About Us

Dawn and I walk on this winding road of faith together

Dawn and I are seeking to share the love of Christ wherever we are, and whenever the Lord opens the door!

My wife, Dawn and I, Dave have served in ministry/missions since 1982. We met while Dawn was on staff with Campus Crusade for Christ, now Cru and Dave was a student at Cru’s seminary in San Bernardino, California. Dave joined Mission to the World (MTW) in 1988 and Dawn joined him when they were married in 1989. We lived in Mexico City over a period of 10 years (1990-2000) with our three children, David, Jr., Jonathan and Hannah. Dawn and I were involved in evangelism and discipleship, planting new churches. We also worked with a number of short-term teams and interns. Things that we are still passionate about today!

Now we live on the U.S./Mexico (San Diego-Tijuana) border. The Lord has given us a vision to ignite church planting movements through training and coaching. We are praying and working to help start 1,000 churches on the Border, the Baja and Beyond! Before we moved to the border God gave us Isaiah 61:1-4.

“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord‘s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mournto grant to those who mourn in Zion—to give them beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousnessthe planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified. They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations.” (Isaiah 61:1-4 ESV, emphasis mine)

In 2015 God expanded our borders and we began working on the Big Island. The church is growing on the Big Island in ways that we’ve never seen in all our years of ministry. Sadly, the people, which we lovingly call our familia, are suffering greatly, because of the lack of food and basic needs. This need motivated us to begin raising funds through Beyond Borders to send aid to the pastors, their families and those in the community.

Our prayer is that many will be reached with the gospel of grace, and God’s Kingdom will expand on the Border, the Baja and Beyond! We need many friends and churches to join us in this effort.

We have three wonderful children: David, Jr., Jonathan and Hannah. Our daughter Hannah moved to heaven on October 18, 2016. David married Emily in May, 2019 and Jonathan married Hannah in December, 2018.

Comments
  1. Naphtali says:

    Looks like you have a wonderful family and mission from God! I have relatives that were missionaries in Mexico years ago. Their children have also been missionaries in Bosnia, Holland, Germany and one now works for Samaritan’s Purse traveling all over the world doing film. He is one of a few Americans that gets into Cuba on a regular basis.

    Prayers for you and your work for the Lord!

    Like

  2. Josh Ingram says:

    Thanks for “liking” my post! I understand Mexico’s a pretty hot place right now. Lots of God’s power needed to clean it up. This might sound like a dumb and/or pointed question (and I hope this doesn’t sound too naive) but, do you think it can be done? Of course it’s rhetorical, “with God all things are possible”, so yeah.

    You guys’ll definitely be in my prayers.

    God bless you all. Josh (Medford, Oregon)

    Like

    • Yes the border is a challenging place right now, and I agree with God all things are possible. I think too that without the Lord’s intervening grace there is no hope – no hope for lasting peace, or significant change. It may take some time, but I do pray that we will begin to see transformation on the border as the gospel invades the land.

      Thanks, Dave

      Like

  3. Debbie says:

    God bless you and your ministry!

    Like

  4. Open Door says:

    I haven’t explored other blogs (mostly lack of time because of my travel schedule). I checked yours out because you “liked” my entry about our day trip to Colorado Springs.
    I am a missionary to missionaries in Europe–encouraging them. You can read about it on our website: http://www.barnabaseuropeanministries.org/. And even if my call is Europe, I would also like to pray for your ministry–after all, we’re all on the same team. You can contact me through our website. God bless you! Al

    Like

  5. Thanks for “liking” my blog. Looks like you have a beautiful family and an exciting path to following our Lord. Many blessings on your work and ministry.

    Like

  6. Checking out your blog and decided to “follow” you. Praying the Lord will use you and your ministry to spread the Good News to a lost and dying world. God bless you!

    Like

  7. Lester says:

    Dave and Dawn I am happy for you and your 3 children. Thank you for responding to my post on my blog “Listening to God”. I wish you all the best in saving souls in your new endeavour along the Mexican border. I see on your blog that you were kidnapped – but you are all ok and I am glad that you came out safely. Bless you all and may God provide abundantly for you and your families needs…… We love God.
    Regards; Lester.

    Like

  8. selah says:

    may the Lord bless you in your ministry.. thank you for visiting my blog the Dappled Path and for liking Shout to the Lord..

    Like

  9. Jeff Whittaker says:

    Thanks for your encouragement re my blog. May God continue to bless you guys in your mission work.

    Like

  10. Thank you for stopping by my page which I just began tonight. What a lovely family and exciting ministry you guys do! God Bless as you bring many to him!

    Like

  11. Becca says:

    Thank you so much for liking my post! I was pleased to see that you are a missionary, as that seems to be pounding on my hearts door as well. God bless!

    Like

  12. Thanks for reading and liking my blog. I pray your ministry on the border flourishes. That area is where my fist short term missions trip were years ago.

    Like

  13. Wow! You liked my blog post just minutes after I posted it. Thank you so much for appreciating what I had to say. And your ministry is awesome. Good luck with it. I’ll be following you!

    Like

  14. peacebringer says:

    THanks for the “likes” on my blog. Glad you find the blog articles uplifting and challenging. May God bless you as you seek to follow him.

    Like

  15. You have such a beautiful family. I love what y’all are doing. It is truly awesome Dave.

    Like

  16. What a beautiful family! Praying this morning for God’s favor to surround your ministry. God bless you as you walk in faith and partner with God to help set captives free.

    Like

  17. Kim says:

    Thanks for liking my post “Hope for the Suicidal”. May the Lord bless, keep, protect, strengthen and encourage you and your family as you seek to establish His Kingdom in the hearts of the people of Mexico……..Shalom!…….Kim

    Like

  18. Solotune says:

    Thanks for liking my post “Hear Me”. Am very much comforted to get a response though I know our Lord has spoken:) May you be blessed in doing His work.

    Like

  19. PAPS4DIVAS says:

    What A Beautiful Family You Have. May God Bless You And Your Ministry.

    Like

  20. I saw that you liked one of my blog entries and I wanted to thank you. I’m honored that you visited me. God bless your ministry and may He produce much fruit through your efforts!

    Like

  21. I’ll be following brother

    Like

  22. Thanking you for visiting The White Stone and thank you for the ministry/work you and your family do for the Kingdom of God. It’s an honor to pray for you,especially with the upcoming ESL tomorrow. Please blog a report as you can. Blessings!!

    Like

  23. Pastor Nick says:

    Thanks for stopping by and liking my blog. Keep up the great work bring the Good News to Mexico. I will pray for you and the work.

    Like

  24. ravinggrace says:

    Awesome work guys. Peace be with you.

    Like

  25. Gospel Line says:

    Thanks for “liking” my blog. Excited about the church planting outreach you have envisioned for the U.S. Mexican border. Gospel Line supports world missions by sending a one time carton of Bible tracts (native language) and supplies to various missions. We sent one to Casa Hogar Children’s Home in Oaxaca, Mexico, and perhaps we can work with your ministry in the near future. Email me at gospelline@sbcglobal.net if interested. Will pray for your ministry….

    Like

  26. Thank you for being the very first “like” to our blog, ProverbialThought.com. I hope it was a blessing to you, as we hope it will be to many others.

    Like

  27. sofichick says:

    What an amazing mindset you and your family have…and that you are doing it together – as a family! God bless you and your efforts. I am linking your site on my blog to encourage others to visit your blog.

    Like

  28. lovely family! God bless y’all 🙂

    Like

  29. I nominated you for a Versatile Blogger Award! Learn more about the award:http://annasonelife.wordpress.com/2012/04/03/versatile-blogger-award/

    May God Bless you!
    Anna

    Like

  30. Thank you for checking out my blog. Nice to meet you.
    A while ago I had a dream in which I kept seeing the word tecate. Now I have never been to your part of the world, so I thought perhaps it was a Latin word, silly me. I had to look it up. When I learned it was a border town near Tijuana, I took time to pray for it. May you bless the Lord’s ministry to these precious people.
    The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace”

    Like

  31. Debbie Wiles says:

    Thank you for stopping by my blog! I’m glad to have the chance to get to know yours 🙂

    Like

  32. Carri Worton says:

    I will be praying for you as you seek the heart of Papa, to know his will, and see his faithfulness as you pursue his desire!

    Like

  33. Thank you for stopping by my blog the other day. Your encouragement is appreciated as you are obviously heavily involved in your work.

    Keep on keeping on.

    Like

  34. Thanks for stopping through my blog!
    I’ll be following your journeys 😛

    Like

  35. Cristal says:

    I am thankful to have found you. About this time last year, I began sensing God speaking to me about going to Mexico. I figured it was the border (we’re in Texas). My husband and I began praying. Long story made short: we ended up in Durango, Mexico ministering to an unknown missionary family for a week (not quite the border…LOL!). We were told we were crazy. And a minister (not ours) even told my husband he wasn’t being “wise” by bringing his family into a place where bodies were being unearthed (killed by drug cartel). But, to say we weren’t using wisdom by following God is foolish. The safest place to be is in the God’s will.

    Like

    • Sounds like you have a great work in Durango. How long have you been there? Are you there now? I pray the Lord continues to use you where you have

      Like

      • Cristal says:

        No, we’re not there. And, to be honest, we never figured out (in our human minds) why God sent us. We hooked up with a relatively new missionary family (who’d left everything in Texas to minister to the people of Durango and we heard about through a friend of a friend). They were shocked four strangers would travel two days to come help them. So were we! 😉

        Like

      • I’m sure the Lord used you to encourage those you met there. Sometimes God does lead us in ways that on the surface may not make sense.

        Like

  36. 2b14u says:

    I enjoyed reading your post about moving forward on your knees. We are launching our Hispanic Plant this Sunday in Foley, Alabama and my youngest is graduating in May too. Thanks for sharing.

    Like

  37. isaiah43123 says:

    Thanks for stopping by My Hmmm Collection and clicking the Like button. May God give you all you need to carry out His mission along the border.
    Keep the Faith!

    Like

  38. diligent57 says:

    It’s a most wonderful thing that you and your family is pressing into enemy lines together! Great Blog!

    Like

  39. diligent57 says:

    Great blessing you are passing on to others. Thanks to the anointing on your family that the Gospel continues to spread everywhere!

    Like

  40. Thank you for liking my post, and God bless you and your family on your mission journeys!

    Like

  41. Wayne Augden says:

    I just want to thank you for checking out my blog. I pray that God will bless you in your efforts to spread his word.

    Like

  42. Wade Harris says:

    I will be praying go you as you raise support. What an essential area of ministry. I work at Cedarville University and we have custodian who is also a pastor of a Spanish speaking church. He says many come and go as immigrants and he loves how the gospel is spread as they move.

    God Bless
    Wade

    Like

  43. fiztrainer says:

    What an amazing work you guys are doing. Just want you to know I will pray for you guys and I look forward to following your posts. God Bless You!!! 😀

    Like

  44. jfisher09 says:

    What awesome work you all are doing! I am from the San Diego area and it’s a beautiful and wonderful place to be. I pray that God will bless you in all that you do.

    – Jacquie

    Like

    • Thank you we are excited about what God has for us in San Diego – Tijuana. We see the Lord already doing some very encouraging things on the border! Thanks for your prayers and your encouragement.

      Like

  45. To Dawn, Dave and family – I’ve nominated you for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award. God bless you for all you do, for truly you are an inspiration! You can find the award here and the rules for acceptance: http://saintintraining.net/2012/07/16/nominated-for-two-awards/

    Like

  46. Megan says:

    Dias Family, I really appreciate your blog, so I’ve nominated it for the One Lovely Blog Award! If you are interested in the details, you can find them here:
    http://adjacentengels.wordpress.com/2012/07/17/one-lovely-blog-award/

    I’m so excited for you, for what lays ahead of you. I really appreciate your hearts.

    Like

  47. snowgood says:

    I like the sound of what you’re doing, and the family photo is excellent. Both our sons have been involved in World Mission, the younger one gets to Mexico from time to time.

    Like

  48. I attend the only PCA in Idaho, All Saints in Boise. My oldest daughter and son-in-law are in the process of moving to Alpine, TX and will lead in ministry in a REC (Reformed Anglican/Epis). Please pray for their new calling and our church in Boise. One of our Elders from the Session passed this summer and our church is re-evaluating many things. I am interested in your ministry.

    Like

  49. Joe says:

    Thanks for stopping by my blog. It looks like God is using you guys to do some awesome things! May he continue to provide for you as you’re searching for a home. I’ll be sure to keep checking in!

    Like

  50. God bless you and your wife in your ministry. What you’re doing takes great courage and grace. God will be with you.

    Like

  51. lundbep says:

    Thanks for liking my recent post! I’m new to this blogging thing and appreciate the encouragement. May God continue to bless your work on the border!

    Like

  52. Bucky Dann says:

    Thanks for dropping by my site. Good luck with your work.

    Like

  53. This is so inspiring =) Thank you for obeying God and being an ispiration!

    Like

  54. lorischulz says:

    Hi Dave and Dawn,

    Thank you for the “Like” on my blog. I’m looking forward to reading your blog as well.

    Blessings to you both, your family, and your ministry!
    Lori

    Like

  55. Scott Sholar says:

    Thank you for sharing, and God bless you.

    Like

  56. granonine says:

    Thanks for stopping by my blog. I’m intrigued by what I see here on your own site. It’s been such a blessing to meet so many other wonderful believers through blogging–a benefit I hadn’t even thought about when I started 🙂

    Like

  57. gracesgrist says:

    it was great to meet your boys at the beach, and put a face to (some) of you who i am now praying for regularly!

    Like

  58. Naphtali says:

    http://craigmotor.wordpress.com/2013/06/21/the-wordpress-family-blog-award/

    You guys do such great work! We now have a WordPress Family Blog award and you are nominated! At my site above!

    Like

  59. Thank you for stopping by my blog and liking my post “trust Him more”. God bless your ministry.

    Like

  60. Lori says:

    Thank you for visiting my blog. God’s richest blessings to you and your family, and the work He is using you to do.

    Like

  61. Deborah says:

    I will be keeping you all in my prayers. God bless you and all that you do for the Lord.

    Like

  62. Gilbert says:

    Thank you for visiting my post and liking my post on Mission Summer.
    I visited your own site. Thank you for your ministry. God bless you and care for you as you serve Him.
    Gilbert

    Like

  63. dbp49 says:

    Well I thank you for stopping by and liking one of the posts at my site. I found my way back here and since I liked what I saw, I’ve added your page to my follow list, and would be very happy to add my prayers to those heading your way for the Lord’s Grace in supplying you with good, strong, leaders, and for you and your family’s safety as you continue on in His service in the days to come. Thanks again for dropping by, and we’ll see you again.

    Like

  64. Was looking for a regular e-mail address for you. Thanks.

    Like

  65. Rubix Cube says:

    Hello. As someone who is also growing up on the field, this mission is very dear to my heart 🙂 Keep up the good work! I can’t wait to read more.

    ~Rubix

    Like

  66. Stacey Nyberg says:

    We read about Pastor Daniel Nunez through our church Real Life Church in Valencia,CA.
    We are in the middle of the Rooted Bible Study. We would like to service the Tijuana Community.
    Perhaps, we can bring some items to help improve the quality of life?
    School supplies, medical supplies, canned food, clothing, hygiene items, blankets etc. please let us know how to serve and engage in the community. Thank you.

    Like

  67. Karina Lam says:

    Dear brother In Christ, Dave
    I and family extend our deepest sympathies to you and your family. I strongly believe your beautiful and precious daughter already with our Father in Heaven in peace. I so sorry for belated condolence message 😦 God bless you and your family.

    Liked by 1 person

  68. […] “Dawn and I were involved in evangelism and discipleship, planting new churches with Mission to the World (MTW). We also worked with a number of short-term teams and interns. Things that we are still passionate about today,” said Dave on the family’s blog, Diaso Life on the Border. […]

    Like

  69. Sheri Carlson says:

    I communicated with you last summer & I’m trying to put together a duel – church mission trip to a church-plant in TJ . I have talked to several churches in our denomination, OPC, & the the URC in San Diego and OC. Can you recommend TJ church plants ( that you personally helped and know the pastor) to start with a weekend short term mission outreach? We have not done a short term in our 25 years, but we are eager. We have a lot of young people interested.And my goal is to organize a weekend trip for 2020 & use MTW’s training program & west coast hub missionary’s (Anthony English’s expertise) to prepare us before we go. Our church’s focus is support of church planting pastors/congregations. Would like to be involved in anything needed—but our priority would be evangelism, prayer, and discipleship But we can do simple construction and clean toilets too—((most of our congregation is professional types – – doctors, nurses, dentists, and engineers…) We have about $1000 in discretionary to bring supplies if needed.
    Thank you for any referral church plant information you can provide. (Emails; cell #’s)
    Also, if you want to refer me to another church mission committee head to make recommendations, that’s OK. I may not have contacted some important individuals who have experience working with church plants in TJ and you may know who they are. Some churches didn’t follow-up with me when I initiated. As you know all of these committees are volunteers and sometimes the leader ship changes.
    Thank you! I know how busy you are and how you are working in multiple regions right with many key leaders now.
    Sheri Carlson
    New Life Presbyterian Church
    La Jolla
    pray433@sbcglobal.net

    Liked by 1 person

  70. Mary Rudy says:

    Dear David
    I wrote this once, but I think it got erased. If it’s a duplicate, forgive me.
    My name is Mary Diaso Rudy. I have met you several times, but that was when you were a very little boy and I’m not sure you remember me. I do hope you remember my brother, Bruce Diaso. We are your father’s first cousins.

    I just looked in the Fresno Bee obit section two days ago and learned that your mother and father both passed in the spring.

    David, I am so sorry for your loss.

    I loved your Dad ( and of course your mom, but I knew her less well). Ronnie (as we called him) was a little older than Bruce, but they were close as children. When my brother contracted polio at 14 (I was 4) my family was devastated.
    Your father would come around and help my father with the things Bruce did when he could move. He would mow the lawn, or fix things around the house. Quietly, (for Ronnie was always a man of few words) but consistently, he helped our family as it coped with Bruce’s illness. Ronnie teased me mercilessly and I loved it. He called me his little cousin. For me he was fun when everyone else was sad.
    Then came the time when he brought Virginia over to introduce her to our family. We loved her with her dark brown ponytail and dark brown eyes. My mother especially liked that she was Portuguese because my mother was Portuguese. Then Ronnie went into the Army and we visited him at Fort Ord when he was stationed there.
    By then Bruce was on his way and I was growing up and we didn’t see too much of each other. I do remember when he came back from the army with Virginia as his wife and his first baby. Again, I did meet you a few times over the those years but then I was on my way out of Fresno.
    I always heard about Ronnie and his family through my parents though, and I knew how proud your parents were of all of you in your own way. And I would visit with him and my Aunt Joanne and Uncle John when I did come to Fresno. And When Bruce return to Fresno to open a law practice I know that he and Ronnie saw each other.
    When Bruce died so suddenly, Ronnie again was there. In the background but ready to help my father. And when my father died your mother and father stepped forward quickly to help Judy and I with 1 million things we needed to do. Ronnie knew Fresno and knew how to get things done. He helped us both with our grief and moving our mother up to live with us. Then there were the number of funerals I went home to over the years. His parents, my mother, some old Italian relatives and after my sister died I visited your parents twice. I didn’t wanna lose touch with him. Although our lives were so different, Ronnie was a touch stone for me. Every time I saw him, he would hug me and call me his little cousin. And, as always, he was filled with warmth
    Last time I saw your father was about five years ago. I took a trip down to see him and I promised I would write and keep in touch. Then I got pretty seriously ill and was out of commission for about three years. I don’t believe your parents ever knew that. Again
    Again, I was on my way down to Fresno when Covid hit. Last month I got obsessed with getting in touch with your father and I couldn’t find the phone number. Just two days ago I looked in the Bee, something I never do, and I saw the obituary.
    I’m so sorry I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye. My memories of your father are really before you were born, David. He was a kind and warm cousin and he unknowingly helped a little girl deal with her brother’s illness. For that I am forever grateful.
    If you could, could you please write me a quick note and let me know about your mother and father’s passing. It would be helpful to me.
    Thank you, Mary Diaso Rudy

    Liked by 1 person

  71. Eternity says:

    Thanks for your likes of my posts on Revelation; you are very kind. I appreciate your kindness.

    Liked by 1 person

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