Archive for the ‘Family Happenings’ Category

God’s Comfort in Our Sorrow

Posted: October 17, 2022 in Christianity, Family Happenings, Ministry, Missions, Prayer, Reflections & Musings
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The Night That Changed Our Lives
Our beautiful daughter, Hannah Elizabeth Diaso

On Monday, October 17th, six years ago just before midnight Dawn and I found our daughter, Hannah on the floor in her bedroom. Her lips were blue and she was not breathing. We tried to resuscitate her, but we were not successful. We also called 911 and the paramedics arrived soon after, but they couldn’t revive her.

I still remember when the woman came downstairs and told me that they did all they could, but unfortunately they were not able to save our daughter. I was in shock. Numb. Dawn was crying, but I didn’t even know how to react. There’s nothing in life that can prepare you for such a horrendous experience.

Since it was 6 years ago this year the day that it falls on is the same, because we found her on Monday, October 17th. They pronounced her deceased on the 18th, and that is what her death certificate reads. Obviously these are difficult dates for our family.

Yesterday I was sitting in church getting ready to share about a short term missions trip to Mexicali, Mexico and I started remembering all that happened 6 years ago on the days leading up to Hannah’s move to heaven.

On Saturday the 15th six years ago we finished building a church that we were helping to plant in Rosarito, Mexico. On Sunday the church held their inaugural service. I wasn’t able to attend, because Hannah wasn’t doing well. That evening, Sunday evening we had some friends come over to pray with us for Hannah. It was a special experience, but we were concerned for Hannah, although we didn’t think she was in danger of dying.

Then Monday evening we experienced the worst pain that we’ve ever experienced.

The Pain and Sorrow of Death
Hannah liked going with me to Starbucks and taking selfies

As I mentioned before I never thought too much about how horrible death was until Hannah died. I used to think for a Christian it’s not so bad, because now they are in heaven. Of course, it is true that we have the hope of heaven and it is a sure hope. Yet, our loving Heavenly Father created the world perfect and without death. Death did not enter the world until man fell in sin. Sin ushered in death and pain.

I don’t want to belabor that point, but it’s helped me to understand that God created the world perfect, and there was no death in Eden.

Other points that have helped me in my grief is Jesus’s life and experience with Lazarus. Jesus wept when Lazarus died, which has always puzzled me. Jesus who knows what heaven is like more than anyone that has ever lived cried when his friend died. He cried even though he knew the glory and perfection of heaven. He wept even though he knew that he was going to raise Lazarus from the dead.

Why did Jesus cry?

I think he wept at least in part, because he loved his friend and he hated how sin affected Lazarus and man.

Hope as We Wait
Hannah with David & Jonathan

We struggle to understand how terrible sin is and how it corrupted man and God’s once perfect creation. Paul teaches us that all of creation groans until the day of redemption. We eagerly await for God’s powerful and loving plan of redemption to be fulfilled.

“For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.”

Romans‬ ‭8:20-25‬ ‭ESV‬‬ (emphasis mine)

Paul speaks of the groaning as we wait along with creation for our liberation from the bondage to corruption. We wait in hope. I give thanks for this hope. God is so good to give us hope. What would we do without hope? Biblical hope is speaking of a sure thing. It’s not maybe yes, maybe no. It’s a sure hope.

Another passage that Paul wrote that has encouraged me since Hannah moved to heaven is found in 1 Thessalonians 4:13.

“But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.”

1 Thessalonians‬ ‭4:13‬ ‭ESV

We grieve. It is sad 😢. Yet we have hope, we don’t grieve like those without hope. Thank Jesus for the Hope that we have in Christ!

Our loving Father continues to bring us healing, and He uses our suffering. We’ve seen the Lord give us many opportunities to minister and love people who experience loss and pain. We are more able to weep with those who weep.

You Have Turned My Mourning into Dancing
Hannah on the night she graduated from the ministry school she was involved in IMPACT 195. This photo was taken just two months before she moved to heaven.

Just last week a new friend gave me a word of encouragement. He told me that our tears will turn to joy. I thank the Lord for the promises that He gives me. Hope in Christ is one of the most important things that has sustained me during these years since Hannah moved to heaven. In Psalm 30 the Psalmist says that the Lord changed my mourning into a joyous dance and he took off my mourning clothes and clothed me with joy. I know that many, the vast majority of us have lost someone close, a loved one – maybe your dad, your mom, your brother or sister or a child or someone else that you were close to and it’s not easy. Only God has the power to sustain you. Only God can comfort you. Only God can take off your mourning clothes and clothe you with joy.

One of my prayers and one of the desires that I have for my life and that of my family and for you too is that God is restoring what we have suffered, that God is redeeming what we have lost. And I trust that my Papa God hears my requests and He answers my cry. And He does the same for you. That is why our mourning will turn into joy.

Angel in the sky taken on the 1 year anniversary of when Hannah moved to heaven. This photo was taken from our backyard

“Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name. For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.

Hear, O Lord, and be merciful to me! O Lord, be my helper!” 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 ‭30:4-5, 10-12‬ ‭ESV

We do praise the Lord and we will give thanks to him forever. I do not doubt God’s goodness. There’s much that I don’t understand. There are mysteries too high for me to grasp, but I don’t doubt my loving Father. I don’t doubt His goodness and His loving care for my family and me!

Hannah loved the work that we do. She loved ministering with us. She prayed for the pastors we work with. We are raising funds right now to support our two church plants in Mexicali. We continue to support our familia on the Big Island well.

Our last family photo taken in July of 2016

You can make a gift to support these works in memory of our daughter, Hannah by clicking on the link below. Thank you for praying for our family and considering this request!

Click to Donate…

In His Grip, Dave

P.S. Help take the gospel to the Border, the Baja and Beyond
BeyondBordersLife.

God Speaks Through Dates

Posted: May 26, 2022 in Christianity, Family Happenings, Ministry, Prayer, Reflections & Musings
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A Special Day for Our Family
Our family at David & Emily’s wedding – Jonathan, Hannah, Grandma Alice Moore, Dawn, David Jr., Emily, David Sr., Grandpa Ron Diaso

I’m getting this out late, because I was driving up to Fresno most of the day, but I wanted to get it out before I went to bed.

Today is a very special day for my family two years ago today my dad moved to heaven and three years ago today our son David married Emily. It’s their third anniversary.

This year especially God has been speaking to me and using the important dates of our biological and spiritual family. For example, our granddaughter, Serafina was born on April 29 and God gave me Jeremiah 29:11 and Ephesians 4:29 – starting with verse with 26 to 30.

God’s Good Promises

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

Jeremiah‬ ‭29:11‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Today I feel like God is giving me Ephesians 5:26 and the verses surrounding it. This passage emphasizes the importance of being filled with the Spirit and it also speaks about marriage. The wife is to respect her husband and the husband needs to show love to his wife as Christ loves the church. This is a perfect love without blemish. The wife cannot be truly successful in respecting her husband well if she is not filled with the Spirit. The husband cannot show unconditional love to his wife if he is not filled with the Spirit.

The Spirit makes all the difference!

If I am honest even in my own life I know that there are things I can do better to love my beloved wife, Dawn in a way that honors Christ. I’d like to encourage each of you to be filled with the Spirit. Grow in the Spirit. For those who are married, love your spouse like Christ loves the church, show respect like Christ and even forgive like Christ that way you will be filled with joy in this life.

Ronald J. Diaso – Life in the Spirit
Ronald John Diaso – 6/19/1935-5/26/2020

I find it special that my dad affirmed his faith just before he moved to heaven. God made it clear to us that he was filled with the Spirit as he confessed his sins and prayed to receive Christ forgiveness just days before he parted this world. Another special memory is that David and Emily called my dad the day before he died and told him that they wanted to name their first daughter, Serafina. My great grandmother was also named Serafina. That brought tears to my dad’s eyes. God has blessed us with a beautiful granddaughter who was born in April 29 of 2021..

A Christ Centered Marriage

It’s also encouraging that this passage in Ephesians 5 that it speaks about a Christ centered and a Spirit filled marriage on David and Emily’s anniversary!

David & Emily – Married on 5/26/2019

I pray daily for David and Emily’s marriage. I do the same for Jonathan and Hannah’s marriage. I trust that God hears and he watches over them and protects them. Hallelujah! Amen!

Join us in prayer for our family!

Ephesians 5:18-30

“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body.”

Ephesians‬ ‭5:18-30‬ ‭ESV‬‬
Help take the Gospel to the Border, the Baja and Beyond!
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In His Grip, Dave
BeyondBordersLife.org

Happy Birthday 🎈🎁🎂 Mom!

Posted: November 5, 2021 in Christianity, Family Happenings, Prayer, Reflections & Musings
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Mom’s 86th Birthday
I imagine mom looks more like this in heaven

Today would be mom’s 86th birthday. I miss my mom, Virginia A Diaso, but I am grateful for the hope that we have in Christ. I know without a doubt my mom is celebrating this birthday in heaven with her Heavenly Father. I love the idea of dad and mom celebrating together with Hannah and other loved ones.

Last year at this time a year the Lord gave me a dream. In the dream there was a big parade celebrating my mom’s arrival in heaven. It made me happy to think about her life and the legacy that she left. I wrote about the dream, the parade celebrating mom on her birthday last year.

Mixed Emotions on Life & Death
Mom & Dave on her 25th anniversary

On the one hand, this day makes me feel sentimental, but I also feel joyful knowing that my mom is experiencing perfect health, perfect peace and great joy in the presence of her Savior. Mom’s last few years on earth she had COPD. She had a hard time breathing, because of the damage to her lungs from tuberculosis when she was a young girl. Sadly, mom suffered a lot while in her earthly suit. That is no longer true. No more suffering, no more pain!

I like to think that as my mom took her last breath here, her next breath she was in heaven! Wow! Jesus and the angels welcomed her into the heavenly kingdom of God.

Heaven and Earth!
Dad & Mom (Grandpa & Grandma) with David, Jr. Jonathan and Hannah

There’s a lot of mystery when it comes to our understanding of heaven and the relationship between heaven and earth. I’ve been pondering how the veil between us and heaven is much thinner than we realize. There is a connection, and there is more interaction than most of us are aware of. In Hebrews the Bible speaks of cloud of heavenly witnesses. I love to think of my dad, mom, Hannah and other loved ones cheering us on and interceding for us. Hallelujah!

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,”

Hebrews‬ ‭12:1‬ ‭ESV‬‬

In the meantime, we all groan as we wait for our heavenly home. There are trials and difficulties that each of us face, but thanks be to God that they are temporary. Saint Paul even refers to them as temporary light afflictions compared to the eternal weight of glory that awaits those of us who are in Christ. Hallelujah! Amen!

“For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight.”

2 Corinthians‬ ‭5:1-7‬ ‭ESV‬‬ (emphasis mine
Make a Donation Today in Mom’s Memory!
Grandma and Hannah reunited in heaven

One way you can honor my mom’s memory is by giving a donation today to the pastors and their families on the Big Island. The scarcity of food, basic needs and medicine continue to be a huge problem. We’d like to ask you to prayerfully consider making a gift today! Thank you!

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In His Grip, Dave

BeyondBordersLife.org

The Day the Music Died

Posted: October 19, 2021 in Christianity, Family Happenings, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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Missing Our Daughter, Hannah Elizabeth Diaso
Hannah Elizabeth Diaso – 4/09/1994-10/18/2016

The day the music died is the refrain from Don McLean’s song, American Pie. For some reason that is the song I often think of when I think of the day the music died for us, when our daughter, Hannah moved to heaven. I always make a point of it to visit the cemetery where Hannah is buried on this day, the day she died, October 18 (which is the day I wrote this post).

We like to say that Hannah moved to heaven, which softens the blow. Yet it is also true to say that she died. As King David said of his young child who died, that he would go to see him one day, but that his child would not return to him. That’s the reality and finality of death, which is hard to swallow at times.

I’m writing this post while I’m at the cemetery near Hannah’s place of burial.

It’s hard to believe that today marks 5 years since Hannah graduated to heaven.

When I think of Hannah’s life and death I realize it has changed me. The trauma of losing Hannah at such a young age, she was only 22, has caused me to grapple with life. It made me desperate for answers. Desperate for a deeper and more intimate relationship with my Heavenly Father. I’ve gotten to know Papa God and His love in ways that I hadn’t experienced before. That makes me sad, because at least on an emotional level it doesn’t seem like it should have taken the death of my daughter to get me to this place. It is something that I ponder. Why is it that heart wrenching loss causes us to cling to God? I know the Bible speaks frequently to the subject of suffering, and yet there is some degree of mystery to it.

God created the world perfect and without death, so it is only after man sinned that death entered the world. Death is horrible in that sense. I never realized how terrible death was until I had to deal with it in such an up close and personal way.

All of Creation Groans for the Day of Redemption
Our last family photo with Hannah

Thankfully God has a solution in Christ! One of my favorite passages can be found in Romans 8, which says,

“For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.”

Romans‬ ‭8:22-23‬ ‭ESV‬‬

I think that accurately describes not only our hearts, but that all of creation groans for the day of our redemption. I pray and trust the Lord for His redemption and restoration of all that we’ve lost.

I hate that it took something as tragic as my own daughter’s death to wake me from my slumber. Maybe that is an exaggeration, but it’s how I feel. I am more awake now.

I can’t say that I have it all figured out yet, but I do know that I’m hungry for more. More of the Father, more of Jesus and more of the Spirit. I want more of the Father’s presence and more of His great and mighty work in my life and in the life of my family. I long for more fruit in our life and ministry. Also, I pray for a greater healing in my life and in the life of each member of my family.

What Does God Have in Store for Us?
Hannah and Dave

When I think about Hannah, I wish I could have had more time with her. We had a very special, and a very close father – daughter relationship. I remember in the last year or two of Hannah’s life she told me, “We are going to go far in this world, aren’t we Dad?” It makes me ache when I think about it. I don’t know what to do with that and other unrealized dreams. I would have loved the opportunity to go far – to accomplish great things with my beautiful daughter. Maybe somehow it is prophetic and speaks of what Jesus will do, it will just look different than I thought.

One of the areas where Dawn and I have seen God’s hand at work since Hannah moved to heaven is that He’s brought a number of special young people into our lives. It brings tears to my eyes when I think about it. Those relationships keep expanding and growing deeper. There are so many people in need of a father and a mother. As I’ve mentioned in past posts a number of the pastors and leaders that we minister with in Latin America refer to Dawn and me as dad and mom. Of course, that doesn’t replace the hole left by Hannah, but it shows us that God is still alive He is still at work. He is redeeming and restoring in His goodness and His grace.

Just as Joseph said to his brothers who had sold him into slavery, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” (Genesis‬ ‭50:20‬ ‭ESV‬‬ – emphasis mine). God can turn around those things that our enemy the devil meant to use to destroy us. This gives us hope.

Also, it does make me happy to think one day I will be reunited with my precious daughter. Someone told us recently that those in heaven celebrate the day they graduated from the earth, because now they are with the Father. There is no more sorrow, no more suffering or pain. There is truly much to celebrate, it’s just not so easy to see that from our vantage point. So I will choose to trust in the love of my Papa God. I trust that He has a good plan for my family and for me.

Extend Your Hands to Help!
Hannah loving life and having fun

As I mentioned in this post the Lord has extended our family. We give thanks for His mighty and powerful work in this way. Yet, our familia that lives on the Big Island are suffering through the worst economic collapse that their country has gone through since 1990. They have very little food, basic goods and medicine. The prices of what is available have skyrocketed. You can give to help our familia in memory of our daughter, Hannah. Extend your hands to help today by clicking on the button below.

Click to Donate…

In His Grip, Dave

BeyondBordersLife.org

Our Family is Moving East!

Posted: August 27, 2021 in Christianity, Family Happenings, Ministry, Prayer
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Our Grand Adventure to Pennsylvania
Jonathan and Dave on the Road

I’m writing this on the plane. I’m on my way home from a great adventure!

In the past week I had what I feel was a privilege and an honor to help my son, Jonathan and his wife, Hannah move from Colorado Springs to the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania area.

It was quite a trip as we drove through Kansas with the wind blowing it felt like the truck was about to tip over at times. Both Jonathan and I wondered with eyes of fright if we were going to wobble down the highway the whole way, because the trip required 24 hours of driving not counting pit stops along the way. Fortunately, things got smoother once we got out of Kansas.

In God’s grace we safely arrived in Harrisburg! As soon as we arrived we began unpacking in the sweltering heat. The air was filled with humidity which none of us are used to. We unpacked the truck in that heat, so we got a good workout on that day, with a little help from some friends and family.

Jonathan, Hannah and I made some wonderful memories along the way, and I think that it is something that will stay with us. I know that it is not something that I will soon forget. I’m grateful that the Lord gave me the opportunity to join them on their trek across the country.

Following My Dad’s Legacy
Uncle Ted, Sam, Aunt Gahee, Hannah, Jonathan and Dave in front of their new home

One of the reasons that I felt that it was important for me to join Jonathan and Hannah on their journey to PA is that my dad helped me move at least three times. One time he helped us move from Fresno, California to Mexico City, which took a lot of guts and determination. At the young age of 77 he also helped Dawn, David, Jr. and I move to San Diego.

I believe that it is part of the legacy that my dad left. It brings tears to my eyes to think about how my dad sacrificed for us and showed us his love and support in that way. My dad who was a man of few words and who didn’t become a Christ follower until late in his life always wanted to help us in whatever way he could.

I remember after he moved to heaven the Lord gave me the words, “he showed up,” in reference to my dad. He always showed up for our family. In that way dad, Ronald John Diaso, set a wonderful example for me to follow, so that was one of reasons that I felt like it was important to help Jonathan and Hannah move.

Our Mixed Emotions
Hannah & Jonathan and their new townhouse

Dawn and I have to admit that we share some sadness seeing them leave Colorado, because we lived there for 12 years and we have a lot of friends in the Springs. Also, David and Emily live there, although they too are preparing for a move.

Yet even though we have mixed emotions with the move we see God’s hand in guiding them and leading them. We are excited for what the Lord has in store for them. Jonathan will be attending a ministry school, while working part-time at a credit union. It’s an important step as they desire to prepare themselves to be better equipped for ministry.

One of the professors that Jonathan met said that our family would be blessed through his time at the school, which I agree with. We are excited to see what the Lord will do in and through Jonathan and Hannah over these next few years.

Dawn and I are proud of Jonathan and Hannah for taking this step of faith!

Join us in Prayer!

We appreciate your prayers as we all adjust and as our son and our daughter-in-law get settled. That the Lord will richly bless them with many divine connections as He grows and develops them. Pray for further direction as they seek the Lord in how to best serve.

Pray & Extend Your Hands to Help!
Our familia on the Big Island

I’d also like to ask you to pray for our church planting work in Mexico and on the Big Island. We have needs in both countries. There is a need to support the church planters that we are partnering with. Also, on the Big Island our church planters and families there have need for aid so that they can feed their families and buy basic needs like cooking oil, detergent, soap and toothpaste. Just in the last couple of weeks one of the church planters Lucas and Maria told me that they only had enough food for one meal a day. This is in part, because they are generous and they are sharing what we send them to help other families.

You can help, by extending your hands through a financial gift today. You can make a donation by clicking on the button below.

Click to Donate…

In His Grip, Dave

BeyondBordersLife.org

Remembering Dad & Mom: A New Church to Honor their Memory

Posted: May 31, 2021 in Christianity, Church Planting, Family Happenings, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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Memorial Day Brings Back Memories
Virginia & Ron Diaso’s Wedding Photo (a good looking couple)

I remember when I was growing up that my grandma, Joan Diaso, used to tell us what a bad time of year her birthday fell on. She was born on May 30th, and since that is when our country has set aside a day to remember and honor those that have gone before us, and those who have died in battle it wasn’t a good day for a birthday celebration. My grandma would go to the cemetery to take flowers to the graves of her loved ones. That didn’t put her in a celebratory mood.

I thought about that this last week, because Dawn and I went to Fresno and visited the cemetery where my parents are buried. My grandparents on both sides are also buried in the same cemetery. I wanted to go to the cemetery in part, because it was one year ago on May 26th that my dad moved to heaven.

I can’t say that I enjoy visiting cemeteries, but it does make me feel a little closer to my loved ones, in this case my parents. I realize that only their bodies are there. It gives me comfort knowing that they are now celebrating in heaven.

On the day we left Fresno I felt sentimental as we drove out of the city. I realized that much of my past and one of the primary reasons I visit Fresno, the city where I grew up, was no longer there. My parents have moved on.

It does give me much comfort knowing that both of my parents are now in heaven. As we like to say, “they’ve moved to heaven.” I love the hope of heaven and that there is no sadness, no sickness and no separation in heaven. Hallelujah!

Honoring My Parents Memory
My parents headstone at the cemetery

Dawn and I felt like one of the best ways to honor my parents memory was to help start a church in memory of them. This July we will be partnering with our good friends from Ministerios Transformación, led by Pastor Daniel Nuñez, to build a church in honor of my parents memory.

We are excited that we are getting close to the date in July when we will go down to build the church. A new church means that the light of Christ is coming into a new community. It means transformed lives. These are some of the reasons we love to start new churches.

Extend Your Hands to Pray and Give!
I love this photo of Mom & Dad, makes me think of them dancing on the streets of gold.

You can play a part in helping us to make this dream a reality by making a donation for the Ron & Virginia Diaso Memorial Church. Pray for us as we work with Pastor Daniel and his team to build the church. Pray that many will be won to Christ through this church. Make a donation today by clicking on the donate button below.

Click to Donate…

In His Grip, Dave

BeyondBordersLife.org

We Can’t Get Enough of Serafina!

Posted: May 4, 2021 in Christianity, Family Happenings, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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Announcing the Birth of Serafina Grace Diaso
Aunt Hannah & Uncle Jonathan meeting Serafina on FaceTime. Yes, we are obsessed!

We can’t get enough of our beautiful granddaughter, Serafina Grace Diaso. She was born to David, Jr. and Emily on April 29th. She’s a small baby at 6 lbs and 3 oz and 19 inches. David said that she would be considered a premie in size, but that all her organs are perfectly developed, so we thank the Lord for that.

Dawn and I are thrilled to be first time grandparents!

God’s Work of Restoration
Love seeing our son, David care for his daughter. He’s a good dad

The Bible is filled with stories of redemption and restoration. Dawn and I have prayed that our Papa God would bring our family healing, especially since our daughter, Hannah moved to heaven. God is answering our prayers. He hears our cry!

Serafina was born in April the same month that both Dawn and Hannah have a birthday. We believe that’s a special gift from our Heavenly Father. It’s a kiss from heaven. God has big plans for Serafina, and the Lord is blessing our family through her. We give thanks for the Lord’s goodness and his redemptive work.

The Lord Turns Our Weeping into Laughter
Clockwise starting upper left: Hannah, Serafina, mom’s garden, Mom & Dad

Last year was a hard year for our family as both of my parents moved to heaven. My mom departed from this world on March 19, 2020 and my dad on May 26, 2020. We held the graveside service for mom on May 1 last year. It’s so good of God to turn our mourning into laughter.

This reminds me of Psalm 30:5b, “Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” The Lord used that passage to comfort me on many occasions as I mourned Hannah, Mom, and Dad. God is so good.

Hope Filled Promises from Joel
Enjoying some FaceTime with Serafina and David. Our friends from Ensenada, Petri, Yudy and Luz Angela are in the background

Just this morning I was reading Acts 2 where Peter quotes from the prophet Joel. Peter is preaching on Pentecost. The last days which Peter refers to began at Pentecost when he gave this sermon and shared this wonderful promise of God pouring out His Spirit on all believers. If we go back and look at the context of Joel 2, where this promise and prophetic word comes from we see that God is promising restoration to his people. Earlier in the chapter, Joel 2:13b, says, “for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.” God’s promises never fail, and his mercies are new every morning.

Here is the prophecy from Joel that Peter refers to in his sermon on Pentecost. It’s filled with hope and promise for us today! I pray that each of us will grow in these ways as God’s Spirit works in us.

“‘In the last days, God says,

    I will pour out my Spirit on all people.

Your sons and daughters will prophesy,

    your young men will see visions,

    your old men will dream dreams.

18 Even on my servants, both men and women,

    I will pour out my Spirit in those days,

    and they will prophesy.

19 I will show wonders in the heavens above

    and signs on the earth below,

    blood and fire and billows of smoke.

20 The sun will be turned to darkness

    and the moon to blood

    before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.

21 And everyone who calls

    on the name of the Lord will be saved.’”

Acts 2:17-21 NIV

Our Papa God’s love and desire to bring healing and restoration encourages us. Serafina is a gift to our family. She is a demonstration of God’s love for us, which gives us reason to rejoice. The timing of her birth reminds us of his care for us. His desire to bring restoration. We are hopeful for the even greater things to come.

Pray with us as David and Emily care for Serafina. Pray for her health as she grows in strength and wisdom.

Extend Your Hands to Help – Donate Today!
One of the young church planting couples that we are helping on the Big Island

Also, Dawn and I believe that it’s important for us to continue to ring the bell for Our Familia on the Big Island. We feel compelled by our love to keep bringing the needs of our familia before you. Basic needs and food prices are skyrocketing, while their pay stays the same. It’s not possible for them to support a family on what they are earning. We remain committed to sending aid to the pastors and families each month.

Give a donation today to the needs of the church and our familia. Your prayers and generosity will aid these families and the gospel in undeniable ways. Make a donation today by clicking on the link below!

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In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

The Excitement of New Life: Serafina

Posted: March 30, 2021 in Family Happenings, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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Thrilled About Serafina

Baby Shower in Colorado for David & Emily and littler Serafina!

New life brings excitement, and we are thrilled about the soon arrival of our first granddaughter, Serafina Grace Diaso. She is our oldest son, David and his wife, Emily’s first child. We just can’t wait to meet her.

Last week Dawn and I were in Colorado Springs for the baby shower. The event took place on March 21st, the first day of Spring. Wouldn’t you know that it snowed! That’s Colorado for you. Although I must admit that the snow did make for a beautiful setting.

We all had a fun time with our family celebrating David and Emily and the coming of Serafina.

While we on our way to Colorado we got some disappointing news, and I took some time to pray in route. As I prayed the Lord encouraged me. He reminded me that Serafina is due at the end of April which is the same month that Dawn and Hannah were born in. I believe that the Lord’s hand is on little Serafina in a special way and that the Lord is going to bless our family and many others through her. Our Papa God is going to use her to bring healing to our family. The healing and the blessing will extend beyond our family.

I don’t feel like this is wishful thinking, I believe the Lord was encouraging me in this way as we flew and headed towards Colorado. Thank you, Jesus for caring for our family and these details!

Dawn and I had such a good time visiting our family, David & Emily and Jonathan & Hannah.

A Special Gift That Made Me Cry

Hannah Elizabeth Diaso and the engraved bracelet

We shared a special meal with David and Emily on one of our first evenings in the Springs . David made some delicious tamales. He’s become quite a cook, and he specializes in Mexican cuisine, which we all love!

When we finished eating David and Emily gave me an unbelievable gift. It was so amazing it made me cry. They gave me a bracelet with something our daughter, Hannah had written before she moved to heaven. It’s also engraved with Hannah’s actual handwriting. Tears formed in my eyes as I read what it said, and Dawn also began to cry when she read what Hannah had written.

It says, “Dear Lord this is what I long for I wanna be where you are! I can’t wait to go home with you and live in happiness all fo the days of my life. I love you! Amen.”

When Hannah wrote this entry in her journal she referenced Psalm 27:4. “The one thing I ask of the Lord— the one thing I seek most— is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple” (NLT).

It warmed my heart fo read what Hannah had written. It was like a kiss from heaven. A reminder that God was preparing her heart to go home to be with Him in the days and months leading up to her sudden departure. We miss her so much, but we are thankful for the hope that we have in Christ. Hallelujah!

Give thanks with me for new life, and the assurance of the Lord’s good work!

Extend Your Hands to Help Our Familia!

Our Familia on the Big Island!

Before I say goodbye, I’d like to remind you of the ongoing and tremendous needs on the Big Island. I just received a note from a pastor today that told me that his $25 USD monthly salary was only enough to buy a package of coffee, some cooking oil and a package of detergent. Can you imagine living on that!?! How can you feed your family? on top of the exorbitant prices, they are having to wait in line for 5 to 8 hours to buy these products, when and if they are available.

Please extend your hands to help these beautiful families, our familia.

Donate today by clicking on the button below! Thank you!

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In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Goodbye, 2020! Is it possible to be Thankful?

Posted: January 5, 2021 in Family Happenings, Ministry, Prayer, Reflections & Musings
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Goodbye 2020!
Happy New Year from the Diaso Family!

We’ve crossed into 2021, and I’m sure that for many, maybe most of us it was with a sigh of relief. 2020 was painful to live through. It gives me hope when I think of God’s goodness and his undying love for us. I think ever since my daughter, Hannah, died one of my favorite verses is Genesis 50:20. “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…” The Lord uses even the worst of circumstances for good. He isn’t the author of evil, but he can and does work in and through the darkest of times.

There are things to be thankful for as we look back on 2020. Yet, I don’t want to ignore all the hardship that we’ve suffered. On top of what everyone has been through I also lost both of my parents in 2020. My son, David has nonpermanent brain damage. We aren’t sure what the cause was, it could have been Covid, but it was never diagnosed as such, so we don’t really know.

What I’m thankful for in 2020

Despite all of these challenges there is still plenty to be thankful for.

Dad & Mom with our three children, David, Jonathan and Hannah

I give thanks that both my dad and my mom lived long lives. They were both 84 when they died. My mom had a strong and sure faith. She was not only ready to go, she was anxious to meet her savior. I wrote a tribute to my mom that you can find here…

My dad made a profession of faith with my brother, John just three days before he died. The timing reminded me of Christ death and resurrection on the third day. The Lord in his love and grace showered me with hope after my dad passed away. I wrote more about this in the tribute I posted for my dad.

My mom left a legacy of prayer and love. My dad’s legacy was always being there for our family. He showed up. Both of my parents were quiet. I suppose they blended in, because they didn’t like to draw attention to themselves, but we knew they were there at the important life events. They set a great example for me in that. I hope to pass that on to my children, and grandchildren.

It is sad for me to no longer be able to call or visit my mom and dad. It was hard to go through the holidays without them. Yet, I’m grateful for the life they led, and for the relationship we shared.

A few months ago I feel like the Lord gifted me with a dream. It was a special dream. I saw a parade and a celebration. The odd thing was that the parade was at the cemetery. I felt like the Lord was showing me what it was like for my parents when they left this life and moved on into eternity with their savior. Just think one breath they were here, and the next they were in heaven. They saw Jesus, the angels and their loved ones who went before them. That is something to celebrate!

Celebrating New Life
Serafina Grace Diaso

Another wonderful family event was when Dawn and I learned that we were going to be grandparents. When David and Emily told us that Emily is pregnant with their first child, and our first grandchild! Her name is Serafina Grace Diaso.

David and Emily told us this good news just a few weeks before the four year anniversary of Hannah moving to heaven, which is always a hard time of the year for us. We felt like it was such a gift from the Lord in a season of much loss, that he is bringing new life into our family.

We love Serafina’s name. It was also my great grandmother’s name on my dad’s side. Serafina is an Italian and Spanish name for the Seraphim angels. The Bible mentions them in Isaiah 6. Also, Serafina’s middle name is Grace, which reminds us of God’s unmerited gift for those who believe. Hannah means favor and grace. We love the thoughtful name that David and Emily chose for their daughter.

These are some of the highlights for our family for 2020. I was going to include our ministry highlights here as well, but I think I will save them for my next post, which will be either later this week or next week.

The Ron & Virginia Diaso Memorial Church
I love this photo of Mom & Dad, makes me think of them dancing on the streets of gold.

Let me close by mentioning as we look forward to 2021, one of the things we are excited about is helping to start a new church in Tijuana/Rosarito, Mexico. This church will be built in memory of my parents, Ron and Virginia Diaso. Our goal is build the church this summer. You can give towards this project, and help us to make this dream a reality. Click on the link below to make a donation today!

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In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

A Parade in Heaven for Mom

Posted: November 5, 2020 in Christianity, Family Happenings, Ministry, Prayer
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Happy Birthday Mom!
Mom, Virginia A Diaso

Today my mom would have celebrated her 85th birthday. She’s been in heaven for a little more than 7 months now. I miss my mom and my dad. They both moved to heaven within 67 days of each other.

Yesterday I had a dream and in this dream, I saw a big huge funeral processional. One like I had never seen before. There were beautiful colors and it reminded me of a parade. I thought this funeral must have been for someone of royalty. It was amazing. It appeared that this funeral was at the same place where my parents were buried.

Mom in the back center with her four sisters and her parents. We called them Vovoa and Vovoo

My mom’s dad, my grandfather who we called Vovoo was with me in the dream. We drove past the funeral/parade together in the car. And I remember we were by my grandparents’ home, which is near the cemetery where my parents are buried.

When I woke up and reflected on this dream the Lord gave me the sense that this is what the funeral of your mom looks like from heaven’s perspective. It is a celebration and a time that those loved by the Lord, in this case my mom and family members are welcomed into the His presence.

The Father’s Care for His Loved Ones
Hannah Diaso, Our beautiful daughter
Hannah Diaso, Our beautiful daughter

The Lord had me read Psalm 116 in my regular devotional reading the day after we passed through the 4 year anniversary of when Hannah moved to heaven. Psalm 116:15 says, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints” (ESV). He keeps reminding me of His love for me and my family on these significant days.

Heavenly Kisses
I love this photo of Mom & Dad, makes me this of them dancing on the streets of gold.

When I think about a parade maybe there is a celebration in heaven for my mom’s birthday as well. I don’t know, but I found this encouraging. This dream was like a kiss from my Father, my Papa!

If I’m honest when Hannah died and then my parents I struggled some with calling their funeral service a celebration of life. I didn’t feel like celebrating. I was sad and heartbroken. It was a time of mourning. By calling it a celebration of life it made me feel like I shouldn’t mourn their loss. Intellectually I can understand the concept of celebration of life, but emotionally it’s not as easy to grasp.

Then the Lord gave me this dream, which encourages my heart. I am sure from heaven’s perspective everything looks so different. There is comfort and it ministers to my soul to look at the death of a believer from our Heavenly Father’s perspective.

I’m sure this is true about so many things in our lives and world, even with all the craziness going on in our own country. If we were truly able to see things from heaven’s perspective I’m sure we would have a totally different outlook. We would rejoice more fully in our hope!

Wow! That’s so encouraging. Thank you Jesus!

In His Grip, Dave

P.S. Our Familia on the Big Island continues to live scrambling to provide for their family since the coronavirus crisis began. Prayerfully consider a gift today by clicking on the link below. Thank you for your generosity!

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