Archive for January, 2014

Things are Looking Brighter!

Posted: January 31, 2014 in Christianity, Family Happenings, Journey, Reflections & Musings
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There is Hope
David, Hannah & Jon with Daisy having some fun

David, Hannah & Jon with Daisy having some fun

It’s been hard to write about ministry happenings while we’ve been going through this trial. I’ve found it hard to focus, and believe it our not, it’s emotionally draining.

The good news is that things are getting better. We are not out of the woods yet, but there is greater hope! Thank you Jesus for your faithfulness.

Encouragement from Our Friends

I met with my good friend and the lead pastor of Harbor Mid-City church, Stephen Phelan today. The time we spent together was a real encouragement to me. I’m finding as I travel this road that knowing that he and many others are concerned for us and praying for us lifts me up.

The day before I saw Stephen I spent some time with one of my close friends, Tom Steller. Thank you Lord for the special friends who help bear our burdens and walk on this journey with us.

When I was with Stephen I shared with him that we’ve seen the Lord bless us more and bring us more fruit in ministry this last year than we’ve experienced in a while. On the other hand, we’ve also had some huge trials in our family over the last several months.

The Battle & Greater Perspective

It shouldn’t be a surprise that we are in a battle. Our enemy doesn’t play fair. It is also true that we live in a broken sin filled world.

Another friend sent us a couple of inspiring verses that go a long ways in giving us a greater and more positive perspective.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. —Deuteronomy 31:6

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. —John 16:33

Dave, Hannah and Dawn

Dave, Hannah and Dawn

One of the things I like about Jesus’ words in John is that the trials aren’t a surprise to Jesus. He says we will experience tribulation. It’s just a part of life, but he doesn’t leave it there. There is hope, because Christ overcame the world.

Jesus gives us hope. When you feel pummeled by the trials that come your way remember the risen savior. Look to Jesus.

Lord, whenever I am afraid I will trust in you (Psalm 56:3).

God is building his church, and things are looking brighter.

My family and I are grateful for all the support and prayers we’ve received. We definitely do need others. Thank the Lord for the great friends he has given us.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

When You are Down, You Need Others!

Posted: January 27, 2014 in Christianity, Family Happenings, Journey, Ministry, Prayer, Reflections & Musings
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Tempted to Despair
The Sunset on the Pacific

The Sunset on the Pacific

As this trial our family is enduring drags on, I’m tempted to despair. In my weaker moments I do feel like hope is slipping away. Then I need to remind myself of what a wrote a few days ago, When You are Down, Look Up!

Dawn and I are usually in a position of encouraging others. Both of us have gifts in the area of encouragement and exhortation. We love to come alongside our friends and strengthen them.

Reminded that We are Weak

Now we are weak. Now we are at a place where we need people to come alongside us.

It has been encouraging, and it does give us hope knowing that we have so many people both near and far away that love us and are praying for us.

We do need you now!

Promises & Hope Found in Psalm 34

I also seek to follow my own advice by looking to Jesus. There are a number of passages in Psalm 34 that give me hope.

I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. (vs. 4)

This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. (vss. 6, 7)

The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry. (vs. 15)

When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all troubles. The LORD is near the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. (vss. 17, 18)

—Psalm 34:4, 6, 7, 15, 17 & 18 (ESV)

I’m reminded we too are weak people in need of Jesus. I knew that before, but I know it more acutely now. God is good. He will carry us through this.

Hope for the Future

The passage I keep on my desk gives me hope.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plan to give you hope and a future.”

—Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Believe that with me. Thanks for standing with us in prayer. We desperately need prayer and hope during these days!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

P.S. I find it therapeutic to write about what we are going through. I’m purposely not sharing all the details, because of their personal nature. Thanks for your interest and concern for me and my family!

When You are Down, Hold on My Friend!

Posted: January 23, 2014 in Christianity, Family Happenings, Journey, Ministry, Prayer, Reflections & Musings
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Trials Bring Us to Our Knees
The Diaso Family at Christmas!

The Diaso Family at Christmas!

We learn many things when we are going through trials. When we are suffering, or so it seems. It is especially painful when the difficulty involves a family member, someone who we love dearly.

I realize at times we are powerless, or at least it appears that way. All we can do is hang on to God. Cry out to him.

During these trials all kinds of strange thoughts flood our minds. I know that for me, I wonder, why? Why do I have to got through this? How can I get through this, or get out of it?

In my weaker moments the enemy starts chipping away and causing me to doubt God. I might doubt his faithfulness to protect me and my family as we serve him.

Of course, I’m not the first person to encounter trials, nor are my difficulties the greatest that anyone has ever faced.

A Friend’s Journey – Kara Tippetts

Recently, I’ve been following the blog of a friend from Colorado Springs who has been walking through some amazing trials and suffering as she battles cancer. Her name is Kara Tippetts, and her blog is Mundane Faithfulness. Kara and her husband, Jason are planting a church in the western part of Colorado Springs.

She shares some wonderful reflections on all she has gone through during her journey. You might want to check it out.

Jesus Goes Before Me

During this season of life, it does help knowing that God loves me, and he loves my family. I don’t have to know why we are enduring the waves of this storm. I do need to hold onto my Savior. It’s helpful to remember that Christ went before me, and he suffered for me and my family and countless others.

I find comfort in our great high priest, the Son of God, Jesus.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. —Hebrews 4:15,16 (ESV)

Jesus Loves Me

One of the things I have been doing as I visit my daughter, Hannah is sing to her. I’m not a good singer, but I sing, Jesus loves me. It’s that sweet simple reminder that we both need to hear.

I do have hope in Jesus!

Thanks so much for praying for us as we walk through this valley.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

When You are Down, Look Up!

Posted: January 20, 2014 in Christianity, Family Happenings, Journey, Ministry, Prayer, Reflections & Musings
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The Trials of Life
The Diaso Family at Christmas!

The Diaso Family at Christmas!

We’ve been going through a rough and very busy stretch, which has made it about impossible to post anything recently.

I wrote last week about how the battles rages on, as we minister. We were already experiencing some trials in our lives. The friends we minister with have also been faced with some difficult days. Yet, I didn’t expect things to get even harder, but they have.

It’s a reminder that we need people to continue to pray for us, and for protection for our family. The enemy doesn’t play fair. Keep your guard up!

Please pray for the Lord’s sustaining power as we together weather this storm!

Jesus Gives Us Hope, so Look Up!

I’m thankful that God promises to use trials in this life for good. If that were not the case, I’m afraid that I would despair.

The Lord has used some key Bible passages to buoy my spirit during this time.

Isaiah 41:10

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 54:13, 14

All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children. In righteousness you shall be established; you shall be far from oppression, for you shall not fear; and from terror, for it shall not come near you.

The Lord is near during these times that our faith is tested. He will carry us through this, yet we can be tempted to doubt God’s goodness. Remember his many good works, when you doubt.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

God’s Spirit is Stirring in TJ

Posted: January 13, 2014 in Bright Spots on the Border, Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Ministry Partners, Missions, Prayer, Tijuana
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God is Building HIs Church in Tijuana
Dave preaching in El Niño parte alto

Dave preaching in El Niño parte alto

Yesterday was a special day for us! I preached at two different churches in Tijuana, and Dawn and I visited four churches.

My point is not that we should get some special award for the number of churches we visited, but it is encouraging to think that these churches represent the Lord’s work. It also speaks of the relationships that we’ve been able to build during our time here.

We’ve been praying and we continue to pray for a church planting movement. Through our partnership with Harbor north of the border and Lo Mejor del Trigo (The Best of the Wheat) south of the border we are seeing the church grow.

God’s Spirit is Stirring the Hearts of Men & Women
Pastor Eleodoro Rosas praying for those that came up for prayer after the sermon

Pastor Eleodoro Rosas praying for those that came up for prayer after the sermon.

Dawn and I love our friends with Lo Mejor del Trigo. It lifted up my soul to share the Word in El Niño parte alto and La Morita. We sensed the Lord’s Spirit moving in a special way during the service touching the lives of the men, women and children that were there.

I don’t always have a strong sense of the Holy Spirit’s presence during worship, but I did yesterday. Maybe that is more, because of me than the services I’m regularly at. Yet I do think there are times when God’s Spirit comes on us in worship in a more powerful way.

Worship at La Morita

Worship at Lo Mejor del Trigo in La Morita

I pray that we will see more of an outpouring of God’s grace and HIs Spirit at work as we worship and serve him.

The prophet Zechariah said,

Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit says the LORD of hosts. —Zechariah 4:6b

We recognize as Zechariah says it’s not by how great we are, or the talents we have but by the Spirit of the LORD of hosts! Isn’t it wonderful to serve such a great and mighty God!?!

Give Testimony of God’s Mighty Deeds

One of the ways that we are to encourage one another is by giving testimony to how God is working. I would love to hear your stories.

How have you seen God working in your life and through your church?

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

The Battle Rages

Posted: January 10, 2014 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Ministry Partners, Missions, Prayer
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Connecting with Pastors and Their Wives
Abraham and Martha with Dawn and Dave

Abraham and Martha with Dawn and Dave

In the last two days Dawn and I have reconnected with some of the pastors and church planters that we are ministering with.

Last year at this time we hardly knew Abraham and Martha Velazquez and Rodrigo and Nancy Vallarta. We’ve grown to love them, and we look forward to our times with them. It’s exciting to hear what God is doing in their lives, which impacts the churches that they are pastoring.

The Battle Rages on as the Gospel Goes Forth
Pastor Rodrigo with his wife, Nancy and their children

Pastor Rodrigo with his wife, Nancy and their children in front of their church

One of the things that we’ve noticed is as our friends are growing, that the enemy is attacking them in various ways. On the one hand when we see opposition, we know that we are going in the right direction. As someone has said, dogs don’t bark at parked cars.

Even though the battle rages, we are experiencing victory on a number of fronts. What God is doing on the border through these churches is so encouraging.

The Importance of Prayer in the Battle

We are reminded as the attacks come to stand firm and to pray. Please pray with us. We are on the winning side, but we know we need prayer protection.

The Church Stands Victorious in Christ

I love Jesus’ promise in regards to his protection as the church marches forth, and as His kingdom expands.

…on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.  —Matthew 16:18b ESV

Thanks for standing with us in prayer. We need prayer protection, and so do those that we are ministering with.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

A New Journey Begins!

Posted: January 6, 2014 in Bright Spots on the Border, Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Ministry Partners, Prayer, Tijuana
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God’s Continued Work in 2014
Dave with Pastor Ivan, Pastor Jose Luis and Pastor Daniel Nuñez

Dave with Pastor Ivan, Pastor Jose Luis and Pastor Daniel Nuñez on the new church plant site

I’m still reflecting some on all that God did in 2013. The Lord’s mighty deeds encourage my heart, and I hope it will lift your spirits as well.

One of the projects that we began in 2013 that I’m very excited about going into 2014 is a new church plant in Tijuana. We are working with Daniel Nuñez (Lo Mejor del Trigo, “The Best of the Wheat“) and Harbor to start a new work in Valle Verde. The pastor of this new work is Ivan Casados.

We’ve had some set backs in getting this project up and running, but our hope is to get this new church off to a strong start in the next month or so.

Pray For God to Bring Things Together

We appreciate your prayers for pastor Ivan Casados and his wife, Rocio as they lead this new work. Pray God brings all the resources together, so we can move this church plant forward.

One of the reasons that I get stoked about church planting is that as C. Peter Wagner has said,

“Church Planting is the best methodology of evangelism under the sun.”          Church Planting for a Greater Harvest (Ventura, Calif.: Regal Books, 1990), 11.

A Changed Life
Pastor Ivan Casados with the land for the new church site behind him

Pastor Ivan Casados with the land for the new church site behind him

I love the stories of changed lives that come from our church planters.

Ivan shared this story with me lately of someone who his wife, Rocio reached out to. Rocio went out with a group from the church to visit neighbors in the community where they are starting the new church. Rocio met Veronica, and asked her if she could pray for her. Veronica said she was nervous about her upcoming back surgery.

Rocio prayed and Veronica felt God’s peace which gave her strength and carried her through the operation. Through the witness of Rocio and the prayer and loving support of the church Veronica gave her life to Jesus. Then her husband, Saul and her son, Samuel came to Christ. Now they are becoming an integral part of the church.

Pray for many more people like Veronica and Saul to come to know the Savior, and see their lives transformed. We’d love to see the Lord do a mighty work through this church in 2014 and beyond!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

God is Building His Church in Baja!

Posted: January 2, 2014 in Christianity, Church Planting, God's Leading, Ministry, Ministry Partners, Missions, Prayer, Reflections & Musings, Team Members
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The Expansion of the Church into Baja
Peter and Jenny Boling are in the middle with Dawn and Dave and Yolanda's mom on the left and Sophie (our intern), Yolanda and Daniel and Camila Nuñez on the right

Peter and Jenny Boling (middle) with Dawn and Dave and Yolanda’s mom (left) and Sophie (our summer intern – middle right), Yolanda and Daniel and Camila Nuñez (right)

One of the things that I’m most excited about as I look back on 2013 is the expansion of our team and missions presence. The Lord opened the door for us to begin working with Peter and Jenny Boling!

They are missionaries with Mission to the World (MTW). Peter and Jenny were ministering in Bogotá, Colombia, but they felt God tugging at their hearts and calling them to Los Cabos in Baja California.

Dawn and I are thrilled to work alongside the Bolings, and have them join our team. The only complication I’ve had is that I’ve called our team the San Diego-Tijuana team, so now we have to adjust some 🙂 . Although I always thought of it as San Diego-Tijuana and beyond!

God’s Answer for More Workers and Ministry Expansion
A map of Baja California Sur Municipalities hi...

A map of Baja California Sur Municipalities highlighting Los Cabos. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It’s thrilling to have more workers, which is one of the answers to prayer that we’ve seen this past year. We are so excited to see our missionary force expanding! Lord, please continue your work and send even more laborers.

Peter and Jenny moved to Los Cabos in September, and they are already connecting with ministries at the tip of Baja. The Bolings are caring and loving servants, who are full of grace. I believe that the Lord will use them in a powerful way in 2014 and into the future.

Peter was saved out of a gangs and a wayward life. This has given him a tremendous platform to minister to those that are caught up in a lifestyle of drug addiction, alcohol and gang warfare. One of the ministries that Peter has connected with has an effective outreach to those in gangs. Many gang members are coming to Christ and growing in their faith.

The Lord set the Bolings up in 2013, which allows us to be in prime position to start a new church planting project in La Paz in mid-2014. It’s amazing to see how the Lord brings things together.

Join Us In Prayer for the Bolings & the New Church Plant
Peter Boling sharing his testimony at Fuente de Vida mission

Peter Boling sharing his testimony at Fuente de Vida mission

We appreciate your prayers for Peter and Jenny as we begin to work on this new project. The Bolings are still in the process of getting rolling themselves. One of the things we still need is a Mexican National church planter to lead the project. We hope to identify one by the end of March.

Pray that the Lord will bring all the loose pieces together. Our desire is to honor him and see people won to Christ through this new church. Those that come into the church will become mature followers of Jesus, and as the Lord brings the increase we will see more churches started.

I feel that we need a lot of wisdom as we set the church plant up. There are a number of things that still need to fall in place.

Please join us in lifting these needs up to the Lord!

In HIs Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

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