God at Work in Oaxaca and Beyond
What happens when faith meets the deepest needs of a hurting world?
When God’s love touches places marked by struggle, poverty, and pain, lives begin to change. Hearts heal. Communities are restored.
That’s exactly what we’ve seen in Oaxaca, Mexico, a city bursting with color, culture, and spiritual hunger, where God is powerfully transforming lives. During our recent trip, we witnessed firsthand how the light of the gospel is shining through the faithful ministry of Hospital de Fe (“Hospital of Faith”), led by Pastor Eliel and his wife, Jessica.
Their church is a beacon of hope where people from all walks of life find compassion, prayer, and the healing love of Christ. It’s a place where broken hearts are restored and where the gospel is lived out daily in tangible ways.
Oaxaca is quickly becoming one of our favorite cities to visit. We give thanks to the Lord for the special relationship He’s given us with Pastor Eliel and his wife Jessica, along with their two children, Sarvia and Tirsa, and for the beautiful work He’s doing through them.
A Church Bringing Healing and Hope
It’s been wonderful to see how the Lord is at work through their church, Hospital de Fe (“Hospital of Faith”). They chose that name because people are hurting and in need of a Savior. The church’s vision is based on Matthew 9:12–13, where Jesus said:
“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick… for I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
This message resonates deeply in Oaxaca, where many are wounded, some by the Church, others by the hardships of life. Yet through this ministry, people are finding love, healing, and restoration — spiritually, emotionally, and even physically.
Dawn and I have had the privilege of visiting the church before, but this was my son Jonathan’s first trip. It was a blessing to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones. I also had the opportunity to preach, and together we prayed for several people, witnessing the Spirit of God move powerfully.
Ruth’s Story: From Fear to Peace
Through stories like Ruth’s, a young woman moving from fear to peace, God is writing stories of redemption that remind us that nothing is impossible for Him.
We first met Ruth three years ago when she was battling cancer and undergoing treatment. We prayed for her healing, and we thank God that He answered!
When we saw her again, she shared that even though her doctors had told her there was no more cancer, she had been struggling with anxiety and fear that it might return. But after we prayed, she said she felt peace wash over her. Soon after, her doctor told her that her test results were stable. Ruth said, “Thanks to God, peace is returning to my soul. I used to feel anxious and afraid, but your prayers have helped me through.”
When we first met Ruth, she was single and asked us to pray for a husband. Last year, the Lord provided a godly man who now attends church with her. This visit, she came forward again for prayer, this time with her mother, because she’s been facing challenges getting pregnant due to cysts.
As Jonathan and I prayed, tears filled her eyes. We both noticed she was wearing zebra-print pants — one of our daughter and Jonathan’s sister Hannah’s favorite patterns. We sensed the Lord was encouraging us, reminding us that He sees Ruth, He hears our prayers, and He cares for her deeply. It was a tender moment of God’s presence and hope.
Strength for the Journey
Stories like Ruth’s remind us that God is still in the business of healing, restoring, and bringing peace. Please continue to pray for Eliel and Jessica as they lead and disciple their church. Pray for wisdom as they train and raise up new leaders, elders, and deacons, and as they minister to the hurting in their community.
Hurricane Melissa: Standing with Cuba in the Storm
While we were in Mexico, Hurricane Melissa struck eastern Cuba, bringing severe flooding and extensive property damage. Many of our partner pastors and their families — including Pastors Eliaquín and Marielena, Sixto and Melkis, and Arcadio — have been deeply affected. Some have lost what little they had.
There is an urgent need for:
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Food and clean water
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Blankets and clothing
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Materials to rebuild damaged homes
Even amid the hardship, the Church in Cuba continues to serve faithfully, sharing the hope of Christ through ministries like Hannah’s Toys of Hope, which blesses children with toys, school supplies, and the gospel.
Would you prayerfully consider sending a gift today — $25, $50, $100, $500, or whatever God places on your heart — to help families recover and remind them that they are not forgotten?
“And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.” — Matthew 10:42
🙏 Please Pray for Cuba:
- That the Lord would strengthen His Church in Cuba, meet every need, and use these trials to advance His Kingdom.
- For Pastor Justo and Sara, Pastor René and Yarelis, Yaima, and many others who continue to serve faithfully amid persecution and great need.
- For God’s supernatural provision, protection, and peace to cover His people throughout the island.
💛 Thank you for standing with us and with our Cuban brothers and sisters during this difficult time. Your prayers and generosity are making an eternal difference.
Together, we can bring hope beyond borders.
Click below to give a special gift today and help us bring the hope of Christ to those in need.
Thank you for your generosity and compassion in extending your hands to help.
Video: Hannah’s Toys of Hope
P.S. Don’t miss this inspiring video created with our colleague Jim DeWitt, showcasing how Hannah’s Toys of Hope is making an eternal difference. Watch how God is using toys to transform lives through Pastor René and Yarelis!
Thank you for walking alongside us on this journey.
Together, we can make an eternal difference.
In His Grip, Dave & Dawn Diaso
