Protected in the Midst of Unrest
In recent days, images of unrest have filled the news in parts of Mexico. For many, it’s something they watch from a distance. But for the pastors and families we serve alongside, it is their daily reality.
Yet even in the middle of uncertainty, God remains faithful.
A Fresh Perspective on Faith and Courage
Pastor Esdras recently sent me a photo that stopped me in my tracks: a bus engulfed in flames only one block from the building where their church meets.
It was a stark reminder that we are in a spiritual battle, one that at times becomes very visible and very real.
And yet, in the midst of it, the church continues to gather, worship, pray, and proclaim hope in Christ.
Dawn and I were in Mexico last Monday, the day after the cartel leader known as “El Mencho” was killed. At first, we weren’t sure if we should go. After speaking with trusted friends, we learned that things had calmed down enough for us to travel.
While we were there, something struck us deeply:
For many people, there is no option to stay home. They still must go to work, care for their families, and carry on with daily responsibilities, no matter what is happening around them.
That reality gave us a renewed sense of urgency to pray for the protection and strength of the pastors and families we serve alongside.
Amor y Verdad: A Church Born from Calling
We are grateful for the privilege of partnering with Pastor Esdras and Mariana as they serve the city of Guadalajara through their church plant, Amor y Verdad (Love and Truth).
Esdras grew up in a Christian home, while Mariana was raised in the Catholic faith. After spending years living in Germany, they met in Guadalajara, began attending the same church, and eventually were married.
Today, they are joyful parents of three beautiful children:
Camila (6), Elias (4), and Emma (3).
Their journey in church planting in 2017 alongside a missionary family. Although their first church plant did not survive the challenges of the pandemic, God was not finished with their calling.
The Lord led them to plant again, this time in the southern part of Guadalajara, and He has been faithful.
In just one year, Amor y Verdad has grown to 50 people gathering each Sunday.
The vision of Amor y Verdad is simple and powerful:
to see the Gospel spread and lives transformed throughout Guadalajara.
We rejoice that God has provided a rental space for them to gather, and the church is becoming a place marked by:
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prayer
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discipleship
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and outreach to those who do not yet know Christ
In the midst of a challenging environment, this young church is shining as a light of hope.
🤝Join Us in Prayer
Would you stand with us in prayer for Pastor Esdras, Mariana, and the Amor y Verdad church family?
Please pray for:
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Strength, unity, and encouragement for Esdras and Mariana as they lead
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Marriages in the church to be strengthened and restored
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Spiritual growth and continued momentum for Amor y Verdad
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Provision and stable employment for families facing economic challenges
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Children and youth to grow strong in their faith
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Protection and safety in the midst of violence and unrest
Thank you for praying and standing with us!
Together, we are seeing God’s light shine in difficult places.
Extend Your Hands to Help
God is moving powerfully in Mexico and across Cuba, where new churches are being planted, leaders are being trained, and families are being discipled, even in extremely difficult circumstances.
And through Hannah’s Toys of Hope, children continue to receive:
Toys
School supplies
Food
Prayer
The message of Christ
The smiles, the joy, the spark of hope—each one is a gift of God’s love made tangible.
Your generosity through Beyond Borders becomes a powerful channel of God’s grace—empowering pastors, strengthening families, planting churches, and filling children’s hearts with joy and the hope of the gospel.
Because of your prayers and faithful support:
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Pastors and their families are being supported
- Marriages are being strengthened
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Churches are being planted in unreached areas
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New believers are being discipled, and leaders are being raised up
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Families in need are receiving food and supplies
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Children are being blessed with toys, school supplies, and the gospel through Hannah’s Toys of Hope
Help Us Reach More in 2026
Even as we celebrate all that God has done, we know the work is far from finished. The need is great… and the harvest is plentiful. 
In the months ahead, we’re trusting God to help us so we can:
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Launch new churches
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Equip new leaders
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Expand outreach into unreached communities
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Share Christ’s love with more families
Would you prayerfully consider giving a special gift today?
Your gift helps bring the love and hope of Christ to those who need it most.
Click below to give a special gift today. 
Thank you for your generosity and compassion in extending your hands to help.
In His Grip, Dave & Dawn Diaso
