Archive for the ‘Team Members’ Category

Giving Thanks for God’s Good Gifts!
Jonathan, Pastor Mere and Dave

Jonathan, Pastor Mere and Dave

This last Friday I experienced one of the best days I’ve had in a long time. Even though this last year has been hard as my family and I have been mourning Hannah’s moving to heaven, the Lord has blessed us with some exceptional experiences, especially lately.

What made Friday so special?

Two main reasons. First, I spent the whole day with one of my son’s, Jonathan. It’s always a special time when I can be with David and Jonathan. We enjoyed driving out to Mexicali and having wonderful interaction along the way. It encourages me so much to see how Jonathan has grown in his love for Christ since his sister moved to heaven. He could have become bitter and angry at God. Instead he’s pushed into Christ and grown tremendously. This is one of the legacies I feel that Hannah has left. The impact she left on both of her brothers. Thank you, Lord for redeeming the pain of Hannah’s early homegoing!

The Foundation is being Laid
The foundation for the new church in Mexicali, Mexico

The foundation for the new church in Mexicali, Mexico

The second reason is we went to Mexicali to see the foundation being poured for the new church that we are building to honor Hannah. It filled me up to overflowing to see this dream becoming a reality. Thank you, Jesus!

I also enjoyed spending some time with the church planter and his wife. Pastor Mere Godinez and his wife, Edna. Mere and his father-in-law, Rafael were working hard laying the foundation for the church.

Some of the neighbors who are interested in seeing the church built were also there. The church actually is right next to Alfonso and Cristina’s house. They used to live in Tijuana and they attended one of the Ministerios Transformación churches in TJ. That’s what brought about the connection. Alfonso and Cristina moved back to Mexicali and they started praying that the Lord would raise up a church in their community.

Years of Prayer for This New Church
Cristina with her three children - she prayed for 3 years for this church!

Cristina with her three children – she prayed for 3 years for this church!

Cristina told me that she prayed for three years that the Lord would bring a church to the community that they live in, which is just outside of Mexicali. The church is close to an hour from the Mexicali – El Centro border crossing.

I loved learning about how the Lord is already working in this community preparing the people to receive the Word of Life. Cristina said that her mom even felt a number of years ago that the Lord was going to build a church on the land right next to the house. Even though they’ve only lived in the house the last few years, they’ve owned the property for a number of years.

The last church we helped Ministerios Transformación start in Rosarito was built and inaugurated the day before Hannah moved to heaven. That church has struggled some to get going. There have been a number of obstacles, and we’ve felt much opposition there. We know as we move into new communities we are bringing the light into dark places. There is a battle that rages on. We are still praying and hopeful that the church in Rosarito will experience breakthrough and make a difference in the community.

Light in the Darkness

This church in Mexicali represents new hope as Christ shines in a place where there is much need. Pray with us as we work with Pastor Mere, his wife Edna and the ministry of Ministerios Transformación to build this church on the weekend of April 14 and 15.

There is still time to help us build this church. We’ve been given a matching fund as we continue to raise funds for this project. You can give online here.

click to give online

click to give online

Thanks so much for standing with us in prayer. Our battle is not against flesh and blood! We give thanks for your love and support you’ve shown us in a number ways as we move forward and continue serving the Lord!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Find Your This
Our MTWMexico team at our booth (about half of our team is pictured here)

Our MTWMexico team at our booth (about half of our team is pictured here)

Once every three years Mission to the World (MTW) has a national missions conference called, Global Missions Conference #GMC17. This past weekend Dawn and I participated in the GMC in Dallas, Texas. There were close to 2,000 people there including 450 missionaries.

The theme for the conference was “Find Your This”.

MTW MEXICO was well represented. Almost all of our missionaries from Mexico attended, including some of our national partners. Our team made an outstanding display for our booth. I was blown away by how good it looked, which helped us to attract attention. We not only had a beautiful booth, but our Mexican partners made homemade salsa, so we had chips and salsa at our booth as well.

Send More Workers, Lord!

All of this hard work on our presentation made for a wonderful backdrop on our conversations with many people who are interested in Mexico. Some of them already know us, some of them are interested in getting involved in one way or another. One of our prayers is for more workers.

Lord, send us more partners and more workers!

God is on the Move in Mexico
Dave speaking at our seminar on Mexico at the conference

Dave speaking at our seminar on Mexico at the conference

I had the opportunity to give a seminar at the conference to encourage people there to consider Mexico. I enjoy the opportunity to share about God’s call on our lives to serve the people of Mexico and to ask people to join us.

It saddens me to see all the negative news coming out about our neighbor. Yes, there are still many challenges, many needs, many hills to climb in reaching Mexico with the gospel. There is much work to do and a huge need for more laborers. Yet, despite all the bad news, God is on the move.

I pray along with Dawn and our team for a renewed Mexico as the gospel so thoroughly impacts every corner of the society as the waters cover the sea.

We must not forget what primary task is. As missionaries, we are not called to build walls, if anything we are called to tear down spiritual strongholds and to build bridges for the gospel.

  • We are ambassadors for Christ.
  • We represent a different kingdom.
  • We are people of the Lamb.
    • The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!
Rejoicing in the Work the Lord is Doing!
MTW Mexico Display

MTW Mexico Display

I thank the Lord for all the churches that have been planted since we began our work. These churches in cities like, Mexico City, Guadalajara, Acapulco, Monterrey, Durango, Juarez, Reynosa, Tijuana, and Ensenada represent lives changed and transformed by the gospel. How can we not praise the Lord for his good work!?!

We give thanks for you!

Wow! What a blessing to have friends like you praying with us, and encouraging us along the way. Thank you, Jesus!

Our MTW MEXICO team just launched a new website to represent our work in Mexico. You can find the website on this link: www.mtwmexico.org

Continue to pray with us that the Lord raises up more laborers for the harvest field.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

The Expansion of the Church into Baja
Peter and Jenny Boling are in the middle with Dawn and Dave and Yolanda's mom on the left and Sophie (our intern), Yolanda and Daniel and Camila Nuñez on the right

Peter and Jenny Boling (middle) with Dawn and Dave and Yolanda’s mom (left) and Sophie (our summer intern – middle right), Yolanda and Daniel and Camila Nuñez (right)

One of the things that I’m most excited about as I look back on 2013 is the expansion of our team and missions presence. The Lord opened the door for us to begin working with Peter and Jenny Boling!

They are missionaries with Mission to the World (MTW). Peter and Jenny were ministering in Bogotá, Colombia, but they felt God tugging at their hearts and calling them to Los Cabos in Baja California.

Dawn and I are thrilled to work alongside the Bolings, and have them join our team. The only complication I’ve had is that I’ve called our team the San Diego-Tijuana team, so now we have to adjust some 🙂 . Although I always thought of it as San Diego-Tijuana and beyond!

God’s Answer for More Workers and Ministry Expansion
A map of Baja California Sur Municipalities hi...

A map of Baja California Sur Municipalities highlighting Los Cabos. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It’s thrilling to have more workers, which is one of the answers to prayer that we’ve seen this past year. We are so excited to see our missionary force expanding! Lord, please continue your work and send even more laborers.

Peter and Jenny moved to Los Cabos in September, and they are already connecting with ministries at the tip of Baja. The Bolings are caring and loving servants, who are full of grace. I believe that the Lord will use them in a powerful way in 2014 and into the future.

Peter was saved out of a gangs and a wayward life. This has given him a tremendous platform to minister to those that are caught up in a lifestyle of drug addiction, alcohol and gang warfare. One of the ministries that Peter has connected with has an effective outreach to those in gangs. Many gang members are coming to Christ and growing in their faith.

The Lord set the Bolings up in 2013, which allows us to be in prime position to start a new church planting project in La Paz in mid-2014. It’s amazing to see how the Lord brings things together.

Join Us In Prayer for the Bolings & the New Church Plant
Peter Boling sharing his testimony at Fuente de Vida mission

Peter Boling sharing his testimony at Fuente de Vida mission

We appreciate your prayers for Peter and Jenny as we begin to work on this new project. The Bolings are still in the process of getting rolling themselves. One of the things we still need is a Mexican National church planter to lead the project. We hope to identify one by the end of March.

Pray that the Lord will bring all the loose pieces together. Our desire is to honor him and see people won to Christ through this new church. Those that come into the church will become mature followers of Jesus, and as the Lord brings the increase we will see more churches started.

I feel that we need a lot of wisdom as we set the church plant up. There are a number of things that still need to fall in place.

Please join us in lifting these needs up to the Lord!

In HIs Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

 

God Works through our Weaknesses
Lindsey, Ana & Rafael working in the the Christmas store

Lindsey, Ana & Rafael working in the the Christmas store

A friend commented after I wrote my last post that I shouldn’t have mentioned I was in a bad mood, or had a bad attitude. They thought everyone is going to wonder why I was in a bad mood.

I think this is a good point, but I felt like it was important to mention my poor state of mind for a couple of reasons.

First, I believe it’s helpful that people understand that it’s God who brings the fruit. Even though you could say that I wasn’t at the top of my game, God still used me. Paul said when I am week then I am strong, because God’s grace abounds and is released.

…”My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of the weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. —2 Corinthians 12:9,10

Pastor Roberto Shim sharing the good news of Christmas with our Spanish congregation

Pastor Roberto Shim sharing the good news of Christmas with our Spanish congregation

I also thought it was significant that the Spirit prompted me to confess my poor attitude, and to repent. After I did that my heart was changed. God began to do an amazing work. This is an evidence of his grace in my life.

Martin Luther said that all of life is repentance. I’m finding this to be true in my life. Also, as rotten as my attitude can be, it’s so freeing once I do confess my sin and my struggle. It makes me wonder, why do I wait so long to turn to God, and confess?

So you might still be wondering, what I had a bad attitude about? It wasn’t any one thing, and it wouldn’t be wise to share it publicly on this forum. Just know that I am a sinner saved by grace, and that God is faithful to use flawed people. I do think confession and repentance are wonderful remedies that the Lord has given us, and I am so thankful for God’s grace. I am so thankful that he forgives, and that he still uses me despite my flaws.

Exciting to See People Respond to the Gospel

The Lord is the one who brings the increase! We are excited to be a part of that.

There were at least 17 people that prayed to received Christ with a group of us from Harbor Mid-Ciy on Sunday. We are so thankful for such a great group of people that the Lord has given us to minister with at Harbor. I pray that the Lord will give us many more days like that.

The fruit was ripe. Dawn and I were there at the right time. Glory be to God is the highest!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

God’s Rich Blessings In Los Cabos
Dave preaching at the Fuente de Vida mission church

Dave preaching at the Fuente de Vida mission church

Our ministry trip to Los Cabos ended on a high note. In the morning, Peter Boling and I visited Vida Nueva. American missionaries who came several years ago started the church. These missionaries won many of the leaders and church members to Christ.

So encouraging seeing the legacy that they left. The missionary, Johnny Lynch who started the church didn’t even speak much Spanish. It’s amazing what God can do with a willing and faithful servant.

Now this church faithfully preaches the gospel, and they have ministries to gang members and the poor in the community that they are reaching.

May God’s Peace Rain Down on La Paz

Peter and I met with the church leaders on Saturday night, and we told them of the plan to start a new church in La Paz. They were very positive, and they started thinking of all the people they knew in La Paz.

La Paz means “the peace”. We pray that the Prince of Peace will bring his peace to the people of La Paz.

Then in the evening we went to the mission church that I wrote about in my last post, Fuente de Vida “Fountain of Life”.

The Journey from Prison to Missions
Peter Boling sharing his testimony at Fuente de Vida mission

Peter Boling sharing his testimony at Fuente de Vida mission

Peter shared his testimony. How God saved him from a life that was headed on a downward spiral. God used a fellow prison mate, who threatened to kill him to wake Peter up spiritually. Instead, the animal, as they called him, read Peter a Bible passage that brought him from asleep to being more than curious.

When he got out of prison he went to visit an aunt who was a believer. She didn’t want to open up the door when she saw Peter. He had a long beard, and long hair and looked like a bad dude. His reputation presided him. He told his aunt after she finally let him in; “I want to know how to become a Christian.”

She wasn’t sure she could believe him at first. “Are you serious?” she asked. Peter assured her he was, and she shared the gospel with him. Now Peter is a missionary with a wonderful testimony that he is using for the glory of God.

One thing I’ve seen about people who have been saved out of bad backgrounds is they get God’s grace. It’s not hard for them to understand the need for grace in their lives. Since they get it, they are good at sharing it with others. That’s what Peter and his wife, Jenny dedicate their lives to now.

The Gospel of Hope
The Arc of Los Cabos

The Arc of Los Cabos

After Peter shared his testimony I was able to preach about grace for those that don’t believe as well as the believer. I find there are so many Christians that either fall into liberalism or legalism. The people responded very well to the message. Grace gives us hope.

The Gospel gives all of us hope and lifts off the heavy burden that many try to carry alone. Jesus wants to take those burdens and carry them for us.

Our prayer is that the gospel will be powerfully proclaimed in Los Cabos and La Paz. Lord please do rain down your peace on La Paz and the Baja peninsula.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

God Works Through Relationships
Peter, Jasmin, Benjamin and Dave in front of Fuente de Vida Church

Peter, Jasmin, Benjamin and Dave in front of Fuente de Vida Church

On Friday Peter Boling and I met with Pastor Benjamin Romero in San José del Cabo. Benjamin also introduced us to his wife, Blanca and some of the people serving in the church, Jasmin and their summer intern, Othaniel.

Benjamin and the others shared about the ministry of their church, and a mission church they started a couple of years ago. I felt encouraged by their passion for Christ. They are praying and working to see Christ’s name proclaimed in the region.

On Sunday, Peter and I had an opportunity to share at their mission church, Fuente de Vida.

Our Hope for a Church Planting Team

Our hope is that Peter will partner with them in ministry to strengthen their work, but to also work with a church planter to start a new work in La Paz. The city of La Paz is about two hours from Los Cabos. It is the capital of Southern Baja California. It is an important city for the region.

10 Churches in the Next 7 Years

The National Presbyterian Church of Mexico has targeted 10 key cities in northern Mexico where they presently don’t have works. Their goal is to plant churches in these cities by 2020. La Paz is one of these cities. It’s exciting to see the expansion of God’s kingdom in the area. What a blessing that we get to be a part of this new work!

Pray for a Good Beginning

Pray with us as we establish a firm foundation to minister together with our new friends in San José del Cabo. Pray that God will lead the way for us to set up a beach head, a new church in La Paz. Our hope is to start the initial phases of the church plant in 2014.

We know we need much prayer to see this happen!

Pray too for the ministry of our new friends, Benjamin and Blanca Romero, along with Jasmin and Hugo, and their summer intern Othaniel. That their church will grow and flourish and God’s Spirit moves in and through the church.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnThe Ministry.org

Peter and Jenny Boling are in the middle with Dawn and Dave and Yolanda's mom on the left and Sophie (our intern), Yolanda and Daniel  and Camila Nuñez on the right

Peter and Jenny Boling are in the middle with Dawn and Dave and Yolanda’s mom on the left and Sophie (our intern), Yolanda and Daniel and Camila Nuñez on the right in Tijuana

Over the last month I’ve been working with our mission and some of our missionaries, Peter & Jenny Boling to open up what would be a new field for us in lower Baja California.

Peter and Jenny came out to meet us and to get to know our field last month. Dawn and I loved our time with them! It was exciting to dream with them about what could be as they work to see the kingdom expanded in Baja.

I was on the phone today with our Mexico Country Leader, Larry Trotter and one of our key Mexican partners and leaders, Andres Garza. We talked about the importance of setting up this work in the right way, and working through the proper channels.

The Importance of a Firm Foundation

A strong tower needs a firm foundation.

I’ve noticed when a big building goes up that the builders spend a great deal of time building the foundation. At first it appears they are spending a lot of time on the building, and they have nothing to show for it. Then once the foundation is finished the rest of the building goes up relatively quickly by comparison.

I found myself getting impatient while the foundation is being built. We are at that point now. I feel for Peter and Jenny, because they are having to wait for all the loose pieces to come together. They have a family, so it effects schooling and where they will live. I’m somewhat torn, because I want to protect them, and make sure they are healthy and doing well, yet I realize that we can’t just rush ahead with this project.

Praise and Prayer

I’m writing this post today for two reasons. First, I would like you to rejoice with me in the possibility of opening a new field for our ministry, which is huge! Second, I would like you to join us in prayer, that God will see this through. We need prayer for the Lord to come alongside, to spur on and to strengthen the Boling family as they wait. We need wisdom and patience as we work with and talk to all the churches and people involved, so that we do in fact set up a firm foundation.

The Cosmic War for the Church

Satan likes to discourage. He likes to come against the Lord’s church. Pray for the Lord’s protection against the attacks of the evil one.

Jesus promises,

…on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

—Matthew 16:18

Jesus is the rock. Jesus is the foundation we build on. His church shall prevail. Hallelujah!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Mobilizing in Charlotte
Mexican border fence

Mexican Border

On Thursday I presented our border ministry to seminary students at Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina. I’m ringing the bell for the border with the hope that someone will hear.

As I visit schools and churches, I have the opportunity to let people know about the crushing needs on the border. I don’t always get the immediate response that I’d like, yet it is a great experience interacting with people and letting them know about what we are doing.

There is value in making people aware of the mission we are on. Dawn and I are praying for a team of workers to join us. It takes time. I’ve spoken with some of my friends who now have larger teams, and they remind me that it is a process.

Dream Big! Dig Deep! Start Small!

Dick Kauffman has been coaching and mentoring me and I am so grateful for his support. He is a very wise and godly man with a wealth of experience. He keeps reminding me, “it is good that you aren’t building your team too quickly. It gives you more time to know what your needs are.” I believe he’s right, but that’s not to say it’s easy to wait! 😉

When I mentioned to Dick recently that I thought my team was slow in coming together he reminded me of something that Pastor Frank Barker used to say, “Dream big! Dig deep! Start small!” Dick added, “sounds to me that you are doing just that.”

I pray that Dawn and I will dream God sized dreams, and patiently wait for his timing. One thing that does help as we wait is that the Lord has already given us wonderful partners to work with, and we do minister with them as a team.

Dave & Dawn on the Border

Dave & Dawn on the Border

Jesus told us to pray for workers, which means we have to ask God and make an appeal to others to go on mission with God together. The words of Jesus still ring true today:

The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest. —Matthew 9:37,38

I find it encouraging that it is his harvest. This is ultimately the Lord’s work, and he is the one that will raise up the workers. That is why I will keep ringing the bell for the border.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Mario and Silvia with Dave and Dawn, San Diego Harbor

Mario and Silvia with Dave and Dawn

The last week has been super fun and super busy. Some of our best friends in the world, Mario and Silvia Silva along with their three children have been visiting us. On top of that our son, Jon came in on Saturday for a surprise visit. Our other two children, David and Hannah are also here. We’ve had a full house.

Since Mario and Silvia are here it’s given us a chance to get to know San Diego better. We’ve been in the area for five months, and there is a great deal to see and do.

What makes all this extra special is Mario and Silvia have a very strong interest in ministering with us on the border. That’s a huge prayer request for us and them, that God will open the door and show us the way to make that happen.

I’ve written about Mario and Silvia before. This has been a long journey, and sometimes it takes longer than we’d like, but we believe we are getting closer.

Mario and Silvia Silva family, David and Dawn Diaso family, Sea World

The Silva family and the Diaso family enjoying a day out

At this point Mario and Silvia have the strongest interest of those we’ve talked to about joining our team. We’ve prayed that the Lord will raise up workers. It is still our cry, “O Lord, do send us men and women who are called by you and willing to work with us to see your kingdom expanded on earth as it is heaven!”

I’m learning that it’s not easy to mobilize people for the harvest. I enjoy it, but it’s a long process. The Lord keeps reminding me that one of the most important things for us is to see God drawing them. They need to be called by the Lord. If they are truly called they will feel a strong commitment. It’s not dependent on us. God and his grace must be preeminent.

There are some things that we are still trying to figure out with Mario and Silvia. It is a journey for them, just as it has been for us. We know the Lord wants us to trust him, and to have faith. Also, we need prayer for protection as there are times we can sense that the evil one is trying to divide us or dissuade us.

Please join us in prayer as we seek the Lord and ask him for his leading, guidance, protection and direction.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Emily with Edgardo Avila pastor of the Spanish church

Emily with Edgardo Avila pastor of the Spanish church

Our intern, Emily Gryder has served with us since July 7th. She will be leaving this coming Friday. The Lord has used her to connect with many of the Hispanics that we are working with. We are so encouraged by how Emily has served.

We started the summer with our first intern, Zach Lutz. Zach did a great job as well, and he opened the door for many of the things that Emily is now doing.

Zach and Emily started up a weekly VBS for neighborhood kids in City Heights. Emily has kept that going with an after school kids club.

Another area where Emily has really helped us is with our English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. She has been our main teacher over the last several months. Oliva, who I wrote about in a recent post, came to Christ through Emily opening the door with ESL classes, and then inviting Oliva to the Spanish service.

Emily has also befriended and discipled, Hilary, one of the youth in the church.

She’s had numerous experiences such as building a home for the homeless, building a church, feeding the poor, etc. You can catch up on more of Emily’s exploits on her blog: Chosen by Grace.

Emily with Oliva and Elizabeth

Emily with Oliva and Elizabeth

I’m amazed that Emily has been able to do so much at her young age. She’s still a teenager herself.

Dawn and I believe in the importance of building into young people, and giving them opportunities to serve in missions. Their time on the border gives them a broad and unique experience.

We do give thanks for Emily, who’s been living with us since mid-September. When Emily first came Ray and Michele Call spent a lot of time with Zach and Emily. We are grateful for all the time and energy they gave to both of our interns. We are also thankful for Tom and Debbie Steller, who provided housing for Emily until we arrived.

Join us in thanking the Lord for Emily, and praying for her as she heads back to her family in North Carolina. Pray also that the Lord raises up more workers as we work to see a renewed San Diego-Tijuana border.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org