Archive for the ‘Church Planting’ Category

Triumph in Kingdom Expansion

Posted: November 16, 2021 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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Kingdom Expansion in Mexico
Worship at Rey de Reyes Church in Guadalajara

Last week I wrote about how the church is experiencing explosive growth on the Big Island. More than 7,000 people have come to Christ in one city through one church planting network. It’s amazing and it’s also exciting!

The ground is not quite as fertile in Mexico, but we continue to pray and work for the expansion of the kingdom. We started a church this summer in memory of my parents, which has been a wonderful highlight for us. Also, as we coach and train church planters throughout Mexico we are seeking to set them up so that they will be successful, and grow healthy, vibrant churches.

Wonderful Group of Church Planters
(From left to right) Yudy, Petri, Dawn, Dave, Roberto, Eliel, Tirsa, Jessica, Sarvia, Berenice, Mariel, Jose Luis, Blanca and Federico

Recently Dawn and I took four church planting couples to Guadalajara to equip them so that they will have new ideas and more opportunities for success. It was an amazing time. Many of the church planters had never met one another before, so just the connections and fellowship was valuable. Also, we were able to visit four churches that are in various stages of the church planting process. One of church is just getting ready to launch this Sunday, November 21. One that has seen a lot of growth, and maturity, but is still working on being formally recognized as an organized church. Two churches that are organized, and are starting other churches.

It was like a dream come true to see the church planters so involved in learning from people who have already successfully passed through some of the same steps that they are going through now. The pandemic has created some obstacles for growth, but it also opens up some new opportunities.

Learning together in Guadalajara
Pastor Kenton Wood sharing with our group of church planters

Dawn and my prayer is that the church planters that went to Guadalajara with us will take what they learned and begin to implement the things that would fit in their context. This will help their churches to grow, and to be healthy.

We believe as the gospel goes forth that it will bring about transformation. First to individuals, then to families, then to communities which will go on to be an influence in the city and even in the world. This is our hope and prayer. I realize they are lofty goals, but the gospel can bring about life transformation, and city transformation.

God is on the move. He loves His church and He desires that the church grow. We are a city set on a hill. A light that shines into the darkness.

Dawn and I give thanks for opportunities like this to grow with others. We loved getting to know these families. Just wonderful people. We trust that the Lord will do a great and mighty work in and through them. Hallelujah!

Join Us in Prayer for the Church Planters
Dave and Dawn with one of the church planting couples, Pastor Eliel and his wife, Jessica

Please join us in praying for these pastors that accompanied us on the trip. Pray for each of them as they share the love of Christ in the cities where they are ministering.

  • Pastor Jesus “Petri” & Yudy Petrikowski in Ensenada
  • Pastor Federico & Blanca Muñoz in Mexicali
  • Pastor Jose Luis & Mariel Rodriguez in Colima
  • Pastor Eliel & Jessica Osorio in Oaxaca
Extend Your Hands to Help!

You can help through prayer and through a financial gift to support church planting in Mexico.

Dawn and I also ask you to consider making a donation today to help our familia on the Big Island. 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. 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

Explosive Growth Despite Persecution

Posted: November 9, 2021 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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Nothing Can Stop the Advance of the Gospel
Our familia loves to worship

In our ministry we seek to fulfill the Great Commission that Christ gave his followers. We primarily do that through starting new churches in Mexico and on the Big Island. It’s interesting to me that in spite of all the lack of food, basic needs and medicine on the Big Island the church continues to grow. It might have slowed down in some areas, because of all of the restrictions placed on the people. Yet, in other areas it is growing.

Pastor Lucas and his wife, Maria wrote the following to us, “so far this year, despite the pandemia, and many crises that we have faced, these statistics are the result of the work of the church.” Then they went on to share some of the jaw dropping statistics. Through their ministry they shared the gospel with 12,326, and 7,396 made professions of faith! They’ve divided these new people up into 11 territories and each territory has 6 house churches. That’s 66 new churches! The people worship the Lord, they are discipled and equipped in these house churches. The new believers have become an instrument in the Lord’s hands to bring new people, their family and their friends to church.

Wow! Praise the Lord! God is so good and so faithful!

Despite all the challenges we see that it has not stopped the advance of the gospel.

One of our friends on the Big Island
Pastor Ronaldo’s Open Letter

Our friend *Ronaldo recently wrote me, and gave me an update about the situation on the Big Island.

My beloved brothers, first of all we want to thank God for his faithfulness, his promises and care through these complex times.

At the family level we can tell you that we are doing well despite the crises that our nation faces, God has been faithful and provides what is necessary every day. While we see God’s faithfulness it is also true that our nation is going through a deep economic, political, and social crisis. The sense of uncertainty and depression continues to increase; Unfortunately, in people’s minds, it is becoming increasingly difficult to think of a decent future in the medium and long term; sadly many people live without hope of a better future, and the option of emigrating from the country.

Faced with all this bad news; We can thank God that the good news of the gospel continues to bring salvation and hope to many fellow citizens. We have not had face-to-face services in our churches for almost two years now, which has forced us to be creative in the ways we can remain a church in these circumstances.

Another distinctive element in the ministerial work is helping people in need, in that sense we can say that the ministries of mercy and justice are taking a very strong role in the life of the church. On the other hand, there is the work of training and training the leadership of the churches, investing heavily in the new generation of leaders in order to guarantee the continuity of the Lord’s vision.

Of all these good things that God is doing in our midst, you are participants through the gospel of all this, dear brothers and sisters. We are very grateful that together we can be working on the extension and advancement of the kingdom of God in this world.

We reiterate our gratitude for your support, and for joining us on this beautiful day and work.
We leave you this portion of the Word that is found in the Gospel of John 1: 5
The light shines in the dark, and the dark will never be able to put it out …
We praise and glorify the name of our God, there is nothing, absolutely nothing that can stop the advance of the glorious gospel of him.

In Christ, *Ronaldo (name changed for security reasons)

There is nothing that can stop the advance of the Gospel! Let us rejoice!

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

Please stand with us and extend your hands to help those in need on the Big Island. One of the reasons that Ronaldo’s family is doing well in spite of the crisis is because of your generous gifts. You can help by making a donation today!

Click to Donate…

Thank you, dear friends and family!

In His Grip, Dave

BeyondBordersLife.org

Celebrating 3 Years of God’s Faithfulness

Posted: October 26, 2021 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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Celebrating 3 Years!
Pastor Mere leading the church service

Last week I wrote about my daughter, Hannah, and the fact that October 18th marked the 5th year since she moved to heaven. On October 17th of this year we celebrated the 3rd year anniversary of the church we built in Hannah’s memory. I find it satisfying that my family has built a living legacy for Hannah and for my dad and mom, Ron and Virginia Diaso. We built the church in memory of dad and mom this July in Rosarito, Mexico.

Pastor Mere Godinez leads the church that was built to honor Hannah’s memory which is on the outskirts of Mexicali. I attended the anniversary service, and it was very encouraging. It’s fulfilling to see the Lord at work. It hasn’t been easy for the pastors who are in ministering in Mexico over the last year and a half. The restrictions due to COVID have not permitted them to meet in person much over the last year. It’s a real challenge to start a new church when people can’t come to your worship service.

God’s Faithfulness to Build His Church
Mere and Edna with Dave

Yet God is faithful! Mere and his wife, Edna have a strong commitment to continue serving the Lord and reaching out in the community. They live about 40 minutes from the church, and I asked them at one point if maybe it would be easier if they found someone else to lead the church, and they could start another church closer to where they live. Both of them told me they felt called to minister to the community of Marítimo. It was encouraging for Dawn and me to see their faith and their strong sense of call.

Mere and Edna have asked us if we could help them build a small apartment on the church property, so that they can stay there on the weekends and minister. The cost to build a one bedroom place is about $2,000. We told them that we would like to help them raise the funds, so that they can minister in the community on the weekends. This will give them a greater presence, which is important when you are starting a church. Mere and Edna both have full-time jobs during the week. They are bi-vocational church planters. If they could be in the community more frequently on Saturday and Sunday that would help their efforts.

Dawn and I give thanks for Pastor Mere and his wife, Edna. We believe that the Lord hand picked them to minister in the church that we helped start. All the churches that we have helped to start are special, but this church is extra special, because it was build in honor of Hannah’s memory. We believe that the Lord has a special plan and purpose for this church. One of the older women that lives in the community had a vision a number of years ago of a church being built on the property where the church now stands!

God Shows His Love
The Hannah Diaso Memorial Church in Marítimo, Mexico near Mexicali

I love seeing God at work in big ways as well as in the little details. He demonstrates His love and His tender mercies in so many ways if we just look for it.

When I arrived at the church I noticed they had painted it, and it looked great. I thought, “I need to take a picture of the church.” After I took the photo all the sudden it dawned on me that the color they had chosen was similar to Hannah’s favorite color. When I asked Mere and Edna about it, they told me they didn’t know that Hannah liked sea foam green. They chose the color, because they thought it looked good. Wow! A kiss from heaven!

Extend Your Hands to Help
Pastor Abraham Velazquez leading us in a time of prayer for Pastor Mere and Edna

Pray for Mere and Edna as they reach out in the community of Marítimo on the outskirts of Mexicali. Pray that the Lord will provide for them to be able to build a small apartment, so it’s easier for them to stay near the church on the weekends. Pray that many in the community will come to Christ as the light of the gospel shines brightly in the community. You can give to their need for a small apartment by clicking on the button below.

We’d like to ask you to prayerfully consider extending your hands to make a donation today either to this need, or to our familia and their needs on the Big Island. Thank you for taking the time to consider these needs!

Click to Donate…

In His Grip, Dave

BeyondBordersLife.org

Shoes & Clothing for the Little Children

Posted: October 4, 2021 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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The Light of Christ Shines Brightly in the Community of Lomas Altas 2
Esteban and Cinthya Martinez when we were building the church in Rosarito, Mexico

Dawn and I are continually in awe of the commitment and dedication of the pastors we partner with. What a privilege to serve the Lord with such wonderful partners in ministry!

Pastor Esteban Martinez and his wife, Cinthya recently told us about the challenges of being bi-vocational and pastoring two churches. One of the churches that they are leading is the church that we built this summer in memory of my parents. Can you imagine the challenges of working a full time job and leading two churches? It’s not an easy task to pull off.

Some of the children that Pastor Esteban and his wife, Cinthya are reaching out to in the community of Lomas Altas 2

Jesus taught about caring for the poor and needy. He said in Matthew 25:40, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” He was referring to the importance of extending a hand to help the poor. The necessity of providing aid to those in need. When we do so we are also ministering to Christ.

Esteban and Cinthya are seeking to love as Jesus taught us to love as they reach out in the community of Lomas Altas 2, where the church is located in Rosarito, Mexico. On Saturday’s they have activities for the children. As they show the love of Christ to these little ones they have noticed that they come to the events with old tattered shoes. Their shoes were in such bad shape that they have been using wire to hold their shoes together. It’s hard to imagine!

This touched Esteban and Cinthya’s heart, and they felt that they needed to do something about it. They reached out, and asked friends to help provide shoes for these children, and God provided for this need. Praise the Lord!

Cinthya also noticed that many of the families that they were meeting had old worn out clothes. This touched her heart. Cinthya has a small used clothing business. She decided to give some of the clothes to these families. She felt compelled to make a sacrifice so that these families would be clothed!

It’s amazing that the church just held their first worship service on July 18th of this year, and they are already making a difference. It’s so encouraging to see how the Lord is using them to be a light in this community. God is so good!

Pray & Extend Your Hands to Help!
The Gospel is going forth in Rosarito, Mexico

Dawn and I admire Pastor Esteban and Cinthya’s love for the people and strong commitment to serve the Lord. Join us in praying for them as they minister in both of the churches that they are serving in. Pray that the Lord gives them wisdom and favor as they share the love of Christ.

Extend your hands to help those that Esteban and Cinthya are reaching out to who are struggling to clothe themselves.

Our familia on the Big Island

Also pray for and extend your hands to help our familia on the Big Island. They are facing increasing shortages of food and basic needs. Our familia also lacks medicine. They need the Lord’s supernatural protection during these days. We are getting reports of the electricity being turned off for up to 11 hours a day, which makes it hard to prepare the little food that they have. Your gift makes a huge difference in their lives!

Make a Donation Today
Click to Donate…

In His Grip, Dave

BeyondBordersLife.org

Delivered from the Darkness into the Light

Posted: September 28, 2021 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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Freedom to a Beautiful Young Woman and Her Family

I’ve been amazed by the testimonies coming from our familia on the Big Island.

Yoani with her son, Isaías (Isaiah)

The long lines for food and basic needs continue and even are getting worse, if that is even possible. Most of people cannot leave their houses after 1 PM, due to the restrictions placed on them. Yet, God is at work!

One of our dear young friends, Yoani shared this story of life change with me recently and I thought it would encourage you.

A Testimony of God’s Power and His Love
Yoani with her husband, Samuel

She begins, “I haven’t been able to go to church for about 6 months, because at first, I was pregnant with my son, Isaías (Isaiah). People who are considered vulnerable are not allowed to got out in public and attend church. Then after my son, Isaiah was born I couldn’t attend, because I had a small baby. Now most churches are closed and no one can attend.

Yet I thank my Heavenly Father for how He has worked in my life. I have not lacked encouraging words, because of my pastors here. The Lord also blessed me by allowing me to meet you. God freed me from the snares of the evil one when you came. I’m grateful that you continue to pray for me and that you send me powerful prayers and words of encouragement. I also enjoy the beautiful photos of your family, especially those of your pretty granddaughter.

My family is infinitely grateful for the financial help that you’ve sent to support us during these difficult times that we are all passing through here on the Big Island.

I’m so grateful for the marvelous redemptive work that the Lord has done in my life. When I was very little, shortly after I was born my father left my mom. He lived a life lost in drunkenness and chasing other women. He ended up in jail more than once for the crimes he committed.

About 6 years ago he got out of prison and said he wanted to change his life, so he moved close to where I live. He said he was proud of me for how I had chosen to live a good life, but he did not want to follow Christ at the time.

I prayed and cried for him. It was hard for me to forgive him, because he had caused me a lot pain. One day he developed appendicitis, and I was the only one who could take him to the hospital. While I was alone waiting for him during his operation God began to deal with me, but I wasn’t free, and I couldn’t forgive my dad.

It’s surprising how God responded to my supplications. He brought you from so far away to this small town as an answer to my prayers. I needed to be set free in some areas of my life, but I didn’t know how to do it. I didn’t know what to do. God guided you and my good friend and mentor Maria. The Lord used you to bring restoration, deliverance, healing, joy and forgiveness to my life. It was like a big weight was lifted off of my soul. I was finally able to forgive my dad.

I would have liked for this story to end with a happy ending like the fairy tales, but that’s not what happened. In a few weeks on the 10th of October it will be one year since my dad died from a heart attack. Now that he wanted to change his life and live a good life beside his family, his life was cut short. He never got a chance to meet his grandson, Isaiah. That has been very hard for me.

Today I give thanks to God that before my dad died I was able to forgive him for how he hurt me. God brought healing to me.

Pastor I wanted to share my testimony with you to encourage you to continue to minister. I believe that in whatever part of the world that you minister in that there are people that need God to do a miracle in their lives, like he did in my life through your ministry to me.

Thank You, Jesus!

Wow! What Yoani shared with me was so moving that I just had to share it. I hope that it might brighten your day as well. It gives you a glimpse of how the Lord is working in the lives of our familia on the Big Island as we extend our hands to help them. Despite all the pain, and all the difficulties God is on the move!

Extend your hands to help our precious familia
Send a Donation Today!

I’d like to ask you to join us, and send a donation today to help our familia!

Click to Donate…

In His Grip, Dave

BeyondBordersLife.org

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.

Click to Donate…

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
Tags: , , , , , ,
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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

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