Posts Tagged ‘coaching’

A Time for Advance, A Time for Expansion

Posted: June 28, 2019 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Ministry Partners, Missions, Prayer
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God is on the Move in Amazing Ways

I’m writing this as I fly from Mexico to Colombia, and by the time you read this I will be in Colombia. We are excited about all the Lord is doing in our lives right now!

There are periods when the ministry is slow and not as invigorating as we’d like. Yet during those times we have to stay at it, and continue to plant and water that we might see growth and fruit down the road. Dawn and I feel like we are in a period of growth now. We are reaping some of the fruit from the seed we have sown. There is so much going on in our family and in the ministry. God is on the move in some amazing ways.

Pastor Petri leading Renuevo Church

Over the last week I connected with four of the church planters we are working with, who are ministering all along the border. Sunday I was at the church plant in Ensenada, Renuevo. We celebrated the Lord’s supper together. It’s encouraging to see that church grow and mature.

I also connected with two of our new church planters, which is energizing for me. To see something new started, even though it requires more time and work it is thrilling.

Pastor Federico and Blanca getting set up for Mexicali

(From left to right) – Junior, Dámaris, Federico, Blanca, David & Daniel

On Monday I was with Federico, Blanca and their four children helping them to find furniture to get set up in Mexicali.

After we spent the day picking up some of the furniture they needed we were able to stop and have some tacos. I enjoyed spending time with the family and helping them get set up. Their 14 year old son, Daniel, said that the Lord was going to bless my life threefold. He said this as he observed me help his family and as I was able to be a blessing to them. Those words really touched me at a deep level, and I almost started to cry. I held it in, which maybe isn’t good. I guess it’s part of my struggle as a guy to show much emotion at times like that.

I genuinely enjoyed working with Federico and Blanca, and helping them to move into a nice place so that they can reach out in that community. Yet, the words of their son touched me in deep way. It was a moment that money can’t buy. They were simple words, but the Lord used the words of a young boy to minister to my spirit.

There are a lot of challenges to starting a church, and there is some stress that goes with it. I’m still raising money for this project, which in my weaker moments causes me to worry. Yet in the midst of this I’m excited and looking forward to what God is going to do. I think Federico, Blanca and their children are growing in their faith as they trust the Lord for his provision and to raise up this church.

Pastor Davis & Luz – A new church in Tijuana

Pastor Davis & some of the people we are working with in Tijuana. From left to right, Davis, David, Blanca, Stan, Aaron & Liliana

It also gave me great joy to meet with and encourage Pastor Davis and Luz as they are working towards planting a church in Tijuana. As I encourage and minister to them it strengthens me as well. God is so good to bless us when we serve him. I’m not saying that we don’t experience hardship on the journey, but rather that He is a good good Father and he desires to give good things to his children.

Jesus taught about this and he used the Father’s goodness as an example when he taught us to pray in the gospels.

Davis and Luz have been beaten down a lot in the ministry. The same could be said for Federico and Blanca. Unfortunately, many of the challenges that they’ve encountered have come from inside the church not from outside. It’s one of the reasons why we need new gospel centered, Spirit filled churches. We need to live out the love of Christ as we live and serve. This type of church is authentic Christianity and it is attractive to the watching world.

Join us in Prayer

Join us in prayer for these special friends who are chosen by God to serve him and to see the kingdom of God extended on the earth. We continue to pray that it will be on earth as it is in heaven. We know there is love and not hatred, jealousy and unkindness in heaven, so we pray that we will live out and experience this type of love on the earth.

There are two big requests that we have as we ask for prayer. One is that these couples get set up for healthy living situations, so that they can minister and reach out in the community. The other is for the provision that we still need in order to fund these church plants. Thanks so much for standing with us in prayer.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Why Cuba Rocks My World

Posted: July 7, 2017 in Christianity, Ministry, Missions
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Cuba Rocks My World
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Havana at night

The main reason Cuba rocks my world is because of the people. They are an amazing  and resilient people. All they’ve suffered through, which is heart breaking, yet God in His grace has used their pain to draw them to himself.

I find it hard to walk through the streets of Havana and see the long lines as the people wait to buy some very basic products for their needs. One particular instance comes to mind as I saw a young man wearing a baseball cap. The hat represented a Major League Baseball team. I wondered where he got the cap in a place where there seems to be so little. I was reminded of the stores in the USA that only sell hats for sports teams. There are wall to wall hats! The contrast of abundance to scarcity hit me.

Hunger & Hope
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Our Cuban friends, Yamil, Yuni, Melissa, Ariadna and Frank with Jim Moon and Dave

It saddens me to think of all that my Cuban friends have suffered through over years. One of them told me, “we all have the same, we share the same misery.” Yet, I see a people who the Lord has made hungry for something more than this life has to offer. That brings me some comfort, since Hannah died I too long for a hope that this world can never provide.

These are some of the reasons I love getting to know my new Cuban friends, and to be able to encourage them and to learn from them. They enrich my life, as I hope I’m able to strengthen their faith and life in Him.

While I was in Cuba I helped train our friends from Los Pinos Nuevos in their coaching skills. I was with many of them last year for coaching training as well, and it was so good to see how much they’ve grown and improved.

God’s Rich Blessings!
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Growing together in coaching

I feel in many ways that even though I go to help them on their journey as they aspire to multiply coaches in Cuba, and ultimately to see the church expand, but I’m the one who comes away having been blessed.

Dawn and I prayed even before our dear, daughter passed away for an increased reach in our ministry. We long to see the expansion of the gospel as we serve the Lord. Since Hannah moved to heaven that desire has only grown.

I give thanks for our amazing Cuban friends. They truly rock my world, and the Lord uses them to strengthen my faith. I can’t say I understand it all, but I want more of whatever the Lord has to give. I want more of Him, and I pray that this desire will overflow and spill over so that many are blessed and the kingdom expands for God’s glory. Give us more Lord! Hallelujah!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

God Rocks My World: Cuba

Posted: June 28, 2017 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Video
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The Gospel is Changing Lives in Cuba
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Dave with Jim Moon Jr., Yamil & Yuneisi Domínguez, Melissa, Ariadna & Frank Batista

Every time I go to Cuba I feel like God rocks my world. I’m both challenged and encouraged by the people and how I see the Lord working in the lives of the people.

I’m planning on writing more about my trip later, but I wanted to share this short video that I put together with the help of my Cuban friends, Frank Batista and Yamil Domínguez. The video focuses on the Gospel Coach training that we are partnering with them on. By the way, Havana is spelled with a b instead of a v in Cuba.

Gospel Coach in Havana (Habana), Cuba

Gospel Coach Habana from David Diaso on Vimeo.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Multiplying Coaches: Juarez, Mexico

Posted: January 20, 2017 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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Coaches Needed

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Dave leading a session on coaching with Alcides De La Cruz

Why do we leave leaders to struggle on their own? Why do some leaders isolate themselves from others? The casualties of those leaving the ministry every month are astonishingly high. The difference in effectiveness between ministers who have the support of a coach, and those that don’t is remarkable.

These are some of the reasons we believe that it is imperative that leaders in the church should have a coach. When I first arrived in Tijuana, I was talking to one of my missionary colleagues who’s also been a coach to me, Gary Watanabe. I explained to Gary how the church was growing so fast here that I couldn’t keep up, and that I couldn’t coach all the leaders myself. Gary encouraged me to explore ways to multiply myself, to multiply coaches.

Through Gary I met Tom Wood and Jim Moon with Church Multiplication Ministries (CMM). Tom Wood has developed some outstanding training for coaching church planters and leaders. The Gospel is at the center of their training, which is refreshing!

Multiplying Coaches in Mexico & Cuba
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Dave with Jim Moon and Josue Mayo

I began working with Tom, Jim and Gary on bringing the Gospel Coach training to Mexico. In December of 2015 we held our first training event in Tijuana and Monterrey, Mexico.

Jim Moon invited me and some of us who minister in Mexico to go to Cuba to see how they were applying the Gospel Coach in Cuba. That was a life transforming trip for me as the Lord introduced me to the wonderful people of Cuba, and showed me how he was at work there. The church is growing in amazing ways in Cuba.

This relationship with Jim Moon who heads up the Spanish ministry for CMM has continued to grow and flourish. Last weekend I worked with Jim and MTW missionary Jamie Burkemper to lead training in the Gospel Coach in Juarez, Mexico. Forty leaders came to the training.

We find as people are exposed to the concepts of coaching the Lord grabs them, and they desire to grow in their capacity to coach others. They also realize how important it is for them to have a coach.

God is Using Our Story
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One of the small group exercises during the coaching training

One of the emphasis that I love about the Gospel Coach training is the focus on the gospel. I led a module on the history of the gospel, and during my session I shared about Hannah’s passing. The Lord used the story of our family and the hope we have in the gospel to encourage our friends. One of my prayers has been that the Lord will use Hannah’s death to bring glory to himself. I know her death isn’t in vain, but as a father I long for evidence of God’s greater purpose. Jesus is already showing up, and showing himself strong as I share how he has sustained us during this time of sorrow and sadness. Thank you Jesus!

We see the light of Christ shining brightly as Dawn and I minister together. Dawn loves to pray for and encourage others. She has a knack for coming alongside those we meet, and showing them the love of Christ. We are much more effective as we team up and serve together. Jesus is giving us moments of light as we walk through the valley of the shadow of death.

Thank you for praying for us as we seek to follow Jesus. We are serving as we grieve. God’s grace is sufficient. Thanks be to the Lord!

We pray that coaches will continue to multiply in Mexico and Cuba and wherever else the Lord opens up the doors for us to minister!

In His Holy Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Equipping for the Harvest!

Posted: October 4, 2016 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Ministry Partners, Missions, Prayer
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Growth in Grace, Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
Our group of pastors that are going through the Incubator church planing training

Our group of pastors that are going through the Incubator church planing training

I love to see people grow! It excites me when those I work with learn more, especially when it is something that will help them in their ministry. The men and women that Dawn and I work with on the border are wonderfully gifted. They love Jesus, and they have a heart to serve the people in their churches and the communities they minister in.

One of the main ways our team is helping the pastors be more equipped is through training. We just completed our second of eight training sessions on church planting. We also are working with our friends at Ministerios Transformación to help them multiply coaches.

God Brings about Growth & Change
We seeking to keep them active and involved in the learning process

We seek to keep them active and involved in the learning process

It’s encouraging to see the hunger that these friends bring to the learning process. Sometimes I wonder if we are getting through? Are we making a difference? Those going through the training have assured me that they are learning, and it’s changing the way they minister.

In the area of coaching we are seeking to create a network of coaches within Ministerios Transformación. Pastor Daniel Nuñez would like for all of his pastors to have a mentor, so we are working towards that goal.

Good food is always an important part of our time together

Good food is always an important part of our time together

In the incubator church planting training we studied contextualizing the gospel for the areas the pastor are serving in. We gave them an assignment to go into the community and observe the types of buildings, houses and businesses that are near the church. Also to ask questions that will help them learn more about the people in the community. What are the perceived and felt needs? Then they are better informed about the neighborhoods surrounding the church. They can prayerfully come up with a plan to build bridges for the gospel with their neighbors.

We have three guys in the group who either have just launched their church, or they are getting ready to begin. This info helps them to think through how they can best reach the people who live in the area where the church is located. We pray and work for more churches, but we also want pastors who are better equipped. Pastors who have a good support system in place.

Prayer is the Key

Of course prayer is a big and an important component to everything we do. You can be involved in seeing the kingdom grow through prayer. Your prayers are invaluable, and we give thanks for the part you play.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

A Fulfilling Day!

Posted: June 21, 2016 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Ministry Partners, Missions, Prayer
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Kingdom Expansion
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In front of the land where church #29 will be planted for Ministerios Transformación

Today I finished the day feeling fulfilled. I don’t always feel this way, but the Lord gave me a wonderfully fruitful day with our partners in ministry.

In the morning my MTW colleague, Jim DeWitt and I headed into Mexico to lead some training on coaching/mentoring church planters and leaders. When we got there we were greeted by my good friend, Pastor Daniel Nuñez and his family. Jim and I got set up for the training time.

Then Daniel offered to take us to see the land that we just helped them purchase for the 29th church plant of Ministerios Transformación. I will write more about this new work in another post, but I never get tired of seeing God extend his kingdom!

I loved being able to pray for the new work with Pastor Daniel and the others that accompanied us. Awesome experience! After our visit we went for some delicious fish tacos.

Upon our return to the pastoral retreat house, where we held the training session we finished prepping for the workshop.

Training Leaders to Coach
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Jim DeWitt leading a session on coaching

The Lord gave us a good group. It wasn’t a necessarily large group, but they were eager to participate and the size of the group added to the openness and the intimacy of the participants.

Jim and I worked hard to get them involved in the learning process. In other words, we didn’t just lecture. We used an interactive style of training.

One of our goals was to give them a review of the Gospel Coaching training we did with them last December. We sought to build on the foundation we had laid in the winter.

Those that came really got into the learning process. We gave them each a chance to practice coaching one another, and it was heartwarming seeing them encourage and minister to one another through coaching.

When we got towards the end of our time together. Daniel asked, what are the next steps to implementing a coaching strategy for their network? It’s as if I had planted that question. It gave us a launching point to try to figure out how they could multiple coaches, and make sure that each pastor has a coach.

The pastors and wives that came to the training our wonderful friends of ours, so when I’m with them I always leave encouraged. God is doing an amazing work among them. Thank you Jesus!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnBorder.org

Surprised By Cuba!

Posted: May 2, 2016 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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Not What I Expected

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I wasn’t sure what to expect when I went to Cuba. I had heard about the poverty, and the oppression, but I didn’t know what I would encounter. It broke my heart to see how much the people have suffered, as I listened to their stories. Despite the pain many have found Christ, which has given them hope to overcome their circumstances.

Cuba is a tale of two cities. There is plenty of natural beauty in the country. Yet there is also much darkness and pain. In Havana many homes and surrounding buildings were built more than 100 years ago. What wonderful architecture! It reminded me of some of the cities I’ve been to in Europe. Sadly, many of the buildings are crumbling. They are not able to maintain them. Most of them are in need of a paint job and more.

The Amazing Growth of the Church
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Allen Thompson & Jim Moon Jr. who led the training team

There’s much more to the story as the church is busting at the seams. Wow! So exciting to see God at work. The government doesn’t allow them to build new churches, so they have to meet in houses.

The people do not have many options for entertainment. Internet access is very limited. The TV is controlled by the government, so not much in the way of interesting shows to watch. They also don’t have many movie theaters.

This leaves the people with a lot of time. They are relational. The leaders of the churches build relationships with people in their neighborhood. Then they invite them to study the Bible. There is much spiritual hunger, so the people come. They encounter Christ in the gospel, and the church grows.

One of the missionaries, Allen Thompson, that I spoke to said that it was like the people were living in a prison. Then he added that he hoped that the country doesn’t open up too soon, because the Lord is using all the oppression to make the people hungry, and the church is multiplying like never before!

Pastor Pachy told us he thought there were 40,000 churches or more in their network. The network he leads, Los Pinos Nuevos is just one of the networks in the country.

Such Beautiful People
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Dave with some of my new Cubans friends Frank, Ariadna & Melissa

I loved the opportunity to connect with the Cubans that we worked with over the week. That was definitely a highlight for me. They are beautiful people. The light of Christ shines through them. They’ve been through so much! Yet they aren’t depressed and down. They are a people of hope, and it is clear that the gospel has gripped their hearts.

As we got to know each other during the week they began to joke with me. We had fun interacting with one another. They also shared their stories, and their perspective on Cuba. Truly amazing!

God gripped my heart, and gave me a burden for my new friends and their country. I hope to be able to build on these relationships, and encourage them in their faith.

I went to Cuba to help with the mentor/coach training, but I came away with much more than I gave. I learned many valuable things while I was in Cuba that I hope to be able to implement in our ministry in Mexico. I will post more about my trip and the  insights later this week.

Thanks for Standing With Us In Prayer

Thanks so much for praying for my family and me. Dawn, Hannah and David Jr. did well while I was gone. Jonathan is in Colorado, and we see the Lord’s hand of favor and protection over him as well. God answered in many ways as he cared for my family, and gave me such a wonderful experience. We are more than conquerors in Christ!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

 

Cuba Here I Come!

Posted: April 24, 2016 in Christianity, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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Dave preaching at Grace Renewal Church

The Need for Workers to Reap the Harvest

I’m leaving for Cuba today!

It’s an exciting time. I’m still trying to get ready early in the morning, but I felt like it was important to send out a quick note to all our praying friends.

I will arrive in Havana tonight around 10 PM, and I will be there until Friday, April 29th. It will be an opportunity to get to know Cuba as it’s my first trip there.

Pray for my time there as the team I’ll be with works with an encourages pastors and church leaders there.

Excited about all that God is doing in Hannah's life!

Pray for Dawn and Hannah. We are excited about all that God is doing in Hannah’s life!

Pray for my family while I’m gone, especially for Dawn and Hannah. I will have limited access to internet while I’m there, so I don’t expect to be able to post anything until I get back from the trip.

Thanks for standing with us in prayer faithful friends!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

More Churches to Plant in 2016!

Posted: January 11, 2016 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Ministry Partners, Missions, Prayer
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2016 Here We Go!
JD Pearring in the center on the left side sharing with the LMT leadership

JD Pearring in the center on the left side sharing with the LMT leadership

2016 got off to a great start for us. Dawn, Hannah and I met with pastors and leaders from Lo Mejor del Trigo (LMT). It’s always a highlight for us to connect with these friends.

Another ministry friend of ours, JD Pearring challenged all of us to be faithful to share the good news of Christ. Even pastors need to be reminded to follow Jesus example to be about our Father’s business.

James in Acts 15:9 says, “Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God.” James assumes that people who aren’t yet believers are interested in turning to God.

The Spirit is at work all around us, and we need to stay faithful to share this good news.

JD’s words were a healthy and needed exhortation to all of us.

Share the Gospel, Plant Churches
Pastor Daniel Nuñez praying for all the pastors and leaders of LMT

Pastor Daniel Nuñez praying for all the pastors and leaders of LMT

The reason we plant churches is we believe the task it not done. There are people who need to hear the gospel. There are lives that are being transformed by Christ, and that are yet to be transformed. God is on the throne. Hallelujah!

The Lord has blessed LMT with some outstanding leaders who love Jesus. Daniel Nuñez and LMT have a compelling vision to see 50 churches planted. They just planted number 26 in November.

I’m working on raising the funds to help them plant the 27th church this Spring. Pray that the Lord works and makes this happen!

It excites me to be a part of a movement that is growing like this one is. Such good people, but even sharp men and women need support and encouragement.

Gospel Coaching & LMT
Dave sharing a few words about the value of coaching at the LMT meeting

Dave sharing a few words about the value of coaching at the LMT meeting

I’ve been working with LMT on strengthening their coaching. Daniel and I hope to see every pastor with a coach. This will create a stronger movement, and it gives the pastors a place to go during the fight. It’s not easy to lead a church, and it’s next to impossible when you go it alone.

Pastor Daniel asked me to share a few words about coaching during the meeting last week. I enjoyed the opportunity to minister to this wonderful group of servants of the Lord.

Join Us in Prayer

Pray with us as the year gets underway that Lo Mejor del Trigo will continue to grow and be strengthened. Pray that the Lord gives Pastor Daniel Nuñez wisdom as he leads this movement. Pray for a growing group of gospel coaches to come alongside these leaders.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

 

So Much to be Thankful For in 2015!

Posted: December 29, 2015 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Ministry Partners, Missions, Prayer, Video
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God’s Amazing Work of Grace in 2015!
Dave with Victor and Sol Bravo in front of their church

Dave with Victor and Sol Bravo in front of their church

As we approach the end of 2015 it’s a time to reflect on all that the Lord has done! A time to remember all we have to be thankful for.

I’d like to share some of the highlights from this past year.

One of the favorite things I’ve been able to do over the past four years is partner with Lo Mejor del Trigo to start a new church. This March we were able to come alongside our friends led by Pastor Daniel Nuñez to help start church number 24 for LMT. Pastor Victor Bravo is leading this church in Rosarito, Mexico – Plan Libertador. I recently had the opportunity to interview Victor and his wife, Sol and upload it on YouTube. You can view the video below.

Praying for Peace in La Paz
Dave, Dawn and Hannah with Peter & Jenny, Victor, Fanny and Xaris in La Paz

Dave, Dawn and Hannah with Peter & Jenny, Victor, Fanny and Xaris in La Paz

In May Pastor Victor Gonzalez moved to La Paz, Baja California Sur with his wife, Fanny and their daughter Xaris to start a new church planting project. This is a huge win for us as it took a lot of effort to get this project started. This will be the first Presbyterian church with the National Presbyterian Church of Mexico in this city of 250,000. We are praying for many to come to know the Prince of Peace in La Paz.

Keys to a Transformed Life!

This summer a number of pastors, leaders and missionaries went through a workshop on Keys to a Transformed Life with us in San Antonio de Las Minas near Ensenada. The Lord broke through in their lives and brought healing and renewal as we dealt with root issues. As the Lord heals us, we become more effective in leading others towards wholeness in Christ.

VBS fun!

VBS fun!

Summer VBS Fun

Another highlight during the summer was having a group from Skyview Presbyterian Church come to work with the Nueva Jerusalen church in Ensenada. This was the second year in a row that the church has come to help with VBS. As a result of a return visit we saw relationships deepened, and the ministry of the church strengthened. Hallelujah!

God’s Healing Through Medical Missions

God also gave us the opportunity to lead two medical missions outreaches in Ensenada. The medical clinic attracted more people than any outreach Dawn and I have ever been apart of. It was exciting to have such loving and caring doctors and staff treating the patients. The medical attention opened the door for us to pray with each patient and see a number of them put their faith in Christ.

Assessment & Coaching for Church Planters and Leaders
Our group of assessors and church planting candidates

Our group of assessors and church planting candidates

This Fall we held two major events for church planting in Tijuana and Baja California. In November 11 church planting candidate couples went through an assessment center. The need for workers, for church planters remains great, so it was a huge win for us to be able to successfully hold our first assessment center.

Then to finish the year off in December we held our first Gospel Coach training. The Lord gave us a good group of pastors, leaders and missionaries. It was an important first step as we work towards developing a coaching network to support all the pastors, leaders and church planters we are working with.

So Much to be Thankful For!

These are the highlights. There are too many wonderful things that the Lord did to mention them all. It’s so good to think back on God’s outstanding work. The church is advancing! It’s a reminder that we are more than conquerors in Christ!

Dave & Dawn

Dave & Dawn

Dawn and I are cognizant of the fact that we couldn’t be involved in these activities, and we wouldn’t have success if we didn’t have a wonderful group of friends and ministry partners surrounding us! We give thanks for you. Your prayers and your encouragement are vital to the advance of the gospel on the Border, the Baja and Beyond!

We can’t wait to see what the Lord will do in 2016! Hallelujah!

Help Us End the Year Strong

Join us in prayer so that we will end the year strong financially so that we’re able to capitalize on the exciting opportunities in front of us in 2016!

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In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

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