JANUARY 2016 UPDATE

Greetings from the Silbermans! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!  We are currently visiting my parents in Washington for a few days and will be in Southern California for another week before we drive back to Cofradía.  We are enjoying this small window of time with family after a very busy November and December.

GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD, FOR HE IS GOOD; HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER!
In our last update, we asked you to pray for... 

1. Religious Association Status.  We have sent in the first round of paperwork and are waiting for a response from Mexico City.  Thank you for your continued prayers. 
2. Bible School. Continue to pray for the Masters students as they finish up their Thesis.  Contact me if you feel led to help them or have a question about their financial need.
3. Freedom in Christ conference in Cofradia: We had a great time with the leaders of Freedom in Christ Ministries here in Mexico.  They guided us through a 13 week discipleship curriculum in four days.  It was intense, but the outcome was very helpful.  Some of the testimonies where that people were able to sleep at night with a peaceful mind.  Thank you for your prayers. 
4. Drug Rehab Center: Still waiting for the Rosamorada Town Hall meeting in order to get the land for the Center.  Thank you for praying. 
5. Border Run.  So far, everything has been going well.  We are enjoying ourselves with my parents and look forward to spending next week with Geña’s family in California.  Thank you for your continued prayers for safe travels and divine encounters.

Here are some links to more:

• Last Month’s Update
• EL RETO 2015
• What is EL RETO?
• Pastoral Perspectives: Click here to read bi-annual reports from three of our Pastors.
• “Dwellings” candidates in Cofradia: Meet three families that are in need of a home.
• Cofradia’s Short-Term Missions Manual explains more of our mission in detail.  Click on this link to check it out.
  

This month, will you please pray for...

1. Religious Association Status.  We want to make sure that the church we have planted in Cofradia is legal.  This is the underlying reason why we need a Religious Association.  We are looking at a minimal cost of $2,000 US Dollars in order for this to be accomplished and need help with the cost.  Click here to safely send a tax-deductible contribution.  Thank you. 
2. Bible School. Continue to pray for the Masters students finishing up their Thesis.  Contact me if you feel led to help them or have a question about their need.
3. Drug Rehab Center: Thank you for your continued prayers for this as we look forward to seeing this Center become a reality. 
4. Border Run.  Thank you for continuing to pray for our safety and good health while we’re in the states.  We’ll be returning to Cofradia on the 11th of January.
5. Short-Term Mission Team We are hosting a team from Houston, Texas from January 23 – 30 with a focus on Marriage and Family Relationships.  Pray for another successful time with nurtured international relationships and strong families and marriages.

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
La Cofradia United International
Alternative Missions
Cofradia Area Director

--- JOIN OUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT TEAM ---

You can make a one-time, tax-deductible gift or set up for monthly giving safely online at the link below.
ONLINE. Click here to donate to our personal support.

BY POSTAGE MAIL/CHECKS. Send a check made out to Alternative Missions to Alternative Missions / PO Box 3107 / Ferndale, WA 98248.  On a separate note, indicate that it is for The Silbermans.

DECEMBER UPDATE

Greetings from Cofradía, Mexico! This is our last update before Christmas and the New Year.  So, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!  We continue to be marveled by the grace of God and His immense love towards us.  It is special and great to be called His children.  

GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD, FOR HE IS GOOD; HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER!
In our last update, we asked you to pray for... 

1. Religious Association Status.  While Pastor Goyo and I were in Mexico City, we had the opportunity to meet the person who is helping us with the paperwork.  She has been a blessing to us and we continue to gather all the documentation we need in order to pass on to her. 
2. Bible School. Please continue to pray for the five Masters students who are working on their graduation exam (Pastor Goyo, Martin, Angel, Pastor Amado and his wife, Lourdes—from Rosamorada) and that they will be able to pay for their tuition.  Contact me if you feel led to help them or have a question about their need.
3. Freedom in Christ conference in Mexico City: WOW!  What an incredible time!  Everyone so was so loving and accepting as they made us feel right at home and blessed.  It was an unforgettable and freeing time for both Pastor Goyo and me; I even had a chance to sit down and chat personally with Neil Anderson.  You can read about our time in Mexico City here.
4. Freedom in Christ conference in Cofradia: Please continue to pray for this upcoming conference with William Gallardo, his wife and two others who will be coming to Cofradia to lead a four-day conference with the Pastors and Leaders from Cofradia and some from the surrounding areas.  Pray for safety in their travels, open hearts in those attending, and for this aspect of ministry to continue in this area; we want to see people free in Christ! (December 17 – 20) 
5. Drug Rehab Center: Pastor Amado is still waiting for Town Hall to present to him available locations for the Center.  Once they have the land, the Municipal President has offered to help with the construction of the facilities because of the overwhelming need in Rosamorada (our county seat) for a Rehab Center.  Thank you for your continued prayers. 
6. Anniversary! Thank you for your continued prayers over our family.  Even though the actual day was super busy, we have been able to find moments to give thanks for the past 15 years.

Here are some links to more:

• EL RETO 2015
• What is EL RETO
• Pastoral Perspectives: Click here to read bi-annual reports from three of our Pastors.
• “Dwellings” candidates in Cofradia: Meet three families that are in need of a home.
• Cofradia’s Short-Term Missions Manual explains more of our mission in detail.  Click on this link to check it out.
  

This month, will you please pray for...

1. Religious Association Status.  Continue to pray for guidance, wisdom, patience, and finances, as we put all the documentation together.  We are looking at a minimal cost of $2,000 US Dollars in order for this to be accomplished.  Thank you. 
2. Bible School. Continue to pray for the Masters students I mentioned above and their individual needs.
3. Freedom in Christ conference in Cofradia: As I mentioned above, please pray for safety over the speakers as they travel, open hearts in those attending, and for this aspect of ministry to continue in this area; we want to see people free in Christ! (December 17 – 20) 
4. Drug Rehab Center: Thank you for your continued prayers for this as we look forward to seeing this Center become a reality. 
5. Border Run.  No, we’re not going to Taco Bell!  But, yes, we are making a quick trip to the states in order to update our vehicle permit.  After driving to the Los Angeles area, we will fly to Washington for a few days to spend Christmas with my parents, then return to the Los Angeles area to spend some time with some of Geña’s family.  Pray for safety in travel, divine encounters, and the Lord’s provision.

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
La Cofradia United International
Alternative Missions
Cofradia Area Director

--- JOIN OUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT TEAM ---

You can make a one-time, tax-deductible gift or set up for monthly giving safely online at the link below.

ONLINE. Click here to donate to our personal support

BY POSTAGE MAIL/CHECKS. Send a check made out to Alternative Missions to Alternative Missions / PO Box 3107 / Ferndale, WA 98248.  On a separate note, indicate that it is for The Silbermans.

Freedom in Christ with Neil Anderson

Pastor Goyo and I had the privilege of being invited to a Freedom in Christ Seminar in Mexico City by William Gallardo, FIC representative here in Mexico, with Dr. Neil Anderson as the special speaker.  In December, we'll have William and his wife, Lourdes, here to present a four-day conference with our pastors and leaders as well as other pastors from around this area.  We are really excited about having them come, especially after having met them in person.

After a five-hour delay, our flight finally took off and we arrived in Mexico City at 12:30am on Saturday.  That morning we were one of the handpicked Pastors invited to a breakfast where Neil shared a devotional about his new book that will be coming out next year.  The focus is on the Presence of God, something He has been speaking to him about lately through time with his wife.

At the conference, there were around 250 pastors and leaders mostly from Mexico City.  We were extremely honored to have been invited to sit right up front.  Neil shared in the first three sessions a lot of material and principals that we have read in his books lately.  William and Lourdes spoke in the final session giving us a glimpse of what we will be looking at when they are here.  That evening over half of the people walked through the "Steps to Freedom in Christ" booklet guided by Lourdes and a man named Carlos (who will be here also). 

They all have a special way of sharing the truth in love and full of grace.  This was one of the most freeing experiences I have ever been a part of.  It is important to know who God is, who we are (our identity), and that in Christ, we have authority of Satan.  God has called us to be free.  Our salvation depends on Christ; our freedom depends on us believing the truth.  "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:32).

The next day we were invited to the church service where Neil was to preach.  As we were waiting for our ride, I had the privilege of sitting down and chatting with Neil in the lobby of our hotel for about 20 minutes.  I was amazed at how down to earth he is and how easy he is to talk with. 

At church, they again sat us up front and we were able to worship with 400 plus people at Vida Nueva that meets in the hotel Camino Real Santa Fe just outside of Mexico City.  Neil shared an evangelistic message that presented God as loving and accepting and exposed our tendency to want to do what we are told not to giving the example of Adam and Eve in the garden...as well as a more modern illustration with our children.

In the end, we were blessed and look forward to sharing our experience with others.  We will be hosting a four-day conference of a 13-week discipleship course December 17 - 20 and would appreciate your prayers. 

This is free to all Pastors and Leaders in our church and in the area, but will incur some expenses that we will need help with.  If you can, will you join us in sharing freedom with others by sending a special offering to help us and bless William and Lourdes as they take time out of their schedule to come here?

Make donations online here with a note that says, "Freedom".

You can send checks made out to "Alternative Missions" by mail to:

ALTERNATIVE MISSIONS

PO BOX 3107

FERNDALE, WA 98248

*Indicate that it is for Cofradia Freedom.

Neil sharing at breakfast.

Pastor Goyo and Neil.

William and Lourdes

Neil speaking at the conference with his interpreter.

Neil speaking at Vida Nueva with his interpreter.

Awesome worship time at Vida Nueva.

NOVEMBER UPDATE

Greetings from Cofradía, Mexico! Thanks to all of you who prayed for us as we prepared for Hurricane Patricia this month.  It made landfall quite a ways south, but crossed only about 100 miles of us between Tepic and Guadalajara.  After making sure that there was nothing loose on the properties and the vehicles were under cover, we anticipated at least some rain and random gusts of wind.  The result was a little bit of drizzling before it came ashore and we woke up to clear skies in the morning.  Because of the mountains between us and where it hit, it dissipated quickly.  However, it still did some damage in it’s direct path as you probably saw on the news.  There were so many reports of people praying over this storm and many attribute it’s unusually quick dissipation to people’s prayers and God’s hand at work.  For those of you interested, I posted a little blurb with a couple of maps to show you where the storm was in relation to us here.

GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD, FOR HE IS GOOD; HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER!
In our last update, we asked you to pray for... 

1. The Ripples of EL RETO.  Thank you for your continued prayers over the students who participated in EL RETO 2015. 
2. Civil Association Status.  LA COFRADIA UNITED INTERNATIONAL, ASSOCIACION CIVIL is official.  We are working with an accountant to find out what would be best for us regarding a bank account.  It appears that this will incur unanticipated bank costs and more administrative work than expected.  However, we are excited about one specific projects that we are looking forward to beginning soon, a Drug Rehab Center in the county seat, Rosamorada, led by Pastor Amado Verdin of Rosamorada.  This project is at the beginning stage and Pastor Amado has been in contact with the local government officials to get it started.  In the future, we will let you know how you can participate in this ministry.  The Cofradia Dwellings home builds will also be included as a project led by the Association and even some aspects of EL RETO. 
3. Religious Association Status.  We’re seeing some progress.  We expect this to take longer than the Civil Association. 
4. Bible School. In the last update, I mentioned there were three Masters students preparing to graduate.  It turns out the there are five eligible for graduating with a Masters next June.  They are working on completing their Thesis as well as finishing up the class requirements and tuition payments. 
5. Lain and Kelly Grant are doing well at language school and being taken good care of as they are the only two current students.  We visited them this past weekend and are excited about their progress.  It will be nice to have them back here soon! 

Here are some links to more:

• Hurricane Patricia
• EL RETO 2015 A final report on how things ended in EL RETO this year (including the pending video).  At the bottom of the report are links to what happened each week. 
• What is EL RETO
• Pastoral Perspectives: Read bi-annual reports from three of our Pastors.
• “Dwellings” candidates in Cofradia: Meet three families that are in need of a home.
• Cofradia’s Short-Term Missions Manual explains more of our mission in detail.

This month, will you please pray for...

1. Religious Association Status.  Continue to pray for guidance, wisdom, and patience as we put all the documentation together. 
2. Bible School. Continue to pray for the now five Masters students who are working on their graduation exam (Pastor Goyo, Martin, Angel, Pastor Amado and his wife, Lourdes—from Rosamorada). Three of them need quite a bit of help with their tuition.  Contact me if you feel led to help them or have a question about their need.
3. Freedom in Christ conference in Mexico City: Pastor Goyo and I have the privilege of being invited to a conference in Mexico City with author, Dr. Neil Anderson, Founder and President of Freedom in Christ Ministries along with the President of the same ministry in Mexico, William Gallardo.  Being in Mexico City will also allow Goyo and I to meet the lady who is helping us put together our documentation for the Religious Association.  Pray for safe travels, divine appointments, and a nice refreshing in our spirits. (November 21,22) 
4. Freedom in Christ conference in Cofradia: William Gallardo, his wife and two others will be coming to Cofradia to lead a four-day conference with our Pastors and Leaders from Cofradia and some from the surrounding areas.  Pray for safety in their travels, open hearts in those attending, and for this aspect of ministry to continue in this area; we want to see people free in Christ! (December 17 – 20) 
5. Drug Rehab Center: The government in Rosamorada has seen the testimony of Pastor Amado and how his life has dramatically changed and they are extremely excited to help with getting the Drug Rehab Center running.  Please pray for God to continue to speak to the town leaders’ hearts and that they would give their life to Him.  Pray for the land that is needed to build the center, pray for the construction of the facilities, and especially pray for Pastor Amado as he moves forward in the vision that the Lord has given him. 
6. Anniversary! Geña and I will have been married for 15 years on November 18.  Thank you so much for your continued prayers for our family and ministry!

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
La Cofradia United International
Alternative Missions
Cofradia Area Director

--- JOIN OUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT TEAM ---

You can make a one-time, tax-deductible gift or set up for monthly giving safely online at the link below.
ONLINE. Click here to donate to our personal support.

BY POSTAGE MAIL/CHECKS. Send a check made out to Alternative Missions to Alternative Missions / PO Box 3107 / Ferndale, WA 98248.  On a separate note, indicate that it is for The Silbermans.

Hurricane Patricia

I just wanted to express our thanks to all of you who prayed for us and the people of Mexico.  Our hearts go out to those who suffered damage and loss during the hurricane.  Fortunately for us, we were far enough away that it didn't affect our area.  It appears that because of the high mountains near the coast, the hurricane had dissipated quickly and pretty much only affected it's direct line.

I have copied a couple of photos.  One is the google map showing Cofradia's location.  The other is a photo I found in an article from the Weather Channel showing the Hurricane's path.  For those of you who are interested, you will see where the hurricane travelled and how close/far away it was from us.

Notice below that Cofradia (the red dot) is north of the city of "Tepic"in the state of Nayarit...

Below you will see the path of the storm.  Notice that it was south of Tepic, but north of Guadalajara as it traveled the state line of Nayarit and Jalisco...

As you can see, it made landfall quite a ways south of us, but travelled closer.  It passed by about 1 ½ to 2 hours (driving) away.

EL RETO 2015 - THE FINALE!

EL RETO 2015: THE FINALE

After five weeks of exciting activities, competitions, and identity topics, the participants of EL RETO joined together for one last week.

The traditional "Finale" of EL RETO consists of worship, speaking, acknowledgments, the raffle, the disclosure of the hidden treasures, one last challenge between the team with the most points and the team who finds a treasure sending them to the final challenge to determine the winner, and showing an exciting video compilation of the whole event.

This year, EL RETO FINAL started with each team presenting their drama project as they acted out the story of the Bible that their team represents.  This proved to be a fun and funny time as usual.  It's great to see some of the leadership skills learned by the students put into action and the lively humor of the apparent comfortable students that kept everyone amused.  In addition to that, some teams shared a more serious message with their story showing impressive effort.

After Worship and a message about our Identity in Christ by Pastor Luis, we had the opportunity to spend time praying for students who came forward.

This was a nice transition to acknowledge a few people for their service.  One acknowledgment in particular was for a man from the Cofradía church who was helping as a Staff member during the event each week.  While at work during the week, he found one of the hidden treasures.  Two treasures were hidden at the bridge that connects Cofradía and Arrayanes.  Both of those treasures were found as a number of workers (not related to EL RETO) had been cleaning away brush and making the road more presentable.  "Chano", our Staff member, returned the treasure to the leadership of EL RETO while the other one was kept by someone else who found it.  Chano could have easily given this treasure to his daughter, who was participating in EL RETO, but because of his conviction to do what is right, he decided to hand it in and we re-hid the treasure for the students.  We acknowledged his integrity and leadership as an example to us all.

Then, the RETO RAFFLE!  While in the states, we were given a few items to raffle off in order to help the students be actively involved in raising money for the event.  The Garzon family from Arrayanes (Pastor Horacio's family) alone bought probably half of the tickets that were sold.  As DJ Macx announced the numbers, their name kept coming up and they won three of the four items!

After all the prizes were distributed, we read all the clues to each hidden treasure one by one.  The first disclosed treasure was tied by wire inside one of the trees at the mission base and found by the black team, The Recognized by God.  The second disclosed treasure was hot-glued to the bottom of one of the benches to the picnic tables at the Church and found by the yellow team, The Christ-sent.  The final disclosed treasure was the most difficult one to find and was not found until the very morning of the Finale.  This treasure was buried in a field where cattle rest, 105 degrees SW and 39 feet from a cement post situated underneath a big fig tree near a river.  This treasure was found by, again, The Recognized Ones.

There were three undisclosed prizes written on a sheet of paper inside an envelope.  In the same order we disclosed the treasures, we allowed the captains choose an envelope. 

The first envelope chosen: Recover all points used in the RETO AUCTION (the black team recovered 6,700 points!).

The second envelope chosen: 5,000 points (for the white team).

The final envelope: An opportunity to challenge the team with the most points in one final challenge to determine the winning team of EL RETO (the black team).

Immediately after announcing the prizes for the hidden treasures came the announcement of total points for each team starting with 6th place:

In 6th place with 10,360 points, God's Sowers.

In 5th place with 11,654 points, The Brotherhood.

In 4th place with 18,241 points, The King's Kids.

In 3rd place with 34,787 points, The Recognized by God.

The final two teams, The Christ-sent and The Bravehearts, came forward and the excitement rose as Pastor Luis read the final two standings:  2nd place = 41,741 points; 1st place = 57,476 points.

The team with most points would face off with The Recognized by God team in one last challenge to determine the champions of EL RETO 2015.  That team was...

THE BRAVEHEARTS!!!

The final challenge consisted of team members coming up on stage one by one to assemble a puzzle.  Once all the pieces were up on the easel, five members were allowed to rearrange the pieces in order to form the final product. 

For 15 to 20 minutes, the two teams struggled with intense focus to complete the puzzle as others watched.

With only a few moments to spare, The Bravehearts came out on top.  This was the first time in the history of EL RETO (since the induction of the hidden treasure in 2008) that a team with the most points in the end won the final challenge against a team who had found the hidden treasure. 

We will be working on compiling a few testimonies from students and Pastors of how God worked in their lives during EL RETO 2015.  We have already heard of some who were impacted through this outreach.  One previously unreached girl said, "My concept of Christians has changed.  I felt free to be myself and I had so much fun!  I want to continue coming."

The night closed with a video compilation of the past five weeks.  The previous week, we showed the testimony of Nick Vujicic.  Jay and Max were at an event in Tepic, Nayarit filming him speaking to over 10,000 people.  They were able to have Nick share a special message to all the students of EL RETO!!

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR PRAYERS!!!

THANK YOU VERY MUCH TO THOSE WHO CONTRIBUTED FINANCIALLY!!!

Together, we are Raising up Leaders in Rural Mexico!

You can be part of this great event by making a special donation to EL RETO online here.  Your gifts provide the resources, preparation, promotion, transportation, prizes, and the opportunity for the young people to come to this event.  NOT ONE of the students is charged any kind of admission fee because we want them to come.  We thank you in advance for participating with us!

HERE IS THE FINAL VIDEO OF THE LAST WEEK, WEEK 6.

WEEK 6 & end from macx on Vimeo.

If you've missed any reports for each week, you can check them out here:

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

Week 5

OCTOBER UPDATE

Greetings from Cofradía, Mexico! We had hoped to get this out sooner, but we wanted to have all of the reports done for the RETO outreach.  Everything is done with the exception of the final week.  A lot has happened this month.  Thank you so much for your prayers!!

In our last update, we asked you to pray for... 

1. Civil Association Status.  We are very close to getting this done. One more meeting and we will be functioning as “La Cofradía United International”.  Thank you for your prayers on this matter as it has and will continue to take a lot of time. 
2. Mexican Religious Association.  We’ve decided to wait until we have finalized the civil status in order to begin focusing on the religious status.  We are excited about this; please continue to pray. 
3. EL RETO.  What an awesome time!  You can read about the five weeks of outdoor activities on our blog at the links below.  The Student Ministry has been doing some debriefing and there has been a number of testimonies from students who don’t go to church.  “My concept of Christians has changed”, said one girl, “I felt free to be myself and I had so much fun!  I want to continue coming.” That is just one testimony of many who’s lives and perspectives have been changed; not only this year, but in years past, too!  A big THANK YOU to all who prayed for us and sent donations to help us reach our goal of $2,000 US Dollars.  This is not the end.  The concept of EL RETO will continue throughout the year as the student ministry travels to different towns and churches to continue to build relationships and share the love of God.  
4. Bible School. We are three weeks into the Fall Quarter as we study Marriage Counseling and Advanced Leadership.  Thank you for your continued prayers.

Read about what happened each week in EL RETO with lots of pictures and videos:

• Week 1 Report
• Week 2 Report
• Week 3 Report
• Week 4 Report
• Week 5 Report
  

Here are some links to more:

• What is EL RETO
• Pastoral Perspectives: Click here to read reports from three of our Pastors.
• “Dwellings” candidates in Cofradia: Meet three families that are in need of a home.
• Cofradia’s Short-Term Missions Manual explains more of our mission in detail.  Click on this link to check it out.
  

This month, will you please pray for...

1. The Ripples of EL RETO Pray for the Holy Spirit to move hearts as the Student Ministry Leaders continue to debrief with each team.  Pray for new converts and successful discipleship. 
2. Civil Association Status.  Pray for a quick finish to the process as we meet with Hacienda (the Mexican IRS) and start functioning as a legitimate Mexican organization.  Pray for wisdom as we carry it out to do things correctly. (Thursday, October 22). 
3. Religious Association Status.  Pray for guidance and wisdom as we put all the documentation together. 
4. Bible School. Five or six students will be finishing up their requirements this quarter in order to graduate next June.  Pray for them as some continue to struggle financially for their tuition.  Pray for the three Masters students who will be working on their graduation exam soon (Pastor Goyo, Martin, and Angel). 
5. Lain and Kelly Grant as they head out to Guadalajara today for their first level of Language School.  Pray for their retention of all the new vocabulary and grammar they’ll be learning.  We look forward to them returning in December for a couple of months to help with teams and other events we have at that time of year.  They have been such a blessing so far helping keep up the mission base property, writing reports for the ministry, and being available to serve where needed.

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
La Cofradia United International
Alternative Missions
Area Director
Facebook

--- PLEASE JOIN OUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT TEAM ---
ONLINE. Click here to donate to our personal support.

BY POSTAGE MAIL/CHECKS. Send a check made out to Alternative Missions to Alternative Missions / PO Box 3107 / Ferndale, WA 98248.  On a separate note, indicate that it is for The Silbermans.

EL RETO 2015 - WEEK FIVE REPORT

EL RETO WEEK 5

This ain’t no walk in the park! 

Known as “the walk” this was the week for the annual ‘stroll’ through the challenging terrain of Cofradia.  Before they ventured off, the night started with a mini-auction.  The red team won a taco night and the white team won all of the clues to the three hidden treasures, plus the code to read them! Once the auction ended teams quickly made their way to the start of the trail just outside of Cofradia. 

Teams were led by Cofradia's Pastor Goyo and Pastor Abimael from Tuxpan who were armed with bug and wasp spray along with machetes.  This first leg of the walk allowed the youth the opportunity to reflect on the past 4 weeks and provided a great backdrop to connect with God. 

About a third of the way through the walk, teams met up with Staff for their first team challenge.  A simple tug-of-war game was played, only this time you and your opponents’ team are standing in ankle deep mud/water.  Most of the youth were already filthy at this point, but if they did happen to bypass some of the messier parts of the fields, this was a sure way of getting them properly broken in.

The teams then made their way to the river where the next challenge was waiting.  Teams needed to make a human bridge to allow a member to cross safely to the other side.  At first, the youth used this opportunity to cool off and clean up!  There is a great short video below that gives you an idea of how excited they were to reach the water and how refreshing it must have felt. 

Once teams had a member successfully cross the river, they were all back on the trail headed to the finish.  Waiting at the end of the walk were two games.  The first had team members quickly un-thread rings tied to a rope in the river.  Once they retrieved all of the rings, they brought them ashore to play ring toss.  The second game had 3 team members dig their way underneath a cross bar in order to search for buried bags in the sand which contained puzzle pieces.  Once the members found their bag, they were able to bring them back to the team and work on completing the puzzle. 

All of these games, including the walk, bring about many teachable moments.  One is that they really focus on how we are all members of one body and function better when we come together.  Each piece has a role to play that is important for the overall success of the group.  Another is that on our walk, we all get dirty, we all get tired and we all need the living water to clean, refresh, and rejuvenate us.

Exhausted, and ‘the walk’ now complete, teams hitched a ride back to the church for the Refuge.  During Refuge this week a special video was played featuring the powerful testimony of Nick Vujicic.  The youth learned about the true source of their strength being God.   It’s not about comparing personal struggles/hardships with those of others in order to feel grateful for where you are.  Nick also reminded them that God would use whatever situation they are in to glorify Him if they are open to it.  The video ended with a moving reminder to not give up on God because God does not give up on us!

Below is a quick recap video of this week's RETO!!

You can be part of this great event by making a special donation to EL RETO online here.  Your gifts provide the resources, preparation, promotion, transportation, prizes, and the opportunity for the young people to come to this event.  NOT ONE of the students is charged any kind of admission fee because we want them to come.  We thank you in advance for participating with us!