October Ministry Update

Greetings Everyone from Cofradía, Mexico!  The rainy season is coming to an end and an occasional cool breeze is reminding us that the hot muggy weather is only temporal—Praise the Lord for that!  We have just finished our annual Student Ministry Outreach called EL RETO (The Challenge).  It was another amazing time.  We were able to make connections with many new students and I’m excited to see the enthusiasm of the regulars as they interact with new students.  The captains did a great job and we really were able to pull the reins on competitive spirits this year with emphasizing that we are all on one team and our goal is to reach out to students—the games are just a tool we’re using to draw them in.  I don’t recall in years past that teams would help each other (opponents) as much as they did this year.  I was impressed with our students!

Last month, we asked for your prayers concerning:

• Finances for EL RETO.  We received 1/10 of the $2,000 that was our original budget causing us to cut back on a number of things.  EL RETO was a success, but unfortunately we did not feel free to do more than what we did.
• Impacted lives in EL RETO.  I believe God uses EL RETO to bring to light issues in all of us, including myself.  This is such a unique outreach that I do not know what to compare it to.  Yes, lives were touched and changed.  God is still working in many of us.  Confrontation has always been difficult for me and through EL RETO I have been able to put into practice what I’ve never liked to do.  EVERY TIME through the Lord’s guidance, we are able to resolve the conflicts that arise.  For that reason, I know that God has His hand in this ministry!  It became aware to me in 2007 that this was not just an outreach to students, but an opportunity to develop leadership skills in myself, the team captains, and the adult staff helping.  It’s simply INCREDIBLE!
  

Links to the news:

• The RETO Captain’s Retreat:  We took all 6 captains to the beach to start EL RETO with their choosing of team colors and Bible Stories.  We also introduced the Medallion of Power.  Watch the video here to see what happens.
• Identity Time in EL RETO Week One:  This is a very short video clip (48 sec) with an explanation and showing the students making their flags, banners, and epitaphs.  It really brings the atmosphere to life and makes you feel like you’re there.
• Full Report of EL RETO Week One:  This is a detailed report of the first week.
• The Great Deception:  This is a report on one of the most impactful teachable moments we’ve had in the history of EL RETO.  Read this to see what happened.
• Full Report of EL RETO Week Two
• Full Report of EL RETO Week Three
• Full Report of EL RETO Week Four
• Full Report of EL RETO Week Five
• Full Report of EL RETO Week Six (EL RETO FINAL):  Who is the winning team? Read here.
• Follow EL RETO on Facebook
• EL RETO Donations:  Click here for instructions on how to donate to EL RETO.
• August Video Update
  

This Month’s requests:

• Staff Retreat.  All of our staff will be heading to Mazatlan for two nights to discuss vision, responsibilities, future plans, and how to grow together.  I’m looking forward to it in spite of being drained after EL RETO.  Please pray for wisdom in all of us, that the Lord would have His hand on us, that His Spirit would guide us to make wise decisions, and give us the strength to complete the tasks He’s given us (October 10-12).
• Visitors.  We have a few visitors coming at the end of October to work along side Jay and the Indigenous Ministry with the unreached Cora Indian people group (October 16-30).  Pray for safety as they travel up into the mountains and favor with the people.
  

Thank you very much for partnering with us through your prayers and financial support.
Click here to donate to our personal support.

Blessings,
Steve, Geña, Rebecka and Emma Rose Silberman
Missionaries to Mexico
Alternative Missions Cofradia
Area Director
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SKYPE: “srsilberman”