunities to those families in need in order to create a strong and healthy community.
"BUILDING STRONG AND HEALTHY FAMILIES
ONE BRICK AT A TIME"
Last November I was in Mexico and had the chance to interview Pastor Luis who is in charge and Juan Diego who is benefiting form this employment project. Here is a video of that interview...
Become a Partner with us.
Tuesday, April 21, 2020
EL RETO 2019
"A+ LOVE" was the theme for last year's RETO. EL RETO is our annual student ministry outreach held in Cofradia. It has the style and some taste of Survivor, Amazing Race, and Fear Factor. Last year, 2019, was our 15th year holding the event.
Our desire is to Reach out to new students, Restore relationships of non-committed students, and Learn about all we can of God's Love and Leadership. More than 200 students come to this event in the 6 weeks that it is running.
Here is a video of the event made by Macx Diaz, a friend who has been making videos for us since 2011.
Our desire is to Reach out to new students, Restore relationships of non-committed students, and Learn about all we can of God's Love and Leadership. More than 200 students come to this event in the 6 weeks that it is running.
Here is a video of the event made by Macx Diaz, a friend who has been making videos for us since 2011.
HELP REACH OUT AND CHANGE THE LIVES OF STUDENTS IN OUR REGION. WE DO NOT CHARGE ANY OF THEM TO COME, IT IS COMPLETELY FREE FOR THEM BECAUSE WE WANT THEM TO COME. YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
THANK YOU FOR PARTNERING WITH US
Saturday, March 28, 2020
MARCH UPDATE 2020
Greetings from Washington State! We are doing well and we hope you are too! We are growing, we are listening, we are learning, and we are excited about life. God is good! As I think about all the things that are going on in the world and so many questions that have arisen around us, I can’t help but see the Opportunities that are available to us! Three of those are at the forefront of my mind in regards to families, cleanliness, and faith.
OPPORTUNITIES in the OBSCURITY
Fortified Families This is a choice. An opportunity to take advantage while having the children at home. Even though it may be difficult with the preoccupations of finances, our health, or even getting on each other’s nerves, I think there is an opportunity to spend time with them; time we normally don’t have. Occasionally, our time can be interpreted as love. There is potential to strengthen family bonds, make memories, and create or revive positive habits.
Cleaner Communities How can this happen with no sanitizer in the stores? Well, I think after this, we will all be more conscious about washing our hands more often and things we touch in public places. This has the potential to reduce germs for a long time and develop habits that will make for a cleaner community. I can’t help but think of the spiritual aspect of this. For some of us, we have been stripped away from our comfort and familiar routines along with our friends and extended families. This exposes our vulnerability and the things we hold dear. This, in a sense, is a cleansing of our hearts. Whatever it is we’re most worried about is brought to light and we have an opportunity to confront those issues we may need to deal with. What comfort or routine do I trust in too much that God knows important enough to reveal to me during this time? There is freedom in trusting Him.
Firm Faith This goes without saying. We know that our faith object never changes. He is forever firm and we can trust in no other the way we can trust in Him. The hope he gives us is a powerful motivator to help us through struggling times. In the end, we know that God wins and in Christ, we are victorious. This is not the end of the world--the Bible does not describe it this way. But, instead, this is an opportunity to put our trust in the Lord. This may be hard to do from time to time, but it’s the only thing to do. His financial system does not fluctuate, disease does not determine our destiny, and death has been defused.
I’m excited to see what God does through all of this. As I stop to listen, I want to hear what He says. He knows what’s going on.
GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD, FOR HE IS GOOD; HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER!
We have not sent out an update in a while. Here is a tiny glimpse of what’s been going on and how you can continue to pray for our family and ministry.
In our last update, we asked you to please pray for...
Here are some links to more:
Will you please pray for...
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever!
WE LOVE YOU ALL!!
Thank you so much for being part of our team as we work together to RAISE UP LEADERS IN RURAL MEXICO!!!!
Blessings,
Steve, Geña, Rebecka, Emma, and Mackenzie Silberman
Missionaries to Mexico
Alternative Missions
Cofradia Area Director
** JOIN OUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT TEAM **
ONLINE:
Online, you can make a one-time, tax-deductible gift, or set up to make automatic monthly donations to our PERSONAL SUPPORT at this link.
MAIL IN A CHECK:
CONTACT US.
OPPORTUNITIES in the OBSCURITY
Fortified Families This is a choice. An opportunity to take advantage while having the children at home. Even though it may be difficult with the preoccupations of finances, our health, or even getting on each other’s nerves, I think there is an opportunity to spend time with them; time we normally don’t have. Occasionally, our time can be interpreted as love. There is potential to strengthen family bonds, make memories, and create or revive positive habits.
Cleaner Communities How can this happen with no sanitizer in the stores? Well, I think after this, we will all be more conscious about washing our hands more often and things we touch in public places. This has the potential to reduce germs for a long time and develop habits that will make for a cleaner community. I can’t help but think of the spiritual aspect of this. For some of us, we have been stripped away from our comfort and familiar routines along with our friends and extended families. This exposes our vulnerability and the things we hold dear. This, in a sense, is a cleansing of our hearts. Whatever it is we’re most worried about is brought to light and we have an opportunity to confront those issues we may need to deal with. What comfort or routine do I trust in too much that God knows important enough to reveal to me during this time? There is freedom in trusting Him.
Firm Faith This goes without saying. We know that our faith object never changes. He is forever firm and we can trust in no other the way we can trust in Him. The hope he gives us is a powerful motivator to help us through struggling times. In the end, we know that God wins and in Christ, we are victorious. This is not the end of the world--the Bible does not describe it this way. But, instead, this is an opportunity to put our trust in the Lord. This may be hard to do from time to time, but it’s the only thing to do. His financial system does not fluctuate, disease does not determine our destiny, and death has been defused.
I’m excited to see what God does through all of this. As I stop to listen, I want to hear what He says. He knows what’s going on.
GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD, FOR HE IS GOOD; HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER!
We have not sent out an update in a while. Here is a tiny glimpse of what’s been going on and how you can continue to pray for our family and ministry.
In our last update, we asked you to please pray for...
- Short Term Missions Teams in Cofradia. Two teams from Utah and Washington helped change the lives of two families by blessing them with a house. Former staff members Lain and Jay, made themselves available in our ablsense to host the teams along side the locals and the word returned to us was that both teams were a huge success. We cannot wait to visit those families in person and get back to host more teams who will be building houses for more families who do not have one. We are already scheduling teams for Fall/Winter of 2020-2021. Let us know if you’re interested as we would love to host your team.
- Rebecka as she took on a bit heavier load this semester. She has been doing excellent and that heavy load has been lifted. Thank you for your prayers for all three of our girls in school.
- Travelling to other cities and churches has been very limited due to cancellations and busy schedules. Once this is over, we hope to visit with you. If you are a pastor, Sunday school teacher, or leader of a small group, we’d love to visit with you and your group.
- Focus as we have turned the corner of the halfway mark of our furlough. We are at the point of dropping a few things that we had hoped to do in order to focus on the most important. Thank you for your prayers as the Lord guides us.
Here are some links to more:
- Our last Update
- Pastors’ Perspectives(NEW): Bi-annual reports from our Pastors.
- Cofradía Dwellings Candidates: Let us know if you would like to put together a team or help a team that is signed up.
- Donation Links: Click here to see the different areas where you can contribute to this ministry.
- Quick Look into our Ministry
Will you please pray for...
- God to receive Glory in the midst of the world situation right now. I believe it is a perfect time for us to be able to share the hope we have in God. There is no reason for us to fear.
- The ministry in Cofradia as they continue to move forward. They are doing great!
- Our family as we continue to focus on returning to Mexico We hope that once this is over we can meet with groups and visit those who partner with us. “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” Prov. 16:9 (ESV)
- Rebecka is graduating from High School this year and is undecided where, but planning on staying in the US to attend University. Please pray for her as she follows the Spirit’s leading.
WE LOVE YOU ALL!!
Thank you so much for being part of our team as we work together to RAISE UP LEADERS IN RURAL MEXICO!!!!
Blessings,
Steve, Geña, Rebecka, Emma, and Mackenzie Silberman
Missionaries to Mexico
Alternative Missions
Cofradia Area Director
** JOIN OUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT TEAM **
ONLINE:
Online, you can make a one-time, tax-deductible gift, or set up to make automatic monthly donations to our PERSONAL SUPPORT at this link.
MAIL IN A CHECK:
CONTACT US.
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
Pastors' Perspectives 20.1
Every six months I ask the Pastors of our community to share a quick update in order for you to see what is on their heart regarding our ministry and through their perspective. These pastors can receive tax-deductible contributions through Alternative Missions to subsidize their personal support as well as their specific projects.
__________________________________________________________________
Lead Pastor of Centro Cristiano Cofradia
Cofradia, Nayarit
For the
past two years our theme has been “Living free in Christ.” Our desire was that
everyone, or at least the majority, have the opportunity to take and actually
complete two courses: a discipleship course and a course focused on God’s
grace. There were more who did not complete these courses than those who did,
but in those who did complete the courses we have seen very obvious growth in
their lives. Even still, the larger goal is that we take up the responsibility
we have to live as God’s children. It is true that some have not done this, but
the effects of these courses is impacting the larger community. I am thinking
of a particular family who were all assuming things without having made sure if
those things were true or not. In the end we had a very good discussion, and
all was made clear to the glory of God. How good it is that God grants us
opportunities to resolve our spiritual conflicts, in the same way He does for
our personal conflicts, and in this way experience a growth that is both
sustainable and aligned with the principles in God’s Word.
For this
year we are focusing on the theme “By His Grace,” for understanding the grace
of God will help us to live truly free. We hope that the majority will
participate in our exploration of this theme.
Finally,
we thank all those who partner with us in the continuing development of this
ministry here in this place. May God bless you for your support, both spiritual
and financial. Without your support, we would not have the freedom to help
others in their growth. We thank God, and all of you. Blessings!
Sincerely,
Pastor Gregorio and Maty Hernandez, and family
Pastor Gregorio and Maty Hernandez, and family
_____________________________________________________________
Pastor Luis Vazquez
Centro Cristiano Cofradia Student Ministries
Maintenance Director
Cofradia Dwellings Director
Cofradia, Nayarit
Centro Cristiano Cofradia Student Ministries
Maintenance Director
Cofradia Dwellings Director
Cofradia, Nayarit
All I can say is that God is
faithful. His mercy endures forever. As I see His love displayed in so many
ways all around us, and as I bask in the love you pour out toward us and the
faithfulness with which you continue supporting our ministry and family. All I
can say is thank you!
Our family has been through
good moments and trials, but we have entered this new year united and with
encouragement from God to press on. My son Luis and daughter Carolina continue
studying in Tepic, and they are doing well. My wife and I are planning to apply
for US visas so that we can go see you all in the United States. We ask for
your prayers to cover this process. We also thank God, and you all, because we
have made the final payments on our house and are in the process of moving in.
Thank you all for your help in making this dream a reality!
Last year’s EL RETO was
called “A+ Love.” It was refreshing for all the participants to be talking
about the love God has for us. By characterizing God’s love as A+ Love—that is
to say, the maximum amount, or His full and total love—we were able to talk
over the six weeks of the event about God’s love for them in this season of
their lives, an age when they most need to hear they are loved.
We taught the class “Freedom
in Christ” with Pastor Jimmy in Tepic every Sunday for thirteen weeks. We saw
very good results, as class members took ownership of their freedom and
resolved personal and spiritual conflicts. It was a very good time. We also
taught the class in Cofradía during the month of November, and people from
Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, and Mazatlan joined us. Their lives were changed
drastically as they began to understand the truth that sets them free.
Pastor Goyo and I co-led a
leadership class in Cofradía every Tuesday for six months where eighteen people
attended. It was a time of great growth for all of us as leaders.
We continue working with the
youth every Saturday involving the older ones to take leadership and help. We
also continue building homes for families in need. At the end of 2019 and the
beginning of this year we completed three houses.
I thank you for all the love
you have shown us for so long. My family and I are very grateful to God and to
you.
Sincerely,
Pastor Luis
__________________________________________________________
Pastor Horacio Garzón
Indigenous Ministries
Centro Cristiano Arrayanes Facilitator
Indigenous Ministries
Centro Cristiano Arrayanes Facilitator
Cofradia, Nayarit
Hello! It is with great
pleasure that I take up pen and paper to write you and in that way communicate
to you my deepest gratitude for your generosity toward us. I hope that as you
are reading this report you are well and enjoying good health. It is our desire
to always be reminding you of the abundance with which God has blessed us
through the knowledge of His love for us.
It is with joy that I tell
you that my daughter Kennia is now in her final semester and will graduate high
school in June. I am asking God to help her decide on a university
program so that she can continue with professional education and in that way be
equipped to serve the Body in the most effective way.
We also had the opportunity
to participate once again in the discipleship course, “Freedom in Christ,”
based on the book by Neil T. Anderson. For me, personally, this course
liberates both me and others; it continues to be a study that is essential for
my walk with Jesus. I give thanks to God for involving me in the dynamic
movement of ministry in this place. I am thankful for the vision of my pastors
and leaders.
Brothers and sisters, there
is much to be said, but I do not want to miss the opportunity to say thank you!
Thank you for your support and backing. Receive greetings from Maria, Kennia,
and me, and our deepest gratitude.
Sincerely,
Pastor Horacio Garzon
Orozco
__________________________________________________________
Martin Garzón
Missionary to Cora Indians
From Arrayanes, Nayarit
Missionary to Cora Indians
From Arrayanes, Nayarit
La Mesa del Nayar, Nayarit
Report Unavailable
__________________________________________________________
Pastor Amado Verdin
Lead Pastor of Casa de Oración, La Hermosa
Director of Rehabilitation Center, El Faro de Esperanza
Rosamorada, Nayarit
The
Restoration Center is finally open, and we are hoping to admit resident
patients, toward which end we have talked with families in Tuxpan, Rosamorada,
Agua Aceda, Mazatlan, Tepic, and Puerto Vallarta. We are also promoting the
center on social media networks and through face-to-face presentations.
As we visit
with families of potential patients, we share with them all our vision, what
they will do in the center, and how they will be treated because many have
already been in programs where they have suffered psychological abuse and they
are afraid to go through that kind of thing again. But we believe that the Word
of God says: the grace of God is not receiving what we deserve but that Christ
took the punishment for us.
We continue
to work on repairing the Restoration Center’s roof; seeking support from
different people who have embraced our vision and making sure to keep the
center clean in anticipation of the arrival of our first residents.
__________________________________________________________
Pastor Frank Uribe
Children Feeding Program Director
Centro Cristiano Arrayanes Facilitator
Rosamorada, Nayarit
Donation Link (Indicate for "Pastor Frank")
Report Unavailable
__________________________________________________________
Lead Pastor of Restauración y Vida Nueva
Church Plant Pastor in Mazatan, Nayarit
Las Varas, Nayarit
Donation Link (Indicate for "Pastor Ruben")
Report Unavailable
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
YEAR END MINISTRY UPDATE
Happy New Year from Washington State! We start this message by saying a big THANK YOU to all of you who have partnered with us this year. We appreciate all your prayers, help, and involvement.
During the Christmas season, the word that spoke loud and clear to me was “Immanuel”--God with us! No matter what we may be going through, we can know and trust that the Lord is with us through every pain, sorrow, joy, and provision. He IS...with us.
2019 was a very different year for us as we started it with teams from Texas and Washington. Throughout the year we continued holding and leading Freedom in Christ conferences with the Discipleship series as well as the Grace series. These have made a huge impact on many people within our ministry and extended family of believers.
One of the accomplishments we are excited about is launching a Brick-making business in order for men to not have to leave town to find work; this will allow them to stay with their families all year. This year was also special for the Restoration Center as it became a legal entity in Mexico. In November, we welcomed another team from Utah and the ministry finished the year in preparation for three more teams to start 2020.
While these ministry events were not so “different” for us, what made this past year different was our temporary move to Washington for a one-year furlough. It has been over 16 years since we had an extended stay in the states, so this is very unfamiliar to us and especially the girls. With them in elementary, Jr. High, and High School (among other activities), it has been a challenge to keep up with the fast pace life of the United States. All the while, God is still speaking to us the very same message that he gave us back in April...”Listen”. We are learning what it looks like to trust God in different circumstances.
If I could sum up 2019 in three words, they would be “Listen, Trust, Immanuel”.
GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD, FOR HE IS GOOD; HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER!
In our last update, we asked you to please pray for...
Here are some links to more:
Will you please pray for...
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Thank you so much for being part of our team as we work together to RAISE UP LEADERS IN RURAL MEXICO!!!!
Blessings,
Steve, Geña, Rebecka, Emma, and Mackenzie Silberman
Missionaries to Mexico
Alternative Missions
Cofradia Area Director
** JOIN OUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT TEAM **
ONLINE:
Online, you can make a one-time, tax-deductible gift, or set up to make automatic monthly donations to our PERSONAL SUPPORT at this link.
MAIL IN A CHECK:
Send a check made out to Alternative Missions to Alternative Missions / PO Box 3107 / Ferndale, WA 98248. Indicate that it is for The Silbermans for our PERSONAL SUPPORT.
During the Christmas season, the word that spoke loud and clear to me was “Immanuel”--God with us! No matter what we may be going through, we can know and trust that the Lord is with us through every pain, sorrow, joy, and provision. He IS...with us.
2019 was a very different year for us as we started it with teams from Texas and Washington. Throughout the year we continued holding and leading Freedom in Christ conferences with the Discipleship series as well as the Grace series. These have made a huge impact on many people within our ministry and extended family of believers.
One of the accomplishments we are excited about is launching a Brick-making business in order for men to not have to leave town to find work; this will allow them to stay with their families all year. This year was also special for the Restoration Center as it became a legal entity in Mexico. In November, we welcomed another team from Utah and the ministry finished the year in preparation for three more teams to start 2020.
While these ministry events were not so “different” for us, what made this past year different was our temporary move to Washington for a one-year furlough. It has been over 16 years since we had an extended stay in the states, so this is very unfamiliar to us and especially the girls. With them in elementary, Jr. High, and High School (among other activities), it has been a challenge to keep up with the fast pace life of the United States. All the while, God is still speaking to us the very same message that he gave us back in April...”Listen”. We are learning what it looks like to trust God in different circumstances.
If I could sum up 2019 in three words, they would be “Listen, Trust, Immanuel”.
GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD, FOR HE IS GOOD; HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER!
In our last update, we asked you to please pray for...
- Short Term Missions Team in Cofradia. The Well Church from Utah is the team that we welcomed in November who built a house for the Solis Huizar family. Some really neat things happened as it was one of the more unique teams we’ve had. Click here to read a quick report and see a video of the House Build.
- Steve and Geña as we flew to Mexico to host the team while our girls stayed in Washington with their grandparents. We really enjoyed seeing everyone and accomplished a lot apart from the House Build.
- Rebecka, Emma, and Mackenzie as they stayed with their grandparents which was challenging at times, but good.
- The Grandparents as they ran the girls to and fro for school and other activities. This was probably the most challenging part. Thank you for your prayers (they thank you also).
- The Ministry in Cofradia to have fortified leadership skills, growing confidence, and disciplined direction. They are doing great!
Here are some links to more:
- Our last Update
- Pastors’ Perspectives: Click here to read bi-annual reports from our Pastors.
- Cofradía Dwellings Candidates: Let us know if you would like to put together a team or help a team that is signed up.
- Donation Links: Click here to see the different areas where you can contribute to this ministry.
- Quick Look into our Ministry:
Will you please pray for...
- Short Term Missions Teams in Cofradia. YWAM Mazatlan will be spending a week in January and we have two teams scheduled for the first couple of weeks of February from Utah and Washington. Pray for a special impact as they minister to people, build houses, and help with other projects. Pray for the local staff who will be hosting the teams as well as Lain Grant who will be helping us with the team from Utah and Jay TenBrink who will be helping with his home church form Washington. We will not be in Mexico while the teams are there.
- Rebecka as she takes on a heavier load in January with afternoon/evening classes of driver’s education on top of school work and a possible extra Sunday night Missions class at the church. She has been doing very well, but she has also been very, very busy. Please pray for her as she makes a decision on college this next year, too.
- Travelling to other cities and churches in the next few months as we prepare to return to Mexico in the summer. We want to touch base with those who partner with us and our ministry. This may be challenging as we work around the girls’ school schedule.
- Focus as we turn the corner of the halfway mark of our furlough. We will begin to focus on certain projects and aspects of the ministry in the next few months and ways we can help the people and community better. Please pray we are able to be led by the Spirit and not our own understanding.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Thank you so much for being part of our team as we work together to RAISE UP LEADERS IN RURAL MEXICO!!!!
Blessings,
Steve, Geña, Rebecka, Emma, and Mackenzie Silberman
Missionaries to Mexico
Alternative Missions
Cofradia Area Director
** JOIN OUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT TEAM **
ONLINE:
Online, you can make a one-time, tax-deductible gift, or set up to make automatic monthly donations to our PERSONAL SUPPORT at this link.
MAIL IN A CHECK:
Send a check made out to Alternative Missions to Alternative Missions / PO Box 3107 / Ferndale, WA 98248. Indicate that it is for The Silbermans for our PERSONAL SUPPORT.
Thursday, December 05, 2019
The Well Build November 2019
The Well Church from Salt Lake City chose the Solis Huizar family to build a house for in November. Here is their bio that was located on the "Dwellings" tab of this blog...
____________________________
The Solis Huizar Family
Gregorio (Goyo), of Cofradía, and Rafaela, of
Rosarito (a small community in the mountains of Nayarit), are a young couple
with two daughters, Mairani and Karla. Goyo’s mother, Modesta, and her grandson
Luis also live with them. (It is very common for indigenous families to live
together.)
Modesta has no husband, so Goyo has taken on the
responsibility of caring for his mother and nephew in addition to his own
family. At this time, he works as
a brick layer, earning enough to cover the cost of food and some of their
necessary expenses, but that is insufficient for building a house. After expenses, they have only been
able to save enough to purchase just half of the parcel of land where they one
day hope to build a house.
They currently live in a borrowed house.
Rafaela says it is difficult knowing that at any moment the owners could
require the house again, leaving them without a place to live. Having their own
home would provide a long-desired sense of stability for their family.
_____________________________
The Well worked hard and was able to finish the house on Thursday evening before dedicating it to the family on Friday morning. This group was unique in that some team members along with a couple of our staff felt a heavy oppression near the beginning. It was a goose-bump making breakthrough when the song "Way Maker" came on at the job-site and with the encouragement of one staff member in particular, they all began to worship in unison along with the song. It was an amazing time! It's so cool to see God doing stuff like this that in the midst of our activities, He is recognized and we can take time to stop and worship Him! He makes a way when there seems to be no way and is working even though we don't see it sometimes!
Enjoy the video...
If you are interested in putting together a team or joining one to help change the life of a family, contact me here.
If you cannot go, will you help sponsor those who can't? We have had donations help teams come up with the funds needed in order for them to go. Click here to donate to our Cofradia Operations general funds and designate your contribution as "Cofradia Dwellings". We have two teams coming up in February. One is fully-funded, the other is not.
Thank you for being part of our team!
Tuesday, December 03, 2019
DONATION LINKS TO ALTERNATIVE MISSIONS COFRADIA
Here are a list of donation links related to our ministry in Cofradia:
COFRADIA MINISTRIES:
- Cofradia Operations: This is our general fund link where you will specify your contribution in the "notes" section for people or ministries that do not have a specific link. Undesignated funds are divided equally between the Cofradia Church and other Church Planting venues.
- EL RETO: This is our six-week long youth outreach that impacts over two hundred students in our area each year.
- Cofradia Restoration Center: This is the Drug Rehabilitation Center in Rosamorada led by Pastor Amado.
- Cofradia Leadership Development: These funds are designated to reach out to Pastors in our region, Leadership Training School, and Conferences we hold.
- Cofradia Disaster Relief: This was originally to help those affected by Hurricane Willa in 2018 and serves to help those in special need when/if disaster hits.
COFRADIA MISSIONARIES/STAFF/PASTORS:
IF YOU PREFER WRITING A CHECK:
Make it out to Alternative Missions and please remember to indicate your designation to assure that your contribution makes it to the right place.
Mail to:
ALTERNATIVE MISSIONS
PO BOX 3107
FERNDALE, WA 98248
ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX-DEDUCTIBLE
THANK YOU FOR PARTNERING WITH US
AS WE EXTEND GOD'S KINGDOM IN RURAL MEXICO
TOGETHER.
AS WE EXTEND GOD'S KINGDOM IN RURAL MEXICO
TOGETHER.
Tuesday, October 29, 2019
OCTOBER FURLOUGH UPDATE: POST SABBATICAL
Greetings from Washington State! As you know, we spent August and September on a sabbatical rest for the first time in our 16 years together on the mission field. We really enjoyed our time even though we kept ourselves busy with getting settled in our rental and starting school for the girls. We saw the Lord’s consistent faithfulness as He guided us through that time.
I am very thankful for you all who kept us in your prayers which was, and still is, very needed. A big thank you to Pastor Brad Pembleton from Houston as well with whom I kept in contact for accountability and guidance.
Although I set goals with high aspirations, I did hear from the Lord as I focused on the primary goal of “listening” to Him. He spoke to me as I read and studied the Epistle to the Hebrews and read 30 Days to Experiencing Spiritual Breakthrough by Dr. Bruce Wilkinson. I kept a journal and wrote down “Beckons” when I felt the Lord speaking to me. After taking time to review my notes and journal entries, the main message to me was:
“Keep your eyes focused on the finish line with the big picture in mind. Do not get tangled up in the details; trust in the Lord for He is watching over you. Focus on the most important things: Seek God, Love your wife, and Honor your kids.”
We experienced the Lord’s faithfulness through many ways: Your generosity (we have been fully funded through your pledges until we return full-time next summer—THANK YOU!!), Provision for a rental (through people we know and within our church family—and only one mile from my parents’ place), Provision for the girls’ schooling (This was a huge one for me as the Lord blessed us beyond what we could have imagined! All three girls are attending Crosspoint Academy in Bremerton and the Lord is answering our prayers, even ones we didn’t think of!--the school teachers and staff have been extremely hospitable and helpful making our time a huge blessing!).
Geña and I are headed to Cofradia to host a Short-term Missions team from Utah who will be building a home for someone next week. We will return on November 10. I have not had a chance to return emails as I said I would in October. If you emailed me during August and September, I will get back to you as soon as I can.
GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD, FOR HE IS GOOD; HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER!
Before we disconnected, we asked you to please pray for...
Here are some links to more:
For the next few weeks, will you please pray for...
Thank you so much for being part of our team as we work together to RAISE UP LEADERS IN RURAL MEXICO!!!!
Blessings,
Alternative Missions
Cofradia Area Director
** JOIN OUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT TEAM **
ONLINE:
Online, you can make a one-time, tax-deductible gift, or set up to make automatic monthly donations to our PERSONAL SUPPORT at this link.
MAIL IN A CHECK:
Send a check made out to Alternative Missions to Alternative Missions / PO Box 3107 / Ferndale, WA 98248. Indicate that it is for The Silbermans for our PERSONAL SUPPORT.
I am very thankful for you all who kept us in your prayers which was, and still is, very needed. A big thank you to Pastor Brad Pembleton from Houston as well with whom I kept in contact for accountability and guidance.
Although I set goals with high aspirations, I did hear from the Lord as I focused on the primary goal of “listening” to Him. He spoke to me as I read and studied the Epistle to the Hebrews and read 30 Days to Experiencing Spiritual Breakthrough by Dr. Bruce Wilkinson. I kept a journal and wrote down “Beckons” when I felt the Lord speaking to me. After taking time to review my notes and journal entries, the main message to me was:
“Keep your eyes focused on the finish line with the big picture in mind. Do not get tangled up in the details; trust in the Lord for He is watching over you. Focus on the most important things: Seek God, Love your wife, and Honor your kids.”
We experienced the Lord’s faithfulness through many ways: Your generosity (we have been fully funded through your pledges until we return full-time next summer—THANK YOU!!), Provision for a rental (through people we know and within our church family—and only one mile from my parents’ place), Provision for the girls’ schooling (This was a huge one for me as the Lord blessed us beyond what we could have imagined! All three girls are attending Crosspoint Academy in Bremerton and the Lord is answering our prayers, even ones we didn’t think of!--the school teachers and staff have been extremely hospitable and helpful making our time a huge blessing!).
Geña and I are headed to Cofradia to host a Short-term Missions team from Utah who will be building a home for someone next week. We will return on November 10. I have not had a chance to return emails as I said I would in October. If you emailed me during August and September, I will get back to you as soon as I can.
GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD, FOR HE IS GOOD; HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER!
Before we disconnected, we asked you to please pray for...
- The Pastors and Leaders in Cofradia as they continue to grow and take ownership of the ministry. I have spoken with them and have received excellent reports that things are going well and the Lord is using them to minister to those in need. The administrator I left in charge is doing an excellent job as well.
- Our family over the past couple of months as we Listened to the Lord during our rest, study, and family time. Thank you for keeping us in your prayers!
- School Registration for the girls (Rebecka-12th grade; Emma-8th grade; Mackenzie-2nd grade). Please pray the Lord will guide us to the right school for all three of them. HE DID IN A BIG WAY!!
- Martin as he house-sits for us during our time in Washington. We are grateful for him and cannot think of someone we trust more. Martin had a couple struggles with the electricity as it was out for three weeks in August, but things were resolved and we look forward to visit with him more.
Here are some links to more:
- Our last Update: Click here to view our update sent out the day before we disconnected.
- Pastors’ Perspectives (NEW): Click here to read bi-annual reports from our Pastors.
- Cofradía Dwellings Candidates (NEW): We have added 7 new families to our waiting list. Let us know if you would like to put together a team or help a team that is signed up.
- New Donation Links: We have revised the links for specific donations to our ministry. Click here to get those links.
- Quick Look into our Ministry
For the next few weeks, will you please pray for...
- Short Term Missions Team in Cofradia. The Well from Salt Lake City will be building a house for the Solis-Huizar family the first week of November. Please pray for safety and a fun experience for everyone as we give this “unmerited” gift as an evangelistic tool. (November 2 – 9)
- Steve and Geña as we fly down on Wednesday to host the team. We are excited to see everyone and reconnect. However, we will be very busy. (October 30 – November 10).
- Rebecka, Emma, and Mackenzie as they stay with my parents. Pray they don’t miss a beat with school and have a wonderful time with their grandparents.
- The Grandparents as they run the girls to and fro while we are gone. Pray for strength and peace.
- The Ministry in Cofradia Please continue to pray for the ministry in Cofradia as a whole. Pray for fortified leadership skills, growing confidence, and disciplined direction. They are doing great!!
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 MexicoAlternative Missions
Cofradia Area Director
** JOIN OUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT TEAM **
ONLINE:
Online, you can make a one-time, tax-deductible gift, or set up to make automatic monthly donations to our PERSONAL SUPPORT at this link.
MAIL IN A CHECK:
Send a check made out to Alternative Missions to Alternative Missions / PO Box 3107 / Ferndale, WA 98248. Indicate that it is for The Silbermans for our PERSONAL SUPPORT.
Monday, October 28, 2019
AUGUST MINISTRY UPDATE
Greetings from Washington State! Tomorrow, August 1, we officially begin our two-month sabbatical rest and will excitedly re-connect with our pastors and leaders in Mexico whom we already dearly miss in October. They are doing very well and I have full confidence in them!
Thank you so much for your prayers and partnership with us during this time as we rest, study, spend time with family. God continues to show us His faithfulness as he meets our needs during this time. You all are so generous!!
This is the last email we will send out until October.
GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD, FOR HE IS GOOD; HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER!
Last month, we asked you to please pray for...
Here are some links to more:
Thank you so much for being part of our team as we work together to RAISE UP LEADERS IN RURAL MEXICO!!!!
Blessings,
Alternative Missions
Cofradia Area Director
** JOIN OUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT TEAM **
ONLINE:
Online, you can make a one-time, tax-deductible gift, or set up to make automatic monthly donations to our PERSONAL SUPPORT at this link.
MAIL IN A CHECK:
Send a check made out to Alternative Missions to Alternative Missions / PO Box 3107 / Ferndale, WA 98248. Indicate that it is for The Silbermans for our PERSONAL SUPPORT.
Thank you so much for your prayers and partnership with us during this time as we rest, study, spend time with family. God continues to show us His faithfulness as he meets our needs during this time. You all are so generous!!
This is the last email we will send out until October.
GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD, FOR HE IS GOOD; HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER!
Last month, we asked you to please pray for...
- Continued Safe Travels on our way to Washington—It was a very smooth trip with no problems; thank you for praying!
- A place to rent that suits our family for one year—we have a place to rent that is only 5 minutes from my parents’ house. We feel blessed with this opportunity.
- School Registration for the girls—we are still trying to work this out. Please continue to pray.
- Martin is doing a great job house-sitting for us.
- Employment Projects We have received a donation to help start the Bricks Business and Pastor Luis will soon start putting up a fence and begin working on the first 10,000 bricks. This means that someone will have a job in Cofradia and a dad will not need to leave his family to look for work elsewhere! Thank you!!
- Restoration Center. To all of you who have so generously donated to this project, thank you! We really appreciate your help as we are so close to reaching our goal! Pastor Amado and his team have received approval from the government and the organization in charge of all Drug Rehab facilities in Nayarit. They will be officially opening in October of 2019! Yay!
Here are some links to more:
- Pastors’ Perspectives (NEW): Click here to read bi-annual reports from our Pastors.
- Cofradía Dwellings Candidates (NEW): We have added 7 new families to our waiting list. Let us know if you would like to put together a team or help a team that is signed up.
- New Donation Links: We have revised the links for specific donations to our ministry. Click here to get those links.
- Quick Look into our Ministry
- The Pastors and Leaders in Cofradia as they continue to grow and take ownership of the ministry. I am very, very proud of all of them!
- Our family over the next couple of months as we Listen to the Lord during our rest, study, and family time.
- School Registration for the girls (Rebecka-12th grade; Emma-8th grade; Mackenzie-2nd grade). Please pray the Lord will guide us to the right school for all three of them.
- Martin as he house-sits for us during our time in Washington. We are grateful for him and cannot think of someone we trust more.
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 MexicoAlternative Missions
Cofradia Area Director
** JOIN OUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT TEAM **
ONLINE:
Online, you can make a one-time, tax-deductible gift, or set up to make automatic monthly donations to our PERSONAL SUPPORT at this link.
MAIL IN A CHECK:
Send a check made out to Alternative Missions to Alternative Missions / PO Box 3107 / Ferndale, WA 98248. Indicate that it is for The Silbermans for our PERSONAL SUPPORT.
JULY MINISTRY UPDATE
Greetings from ...the Highway! We are currently in Southern California visiting friends and relatives. We crossed the border last Wednesday night and it was an extremely smooth crossing. We appreciate all of those who have been praying for us!
We have had some exciting news this month as the Lord continues to help this ministry move forward.
GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD, FOR HE IS GOOD; HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER!
Last month, we asked you to please pray for...
Here are some links to more:
This month, will you please pray for...
Thank you so much for being part of our team as we work together to RAISE UP LEADERS IN RURAL MEXICO!!!!
Blessings,
Alternative Missions
Cofradia Area Director
** JOIN OUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT TEAM **
ONLINE:
Online, you can make a one-time, tax-deductible gift, or set up to make automatic monthly donations to our PERSONAL SUPPORT at this link.
MAIL IN A CHECK:
Send a check made out to Alternative Missions to Alternative Missions / PO Box 3107 / Ferndale, WA 98248. Indicate that it is for The Silbermans for our PERSONAL SUPPORT.
We have had some exciting news this month as the Lord continues to help this ministry move forward.
GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD, FOR HE IS GOOD; HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER!
Last month, we asked you to please pray for...
- Furlough Preparation: We continually thank God for His provision through those of you who have responded to our request of 30 people to give $100 a month for 13 months (July 2019 to July 2020). We are down to only five more people to make that commitment so we can reach our budget goal. We also have a lead on a rental house that is within that budget. We continue to trust in the Lord for His guidance and peace if this is the house He has for us.
- Administrative Assistant. Goyito is doing a great job.
- Leadership Training School Project: Pastor Goyo and Pastor Luis continue to teach the Pastors and Leaders on Tuesday nights using John Maxwell’s book The 21 Most Powerful Minutes in a Leader’s Day. People are hungry and absorbing these studies.
- Establishing Employment Projects: We have purchased land and are working on some test bricks for the brickworks business; you can see a video of that process at the very site we bought and a business plan style document explaining what we want to accomplish with this and how will we do it here.
- Restoration Center. Praise the Lord that the paperwork has come through and the government has approved “Lighthouse of Hope Restoration Center” as a legitimate Drug Rehabilitation Center in Nayarit, Mexico!!! We are excited for Pastor Amado and his team as they will no longer have to send people in need away, but can now officially and legally help them.
Here are some links to more:
- Last Month’s Update
- Cofradía Dwellings Candidates (NEW): We have added 7 new families to our waiting list. Let us know if you would like to put together a team or help a team that is signed up.
- New Donation Links: We have revised the links for specific donations to our ministry. Click here to get those links.
- Pastors’ Perspectives: Click here to read bi-annual reports from our Pastors.
- Quick Look into our Ministry
This month, will you please pray for...
- Continued Safe Travels on our way to Washington.
- A place to rent that suits our family for one year.
- School Registration for the girls (Rebecka-12th grade; Emma-8th grade; Mackenzie-2nd grade).
- Martin as he house-sits for us during our time in Washington. We are grateful for him and cannot think of someone we trust more.
- Employment Projects in Cofradía as Pastor Luis is working on getting things started. $1,400 is the amount we need to put up provisional fencing and make our first 10,000 bricks. Contact me if you would like to help get this ministry started. Click here for more information.
- Restoration Center. As we praise the Lord for the big step that has been taken in making this Center legitimate, we still are raising funds for the land we want to build on. The total need we have is $9,000. There are matching funds of $2,500. That means your donation will be doubled up to $5,000! We will be able to purchase the land, pay the taxes, and put us in a position to start building. Some of you have already given towards this and we are so grateful! If you have not had that opportunity yet, please consider what you can do. Here is a link to make a safe online tax-deductible donation. If you would like more information on this, please email me.
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 MexicoAlternative Missions
Cofradia Area Director
** JOIN OUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT TEAM **
ONLINE:
Online, you can make a one-time, tax-deductible gift, or set up to make automatic monthly donations to our PERSONAL SUPPORT at this link.
MAIL IN A CHECK:
Send a check made out to Alternative Missions to Alternative Missions / PO Box 3107 / Ferndale, WA 98248. Indicate that it is for The Silbermans for our PERSONAL SUPPORT.
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