First music by Rebecka and Emma

On Wednesday evening, I taught Emma a couple of chords on the guitar; two chords that Rebecka already knew on the piano.  The next evening, they were playing the song I taught them by themselves...

Emma's Birthday - short video

Click here to read about Emma's birthday and see a longer, 28 minute video of it.

Here's the short, 3 minute version (Thanks, Max):
Emma birthday 9th 3.min from macx on Vimeo.

Emma Rose's 9th Birthday!

For the past few years, we've held a "mini-RETO" for Rebecka's birthday parties.  They have been such a hit and it's something that the girls look forward to each year.  This year, when we asked Emma what she wanted for her birthday, she said, "RETO!".  Ok, so here is a 28 minute video of Emma's 9th birthday put together by our friend Max.  We divided the children into two teams and played games together; they got wet, had some interesting things to eat, hit the piñata, and finished the evening off with cake.

Emma has been helping on the Worship band as her and her little cousin, Zundury, have been singing with me.  I had my guitar laying around one day and she picked it up and started playing with it.  She has shown an interest in learning how to play, so one of her gifts was a mid-sized classical guitar.  She loves it!  Can't play it yet, but she loves it!

Here's the video...
Emma Rose 9th from macx on Vimeo.

April Ministry Update

Greetings from Cofradia, Mexico! Happy Resurrection Day, everyone!  I love thinking about how important the resurrection is to Christians.  This is the foundation of what we believe.  Christ died for us, but he didn’t stay dead, he rose again—in order for us to be reconciled to God the Father!  If there were no resurrection, our faith would be pointless.  Without our faith, we would be hopeless.  It’s nice to have hope.  Our hope is based on faith, our faith is based on His love.

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever!

Thank you for your prayers for our family and ministry as we walk through challenges and victories.  We really appreciate your participation.

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

1. Church Anniversary.  Thank you for your prayers throughout the years for this church and the continued growth in Dischipleship and Leadership.  Close to 200 people came out to celebrate with us...(read more here).   
2. Bible School Students.  The Winter Quarter is over, the exams are graded, and we’ve had some great conversation about the classes...especially the counseling class! 
3. EL RETO Mission: Las Varas.  Pastor Luis and I along with four students (including our daughter Rebecka) went to a church in Las Varas, Nayarit and shared with them how to work with youth.  We did a mini-RETO on the Saturday and I shared about leadership from Nehemiah at church on Sunday morning.  We enjoyed ourselves and so did they.  There were 22 students who came not knowing what to expect.  They all had lots of fun and we were able to share the gospel with them; most of them do not go to church.  Click here for a short report and quick video. 
4. Music Ministry (Worship). Please pray for the continued growth in the locals as we develop this ministry. 
5. Bookkeeping.  I’m almost finished with getting everything caught up; I made good progress this month.  Thank you for your prayers! 
6. The Mission in Cofradia.  We appreciate your continued prayers for the change that will occur this year. 
7. Mexican Civil Association.  We have an official name for the Civil Association!  “La Cofradia United International” will be our official name as we continue to carry out the Lord’s work in this town of Cofradia and the surrounding areas.  “Cofradia” is literally translated as “Confraternity”.  A Confraternity (brotherhood/sisterhood) is a group of people who set out for a purpose, usually religious or charitable.  It fits really nicely with what we do here.  We are still working on legal paperwork for the Association to be birthed.

Here are some links to more:

• Student Ministry Awards Night: Four students received awards for their enthusiasm, service, leadership, and dedication.  Click here to read the report and see photos (see what family member is amongst the winners!). 
• Last month’s update
• Pastor’s Perspectives: Read reports from three of our Pastors.
• Cofradia’s Short-Term Missions Manual explains more of our mission in detail.

This month, will you please pray for...

1. Bible School.  Prayer for the students as they continue to move forward in their relationship with God.  Prayer for me as I lead and facilitate the classes.  The two classes that we have this Spring Quarter are: Systematic Theology II and The Power of Vision. 
2. Music Ministry (Worship).  Please continue pray for the ongoing growth in the locals as we develop this ministry. 
3. The Mission in Cofradia.  Thank you for your continued prayer for wisdom, discernment, and patience.  Pray that the Lord would guide us to the right people to talk with concerning these changes. 
4. Mexican Civil Association.  Pray for a smooth start-up to the official organization.  As I mentioned, we still have some paperwork to do, but we’re excited about getting the name authorized.

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
SKYPE: “srsilberman”

--- 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.

Awards Night - Student Ministry

This is the tenth year we've held an Awards Night for the Student Ministry.  What initially started as the Oscar Awards event brought to us by Cy-Fair Student Ministry has continued on as we recognize students who have stood out amongst the rest in their service, enthusiasm, leadership ability, and dedication to the Lord's work.

This year, four students received awards:

Enthusiasm Award.  This award goes to the person who shows a lot of spirit in the activities, isn't afraid to participate, and encourages others to join in.  This person is a spark in the youth group.  This year, this award went to...

Kenia Garzón
from Arrayanes

New Generation Award.  This award focusses on the new students who have joined the youth group this year just coming out of Elementary School.  The winner of this award has displayed leadership ability since joining the group and in the future could be part of the Student Leadership Team.  This year, this award went to...

Rebecka Silberman
from Cofradia

Servant Award.  This award goes to the person in the youth group who is always willing to help and shows great leadership within the group.  This person helps others with a selfless, servant attitude.  This year, this award went to...

Keren Vázquez
from Santa Fe

Brave Heart Award.  This award goes to the person who has shown a lot of growth in their walk with the Lord.  They have set examples for others and are willing to serve no matter what the cost.  This year, this award went to...

Martin Garzón
from Arrayanes

Thank you for your prayers and support of the Student Ministry of Centro Cristiano Cofradia.  Home of EL RETO!

CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO THIS STUDENT MINISTRY