Archive for September, 2015

Hannah’s Growth in Grace: IMPACT 195

Posted: September 28, 2015 in Christianity, Family Happenings, Prayer
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Hannah & IMPACT 195
Hannah is excited to be starting IMPACT 195

Hannah is excited to be starting IMPACT 195

Our whole family is celebrating this week as our daughter, Hannah just started a discipleship training school at IMPACT 195. It’s so good to see the healing work that the Lord is doing in the life of Hannah.

The yearlong program started this last Tuesday. The first week they hold an open house to welcome in the new students, and those who are exploring the program. Dawn and I attended some of the sessions with Hannah. We were impressed by the quality of the staff. Many of them shared amazing testimonies of how God has changed their lives.

We observed the loving and caring hearts of those that are running the program. It encourages us and gives us increased confidence as Hannah begins her year of training.

God’s Wonderful Provision
Worship is a big priority at IMPACT 195

Worship is a big priority at IMPACT 195

One of the challenges in having Hannah go through this discipleship school was raising the $6,100 tuition. A week before Hannah began she still had over $2,000 to go. It gave us a lot of hope that she raised up as much as she did in about a month.

Then on Tuesday when Hannah and I arrived we spoke with the person in charge of finances and she said that Hannah only needed $120 more.

It brought tears to my eyes as we realized the Lord’s continued and ongoing faithfulness. On Friday I met with a friend, who said he and his wife would cover the last $120.

Praise God for his wonderful provision!

The Lord Hears Our Prayers!
Hannah

Hannah

Hannah’s been through some tough trials over the last year and a half. Many of you prayed for Hannah and for our family. God heard our prayers! He has answered even above and beyond what we could ask or think!

We continue to look to the Lord for the ongoing and beautiful work he is doing in Hannah’s life, and in the life of our family.

Lord, hear our prayer as you use IMPACT 195 in a profound way in Hannah’s life. Continue to draw her closer to you, and to mature as a young woman of faith. To you be all the Honor and Glory!

You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever! —Psalm 30:11,12 ESV

Thanks so much for all the encouraging notes that you have sent us, and all the love you’ve shown us as we’ve walked through this.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnBorder.org

The Church Unleashed in TJ!

Posted: September 21, 2015 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Ministry Partners, Prayer, Tijuana
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A Glorious Sunday of Worship
Dave preaching at LMT Plan Libertador in Rosarito

Dave preaching at LMT Plan Libertador in Rosarito

Today (Sunday) was an invigorating day! It’s so good to see God’s church in action. The church growing, and reaching out to the glory of God!

In the morning I was able to visit and preach at Lo Mejor del Trigo (LMT) Plan Libertador in Rosarito. Victor Bravo pastors this young church, which we helped him and his wife, Sol launch this past March.

Victor and Sol are some of my favorite people. They have so much energy and enthusiasm and it’s plan to see that they love their people and the people love them.

Dave & Pastor Victor Bravo in front of the church

Dave & Pastor Victor Bravo in front of the church

I preached on Christ’s tender invitation to come learn from him, and rest in him from Matthew 11:25-30. I’ve been camped out on that passage for a while now. It was hot in the church today, so I feared the congregation might take my exhortation to rest literally. Fortunately, they stayed awake and I sensed the Lord used His Word to lift up the spirit of the people.

Even though this church is only a few months old they already have about 40 people in their service. Victor and Sol are doing an outstanding job in showing the love of Christ in the community of Plan Libertador. I wish all our church plants would start off like this one is.

That’s our continued prayer. Lord, build your church.

7 Year Milestone at LMT La Morita
Jaime & Valentina on the far right receiving a plaque of recognition for their 7 years of ministry at the church

Jaime & Valentina on the far right receiving a plaque of recognition for their 7 years of ministry at the church

In the afternoon I was able to go to LMT La Morita in Tijuana to celebrate their seventh anniversary. My good friend, pastor Jaime Rodriguez is leading this church. He planted the church with his wife, Valentina in 2008.

Jaime also ministers as the Hispanic pastor of Bridge church in San Diego. I really enjoy working with him. As I’ve said before it’s a real privilege for me to minister with the men and women like Jaime & Valentina and Victor and Sol.

So encouraging to visit these two churches, and see how God’s Spirit is working in each church.

God’s Amazing Work – What a Joy!

When I pray and think about the future and what God wants to do on the border and throughout the Baja I keep being reminded of Ephesians 3:20.

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20, 21 ESV)

I love  the idea of Christ doing far more abundantly than all that we ask or think. It doesn’t only say abundantly, but the passage says far more abundantly. God can and will do more than we can even ask or think of. I don’t know about you, but that gives me hope.

Sometimes I get frustrated when I try to do the ministry in my own strength, or even when I lean on my own understanding too much.

So many wonderful promises in the Bible to keep me going in the right direction, and to remind me who’s in charge.

“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭127:1‬ ‭ESV‬‬
Thanks for praying and standing with us as we minister here, and see God fulfilling his promise to build his church.
In His Grip, Dave

Praying for Breakthrough on the Border!

Posted: September 14, 2015 in Christianity, Ministry, Ministry Partners, Missions, Prayer, Tijuana
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Breakthrough on the Border & the Baja
Celebrating the Lord's Supper at Dios es Amor

Celebrating the Lord’s Supper at Dios es Amor

We are praying for a breakthrough on the border and the Baja. Dawn and I know that for the church to grow, and for God’s kingdom to expand here that his Spirit must work in the heart of men and women. It’s a work that only God can do, but he gives us the privilege to be involved.

It excites us as the Lord opens new doors, and connects us with all the great people who are serving in this part of the world.

Dios es Amor

Today (Sunday) Dawn, David Jr., Hannah and I visited a church called Dios es Amor. It’s a church that’s been around for a while. They have a wonderful facility, but only a remnant remains.

Efrain & Jenny with their two boys

Efrain & Jenny with their two boys

We enjoyed the opportunity to encourage them and be with Pastor Efrain Romero and his wife, Jenny. Efrain and Jenny just started ministering at Dios es Amor. They have a lot of energy and they desire to see the church grow.

Dawn and I have enjoyed getting to know Efrain and Jenny, and we look forward to seeing how God will use them. We look to the Lord for breakthrough and we ask him to awaken this church, and many others. Use our friends, Efrain and Jenny to point many people to the savior.

We realize that there is a need for church renewal and church revitalization as well as church planting.

Hear Our Prayer!
Dave praying during the service for Dios es Amor

Dave praying during the service for Dios es Amor

We already see God doing many encouraging things as he touches lives and brings about transformation. O Lord, that this would be just the beginning of something much greater. Ignite a holy fire in Tijuana, Ensenada, Mexicali, Los Cabos and La Paz (in all of the Baja).

Thank you Lord for hearing our prayer. Continue your holy and amazing work! We know that you will build your church. Continue to open more doors for us, and lead the way!

Thank you Jesus!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

 

 

The Lord is Building His Church in La Paz!

Posted: September 8, 2015 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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The Beginnings of a New Church
Victor & Fanny Gonzalez with their daughter, Xaris

Victor & Fanny Gonzalez with their daughter, Xaris

Dawn, Hannah and I just returned from an amazing week in Los Cabos, La Paz and Puerto Vallarta. The first half of our trip we visited our fellow MTW missionaries Peter and Jenny Boling, and our national church planters Victor and Fanny Gonzalez.

We are thrilled by all God is doing at the southern end of Baja California. The Bolings and the Gonzalez are building a strong foundation for the beginnings of the new church planting project in La Paz.

Victor and Fanny are getting to know the city, the needs, and the people. It takes a lot of time, and it’s imperative as they begin this project. We are praying with them for wisdom and direction.

Pray for Direction for the Bolings
Dave, Dawn and Hannah with Peter & Jenny, Victor, Fanny and Xaris in La Paz

Dave, Dawn and Hannah with Peter & Jenny, Victor, Fanny and Xaris in La Paz

Peter and Jenny Boling play an invaluable role in encouraging them, praying with them and supporting them along the way.

The Bolings are in the process of praying about moving their family from Cabo San Lucas to La Paz, which is about a two-hour drive across the peninsula. They would like to be more directly involved in this new church plant. We are excited about the possibility!

Join us in prayer that the Lord will make clear to the Peter and Jenny what he has for them. At this point they are leaning towards making the move, and we look forward to what God will do. Victor and Fanny are a loving couple and they have many gifts. They will be even stronger and more effective if they have a team to work with them.

Jesus Will Build His Church

It’s not an easy thing to start a church from scratch. The Lord is one who builds his church, so we are looking to him and trusting him.

Jesus said,

And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. —Matthew 16:18

An aerial view of La Paz, Baja California

An aerial view of La Paz, Baja California

The Lord continues this work of building his church. He promises that he will build it, and that the gates of hell shall not be able to contain what God is doing. Our God is greater and more powerful than any force that the enemy would seek to lift up against us. We are in a battle, but we are on the winning side!

Dawn, Hannah and I were grateful we could connect with these two very special families.

We are praying for them, and asking the Lord to do a great work that the city of La Paz will be transformed by the gospel. That the city will be true to it’s name a city full of peace.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org