Posts Tagged ‘Colorado Springs’

Our Road Trip to Colorado
Lake Mead – Unfortunately, Hoover Dam was closed, but we were able to stop and see Lake Mead

Dawn and I just returned from a road trip to Colorado to visit our family, David & Emily, and Jonathan & Hannah. It’s always such a joy for us to see our boys with their lovely wives. We wish we could see them more frequently, yet we give thanks for the time that we do have with them.

This summer we especially felt like we needed a break, since both of my parents died in the last few months. I’ve felt heavy at times, and the COVID-19 crisis and all the riots haven’t made it any easier. In some ways it was like breathing a breath of fresh air. It was a time to be refreshed and unwind.

We decided to drive to give us a little more time alone, and to enjoy the scenery. It was a beautiful trip, and although we are worn out now that we are back home it was well worth it.

A Time to Celebrate! 🎉
Jonathan’s graduation celebration. Jonathan with Rich & Liz Blanco (top left); Jonathan & Hannah (top right); Jonathan with David & Emily (bottom right); Jonathan with Dave & Dawn (bottom left).

While we were in Colorado we celebrated Jonathan’s graduation from Grand Canyon University. We are proud of Jonathan for completing his degree while working full time, and getting married. He’s always been a very hard worker, and he showed a lot of perseverance by sticking with it, and finishing his undergrad studies.

Jonathan’s birthday celebration! On the bottom left Dave and Jonathan from a few years ago

Another milestone we celebrated with Jonathan was his 28th birthday on August 8th. Jonathan and Hannah planned out a full day of fun which included, golf, breakfast, BBQ and we ended the night with guys volleyball followed by a delicious birthday cookie.

Apart from the wonderful time with our family we also enjoyed seeing some of our friends. We always wish we could see even more friends. Since we lived in Colorado for 12 years we have a number of amazing friends that we love in the State of the Rockies.

Promoting the Lord’s Good Work
Pastor Federico Muñoz – planting a church with his wife Blanca in Mexicali, Mexico 🇲🇽

I also had the opportunity to meet with some our pastor friends to give an update about the ministry and all that the Lord is doing. Dawn and I are continuing to promote and raise funds for church planting and for the tremendous needs on the Border, the Baja and Beyond which includes the Big Island.

We are so grateful for the generous gifts that have been given. The needs are ongoing. In our communication with our pastor friends the needs for food and basic needs continue on the Big Island. Tourism is one of the main attractions which generates funds for the Island, but the coronavirus has kept the tourist away. Flights into the country are very limited.

Extend Your Hands to Give
One of the pastoral families that we are helping. They have planted 9 churches this year!

Please pray with us for these dear friends and give to help feed these families in need. We’ve now been able to help more than 750 people on the Big Island. We give thanks for that! We couldn’t have done it without your help. Extend your hands to help these wonderful friends.

Click Here to Donate…

In His Grip, David

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Celebrating 30 Years of Marriage!
Celebrating our 30 year anniversary!
Celebrating our 30 year anniversary!

Dawn and I just celebrated our anniversary yesterday, March 5. We hit an amazing milestone of 30 years of marital bliss. I can’t say that it’s always blissful, but it’s defintely worth working through those difficult days.

It’s Been Quite a Journey
Our family as we served in Mexico City
Our family in the early days as we served in Mexico City

We’ve endured more than most couples. Our first year of marriage we lived in Fresno, California. Then our second year we lived in three different cities in three different States: Fresno, California; Detroit, Michigan; McAllen, Texas. Our first son, David Jr. was born in McAllen.

When David was 5 months old in April of 1991 we moved to Mexico City where we lived for the next 3 plus years. While in Mexico City both Jonathan and Hannah were born. When Hannah was about one month old we drove from Mexico to McLean, Virginia. That was quite an adventure. Three children in diapers traveling across Mexico and then onto the US. After about 6 months in Virginia we drove across country to Fresno.

Sometimes, when I look back on it all, I wonder what we were thinking!!! We were very driven, and we had more energy back then!

After about 6 months in Fresno, I drove with my dad and David jr. back to Mexico City, while Dawn flew to Mexico with Jonathan and Hannah. When we arrived the house we thought we had rented fell through, so we didn’t have a place to live. I don’t remember how long it took us to find a home, but we did eventually find a great place to live and serve.

On our second term in Mexico City, I was kidnapped. You can read the full story by clicking here: kidnapped 1 &, kidnapped 2. Then about a year and a half later I was held up at gunpoint and had my car stolen. They took me on a short joy ride during that robbery as well. I also wrote about that and you can read that story by clicking on this link: kidnapped 3.

From Mexico City to Colorado
The last picture we have of our family together before Hannah moved to heaven
The last picture we have of our family together before Hannah moved to heaven

From Mexico City we moved to Colorado Springs. Those years were relatively calm compared to our first 10 years of marriage. Of course, we did raise three teenagers in Colorado Springs which is never easy.

Then just over six years ago we moved from Colorado to where we are now serving on the San Diego – Tijuana border and beyond. I like to add beyond, because we travel and work throughout Mexico and in other Latin American countries. It’s an amazing and growing ministry!

Our Life on the Border and Beyond!
Our growing family: David jr., Hannah, Jonathan, Dawn and Dave
Our growing family: David jr., Hannah (Jonathan’s wife & our new daughter), Jonathan, Dawn and Dave

We love living and serving on the border, yet it hasn’t been easy. As most of you know if you’ve been following us that two years ago our beautiful daughter, Hannah moved to heaven. That’s not something you necessarily get over. In fact this last week I’ve especially been missing Hannah. Sometimes I feel sad, and sometimes I feel frustrated and upset. It’s extremely hard on Dawn as well. This is an area we can always use prayer for as we mourn our daughter’s early home going.

When I began writing this post I was going to go a different direction with it, but I trust the Lord led me to write a summary of our lives and some of the trials and adventures we’ve been on. Of course, there have been many wonderful moments and seasons as well.

Giving Thanks for the Gift Dawn has been to Me
Dawn and I walk on this winding road of faith together
Dawn and I are seeking to show and share the love of Christ wherever we are, and whenever the Lord opens the door!

I guess, my main point here is that I chose well and that the Lord has blessed me in many ways by giving me Dawn. I don’t think that too many women could have survived all that we’ve been through. Unfortunately, many marriages don’t stand the test of time. By God’s grace, in spite of all that we’ve been through our love for one another has grown over the years. We are still growing. You don’t stop. We are still striving to have a greater love and passion for the Lord and for one another.

I give thanks today for the gift that my wife is to me, and to my children. We are stronger together, and it’s so encouraging to see where the Lord is taking us and the doors he is opening for us! Thank you for following us and praying for us. We couldn’t do it without the support and prayers of faithful friends!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Dave and Dawn in the middle with fellow MTW Mexico missionaries, Jamie and Jen Burkemper, Dan and Becky Young

Dave and Dawn in the middle with fellow MTW Mexico missionaries, Jamie and Jen Burkemper, Dan and Becky Young

I hardly have time to reflect on and write about our last trip before we are on to the next trip. Dawn and I just returned from cold Colorado. I must admit that we’ve gotten soft now that we are living on the border with year-round mild temperatures.

We were in Colorado Springs for Village 7’s missions conference. A number of good things happened while in the Springs. We give thanks for God’s many good gifts:

  • Wonderful opportunities to pray with and for others
  • We got to see many of our very close and special friends
  • We had a wonderful time with our son, Jonathan
  • The Lord gave us many opportunities to tell our story, and about all that He is doing on the Border, The Baja and Beyond
  • Many MTW colleagues and friends from other missions organizations were at the conference
  • Despite the cold, the mountains in Colorado are breathtaking

We loved being able to see our son, Jonathan. His dog, Cesar joined us for this photo!

We loved being able to see our son, Jonathan. His dog, Cesar joined us for this photo!

When we are in Colorado we are always reminded of Hannah. There were a number of friends who we saw for the first time since Hannah moved to heaven. Dawn and I love to talk about our daughter, and yet it does bring up some emotions for us. I’m grateful for the Lord’s good and loving healing in our lives. When I think of how fragile we seemed last year at this time. God has been so good, and he is giving us strength as we continue to walk on this journey.

We came home just for a few days to catch our breath, but now we are off to Guadalajara for the weekend. We will be participating in the 20 year anniversary of one of the churches that our colleague and friend, Kenton Wood started. The Lord has used Kenton in some amazing ways over the years to see many won to Christ and discipled into the kingdom. His church, Rey de Reyes, “King of Kings” has started eight other churches as well.

Promoting the ministry on the Border, the Baja and Beyond!

Promoting the ministry on the Border, the Baja and Beyond!

We give thanks for the Lord’s good work, and we pray for more. More Lord, give us more!

Dawn and I appreciate your continued and ongoing prayer for us. Every day I feel like the Lord shows me the importance of prayer. It’s like air, we can’t live without it. Breathe in deeply God’s love and his grace. Let us all grow together as we approach the throne of God, a throne filled mercy and grace!

In His Loving Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

English: View of Pikes Peak from the Universit...

English: View of Pikes Peak from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, sometime before 2008. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Dawn and I have been in Colorado Springs for the last week. We came out for some ministry meetings, and the opportunity to connect with friends and family.

When we left Mexico City at the end of 1999 we moved to Colorado Springs. We thought our family would only be in the Springs for a year or so. I remember Dawn saying to me, “It’s cold there, and we don’t know anybody.” I replied, “We’ll only be there for about a year, we can handle it.”

Well, we actually lived in Colorado Springs for 12 years, just slightly more than a year, right? 🙂 I guess, that’s one reason we are having a hard time getting our kids to leave Colorado. It really did become home for us.

The Lord called us to the Mexican border and we left Colorado last August. Mexico has bookended our time in Colorado.

Hannah and Dave enjoying some father - daughter time

Hannah and Dave enjoying some father – daughter time

While we lived in the Springs the Lord gave us many wonderful friends. We are grateful for them. They pray for us and encourage us along the way.

Dawn and I will be leaving on Wednesday morning, and it will be very hard to say good-bye. It always is! It makes it even harder when we have to say to good-bye to two of our children, Jonathan and Hannah.

I thank the Lord that he has given us such a fruitful visit, and for the blessing of friends who love and support us in our ministry.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Our Three Kids: Jonathan, Hannah & David Jr.

Our Three Kids: Jonathan, Hannah & David Jr.

I must admit one of the principle things I worry about is my children. My kids, David Jr., Jonathan and Hannah, are now grown. Dawn and I just became empty nesters when we left Colorado last August.

I am learning to trust God in deeper ways through this time. God is indeed faithful!

One of the Hardest Things I’ve Ever Done

The beauty of Colorado Springs (taken by Terry Bradley)

The beauty of Colorado Springs (taken by Terry Bradley)

I can still remember the day we drove off from Colorado Springs, and said good-bye to Jon and Hannah. It was a bittersweet day. Sweet because we attained a dream we had worked for in moving and ministering on the San Diego – Tijuana border. Bitter because Dawn and I had to say good-bye to two of our children.

When the Lord first called us to serve on the border I felt that he confirmed in my heart that he would not tear apart our family. I’ve clung to that promise as Dawn and I have been on this journey.

Jesus’ Healing Words

This morning I was reading in Luke 12. Jesus speaks words of comfort to my soul in this passage found in verses 22 and following.

And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?

—Luke 12:22-26 (ESV)

The impression I get from Jesus’ words is that these basic things we worry about are very simple for God. Your Father loves you, he is good and he promises to take care of you so why do you worry?

Why do I Worry?

I realize one of the reasons I worry is my faith often wavers. I forget that God is good. I forget that God promises to take care of me and my family.

The other reason I worry is that I make an idols out of my children or other things. The problem with idols is that they never satisfy. They can never fill our hearts. Only our Heavenly Father can meet our deepest needs.

Thank you Lord, for being so loving and so patient with me.

Hannah & Jon having some fun

Hannah & Jon having some fun

One of the reason that I’m reminded of all this today is that Dawn and I are in Colorado Springs. We are spending some time with Jon and Hannah. I still would love to have them closer to us, but I’m grateful that our loving Father is taking such good care of them. I’m thankful for Village Seven Presbyterian Church. A church where they have friends, and they can grow and learn.

Thank you Lord, that you are faithful even though I doubt. You are faithful even when I am not.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

The Diaso family

The Diaso family

Today is the last day we will have furniture in our home in Colorado Springs. The movers come tomorrow, and all of our belongings will be packed in a trailer for our move to the San Diego – Tijuana border.

We are excited that this day has come!

Dawn and I along with our kids are flooded with emotions. I remember when we first decided to move to Colorado Springs 12 years ago. Dawn said to me, “it’s cold there, and we don’t know anybody.” My response, “we will only be there about a year, I think we can handle it.” Those are either my famous or infamous last words. Wow! How could it be that we’ve been here for 12 years!?!

Don’t get me wrong it’s been a good 12 years. Our three grown children, David, Jr. Jonathan and Hannah grew up here. Now we have many friends that we love. That’s part of what makes it hard to leave. Jonathan and Hannah have decided to stay in Colorado when Dawn, David and I head out next week. That’s extremely tough to leave two of our children behind.

Moving Day has come!

Moving Day has come!

Even with some of the sorrow we feel in leaving our good friends and our two kids, we know that we are doing what God has called us to do. We know that the Lord will not only take care of us, but He will look after and care for Jonathan and Hannah.

I have so many good memories of our time in Colorado Springs! Coaching the boys in baseball; cheering Hannah on in volleyball; rooting for and encouraging all three of them in speech and debate. I think of all the friends we have made. Friends who have encouraged us, and walked with us through the good and difficult times. Too many friends to mention here. Praise Jesus for them!

I’m very grateful to the Lord for the season He gave us here. There’s a sense in which part of us will stay in Colorado.

Yet there are so many good things waiting for us on the border. This move is allowing us to begin a dream that we’ve had for a couple of years now. God has made it clear in so many ways that we are doing the right thing. We are confident in His leading and calling.

There are some risks in leaving, but we are confident of the Lord's leading!

There are some risks in leaving, but we are confident of the Lord’s leading!

We appreciate your prayers. It’s going to be painful to say goodbye to Jonathan and Hannah. “O Lord, please watch over them and care for them.” The move does create some stress for us, and we don’t know where we will be leaving yet on the border. That’s our next order of business, to find a new home.

Paul’s thanksgiving and prayer sums up well our feelings at this time.

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

—Philippians 1:3-6

Thanks so much for joining us on this Journey with Jesus! Thanks so much to all our friends in Colorado that have blessed and encouraged us along the way.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeontheBorder.org

partially charred flowers that survived the fire

partially charred flowers that survived the fire

The Waldo Canyon Fire is now 100% contained. Hurrah! That’s great news! Yet many lost their homes, and more were damaged. Some of our friends, Doug and Jodi Hammerstrom live right above the Flying W Ranch, so they were sure that they lost their home. But somehow in God’s grace it survived.

Even with this wonderful news, the Hammerstrom family now wonders what the fire has done to the value of their home? Doug shared about this on his blog, It’s Not About Me. He said, this gives “an opportunity to see who we trust more, The Lord of Heaven and Earth or American Family Insurance.”

There is joy and relief for those who could have lost more in the fire, yet they still suffered loss. It wasn’t the worse case scenario. I know many prayed that homes and lives would be spared. It could have been much worse, but it ended up being the worst fire in the history of Colorado.

Loss like this reminds us that this is our temporary home. The things of this world are wood, hay and stubble compared to the glory of knowing Christ. That’s not to say it’s easy when we suffer loss, and things that we worked hard for are either devalued or completely destroyed.

I am thankful that God spared the Hammerstrom’s home, and I agree with Doug that it is an opportunity to trust. I pray we will all grow in our trust of the Lord, and that those that don’t know Christ will turn to Him as they see how quickly things of this world can go up in smoke.

Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to trust the Lord fully.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

Here’s a video put out by the Colorado Springs Fire Department that demonstrates just how bad the fire was, and the heroic job they did in limiting the damage.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeontheBorder.org

feeding the baby birds

feeding the baby birds

While in my parents backyard this past week I enjoyed observing the birds. They were small birds, maybe sparrows. The birds made a nest in a small bird house that my parents provided them. Momma and papa bird kept bringing the grub as the baby birds chirped. They may not have been “angry birds,” but they were definitely hungry birds.

As I did my bird watching it reminded me of what Jesus said about the birds of the air.

“Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”

—Matthew 6:26

Jesus uses this example, asking the rhetorical question, if our Father cares for little birds, don’t you think He will care for you? He exhorts the people of God not to worry, not be anxious. Anxiety will not provide for you, it will not add a day to your life.

In light of the recent Waldo Canyon fire that reached the city of Colorado Springs this is a good reminder. Dawn and I have many friends who were affected in one way or another by the fire. We talked to some of them today at church. Some of them have already been able to go back to their home. One family told me they were going to be able to go back home today. Then those whose homes were in the more affected areas will only be able to see their homes, but not stay in them yet.

Pray for Colorado and for those affected by the fire

Pray for Colorado and for those affected by the fire

The last I heard from Tom Graham, who I mentioned in one of my last posts, he was waiting to get into his home. Hopefully, that happens today.

What’s more basic than food and shelter. Friends of ours lost those basic needs. Everybody in the city is talking about it.

Disasters cause us to worry. Our pastor, Mark Bates pointed out this morning that, “disasters shatter our illusion of control.” Yes, it is an illusion, because sometimes we think we are in control, and then a fire comes. You can lose everything you own very quickly in a fire. Up in smoke all of your worldly positions, and at that moment you do feel powerless.

These times can increase our faith, as we trust in our loving heavenly Father. We don’t always know, why the fiery trials come? Why bad things happen? At least apart from the fact that we live in a fallen world, we don’t know the specific reason we suffer.

Yet we do know God loves us. He loved us enough to send His son, who died on the cross for our sins. He bore the penalty for us.

I’m sure you’ve quoted or heard Paul’s well-known promise found in Romans 8:28,

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good…”

Then Paul strengthens his argument in Romans 8:32,

“He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?”

You see, if you know God is good, He is powerful and He loves you, then this gives us hope even when we don’t understand. I mean He even God up His own Son for us!

It’s related to the birds. The birds don’t worry, but our heavenly Father takes care of them. He will take care of you too. You are more important than sparrows. You are made in God’s image. So even when it doesn’t seem like God cares, or that He is in control, He does and He is. Praise Him with me!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeontheBorder.org

Pray for Colorado and for Colorado Springs

Pray for Colorado and for Colorado Springs

You may have seen the alarming news that Colorado Springs is on fire! We never thought the city we live in would get caught in such a big fire.

Friends of ours have already lost their homes, and others have been displaced. Those displaced face the possibility of losing their home, and in the meantime they need to find another place to live.

This photo was taken from Tom Graham's house as they were leaving at 4:30 PM on Tuesday

Photo taken from Tom Graham’s house as they were leaving at 4:30 PM on Tuesday

One of our friends that’s been displaced is Tom Graham. Tom has been a mentor to me over the last 12 years, and he has been one of the most influential people in my life during that time. It’s sad to see such dear friends going through this. Now all they can do is wait and pray, hoping their home will be saved.

We live on the east side of Colorado Springs, and the fire is on the west side, so at this point our home isn’t in danger.

We do need prayer! Prayer for the city, and all those affected by the fire.

It’s important to remember during these times that God is greater than the storms that life brings. My daughter, Hannah just posted this quote on her Facebook page,

“Don’t tell God how big your storm is, tell the storm how big your God is.”

That’s a great reminder to all of us. Keep your eyes on the Lord.

Psalm 46 offers us great comfort and encouragement. The subtitle for the Psalm is, God is Our Fortress.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though the waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when the morning dawns. The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”

— Psalm 46:1-7 (ESV)

It’s so important to remember where are peace comes from. Who are rescuer is. This is an opportunity for us to trust in the Lord, as I wrote about recently.

This is taken from the Chapel Hills Mall - on the north part of the city

This is taken from the Chapel Hills Mall – on the north part of the city

We cry out to the Lord for help! Please rescue our city. Deliver our friends and our homes. Stop the blazing fires. Change the direction of the wind. Comfort our friends who are displaced. Comfort them as they wonder if they still have a home. Draw people to yourself during this fiery trial.

Our church, Village Seven Presbyterian Church in Colorado Springs has started a web-link for information on how you can help. Tonight the church called a prayer meeting to plead with God for His mercy to save our city. Here’s the link for more info on ways you can help – v7pc.org/fire.

Here’s a link with some news on the evacuations, and some updates on the fire – Waldo Canyon fire. This article captures some of emotion in the Springs – Firestorm of Epic Proportions.

Dawn and I are in California we fly back to Colorado on Thursday. Pray that we are able to get to Colorado without any complications. David, Jon and Hannah are home. We look to the Lord for their safety.

Wow, what a hot and crazy summer! Thanks for caring, and praying with us.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeontheBorder.org

Ray, Zach and Gene

Ray, Zach and Gene

Over the last few days while I’ve been in San Diego we’ve had some wonderful people visiting us. Gene Bowman, BEAMM‘s coordinator is with us until Friday. Kelly and Kate Mulholland missionaries with Cru to Ireland were with us on Tuesday and Wednesday. Zach Lutz, our intern just arrived!

Ray Call and I have been able to introduce Gene, Kelly and Kate to a number of people we are working with. I love being able to connect people. Seeing them get excited as they learn what God is doing on the border.

It’s Gene’s first visit with us. Gene and LuAnn are beginning to make some transitions in ministry themselves, but even with that I’ve been overjoyed to have him meet our ministry partners. It’s been exciting for all of us to see the Lord at work. God is definitely on the move in this great bi-national city of San Diego – Tijuana. We long to see him do more, and touch this city socially, culturally and spiritually.

Dave with Kelly and Kate Mulholland

Dave with Kelly and Kate Mulholland

Dawn and I know Kelly and Kate from Village Seven Presbyterian Church in Colorado Springs. It’s been a special treat to have them meet our friends and see what we are doing. They have faithfully served the Lord in Spain and are now serving in Ireland. I always enjoy connecting with friends and fellow missionaries. We love Kelly and Kate, and we pray the Lord’s rich and special blessing as they love and serve Him!

Who knows maybe someday the Lord will give us the privilege and opportunity to serve Him together on the border. We keep praying for the Lord to build our team, to bring workers. We trust that He will draw the right people at the right time!

Thank you Jesus for your holy and powerful work. Thank you for giving us such outstanding partners and friends. We couldn’t do this work without the encouragement of so many friends.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeontheBorder.org