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...

1. 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. 
2. 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. 
3. 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. 
4. 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...

1. 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. 
2. The ministry in Cofradia as they continue to move forward. They are doing great! 
3. 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)
4. 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. 

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

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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.

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Pastor Gregorio Hernández
Lead Pastor of Centro Cristiano Cofradia
Cofradia, Nayarit

Individual Donation Link

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

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Pastor Luis Vazquez
Centro Cristiano Cofradia Student Ministries
Maintenance Director
Cofradia Dwellings Director
Cofradia, Nayarit

Individual Donation Link

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

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Pastor Horacio Garzón
Indigenous Ministries
Centro Cristiano Arrayanes Facilitator

Cofradia, Nayarit

Individual Donation Link

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

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Martin Garzón
Missionary to Cora Indians
From Arrayanes, Nayarit

La Mesa del Nayar, Nayarit

Individual Donation Link

Report Unavailable

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Pastor Amado Verdin

Lead Pastor of Casa de Oración, La Hermosa

Director of Rehabilitation Center, El Faro de Esperanza

Rosamorada, Nayarit

Restoration Center Donation Link

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.

***UPDATE SINCE THIS REPORT***

As of 3/18/20, Pastor Amado has received an intern and is actively working with them at this time.

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Pastor Frank Uribe

Children Feeding Program Director

Centro Cristiano Arrayanes Facilitator

Rosamorada, Nayarit

Donation Link (Indicate for "Pastor Frank")

Report Unavailable

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Pastor Ruben Perez

Lead Pastor of Restauración y Vida Nueva

Church Plant Pastor in Mazatan, Nayarit

Las Varas, Nayarit

Donation Link (Indicate for "Pastor Ruben")

Report Unavailable