Archive for the ‘Church Planting’ Category

Despite the Opposition God is Faithful to Build His Church

Posted: September 20, 2021 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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Our Privilege to Serve
Dave and Dawn with Angel, Arely, Monse, Uriel and Daniela

Every week Dawn and I meet with a number of pastors as close as Tijuana and as far as the Big Island. Those that live far away we meet online, and those that are close we can see face to face.

I’m always amazed by our time with these men and women who’ve chosen to sacrifice to serve the Lord. It’s a privilege for us to coach, mentor and encourage the leaders that we work with. Most of the time we feel invigorated after meeting with these friends who have become like family to us. They often refer to Dawn and me as dad and mom, and we love the relationships that the Lord gives us with them.

Pastor Uriel and Arely Garcia
Pastor Uriel Garcia with his wife Arely and their three children, Angel, Daniela and Monse

This last week we met with Pastor Uriel and Arely Garcia who are planting a church in Rosarito, which is South of Tijuana. This church is in the community of Ramos 2 just a few miles away from the church we just built this summer in my parents memory in Lomas Altas.

The church that the Garcia’s are ministering in we helped start 5 years ago. The church has faced tremendous opposition. The day after we inaugurated the church in Ramos 2 our daughter, Hannah moved to heaven. I must confess that I don’t fully comprehend how spiritual warfare plays out, but I do know that Satan doesn’t like what we are doing and he will doing anything he can to deter us and discourage us from continuing. I also know that we are in a battle and that our battle is not with flesh and blood.

The first pastoral couple that were called to start the church left the church within a year. Until Pastor Uriel stepped in the church was struggling to survive.

Uriel told Dawn and me that the day after they accepted the call to pastor in the community of Ramos 2 in Rosarito that he was involved in a terrible car accident. He broke his arm and other family members who were in the car with him were also hurt.

Despite all the obstacles Pastor Uriel and his wife, Arely have been faithful to reach out in the community. It hasn’t been easy and they haven’t always been received well as they’ve shared the gospel in the neighborhood surrounding the church. In fact, one day when they were out sharing their faith one of the neighbors got mad at them and the woman of the house brought out a pistol and threatened Uriel and told them to leave.

God is using the García family as they show the love of Christ to the people that live in Ramos 2. On Saturday’s they’ve been having fun activities and Bible stories for the children and this has begun to open the door to the families.

God is building his church!

This picture was taken in October of 2016 when we built the church in Rosarito in the community of Ramos 2

It’s a real privilege to see the humility and the dedication in Pastor Uriel. He is a bi-vocational church planter, which means he has another job that supports his family. They are very busy working as pastors and fulfilling his other responsibilities.

The families that live in the community where Uriel and Arely are ministering are poor. They struggle to survive. Many of the the children are malnourished and they aren’t doing well in school. Arely told us that she has been learning from Sol who ministers at another church that we helped start nearby. Sol has is a Master’s in Education and Psychology, so she is a great resource to Arely.

God is bringing light into the darkness!

Extend Your Hands to Help!

You can help by praying for Uriel and Arely as they reach out and show the love of Christ in the community of Ramos 2. You can also give a gift, extend your hands to help these families who are in need.

Some of the families that we are helping on the Big Island

There are also other needs as I’ve shared in previous posts about the crisis on the Big Island. Our familia is suffering due to the scarcity of food, basic needs and medicine. You can read more about those needs here…

Make a Donation Today!

Make a Donation today, by clicking on the button below.

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In His Grip, Dave

BeyondBordersLife.org

Excel – Partnering to Change the Church Planting World

Posted: September 8, 2021 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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JD Pearring & Excel Leadership Network
JD Pearring who leads Excel Leadership Network

In May I was interviewed by my good friend, JD Pearring who leads Excel Leadership Network. Excel has been a life saver for Dawn and me in many ways as we’ve been on this church planting journey over the last several years. They’ve been a huge source of encouragement to us through the many relationships that we’ve built. They were there for us when our daughter, Hannah moved to heaven. JD actually got on a plane and flew down to be with us for Hannah’s funeral. That’s something that you don’t forget! JD’s wife, Lori who is extremely gifted and loves to encourage others told us that JD doesn’t like to go to funeral’s, which I think would be true for most people. The point was that he made a special effort to be with us and to support our family during a time of tremendous need.

One of the many things Dawn and I have appreciated about our involvement with Excel is the quality of people that are involved. I don’t just mean in regards to their gifting, but also in their character. I’ve found that the pastors involved in this group are some of the most vulnerable and authentic people that I’ve ever been around. That is not very common in this day and age.

Changing the Church Planting World

JD says his goal isn’t to change the world, but to change the church planting world!

A Recent Excel event with pastors and church planters in Napa, CA

Dawn and I have partnered with Excel in Mexico, in the US and on the Big Island in Cuba. We’ve met some of the most wonderful people through this network. Another thing that I enjoy about Excel is that it is not denominationally focused. In other words, there are people from a variety of backgrounds that are involved. Yet we are all supporting one another to see the expansion of the kingdom. Christ is glorified in many ways through Excel.

Excel is partnering with us in a number of our church plants in Mexico as well as on the Big Island. We have come together on 26 church planting projects in Mexico and it’s hard to keep track of all the works popping up on the Big Island.

I’m including an interview here that was made into a podcast and you can listen to it via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and through the link below. In this interview I share our story including the times that I was kidnapped and robbed in Mexico City, as well as weathering the storm of our daughter moving to heaven. I also explain how the Lord gave me the goal of being involved in helping to plant 1,000 churches.

Dave’s conversation with JD

Click on this link to listen to the conversation with David Diaso and JD Pearring…

Dawn and I have partnered with JD and Excel on a number of church planting projects with our familia on the Big Island. Together we are seeking to encourage and support the pastors and their families. Just this morning I was on the phone with Adolfo and Maria photo below, and they shared how they are moving so that they can start more house churches. It’s always encouraging to talk to them to see how the church is growing. Adolfo told us that since they were moving they don’t have a refrigerator. They are in short supply like almost everything there.

Pastor Adolfo & Maria with their children Daniel & David
Extend Your Hands to Help!

We told Adolfo and Maria that we would let you know about it, so that we could help them. They told us that a refrigerator will cost them $600 USD. You can help by giving a gift today. Please join us in praying for Adolfo and Maria and our familia on the Big Island. Join us also in extending your hands to make a generous gift to feed families that are in need.

Click to Donate…

In His Grip, Dave

BeyondBordersLife.org

New Beginnings: A New Church

Posted: August 16, 2021 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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2021 A Year of New Beginnings
Starting from top left clockwise: Pastor Federico Muñoz and their first worship service, bottom right: Pastor Daniel Nuñez with Dave, David Jr., Dawn and Jonathan; bottom left David Jr. with our granddaughter

I’m still reveling in the latest church that we started one month ago. This year has been a year of new beginnings for us, which is much welcome! After experiencing the loss of both of my parents and the worldwide pandemic in 2020, Dawn and I give thanks for the newness of life in 2021.

In April our first granddaughter was born. In May Federico and Blanca Muñoz launched their services for their church, Comunidad Cristiana Verdad y Vida, “Truth and Life Christian Church,” in Mexicali. In July we started church number 44 with our partners Ministerios Transformación in Rosarito, Mexico, in the community of Lomas Altas 2.

The Church Advances Despite the Obstacles
Pastor Uriel Garcia with his wife, Arely and their three children

Despite all the challenges that we may face. Even with all the obstacles that stand in our way, God is forever faithful to build His church! One of our church planters, Uriel García who is also working in Rosarito told us recently that he was sharing the gospel in the community and someone came out with a gun, and told him that he wasn’t interested. I guess you would call that a definite, “NO!”

Also on the Big Island our familia continues to face many hardships as most of the churches have not been able to meet for the last 7 months. Also, in some of the areas of Mexico where we are working the churches have been forced to only meet virtually, which definitely hurts a new church’s momentum. Yet even with these set backs I’m receiving reports of families coming to Christ.

I’ve been reading in the book of Acts lately, and there are few points that stand out. One reality is that there will be opposition, but despite the obstacles the growth of the church in inevitable. There is no doubt about this. We are victorious in Christ, and the church is triumphant! Hallelujah! Amen!

Celebrate the Advance of the Church

Even with the roadblocks seeking to impede our progress, there is much to be grateful for. We celebrate the advance of the church! We give thanks to Jesus for building His church. He promises that even the gates of hell will not stop the expansion of the kingdom of God.

We put together a video to give you a glimpse of what it was like to build the church in Rosarito. It was so invigorating to see so many from different churches from both sides of the border join together for one common objective to build the church in order that the gospel will be proclaimed in Lomas Altas 2.

Video: Ron & Virginia Diaso Memorial Church
Pray & Extend Your Hands to Help
Pastor Esteban & Cinthya Martinez

Join us in prayer as Pastor Esteban and Cinthya are sharing the love of Christ in the community of Lomas Altas 2. Pray that many people will find the savior through this church. 

Continue to pray for our familia on the Big Island as well. If you’ve been following the news at all you’ve seen that the situation on the Big Island has reached a boiling point, and that a number of people have taken to the streets to protest. They are upset about the lack of food, skyrocketing prices, rolling blackouts, and all the restrictions due to the coronavirus. There is also a shortage of medicine, so we have friends who are in poor health and they are not able to find the medicine they need. They need our prayers, and our aid! Please extend your hands and give a donation today to help our familia.

Click to Donate…

In His Grip, Dave

BeyondBordersLife.org

Our Precious Familia

Posted: August 5, 2021 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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I Am Extremely Blessed!

I feel extremely blessed by many of the people we minister with. They are precious to us and to the Lord. Both Dawn and my lives are enriched by the special friends that God brings our way. Many of them become like family to us.

Today I’d like to highlight one couple on the Big Island, Alfredo and Yoli. They are definitely part of our familia!

If you’ve been following the news over the last few weeks, things have reached a boiling point on the Big Island. Our heart and our cries go out as we see our friends, our familia suffer!

God’s Hand is on Alfredo & Yoli
Alfredo & Yoli

One of the precious couples that Dawn and I have gotten to know over the past couple of years is Alfredo and Yoli (names changed for their security). Alfredo and Yoli are young church planters who love the Lord. They are fervent evangelist, and committed prayer warriors. They are part of a church planting network that has planted 16 churches in the last few years.

When we first met them they didn’t have their own home, and they have 2 young children, so it was very difficult for them. We raised some funds and helped them to buy a humble home that they could call their own.

Alfredo and Yoli’s house on the left

Both Alfredo and Yoli come from broken homes, which is common on the Big Island. Yoli told us through tears how both her mom and dad left her at a very young age. She doesn’t have a relationship with them. She went on to tell me how the love of Christ expressed through the church and the pastors that led the church brought her healing.

When their pastor moved away Yoli feared that she would lose her relationship with us too, since we met them through Pastor Lucas and his wife, Maria. When I found out that Yoli and Alfredo were so concerned it touched my heart. I felt like it was important to maintain my relationship with them. So we’ve actually had more contact with them since Lucas and Maria left.

We Encourage One Another

Dawn and I have the opportunity to encourage them in the Lord. They tell us that we are family, a dad and a mom to them, and they say that with tears in their eyes. The other day I told Yoli that maybe I was more like a grandfather to them, but she said, “no you are a father to us.” Well, I realize that Dawn and I are able to encourage them and love them like family, but it’s amazing how much we receive back from them. God is so good!

When we talk there are always plenty of smiles. God fills us up as Christ ministers in and through us.

Dave chatting with Alfredo and Yoli

They give us what money cannot buy. They show us love and respect, and I always feel better after I’ve talked to them or they’ve sent me a message. Earlier today they told me that they haven’t been able to call us recently, because they internet is so bad.

This precious young couple live in very humble conditions. There isn’t much food to go around, and the food that is available keeps getting more expensive. They have to wait in long lines just to get beans, rice, bread and other essential food items.

When I think about it, even though we have helped Alfredo and Yoli, just as we’ve aided the rest of our familia on the Big Island, I’m the one who receives back one hundredfold. God has brought me much healing, and many blessings through my relationship with these outstanding young families, like Alfredo and Yoli.

Extend Your Hands to Help!
Extend your hands to help Alfredo and Yoli and other families in need

That is why we keep asking you to extend your hands to help those in need. It’s easy to ask for those that we love. It’s a privilege for us to extend our hands to help our familia.

Please join us in praying for those on the Big Island. Join us also in extending your hands to make a generous gift to feed families that are in need. I can’t think of any better way to use the money that the Lord has entrusted to you.

Donate today by clicking on the button below.

Click to Donate…

In His Grip, Dave

BeyondBordersLife.org

A New Birth!

Posted: July 21, 2021 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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Excited About the New Birth!
David & Jonathan in action (on the bottom left with their friend Jacob Betchol and on bottom right with me)

It is hard to contain my excitement over the latest new birth that our family has experienced! Although Dawn and I are thrilled with our granddaughter’s recent birth, in this case I’m referring to the birth of a new church. The church we built in memory of Dad and Mom, Ron and Virginia Diaso.

Thankful That So Many Helped!
Top left clockwise Davis & his son, Deivis; Blanca & her daughter, Damaris; Luz; Federico and his two sons, Daniel & David

The last two weeks there were one hundred or more people involved in helping us to build this new church. Our two boys, David and Jonathan came out from Colorado to pitch in. There were people helping from a number of different churches from both sides of the border. Some of our church planters that we work closely with also got involved. Pastor Davis and Luz Pardo, who are planting a church in Playas came one weekend. Then Pastor Federico and Blanca Muñoz, who are planting a church in Mexicali also made the 3 hour trip to contribute their time, energy and love.

It is an amazing time! I always enjoy watching the first wall go up. Since the foundation has already been laid, and some of the prep work is done we are able to get the roof up the first day. We had so many hard working people involved that we not only got the walls and roof up, but we began putting up the drywall on the first day.

After our two weeks of work the church was ready! Wow! It’s truly Amazing to witness.

As I’ve said before, “it never grows old seeing a new church go up.”

The Inaugural Service in Rosarito, Mexico
Starting upper right going clockwise at the inaugural service: Pastor Daniel Nuñez; Daniel Nuñez with Pastor Esteban Martinez and Dave; Worship; Pastor Esteban

Since this church was built in honor of my parents it made it extra special for our family. On Sunday July 18th we held the inaugural service. During the service Dawn and I had the opportunity to pray for Pastor Esteban and his wife, Cinthya. Pastor Daniel Nuñez, who is the leader of the ministry, Ministerios Transformación gave the charge to Pastor Esteban. Then we prayed for Esteban and Cinthya. Such a blessing from the Lord to be involved in the lives of special people who love and serve the Lord.

I shared about how the church in Acts 4 prayed for boldness. As they prayed God answered and they were all filled with the Spirit and the ground shook. It’s a wonderful reminder of our need today for boldness and the power of God. Zechariah 4 also emphasizes that it is not by our strength or power but by the Spirit. “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts” (Zechariah 4:6).

Pastor Esteban Martinez & Cinthya
Pastor Esteban & Cinthya – building the church and the inaugural service

While I sought to encourage Esteban and Cinthya as they begin this new work I couldn’t help but think about my parents, Dad and Mom. I was reminded of the cloud of witnesses spoken of in Hebrews 12:1. I had this sense that my parents were looking on with Christ cheering us on, which gave me peace. Maybe Hannah was cheering us on as well!

I thank the Lord for the special time that He gave us, and for the privilege of being involved in launching a new ministry in a needy community, Lomas Altas 2. Dawn and I give thanks for Pastor Esteban and his wife Cinthya. This is the second church that they’ve been involved in starting. They are building a team so that they can reach out and see fruit in both of the communities that they are ministering in.

Join Us in Prayer!
Having a good time while constructing the church

Join us in prayer as Pastor Esteban and Cinthya begin to minister and reach out in the community of Lomas Altas 2. Pray that many people will find the savior through this church.

Continue to pray for our familia on the Big Island as well. If you’ve been following the news at all you’ve seen that the situation on the Big Island has reached a boiling point, and that a number of people have taken to the streets to protest. They are upset about the lack of food, skyrocketing prices, rolling blackouts, and all the restrictions due to the coronavirus. They need our prayers, and our aid! Please extend your hands and give a donation today to help our familia.

Click to Donate…

In His Grip, Dave

BeyondBordersLife.org

A New Birth is Coming!

Posted: July 9, 2021 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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The Ron & Virginia Diaso Memorial Church
Dad & Mom, Ron and Virginia Diaso

Dawn and I just returned from a funeral for one of my best friends, who I’ve known since I was 5 years old. His name is Rod Jones, and his daughters organized a great celebration of life service. I hope to write more about Rod in a future post, but today I’d like to focus on the church we are getting ready to build in memory of my parents, Ron and Virginia Diaso.

Rod’s funeral reminds me of the need to give people hope beyond this life. That’s one of the reasons that I’m thankful to have this opportunity to build a life giving living memorial for my parents. We are building this church in partnership with our friends from Ministerios Transformación, which is led by Pastor Daniel Nuñez.

Dad and Mom were always our biggest supporters, so I’m grateful that we can honor them in this way. We are making this a family affair. Both of our boys, David and Jonathan are flying in for the weekend to help us build the church.

Church Number 43 in Rosarito
Dave with Pastor Tomas Duarte & Pastor Esteban Martinez at the church site

I went to visit the church site today, and the foundation is already laid, and the prep work is being done so we can start with a larger group on Saturday. The pastor for this church will be Esteban Martinez. Please pray for Esteban as he begins to reach out in the community of Lomas Altas 2 in Rosarito, Mexico. While I was with pastor Esteban and two other pastors, Tomas and Davis today we were able to pray together for the church. We went to the four corners of the church and prayed, and asked for the Lord’s blessing and protection as the gospel goes forth from this place.

This is the 43rd church that Ministerios Transformación has planted in the last 15 years. God gave pastor Daniel a vision to plant 50 churches, and he is getting close to that goal. When I first met him 11 years ago I think he had planted 8 churches. It’s exciting to partner with Daniel and his team. We love seeing their enthusiasm to reach the Border and Beyond with the life changing message of Jesus Christ.

I look forward to sharing more about this church planting project with you after we get it built. It’s so good to bring the light of Christ to shine in the darkness. It’s wonderful to honor my parents in this way. I believe that it’s part of the legacy that they left. We were able to start a new church in our daughter, Hannah’s memory in Mexicali, Mexico three years ago. We give thanks to our Papa God that he has provided the funds and the partners to be able to start new churches.

I know that I’ve mentioned this before, but I love what our son Jonathan told me the first time we went to visit the site where we built the church in Hannah’s memory. He said, “I’d much rather visit the church to remember Hannah than to visit the cemetery.” I feel the same way, and we give thanks that we can remember Dad and Mom in this way.

Join Us In Prayer
We prayed for and anointed the four corners of the church property
  • Pray for a successful weekend as we head down on Saturday morning with a group of friends to build the church.
  • Pray for Pastor Esteban and his team as they begin to do outreach in the community of Lomas Altas 2 in Rosarito.
  • Pray for the Lord’s protection as we endeavor work together this Saturday.
  • Thank the Lord for his provision for this church.
Extend Your Hands to Help
Our familia on the Big Island

Our familia on the Big Island told me about how they pray for friends hands. Those that extend their hands to help them in their need. When they explained the significance of the “friends hands” I decided to adopt it and use that phrase when I ask you to help. Dawn and I would like to ask you to extend your hands to help the church planting work in Mexico.

Our familia on the Big Island also needs your help. One of our friends there wrote me today, and said that the Big Island has collapsed referring to the financial situation. Things were bad before, but now they are experiencing rolling blackouts, to go along with skyrocketing prices for food and basic goods. They need our prayers and our help. you can give by clicking on the button below.

Click to Donate…

In His Grip, Dave

BeyondBordersLife.org

Extend Your Hands to Bless Those in Need

Posted: June 28, 2021 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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God is at Work Bringing Aid to Those in Need
Dave with Pastor *Daniel

I love to receive testimonies from our familia on the Big Island. Every month Dawn and I are sending aid to help the pastors, their families, the people in their church and those in their community. It’s always wonderful to hear the stories of how the Lord is working through the help that we give to them.

It saddens us to hear how they are suffering, but we are thankful that the Lord is at work and bringing hope and life to the people.

Pastoral Daniel’s Testimony
Pastor Daniel ministering to Our Familia on the Big Island!

One of the pastors that we work with, Pastor *Daniel shared the following testimony with us.

He said, “We were able to bless several brothers with the funds that you sent, how good it is to be part of this help and to be a channel so that other brothers are also blessed and helped. Glory to God in the highest and good will towards all men! We are grateful Brother, Glory to the Lord Jesus!”

“I was able to help a brother, his words shocked me, because his child and his wife were admitted to the hospital for 2 days and he had no more than $10 pesos in his pocket (the equivalent of about .20 US cents). What a joy because when I met him on the street and I greeted him and asked him about his family and he told me about the condition that they were in and I was able to bless him with part of the aid that you sent me. When I gave him the donation his face changed, his spirits were lifted and he had no way to thank me and I told him, ‘thank the Lord who was the one who made this blessing come to you, I am only an instrument.’ When I saw how it affected him it touched my heart and I wanted to share it with you, because once again I see that our Father really takes care of His children. Thank you Pastor, this happened because the Lord has filled your hearts with love for us.”

Pastor *Daniel (name changed for security)
Seeking to Encourage The Flock
Pastor Daniel praying for those in his flock!

Pastor Daniel went on to tell me how difficult it has been for the people, because in many of the places they are ministering they are locked down. They cannot leave their homes after 3 in the afternoon. They haven’t been able to meet as a church for 5 months. He seeks to encourage his flock by visiting them in the morning, and meeting in small groups in their houses. They have to be very careful when they meet. Pastor Daniel asked me to pray for their protection, and that the Lord will send workers to help him to continue to share the good news of the gospel.

Extend Your Hands to Help Today
Pastor Daniel giving food to the hungry

Sadly, the crisis is ongoing and it has only gotten worse as time has gone on. Not only is there a lack of food and basic goods, but the prices are skyrocketing and they are having to stand in long lines for hours at a time to get the little food that is available.

Join us in prayer for our familia, and consider a generous gift today to bring aid to these dear families. You can play a part in lifting the spirit of the people in need. God is at work. We are thankful that we can be an instrument to bless others, and we’d love for you to join us in this effort of offering food to the hungry, and drink to the thirsty.

Click to Donate…

In His Grip, Dave

BeyondBordersLife.org

Extend Your Hands to Help Our Familia!

Posted: June 14, 2021 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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Our Familia in Living in Crisis
Some of our familia on the Big Island

I’ve been wanting to write about the ongoing crisis that our familia has been going through on the Big Island for sometime. I know that many are concerned about what is going on, and that many are praying.

The sad news is that the situation has only grown worse. Even though much of the world is starting to open up, there are still reported cases of Covid on the Big Island. The churches in most areas are not allowed to meet, which has been extremely difficult, because all of the scarcity of basic needs and of food is causing much duress.

Since January of this year, prices have gone up for food and basic goods between 250 and 300 percent and it is projected to go as high as 500% this year.

Pastor Ronaldo’s Report on the Current Status on the Big Island
Ronaldo with some of the people that he is ministering to that we’ve been able to bless with food

One of the pastors, *Ronaldo that we are in contact with, had the following to say about the current status on the Big Island:

“We feel very burdened by the economic, social, and political situation. Honestly, the country is a mess. Hyperinflation is killing us, the cost of living has skyrocketed and there are no food supplies. To buy anything, you have to stand in long lines throughout the day (5 to 8 hours), just to buy a liter of oil [costing] 10% of my salary. The country is bankrupt, it is very sad, and we are very much affected.

This hyperinflation is hard for everyone. The finances of the church have greatly decreased and can barely cover 50% of my salary, which is 25 USD per month. That is only enough to buy a packet of coffee, a few bottles of [cooking] oil, and a packet of detergent.

It is possible now for pastors to work bi-vocationally, but the problem is that there are no jobs.”

It saddens us to see all that our familia is suffering through!

God is on the Move Despite the Suffering!
One of the young church planters that we’ve been able to help

I don’t want to be overly negative about what our dear friends are experiencing. Despite these trials, there is good news as well.

The church is growing and God is on the move!

One of our church planters reported that since January they’ve shared the gospel with more than 800 people and 60 have come to Christ. Another pastor told me that they have a goal of planting 10 new churches starting this year.

It’s unbelievable to witness the resilience and commitment that these pastors have shown under some of most difficult of circumstances. God is faithful to build His church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it, as the church continues to march forward.

Dawn and I are sending aid monthly to help the pastors, their families and the families in their churches to be able to survive. Your gifts, your generous donations make it possible for us to continue sending them aid.

Pastor Lucas and Maria’s Appeal
Our Familia in Need on the Big Island

Pastor *Lucas and his wife, *Maria recently wrote to thank us for what we’ve done and to encourage you to continue to give to their needs and to pray for them.

“David and Dawn know about our struggles and sufferings as pastors and as parents due to the great lack in the economy. They have seen our tears when not only our own children go to bed without eating food during day, but there are many children in many families who also suffer. Men, women and elderly come to our our church not only in search of God but also for a morsel of food. Many of the children come to Sunday School without even being able to drink a glass of milk, because they don’t have any at home.

We give thanks for all that David & Dawn have done for the work of the Gospel on this Island, in our city, its people, our ministries, and my family. We give thanks for all who have given us a piece of heaven on earth through your gifts. Thank you for giving bread to those who hunger and water for those who thirst. We humbly ask you in the love of Christ that you will extend your prayers, your support, and your helping hands to us!”

Extend Your Hands to Help Our Familia

Click on the button below to send a donation to today and help a family in need!

Click to Donate…

In His Grip, Dave

BeyondBordersLife.org

*not their real names for security reasons

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

A New Birth in Mexicali!

Posted: May 30, 2021 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
Tags: , , , , ,
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Launching a New Church in Mexicali Today
Dave & Dawn with the Muñoz family – front row: Junior and Paola; back row: Damaris, Dave, Daniel, Federico, Blanca, David, Dawn

Today is an important day. Not only do we remember those who have gone before us, and those that have given their lives to protect the freedoms that we enjoy, but we are launching a new church in Mexicali today. Although it is Memorial Day weekend in the USA, Mexico doesn’t share this holiday with us.

Pastor Federico and Blanca Muñoz will be holding their first public service in Mexicali today at 6 PM PDT. The launching of a new church, reminds us of the life giving work of Jesus. Sunday is a special day set apart to celebrate the resurrection of Christ!

When I think of those that have gone before us, it helps to remember that Christ took away the sting of death for those in Christ. He defeated sin, death and Satan on the cross. His saving work gives us hope. This is the good news that we preach!

Pray for Federico & Blanca and the New Church
Federico leading worship in Mexicali

I don’t usually post on Sunday, but I wanted to get this out, so that you could join us in praying for Federico and Blanca and their team as they launch the church. Church planting is a spiritual work. We need God’s grace and the Spirit’s powerful work to see lives changed by the good news of Jesus. That’s why we start new churches so that people might hear the message of the Jesus. The wonderful life giving message of the gospel.

Pray for Federico and Blanca today that the Lord will guide and lead them today. That Jesus will be glorified in their midst. Pray that their friends and those that they’ve invited will come. They’ve weathered a long period of the pandemic which has restricted their ability to meet, so this is a huge and an important step for them. Also pray for them as Federico’s brother passed away yesterday. Pray that the Lord of all comfort will bring him and his family His comfort and His love.

God’s Mighty Work Through His Church
Pastor Federico sharing the good news of the gospel in front of his house

Recently as I’ve been reading the Bible, I’ve been camping out in Acts 4. The early church encountered opposition, and they began to pray for boldness and that they would see the mighty hand of God work among them. Then the whole place was shaken and they were filled with the Holy Spirit. Pray that Federico and Blanca will be bold and that they will experience God’s earth shaking power today!

“And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭4:29-31‬ ‭ESV‬‬
Extend Your Hands to Help Those in Need
Our Familia in Need on the Big Island
One of the young church planting families that we are supporting on the Big Island

Dawn and I would like to invite you to not only to pray, but to make a donation today to help the gospel to go forth in Mexicali. We also are raising funds to aid our familia on the Big Island. We have ambitious goals to give to the needs of the pastors and families each month, so that they do not suffer, and that they can continue in ministry, and preach the life saving message of Jesus!

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!

Click to Donate…

In His Grip, Dave

BeyondBordersLife.org

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