 He has two children, Julio Cesar Bertelli Silva (born April 21, 1969) and Sandra Valquiria Bertelli Silva (born August 16, 1970).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.