Archive for May, 2012

New Life on the Border in Rosarito!

Posted: May 31, 2012 in Bright Spots on the Border, Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Ministry Partners, Missions, Prayer, San Diego, Tijuana, Video
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Daniel Nuñez and Ray Call on land before the church was built

Daniel Nuñez and Ray Call on land before the church was built

This Sunday Lo Mejor de Trigo (The Best of the Wheat) will hold their first church service in Rosarito, Mexico. Pastor Leo Navarez will lead the church in their new building.

We are excited with them, because it represents new life and being a light for the gospel in Rosarito! We are also enthused because Harbor Presbyterian Church helped pastor Daniel Nuñez and pastor Leo Navarez to build the church.

We are praying that this Sunday, June 3rd will be a great time of celebration! Join us in prayer that the Lord uses pastor Leo, and the ministry of Lo Mejor del Trigo to be a blessing to their community.

This is the 13th church that Daniel has planted with Lo Mejor del Trigo. It’s the first one that Harbor Presbyterian has partnered with them to plant. We pray that it is the first of many!

Check out the video that Danny Kim put together on the Harbor – Lo Mejor del Trigo project. You will see the finished product, and some of those involved.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeontheBorder.org

The End of an Era for BEAMM

Posted: May 30, 2012 in Christianity, Church Planting, God's Leading, Missions, Prayer, San Diego, Team Members, Tijuana
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Gene and LuAnn Bowman

Gene and LuAnn Bowman

While I was in Juarez, Mexico for our BEAMM team meetings two weeks ago Gene Bowman gave a surprise announcement. Gene, who has the BEAMM coordinator for the last nine years announced that he and LuAnn would be resigning. It was a tearful resignation followed by surprise and sorrow in the room.

God used Gene and LuAnn to build the ministry of BEAMM over the last nine years. The ministry grew under Gene’s leadership. We celebrate how God used them. The border ministry is not an easy one. We face many challenges in seeking to make a difference for the kingdom on the border.

Gene expressed that over the past two years they’ve had a growing sense of divine discontent.

Since Dawn and I have changed ministries three times I know what this is like. When God calls us to a place, He doesn’t always call us their for the duration of our ministry.

BEAMM team in Juarez, Mexico

The BEAMM team in Juarez, Mexico

Personally I enjoyed working with Gene, and I will be sad to see him go. Yet, I understand it’s not good to stay in a place too long when God is moving you on. Since I was there when Gene shared he and LuAnn’s pending change, I was the first to offer him a new ministry opportunity. I let him know that he’d be welcome to work with us on the San Diego – Tijuana border. 😉

Gene visited Ray Call and me in San Diego last week. It was a wonderful visit that we had planned before he made this decision. So I not only was able to show him what we are doing, and who we are working with, but I was able to entice him to consider ministering with us. Because Gene is very gifted, and he and LuAnn make a good team he’s already had a number of offers. He told me that he’s not going to seriously consider where the Lord might be leading them next until September.

Please pray with us for Gene and LuAnn as they enter into this time of transition. Praise the Lord for their faithful years of service and how He has used them for His glory on the border.

So what does Gene’s leaving mean for Dawn and me and our work on the San Diego – Tijuana border?

Larry Trotter leading our BEAMM meeting

Larry Trotter, who is Mission the World’s Mexico country coordinator asked me to lead the San Diego – Tijuana team. I will report to Larry. This is an interesting development, because Larry and Sandy arrived in Mexico City about a year before Dawn and me. We’ve known them a long time. They are very gifted cross-cultural church planters and leaders. We look forward to working more closely with them again!

While disappointed that Gene and LuAnn are resigning from their post, we are excited about what lies ahead. I believe the Lord will lead them to a place that is a good ministry fit for them. I continue to be amazed by how the Lord is working, and the awesome things He is doing on the border.

It takes time for all the things to come together that we would like to see, but God is moving. He is working! This gives us great hope, even in changing times!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeontheBorder.org

Good News, Mom! Hope Found in Tijuana: It’s a Model City

Posted: May 26, 2012 in Bright Spots on the Border, Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, San Diego, Tijuana
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Tijuana

I’m on a layover flying back from the San Diego – Tijuana border, and I just read of the increasing safety in Tijuana. I know some of the risks I’ve taken have caused my mom and other concerned parties some anxiety. It’s great to get news that may calm your fears.

I was at Covenant Presbyterian in Bakersfield this last Sunday, and I told them that I feel alive when I’m in Mexico. It gives me energy, and I just love being there. I noticed as I said this that a number of them smiled at me, but it appeared they were smiling because they thought I must be crazy. Well, be that as it may, things are looking up on the border!

Nathan Jones just wrote an article that appeared in InSightCrime.org on the increasing safety in Tijuana. He stated, that Tijuana has actually become a model city in Mexico, because the crime has been reduced to pre-cartel lows. The article is titled, Tijuana’s New Calm Shows Benefits of Local Policing in Mexico. Jones goes on to say,

“Tijuana is the only place in Mexico where drug-related violence has surged and subsequently fallen to pre-conflict levels. While the government response cannot take full credit for the reduction in violence, it most certainly played a role, and that effort was not led by a federal police force.”

Hannah, Dawn and Dave in TJ

About one month ago I took Dawn and Hannah down to Tijuana and Rosarito with our friends, Daniel and Yolanda Nuñez. We had a great time, and I never felt threatened.

So come on down to the border and labor with us. The need for Jesus is just as great, but it’s a safer place to be.

This is good news for all of us! Praise the Lord!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeontheBorder.org

Blessed Kingdom Visits!

Posted: May 25, 2012 in Christianity, Church Planting, God's Leading, Ministry, Ministry Partners, Missions, Prayer, San Diego, Team Members, Tijuana
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Ray, Zach and Gene

Ray, Zach and Gene

Over the last few days while I’ve been in San Diego we’ve had some wonderful people visiting us. Gene Bowman, BEAMM‘s coordinator is with us until Friday. Kelly and Kate Mulholland missionaries with Cru to Ireland were with us on Tuesday and Wednesday. Zach Lutz, our intern just arrived!

Ray Call and I have been able to introduce Gene, Kelly and Kate to a number of people we are working with. I love being able to connect people. Seeing them get excited as they learn what God is doing on the border.

It’s Gene’s first visit with us. Gene and LuAnn are beginning to make some transitions in ministry themselves, but even with that I’ve been overjoyed to have him meet our ministry partners. It’s been exciting for all of us to see the Lord at work. God is definitely on the move in this great bi-national city of San Diego – Tijuana. We long to see him do more, and touch this city socially, culturally and spiritually.

Dave with Kelly and Kate Mulholland

Dave with Kelly and Kate Mulholland

Dawn and I know Kelly and Kate from Village Seven Presbyterian Church in Colorado Springs. It’s been a special treat to have them meet our friends and see what we are doing. They have faithfully served the Lord in Spain and are now serving in Ireland. I always enjoy connecting with friends and fellow missionaries. We love Kelly and Kate, and we pray the Lord’s rich and special blessing as they love and serve Him!

Who knows maybe someday the Lord will give us the privilege and opportunity to serve Him together on the border. We keep praying for the Lord to build our team, to bring workers. We trust that He will draw the right people at the right time!

Thank you Jesus for your holy and powerful work. Thank you for giving us such outstanding partners and friends. We couldn’t do this work without the encouragement of so many friends.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeontheBorder.org

Zach Arrives!

Posted: May 23, 2012 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer, San Diego, Team Members, Tijuana
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Dave, Zach and Ray

Dave, Zach and Ray

Our first intern, Zach Lutz arrived tonight, Wednesday evening. He’s kicking off a three-month internship with us. We are thrilled to have him. We also look forward to meeting Emily Gryder later this summer. She will arrive on July 7th. Our son, David Diaso Jr. will work with us towards the end of the summer and through the school year.

I just met Zach for the first time, but from what I can tell of him he is a friendly and relational guy. He enjoys connecting with people. It will be exciting to see how the Lord works in and through Zach this summer.

Zach first started coming to the border on short-term projects when he was 12. God has used these trips to deeply impact his life, which is one of the reasons he chose to do this internship with us.

Pray with us that he has a great experience, and that the Lord uses his time with us this summer in a powerful way. He has an interest in ministry, and we know there is a huge need for workers!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeontheBorder.org

The Spirit Breaks Through in Bakersfield

Posted: May 22, 2012 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Ministry Partners, Missions, Prayer, San Diego, Tijuana
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Dave preaching at Covenant Presbyterian Church

Dave preaching at Covenant Presbyterian Church

On Sunday I had the privilege of speaking in Sunday School and preaching at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Bakersfield. The Lord really showed up. I left filled up. Thank you, Jesus!

I preached on Matthew 9:35-38 while weaving in Luke 15. Luke 15 speaks of the lost coin, the lost sheep and the lost son. Matthew 9 explains how Christ was going through the towns and villages proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing people. This affected Jesus’ heart. He had compassion on the people as he saw their sorry state. Then he asked the disciples to pray:

” The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

This is a great missionary passage. It’s a truth that still rings true today. The harvest is still plentiful and there is still a huge need for workers.

Dave with Pastor Randy Martin

Dave with Pastor Randy Martin

I’ve preached this sermon before, but for some reason this last Sunday God moved in my heart in a special way. His Spirit touched me, and I sensed that He was at work in the hearts of those that came. I saw some with tears in their eyes. Now I don’t usually have that effect on people, so I know it was God’s Spirit at work. I praise the Lord that He would use me to touch others for His glory.

I love Charles Spurgeon. He is a master in the way he crafts his words. He describes things in picturesque fashion. I shared one of his quotes and the Lord used it to minister to me and the people. I’ve read this quote before, but as I read it I got emotional, which doesn’t happen very often. Also I could see that some of the people were teary eyed.

This is the quote, and I hope the Lord will minister to you through it as well. As you read it think of how great God’s love is for you personally as well as those prodigals you may know. Spurgeon is referring to the scene when the prodigal returns to his father. The title of the Sermon is, “Many kisses for returning sinners.”

Think of yourself as well as I you read this – look at how much God loves you!

“In this repeated kissing we see, then, these three things: much love, much forgiveness, and full restoration.

Let me try to describe the scene. The father has kissed the son, and he bids him sit down; then he comes in front of him, and looks at him, and feels so happy that he says, “I must give you another kiss,” then he walks away a minute; but he is back again before long, saying to himself, “Oh, I must give him another kiss!” He gives him another, for he is so happy. His heart beats fast; he feels very joyful; the old man would like the music to strike up; he wants to be at the dancing; but meanwhile he satisfies himself by a repeated look at his long-lost child. Oh, I believe that God looks at the sinner, and looks at him again, and keeps on looking at him, all the while delighting in the very sight of him, when he is truly repentant, and comes back to his Father’s house.”

Isn’t it wonderful to be loved by our amazing Father? Isn’t it an amazing love?

In His Grip, Dave

P.S. Please be in prayer for me this week as I meet with many of our ministry partners on the border.

DiasoLifeontheBorder.org

Idols and Jesus in Venice

Posted: May 19, 2012 in Christianity, Church Planting, Journey, Ministry, Missions, Prayer, Reflections & Musings
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Santa Monica Beach

Santa Monica Beach

I left early this morning for Los Angeles. I don’t necessarily like to fly out so early, but the ticket was much cheaper that way, so I did it. Since I arrived in LA at 8 AM, and I didn’t need to be in Bakersfield until this evening I took advantage of it and spent some time at Santa Monica Beach.

I love the beach. When I see the vastness of the ocean it reminds me of how big and awesome our God is!

I was struck by something else as I walked from Santa Monica Beach to Venice Beach. All the people! All the needy people! There is a mixture of those who are exercising, relaxing, bumming and making a living. I encountered some odd and interesting characters. One guy had a big flag with a marijuana plant on it. I took a picture of him. I thought, “this is California at it’s finest,” or at least I thought it was funny. The guy didn’t like me taking a picture so he gave me a not so nice gesture.

In every culture there are small ‘g’ gods. Things people make an idol out of. I did see some literal idols, and paintings of spiritual beings. These are indeed spiritual people. For some their idol is their body, or maybe their health. It’s sad, but we all struggle with making idols out of even good things. Someone has said that our hearts are idol factories!

Tomorrow I will be preaching on Matthew 9:35-38 at Covenant Presbyterian in Bakersfield, California. Verses 35 and 36 say,

“And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When Jesus saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”

The guy in Venice promoting his cause

The guy in Venice promoting his cause

While I was at the beach I took a break and went over my sermon notes, and the last part of this passage really hit me. As Jesus was among the people he saw their crying need. He saw they were harassed and helpless. Not only were they a needy people, but they didn’t have anyone to care for them. They were like helpless, hapless sheep without a shepherd.

I thought, “wow! That’s a pretty good description of what I’m seeing here. Many people in need.” If we want to have the compassion Jesus had, we just need to open our eyes. Look at those around you. I’m sure you will find many who are distressed.

Jesus felt deeply for the people. He proclaimed the good news of the gospel of the kingdom. This makes me ask, is the gospel we are proclaiming good news? Gospel means good news, but do those we share it with feel like it’s good news? Are we distorting the good news? I sure do hope and pray that as I’m sharing the gospel, that it is truly good news to those that receive it.

Then Jesus asks his disciples to pray for workers to be thrust out into the harvest field. The needs are so great, and the workers are so few!

This is one more reason we need your prayers. One more reason we need workers. O Lord, hear our prayer and send workers to labor with us on the border, and beyond!

What is your response to the questions I am asking here?

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeontheBorder.org

Healing in Juarez!

Posted: May 18, 2012 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer, San Diego, Team Members, Tijuana
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Iglesia Promesa de Vida in Juarez - Promise of Life Church

Iglesia Promesa de Vida in Juarez – Promise of Life Church

I just returned from my time in Juarez, Mexico. Our BEAMM team met there for two days. Larry Trotter, MTW‘s new Mexico director joined us. It was a great experience to meet with all my co-workers. We have a combination of Mexicans and Americans working on our team.

It’s so good to learn how God is working along the border! The border is a tough place. It’s been in the news mucho. And unfortunately, most of the news is bad. Yet, in reality the border is becoming much safer. The situation in Juarez, Tijuana and other border cities has improved dramatically! Praise God and we pray that it will continue to get better. I do believe God’s doing a healing work in Juarez.

One of our workers, Juan Antonio Garcia shared how their church, “Promesa de Vida” (Promise of Life) is growing in Juarez. They just started a second service. The Lord has opened a door to minister to the community through serving lunches to children two times a week. They’ve also just launched a new church plant, “Frontera y Gracia” (Border and Peace). The new church is located right near the border.

Juan Arjona and Dave in Juarez

Juan Arjona and Dave in Juarez

Juan Arjona, who is ministering in Escondido, California shared about his church plant and community outreach. Juan’s church has faced some struggles financially, but the Lord is providing. There are 20,000 people who live in one square mile around where his church, “Misión Nueva Vida,” (New Life Mission) meets. Most of these homes are run by single mothers. There is a high unemployment rate, and 75% of the income of those with work goes to rent. Misión Nueva Vida distributes five tons of food to 200 people every Saturday. They are being a light in a dark place. They are bringing hope to the hopeless.

It’s not easy to work on the border, but it’s so uplifting to see God’s hand at work. Sure we’d love to see even more, and we do pray that greater things are yet to come. Join us in prayer for God’s guiding hand!

In His Grip, Dave

P.S. (I) Dave leave Saturday morning for Los Angeles. I will preach at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Bakersfield on Sunday, then be in ministry meetings all week in San Diego next week. Pray for a fruitful trip!

DiasoLifeontheBorder.org

Is There Hope for Juarez, Mexico?

Posted: May 15, 2012 in Christianity, Church Planting, Family Happenings, Ministry, Ministry Partners, Missions, Prayer, Team Members
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Mexico Border Crossing

Mexico Border Crossing

After a busy and fun-filled weekend celebrating my daughter, Hannah’s graduation I find myself in El Paso, Texas ready to go into Juarez, Mexico. My dad flew back to Fresno, California about the same time I got on my plane for my journey to El Paso.

Tuesday morning we will kick off two days of meetings for most of our BEAMM workers. Border Evangelism and Mercy Ministries (BEAMM) spans along the 2,000 mile US/Mexico border. We have people working in such cities as: McAllen, TX; Reynosa, Mexico; Laredo, TX; Nuevo Laredo, Mexico; El Paso, TX; Juarez, Mexico; Nogales, AZ; Nogales, Mexico; San Diego, CA; Tijuana, Mexico. The BEAMM ministry began over 20 years ago in Juarez, and it’s grown over the years.

Our prayer is that God would so ignite the border that we would see a church planting movement started that will transform the border, socially, culturally and spiritually. Please join us in this prayer. We realize that only God can change a person’s heart. Only God can bring true and lasting transformation.

We are meeting in Juarez, Mexico. A city with a bad rap. A city in need of the gospel. This bad rap has been earned over the last few years with all the violence and crime. Yet things have gotten better, and we do have teammates that are regularly ministering in Juarez. I don’t mean to minimize the great needs of the city, but it is not a city without hope.

“But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.”  — Jeremiah 29:7

Ray and Dave at Border Crossing

Ray and Dave at Border Crossing

God calls us to seek the welfare of the city. I pray that not only will the Lord bless our meetings as we discuss vision, and how the Lord is leading us to minister on the border, but that we will bless the city. Stand with us in this prayer.

Do pray for our safety, as well as unity. “O, Lord, give us your eyes to see. Give us your ears to hear. What are you calling us to do? What are the specific needs that you are calling us to meet? Fill us with boldness and the power of your Spirit.

What do you think, is there hope for Juarez?

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeontheBorder.org

A Graduation Celebration: Hannah Elizabeth Diaso!

Posted: May 13, 2012 in Christianity, Family Happenings, Journey, Ministry, Reflections & Musings
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Hannah and friends singing during her graduation ceremony

Hannah and friends singing during her graduation ceremony

Yesterday our daughter, Hannah Elizabeth Diaso graduated from high school. It was a wonderful time and a joyous celebration!

Hannah’s grandparents, Chivis from Mexico City, as well as some dear friends enjoyed the ceremony with us. I thanked my dad for coming out from Fresno, California. He said, “I couldn’t miss my granddaughter’s graduation.” Thank the Lord for loving and faithful family and friends.

The kids, young adults that Hannah graduated with are all very creative. They worked with some of the parents to plan out a touching, meaningful and fun program. One of my friends who has younger girls said it was like a whole year of Sunday School. His girls look up to the graduates and they saw their faith and love for Christ shine through in living color.

Dawn and I gave a short charge to Hannah. Dawn received many positive comments about how articulate she was. She shared some very heart warming blessings with our daughter and all who came.

Here’s an excerpt from Dawn’s speech,

Proverbs 31 states, “You are a young woman of noble character. Your worth is far more than rubies!” The character of the Proverbs 31 woman very much describes you: You are faithful, generous, creative, caring, gracious, virtuous, a woman of moral strength of character. You are diligent and disciplined. You are elegant and beautiful. You are respectful and respected. You are clothed with strength and dignity. You speak with wisdom and faithful instruction.

I applaud you Hannah for having as your main goal to glorify God in your thoughts, attitudes and actions. Bringing glory to God through loving and serving others is more important to you than the achievements that bring you praise from man.

In closing, as you continue to seek God’s leading in your life, remember the wise words of Frederick Buechner, “The place where God calls you is the place where your deep happiness and the world’s deep hunger meet.”

The Graduates leading us in Worship - Hosanna!

The Graduates leading us in Worship – Hosanna!

I broke down a little as I shared. I was afraid that was going to happen. Jeff Siebert, a friend who has three girls warned me a couple of years ago, “wait till your daughter graduates.” I remember thinking he did a great job getting through his speech when he shared about his love for his daughter, Mackenzi. He got emotional during the speech, but he made it through. As a side note, I think MacKenzi just graduated from college at Patrick Henry College yesterday.

Well, I must admit it was hard to get through my speech, and maintain my composure.

My little daughter graduated. She’s grown up before my eyes. It’s hard to believe. She’s the last of our three children to graduate from high school. It’s the end of an era. The end of the homeschooling chapter in our lives. Wow! I can’t believe it. At times I didn’t think we’d make it through, but in God’s grace we did.

Congratulations Hannah!

Thank you, Jesus for the wonderful godly young woman Hannah has become. Thank you for the community of friends and family that stood with us, supported us, prayed for us and helped us along the way!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeontheBorder.org

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