ordained to the ministry february 27, 1977, silva rose through the denominational structure serving as a colporteur leader, then youth leader of the são paulo field, then youth leader of the brazilian union and eventually corporate secretary for the brazilian union. during the general conference delegation session held in bushkill, pensilvannia, in 1979, he was recognized for his service by being elected to the position of worldwide youth director for the denomination. from 1987 to 1995 he served as regional secretary for south america.