Posts Tagged ‘Bill Iverson’

The Good News of the Gospel
Jesus Loves City Heights - One of the ways we reach out in the community

Jesus Loves City Heights – One of the ways we reach out in the community

I love sharing my faith. I supposed it’s one of the reasons the Lord called me to be a missionary. It goes back some to those that influenced me when I was a new believer and being trained for the ministry. Dr. Bill Iverson, who I’ve written about in previous posts mentored and trained me in evangelism and discipleship.

Christmas and Easter are times of the year when I find people to be more open. There are more opportunities for me to share the good news of the gospel. Over the last month I’ve been able to lead six people to Christ.

What a thrill it is to see a new birth in Christ!

Pray for Good Soil that Produces Fruit

I must admit though that not all those that pray to receive Christ with me continue in the church. That’s the frustrating part. It’s like the parable of the sower and the seed. Some seed is received immediately, but the birds eat it, or the thorns choke it out and it doesn’t give fruit.

It is a battle to see people come to faith, and then for them to get plugged in and grow.

Jesus & Tacos
My friend, Martin at the taco stand

My friend, Martin at the taco stand

Over the last month Dawn and I have gotten to know one of the guys that cooks our tacos for us in Tijuana. He’s a real friendly guy named Martin. Dawn started talking to him, which opened up the door for us to share the gospel with him and leave him a gospel tract.

Last week I went back to the taco stand, and I shared some more with Martin while I was eating my tacos. I told him about the greatest gift, the gift of eternal life through Christ.

He said he wanted to receive the gift of life in Christ, and I was able to lead him in prayer to place in faith in Jesus work on the cross for his sins.

Grow in the Family
Baptism - the Lord's sign and seal is an element of being part of the family of God!

Baptism – the Lord’s sign and seal is an element of being part of the family of God!

I encouraged him that now he is part of a bigger family, and he needs to stay connected to the family to grow in his faith. I get concerned, because too often I see people who say they want to place their faith in Christ. They want the gift of life everlasting, but then they don’t follow through. So I’m concerned for Martin, and the others that I’ve led to Christ that they will get connected to a church and grow in their faith.

When I was leaving the taco stand. The security guy, who watches our cars while we enjoy our tacos asked me if he could have a gospel tract. I gave him one, and asked him if he had ever placed his faith in Christ. He said he was a believer.

I was thrilled to find out that he was a believer. We talked some and I told him about Martin. How Martin had just come to Christ. I encouraged him to keep talking to Martin and encourage him to grow in his faith. He told me he would follow through with that.

I left the taco stand that day feeling like I was walking in the clouds. O Lord, bring many more to yourself and cause them to grow and produce much fruit for your glory!

Join Us In Prayer!

Pray with us that Martin and the others that have recently come to Christ will get connected and grow in their faith.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Dave with Daniel Martinez at Calvary Church

As I drove up to Calvary Church in Glendale this morning I was reminded that this was one of the churches I visited 24 years ago when I first came on with Mission to the World (MTW). Wow! Was it that long ago that I began this exciting adventure? I was single then. I guess, that’s why my hair is turning gray!

I first visited Calvary when I was still in seminary, and studying under my professor, Bill Iverson. I believe that was in 1984 or 85. Bill used to take us seminary students to churches to help them work on their evangelistic outreach. It’s a vague memory now, but those were good days.

It was great to be back. I met pastor, Philip George at a Harbor church planters meeting in San Diego in December. When he told me who he was, I said, “O, your church used to support our ministry with MTW.” He said, “well, we should support you again.” That was all I needed to hear. That’s how my first trip of 2012 began.

Last year I traveled more than I have at any time in my life. I hope to travel less this year. But if I have to travel this was a good start to the year.

While at the church I enjoyed the opportunity to share about our ministry on the border and to meet some of their people. One of the people I met was Daniel Martinez. He is from Mexico City. He’s lived in the Los Angeles for more than 20 years now. It’s always fun to meet Mexicans and other Latinos. I met a couple of people from Guatemala there as well.

Pray with us for a great 2012, and that the Lord raises up more ministry partners so that we will be fully funded. Another big request we have is for the sale of our house. Yes, we are still trying to sell our home!

With you on the Journey!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeontheBorder.org