"Often times you hear the Lord works in mysterious ways and in this case I believe more than ever." Said Margie Miller, Publisher of the City News Group, Inc.
Miller is turning over the reins of her 6 weekly newspapers to M’Liss Silva. "I never thought this day would come, I love publishing these newspapers! I love serving these communities, highlighting all the good things people accomplish and the people that make it happen in the Inland Empire."
So for Miller to turn over the reins of the City News Group is truly an act of God.
Miller was in Missouri playing cards with her dad, who has mesothelioma lung cancer and doesn't have much time to live. Enjoying those precious moments is the most important thing to her at this time. In fact she was on her knees the night before praying that she could spend more time with her dad. Suddenly the phone rang and it was M’Liss, "I need to talk with you as soon as possible I am finished with the corporate life and God has put in my heart and given me a vision I want to discuss with you."
M’Liss shared with Margie “I like the concept of a safe, secure, and family-minded environment that a small business like City News Group affords. I have a love for this Inland Empire community just like you and I believe that by joining forces, we can exponentially increase our outreach and its effectiveness. With my corporate background, training, and organizational skills, and the solid foundation you have built by putting your heart and soul into City News for the past 12 years, together we can take the paper to new heights. I am loyal and determined, and I don’t quit. I know God has brought us together for a reason. Whatever you need for me to do, I’m ready to be an entrepreneur!”
Although Silva does not have a journalistic background neither did Miller when she started. What Miller had was a sincere desire to serve. “What I saw in M’Liss is a strong desire to serve and make a difference in people’s lives, she has made an impact on my life and has helped me grow closer to God.” Said Miller
Miller has served on many committees and donated much of her time over the last 12 years to help others grow and to comfort the afflicted. She has served on several boards; among her favorites are Ronald McDonald House, Santa Claus Inc., Salvation Army, and The Unforgettables. Miller has received numerous awards, certificates and accolades; among them was Citizen of the Year from the Loma Linda Chamber of Commerce in 2013, and a Certificate of Recognition as Exceptional Businesswoman, Volunteer, and Community Leader from San Bernardino County Supervisor Josie Gonzalez, as well as Woman of the Year from Senator Mike Morrel.
Although Silva has not received the awards and accolades that Miller has "Silva has accomplished more in the eyes of the Lord and with a humble heart" according to Miller.
Silva is an active member of Church of Fire in Christ-Praise Chapel, Grand Terrace. She is a part of The Women on Fire for Christ ministry team, as well as supporting her husband on The Street Team ministry. They also open up their home to host a bible study “Friday Night Light,” Friday evenings at 7pm. They are kingdom and community minded with hearts and minds to serve.
When asked about her personal life M’Liss beamed as she talked about her family “I am married to a wonderful man of God, Carlos Silva Jr. who loves God, family, and God’s people with the love of Christ and continually pushes me to be all that God wants me to be. Together we are raising 3 awesome young men of God who have persevered through life’s circumstances to make us extremely proud. Manuel- age 17, a tri-sport scholar athlete and Junior at GTHS, Marcos- 15, a skilled engineer in the making with a heart for people and a love for the military, and Carlos Luke, the cutest one-year-old God could send, a true blessing!”
Silva and Miller have so much in common... First and foremost their true desire to serve, their faith in God and each other. But here are some fun facts; they both were born at St. Bernadine's hospital in San Bernardino of course several years apart. They are both lifetime residences of the Inland Empire. They both attended San Bernardino Valley College and then went on to higher education.
Silva graduated high school from Colton High School, attended Occidental College, and San Bernardino Valley College; she pursued a career in sports medicine then moved onto quality assurance working her way up the corporate ladder in the food manufacturing industry. "...always knowing that God would be my guide and lead me, I came to a turning point in my life when I no longer desired to work for corporate and began to pray for a new opportunity.” explained Silva “God began to answer my prayers in a strange way…His way.”
Silva met Miller when Silva was referred to Miller - a real estate broker with over 35 years of experience.
“My husband came home one day with a card from a realtor Margie Miller of Miller Associates. I reluctantly called the number on the card and she answered. We set up an appointment for a couple days later. We were greeted by a well-dressed woman with kind eyes and a warm smile. She welcomed us into her office and seated us in a tidy conference room. The feeling there was very comforting and warm. As she began to give us some background on herself and her experience, I began to feel at ease. I knew this woman was a Godsend in our lives. We didn’t know then just how much God would change our lives.
“She was able to discern how discouraged we were and she was willing to do anything she could to help our situation. From that day on, God began to intertwine our lives and our families to build something more than each one of us could have ever thought.” shared M’Liss
God sent someone with wisdom and determination to help us and we found our home.” M’Liss continued “ Jim and Margie became surrogate Grandparents to our boys, as well as securing a very special place in the heart of my husband and I. This is just like the family I have always desired.”
M’Liss followed up with “I am overjoyed that God brought Margie and Jim into our lives through Real Estate but for a greater purpose...a family. I am excited to see what the Lord has in store for our family...individually and collectively. "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11.
Miller shared “The Silva family took me in as one of their own; they were always there to lend a helping hand where ever needed. Always available to help out around the newspaper, writing articles for events they had attended even maintenance and repairs by a very busy Carlos Sr. who spends every available moment preaching the Gospel. More importantly, M’Liss guided me in Bible studies, teaching me the real meaning of the Lord’s prayer and how to use the Armor of God. Having weekly bible studies strengthened our relationship.”
M’Liss also shared, “Margie and I are very similar in many ways; caring, wise women who are willing to invest our time and efforts just to see, our family, our friends, those in need, our community, and I’d go so far as to say all those God sends our way by divine appointment, to benefit and prosper.”
“Through this long humbling journey, we watched God move on our behalf. We are grateful and thankful for those He placed in our path to come along side us and become a very special part of the family we always desired. It turns out it was just the beginning of the next leg of our journey.”