Posts Tagged ‘Acts 4’

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

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 in Mexicali!

Posted: May 30, 2021 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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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