Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Monday, July 14, 2008
NEW GENERATION DAY CAMP
On Friday, our Student Leadership Team took the New Generation students on a Day Camp to the park. They played games together, ate together, and had a devotion time as Martin shared from the Word. What excites me the most is that our Leaders have caught the vision to reach out to new students, seeing the need to welcome them and make sure that they know that they are important. Coming into the youth group as a new 7th grader can be a scary thing. Our leaders know that and prepared a fun day to invite the new students to be part of the youth group. Here are the five new students and some pictures of their time at the park...
Andrés Díaz
Alfredo Garzón
Diana Garzón
Guillermo Orozco
Isaiah TenBrink
The Student Leaders begin praying together.
Banana-eating contest--blind-folded; using one hand to eat while holding the hand of someone else.
The Name Game--when you hear your name called, you better say someone else's name or you'll get hit!
Spinning relay race--they had to spin around 6 times, then run back to their team with a glass of water, don't spill!
The Human Knot
Devotion time with Martin
Playing on the four-way teeter-totter before we got in the van to come back to Cofradia.
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Wednesday, July 09, 2008
JULY NEWSLETTER
¡SALUDOS!
Greetings everyone!
A while back I began to read the minor prophet books, a section of scripture I have intentionally avoided due to lack of understanding. So, I went for it and decided to STUDY those books. I’m reading Amos right now and the Lord showed me something; Amos was an ordinary man from the Southern Kingdom, Judah. God called him to go to the Northern Kingdom, Israel, and prophecy to them. I can almost hear Amos saying, “who me? to Israel?” He obeyed God and went to Israel and began to prophecy. In chapter seven, the priest of that time, Amaziah, went to Amos and told him to go back home and that he was not wanted there. Amos told him, “the Lord took me from tending the flock and said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel’” and he kept on prophesying. I was amazed at how Amos was able to focus on the task God had given him. He didn’t let the “enemy” distract him, nor did he change his message so the people would accept it. He fulfilled what God had him to do and didn’t let the enemy discourage him. What has God called you to do? What has your message been that He has given you to speak to others? What task has He given you? Are you still doing it? This is something that I think we all need to be aware of: the enemy wants to distract us, alter our message, reject us, and shut us up. “The thief comes only to steel, kill, and destroy; I (Jesus) have come that (you) may have life, and have it to the full.” Some of you are struggling in your marriage, some of you are struggling with other family members, some of you are struggling financially, and some of you may even be struggling in your relationship with God. I want to encourage you to stand firm and remember that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Stand firm like Amos! Don’t let the enemy try to distract you from what God has called you to. Don’t give up!
Greetings everyone!
A while back I began to read the minor prophet books, a section of scripture I have intentionally avoided due to lack of understanding. So, I went for it and decided to STUDY those books. I’m reading Amos right now and the Lord showed me something; Amos was an ordinary man from the Southern Kingdom, Judah. God called him to go to the Northern Kingdom, Israel, and prophecy to them. I can almost hear Amos saying, “who me? to Israel?” He obeyed God and went to Israel and began to prophecy. In chapter seven, the priest of that time, Amaziah, went to Amos and told him to go back home and that he was not wanted there. Amos told him, “the Lord took me from tending the flock and said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel’” and he kept on prophesying. I was amazed at how Amos was able to focus on the task God had given him. He didn’t let the “enemy” distract him, nor did he change his message so the people would accept it. He fulfilled what God had him to do and didn’t let the enemy discourage him. What has God called you to do? What has your message been that He has given you to speak to others? What task has He given you? Are you still doing it? This is something that I think we all need to be aware of: the enemy wants to distract us, alter our message, reject us, and shut us up. “The thief comes only to steel, kill, and destroy; I (Jesus) have come that (you) may have life, and have it to the full.” Some of you are struggling in your marriage, some of you are struggling with other family members, some of you are struggling financially, and some of you may even be struggling in your relationship with God. I want to encourage you to stand firm and remember that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Stand firm like Amos! Don’t let the enemy try to distract you from what God has called you to. Don’t give up!
MINISTRY NEWS
In June, we took some students to our second annual Student Leadership Retreat. God is amazing! Three of the four students from last year are returning and we invited two more to join the team. This time is always a special time for building unity in the team and getting to know one another better. We spent quite a bit of time talking about the things that “worked” last year and areas we can improve on—it was very helpful. We also took a quick look at Moses’ leadership and how close to God he was and we repeated a couple of studies of Nehemiah from last year about his devotion to God and how he handled opposition. We are looking forward to a great year and continuing to take steps forward in our walk with God and our leadership abilities. That was our theme this year “Taking Another Step…”. You can read in detail and see pictures at our blog/journal online at http://thesilbermans.blogspot.com/.
We have had three teams this summer working on the new church building. It is amazing to see God working through everyone who comes down and gets involved. Our first team worked on the public bathroom, electrical lines, making a beam and hoisting it up 30 feet in the air and a number of odds and ends jobs. They were great and prepared the way for the next team who put together all the rafters for the church roof. They each span around 70 feet. It was a BIG welding job and it is now finished. The final team is painting the rafters; the next step is to hoist the rafters up into position…30 feet up! Again, it was amazing to see God work on this project and bring down the specific people that were needed for the job at the right time.
In June, we took some students to our second annual Student Leadership Retreat. God is amazing! Three of the four students from last year are returning and we invited two more to join the team. This time is always a special time for building unity in the team and getting to know one another better. We spent quite a bit of time talking about the things that “worked” last year and areas we can improve on—it was very helpful. We also took a quick look at Moses’ leadership and how close to God he was and we repeated a couple of studies of Nehemiah from last year about his devotion to God and how he handled opposition. We are looking forward to a great year and continuing to take steps forward in our walk with God and our leadership abilities. That was our theme this year “Taking Another Step…”. You can read in detail and see pictures at our blog/journal online at http://thesilbermans.blogspot.com/.We have had three teams this summer working on the new church building. It is amazing to see God working through everyone who comes down and gets involved. Our first team worked on the public bathroom, electrical lines, making a beam and hoisting it up 30 feet in the air and a number of odds and ends jobs. They were great and prepared the way for the next team who put together all the rafters for the church roof. They each span around 70 feet. It was a BIG welding job and it is now finished. The final team is painting the rafters; the next step is to hoist the rafters up into position…30 feet up! Again, it was amazing to see God work on this project and bring down the specific people that were needed for the job at the right time.
FAMILY NEWS
Jose and Trisha Sanchez
We had the opportunity to go to Washington for three weeks to officiate my niece’s wedding. Trisha and Jose Sanchez were married on May 31 and we are really excited for them and also to have Jose part of our family, he’s a really neat guy! While in Washington, we were able to see a few of you and spend some time with our family going to the ocean and also taking our girls camping for the first time! We really enjoyed ourselves and none of us can wait until we get to do it again! Thank you for your prayers for our family. Also, Rebecka graduated form 
Kindergarten on July 4. She did a great job!PLANS FOR MEXICO?
So, are you making any plans to be in Mexico? Let us know if you will be in or near Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, or Guadalajara. All three locations are within 4 hours of us; Mazatlan being the closest (3 hours). We would love to have you out for a night at our home and show you around Cofradía and the surrounding towns. Come see what it’s like; a few of you have already done this and we can’t wait for more. If you have an RV, we have a hook-up on our property! Email us or call us directly 011-52-319-232-5172. We’ll see you here!
PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY.
May the Lord bless you all,
May the Lord bless you all,
Steve, Geña, Rebecka and Emma Silberman
Missionaries to Mexico
Alternative Missions
Written: July 8, 2008
Missionaries to Mexico
Alternative Missions
Written: July 8, 2008
Thank you for continuing to be part of our team and supporting our ministry. If you haven’t yet joined our team of supporters, please consider joining. Click here to see how to give: http://thesilbermans.blogspot.com/2008/05/how-to-donate.html
JUNE REPORT
Last month, we asked you to pray for…
* Student Leadership Retreat. Thank you for your prayers! What a great time! One of our missionaries who helps with our youth has written a very good detailed report and you can see it here: https://share.acrobat.com/adc/adc.do?docid=8b5740a2-6a7a-4e1b-b618-9ec7320f85eb Also, the report that I put together is here: http://thesilbermans.blogspot.com/2008/06/student-leadership-retreat-report.html.
* Jesús Hernández and Martín Garzón Thank you for your prayers and support. Martin will not be able to go back to the school because the second year is still not available. However, Jesús is packing his bags and will be leaving the last week of August for Oaxaca to Bible School. Please continue to pray and consider how you can help: http://thesilbermans.blogspot.com/2008/06/youth-scholarship-fund.html
* Missionary José Luís Gonzalez our very own missionary in YWAM Mazatlán has been on the field for just over a month. He has been very busy along with other staff with team after team this summer already. He is enjoying it very much. Please pray for him for strength as he is “alone” on the field and also his finances. You can read more about him here: http://thesilbermans.blogspot.com/2008/06/jos-lus-gonzles.html Thank you for your prayers!
* His Place They did a great job doing a number of different jobs, especially welding together a beam and lifting it up 30 feet in the air to set in on the pillars.
* Keyport Bible Church This group painted the beam His Place set and welded together all of the rafters for the roof. Each one spans around 70 feet!
* Highland Covenant is here as I type this. They have been painting the rafters and will have a soccer tournament this afternoon.
* Personal Support. Thank you for continuing to pray for our finances.
Also, Rebecka graduated from Kindergarten on July 4. She did a great job at the local school and we continue to do homeschool in English.
Thank you so much for your prayers. This month, would you please pray for…
* New Generation Day Camp This is a Day Camp that our student leaders put on for the new arriving 7th graders into the youth group. They will have games, food, testimonies, and a Word as they travel to the park in Tepic. (July 11)
* Abundant LIFE Youth Night I have asked our intern Luis to take charge for July and August at our youth night. Pray that God will do some great things! (Every Saturday night; 5pm CST)
* Speed Soccer Tournament Four days of speed soccer to bring towns together, new students in to the youth group, and an opportunity for the team captains to set an example of leadership. (July 15-18)
* Open Air Evangelism in Santa Fe We will be taking our youth group and anyone in the church who is willing to Santa Fe for an open air evangelism with testimonies, the Word, drama, Worship, and games. (July 23)
* Youth Camp We return to La Cruz, Sinaloa (about one hour north of Mazatlán) for summer camp this year. A number of students have signed up. If you would like to help sponsor with the renting of a bus, let me know by email so I can get you the information you need. (July 29-August 2)
Thanks again for your prayers.
Blessings,
Steve, Geña, Rebecka, and Emma Silberman
* Student Leadership Retreat. Thank you for your prayers! What a great time! One of our missionaries who helps with our youth has written a very good detailed report and you can see it here: https://share.acrobat.com/adc/adc.do?docid=8b5740a2-6a7a-4e1b-b618-9ec7320f85eb Also, the report that I put together is here: http://thesilbermans.blogspot.com/2008/06/student-leadership-retreat-report.html.
* Jesús Hernández and Martín Garzón Thank you for your prayers and support. Martin will not be able to go back to the school because the second year is still not available. However, Jesús is packing his bags and will be leaving the last week of August for Oaxaca to Bible School. Please continue to pray and consider how you can help: http://thesilbermans.blogspot.com/2008/06/youth-scholarship-fund.html
* Missionary José Luís Gonzalez our very own missionary in YWAM Mazatlán has been on the field for just over a month. He has been very busy along with other staff with team after team this summer already. He is enjoying it very much. Please pray for him for strength as he is “alone” on the field and also his finances. You can read more about him here: http://thesilbermans.blogspot.com/2008/06/jos-lus-gonzles.html Thank you for your prayers!
* His Place They did a great job doing a number of different jobs, especially welding together a beam and lifting it up 30 feet in the air to set in on the pillars.
* Keyport Bible Church This group painted the beam His Place set and welded together all of the rafters for the roof. Each one spans around 70 feet!
* Highland Covenant is here as I type this. They have been painting the rafters and will have a soccer tournament this afternoon.
* Personal Support. Thank you for continuing to pray for our finances.
Also, Rebecka graduated from Kindergarten on July 4. She did a great job at the local school and we continue to do homeschool in English.
Thank you so much for your prayers. This month, would you please pray for…
* New Generation Day Camp This is a Day Camp that our student leaders put on for the new arriving 7th graders into the youth group. They will have games, food, testimonies, and a Word as they travel to the park in Tepic. (July 11)
* Abundant LIFE Youth Night I have asked our intern Luis to take charge for July and August at our youth night. Pray that God will do some great things! (Every Saturday night; 5pm CST)
* Speed Soccer Tournament Four days of speed soccer to bring towns together, new students in to the youth group, and an opportunity for the team captains to set an example of leadership. (July 15-18)
* Open Air Evangelism in Santa Fe We will be taking our youth group and anyone in the church who is willing to Santa Fe for an open air evangelism with testimonies, the Word, drama, Worship, and games. (July 23)
* Youth Camp We return to La Cruz, Sinaloa (about one hour north of Mazatlán) for summer camp this year. A number of students have signed up. If you would like to help sponsor with the renting of a bus, let me know by email so I can get you the information you need. (July 29-August 2)
Thanks again for your prayers.
Blessings,
Steve, Geña, Rebecka, and Emma Silberman
Monday, July 07, 2008
Student Leadership Retreat
One of the missionaries here in Cofradia who helps with the youth as well, Amber Crafton, has written a VERY good detailed report about the retreat we had last month. Here is a link to her report: https://share.acrobat.com/adc/adc.do?docid=8b5740a2-6a7a-4e1b-b618-9ec7320f85eb
Saturday, July 05, 2008
Rebecka's Graduation
Rebecka finished Kindergarten yesterday at the local school. Here are a few pictures of her graduation:
Her class
During a dance
During another dance
With her "Padrinos" (Supporters, Godparents, whatever you want to call them) Mili and Chuy.
With her family
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