Posts Tagged ‘Calvary Presbyterian Church’

New Ministry Launch Almost Here!

Posted: March 10, 2012 in Bright Spots on the Border, Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Ministry Partners, Missions, Prayer, San Diego, Tijuana
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Ray and Michele Call

ESL training starts in two weeks, March 23-24. We are stoked about launching this outreach with Harbor Mid City. Ray Call and I met with our good friend from Harbor, Edgardo Avila a couple of days ago. Edgardo is very positive about the training. He spoke highly of Ray, as Ray is doing most of work to organize the training. It’s thrilling to see God work, and open up doors for us here on the border!

Yesterday, Ray and I met with Jim DeWitt for a team meeting. All of us are super encouraged by this opportunity the Lord has given us. We believe prayer is key to the event, and the ensuing classes that will start-up on Friday, April 13. Please do join us in praying that all the loose ends come together.

Here’s some specific prayer requests:

  1. Dave with Pastor Edgardo Avila, A Key Ministry Partner. He leads the Spanish Speaking Church at Harbor Mid City

    We need 1 administrator, and ideally 6 teachers for the training and classes. Right now we have at least 4 teachers, and some other people who have expressed interest!

  2. Ray as he organizes the training on March 23-24, and prepares for the launch of the classes.
  3. Ray’s health – he’s been having some health issues for more than a month. Pray for healing and wholeness.
  4. Kristy Holliday will be leading the ESL training.
  5. That the Lord will bring a good group to come learn English starting on April 13.
  6. We pray that the course will serve the people who come by improving their English skills. We are also praying that many will come to know Christ through this outreach.
  7. Unity for the team as they prepare, and the classes start-up.
  8. Tomorrow, March 11, I’ll be preaching at Calvary Presbyterian in Glendale, California.

Thanks for standing with us in prayer!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeontheBorder.org

Listen to God, Then Act!

Posted: March 6, 2012 in Christianity, Church Planting, Journey, Ministry, Ministry Partners, Missions, Prayer, Reflections & Musings
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Reflections and Lessons from David's Life

Reflections and Lessons from David's Life

I enjoy reading about the life of David. I suppose in part, because I am named after him. I also feel that I learn a number of valuable life lessons as I observe how God worked in David’s life. On Sunday I was reading through 1 Samuel 23. I was struck by the interaction between David and the Lord.

David was in the city of Keilah, and Saul was pursuing him. Saul believed he had David trapped. David knowing he was in trouble prayed. He said, “O Lord, the God of Israel, your servant has surely heard that Saul seeks to come to Keilah, to destroy the city on my account. Will the men of Keilah surrender me into his hand? Will Saul come down, as your servant has heard? O Lord, the God of Israel, please tell your servant” (1 Samuel 23:10,11). The Lord said to David that, yes they would come.

Then David asked, “‘Will the men of Keilah surrender me and my men into the hand of Saul?’ And the Lord said, ‘They will surrender you'” (1 Samuel 23:12). So David listened and departed with his men.

What impressed me when I read this passage, was the importance of David not only hearing the Lord’s reply, but then acting upon it. David could have complained, “Why are you NOT protecting me from Saul!?!” Instead he acted on what God told him. God protected David, not by keeping Saul from coming, but by letting David know he was coming so he could get out of Dodge, so to speak.

We see something similar in the New Testament when Joseph and Mary fled to Egypt with Jesus, because Herod was about to search for Jesus to Destroy him.

Sometimes God chooses to protect us by moving us on. We must take action and respond to the Lord’s prompting.

Dave & Dawn Diaso - celebrating 23 years!

Dave & Dawn Diaso - celebrating 23 years!

My prayer today is that you and I will act on what the Lord is telling us to do.

I just got back from a great visit on the border. On Sunday I was at Redeemer Presbyterian in Torrance, California. I flew home yesterday to celebrate my 23rd anniversary with my lovely bride. This weekend I will be preaching at Calvary Presbyterian in Glendale, California. I also have some important ministry meetings while in Southern California. Thanks for standing with us and praying for us!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeontheBorder.org

Yes, God has Brought Healing & Wholeness!

Posted: February 2, 2012 in Journey
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Dave with Daniel Martinez at Calvary Church

I shared our story during Sunday School at Calvary Presbyterian in Glendale a few weeks ago. I wrote about my sentimental return to Calvary after I visited the church. Usually when I have an opportunity to elaborate on our journey of faith as missionaries I recount how I was kidnapped when we lived in Mexico City. You may remember that I also was held up at gun point, and had my car stolen. For the most part, we had a wonderful experience in Mexico, but these trials are part of our life as well.

After I told the group at Calvary about our life and ministry in Mexico, I gave them an opportunity to ask questions. One woman asked, “How were you able to stay in ministry after being kidnapped?” I can’t remember exactly how I responded, but that question stuck with me. Later I thought, “Yes, God has ministered to me and my family. He’s brought us healing and wholeness! Thank you, Jesus.”

Most of the time when people ask me questions they are good helpful questions.  I feel encouraged by the interest they have in what God is doing on the border. I must admit that sometimes I get a question that appears to be trying to pin me against the wall. I wonder what their agenda is? But the overwhelming majority of people who Dawn and I interact with are very encouraging.

God definitely uses the church to spur us on. I don’t always take time to reflect on the many good things the Lord has done in our life. He has protected us and preserved us. Yes, he’s allowed us to go through the fiery furnace at times, but never alone and never without purpose. That doesn’t mean that we always know the purpose, but we do understand that He has one.

Dave Sharing at Cheyenne Mountain in Colorado Springs

We will have many more opportunities to share our story and answer questions. Pray with us that God teaches us, and gives us His wisdom and grace as we interact with new and old friends alike. Dawn and I leave this morning for a 10 day trip that will take us to Liberty Presbyterian in Owings Mills this Sunday, and to visit many other present and potential supporters of our ministry with Mission to the World.

It is a story of God’s faithfulness, just as He was faithful to my friend, Issaid, who I wrote about recently.

Pray also for Jonathan and Hannah as they will have to care for themselves while we are gone.

Thanks for going with us and praying for us on this journey.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeontheBorder.org

A Sentimental Return to Calvary

Posted: January 9, 2012 in Journey, Reflections & Musings
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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