Posts Tagged ‘David Diaso Jr.’

Breaking the Mold – The Newlyweds

Posted: June 1, 2019 in Christianity, Family Happenings, Ministry, Prayer
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The Newlyweds – Mr. & Mrs. David Anthony Diaso

The Newlyweds – David & Emily by emoorephotography

We celebrated the marriage of our son, David jr. to Emily (Tenison) Diaso this past weekend. It was an amazing experience in many ways. The Lord blessed us with many family members and friends joining us for the grand event. My dad, Ron, who is almost 84 years young flew out to celebrate with us. My mom can’t travel, because of her health, and we missed her, although I know she was praying for us from California.

It’s a miracle that Grandpa Diaso was able to join us for this wedding, and he also came out for Jonathan’s wedding last December. Two and a half years ago my dad was told that he had mesothelioma, which is cancer in the lungs caused by asbestos. The doctor at the time said that he only had six months to a year to live. We began to pray, and the Lord healed my dad, Grandpa Diaso. Thank Jesus, for giving Grandpa strength and healing him!

Thankful to have Grandpa Diaso with us to celebrate David & Emily’s wedding

Dawn’s mom, Alice, who is 81 traveled with Dawn and me for the wedding. The Lord came through in a big way regarding grandma Alice. The night before we were supposed to fly out for the wedding we had to take Alice to the emergency room, because of some health concerns related to her neck and back. We spent the whole night in the hospital and we didn’t get home until almost 3 AM. For a while Dawn and I were wondering whether Dawn’s mom would be able to fly out with us. Unfortunately, we did miss our flight, and we had to reschedule for the next day, but we finally made it to Pennsylvania and Alice is feeling better now.

Yay God!

Grandma Alice is all smiles as she’s escorted by Grant Currey and Jonathan Diaso

The Lord also blessed us with the weather. The forecast was for potential rain the afternoon of the wedding. It actually did rain just about the time we were ready to start the wedding, but it was only a short downpour. Once the storm passed through, the sun came out, as if God were smiling down upon us, and we had blue skies for a beautiful outdoor wedding.

Believe it or not I officiated the wedding, which I did for Jonathan and Hannah’s wedding as well. It was a wonderful privilege that I’ll never forget and it made the ceremony more personal.

A Wonderful Day of Celebration

It was fun to see Emily’s excitement!

One of the highlights for me of this extra special day was seeing how excited Emily was. She was literally bouncing with excitement as I performed the ceremony. She could not hold in her excitement, which was refreshing to see my son marrying someone who loves him so much. David was more composed, but I could tell he was trying to hold back the tears. This was especially true when he saw Emily for the first time walking down the aisle. It was a tender moment, and it made me feel sentimental as well.

I’m believing for and praying for a marriage and a family that will be a vibrant testimony of the love of Christ. This is my hope for both of my sons and their families. Our churches and our communities desperately need families that exhibit Christ’s love. I trust the Lord is going to raise up a generation that is going to be used to transform the world!

The Lord Has Blessed David & Jonathan and Our Family

Hannah sent this picture to me and said, “The faces we made when we realize we get to marry Diaso men ❤️”. We are truly blessed to have Hannah & Emily join our family!!!

I believe that the Lord is using the gift of Hannah and Emily to bring joy and healing to our family. While we realize that no one can ever replace our daughter, Hannah, yet our Papa is kind and he redeems our pain and our loss. That’s what our Father does he loves to bring healing to his children. He is a God of redemption.

I also wonder at times about the thin veil between heaven and earth. Our daughter, Hannah may be more involved than we realized. Those are some of the pleasant mysteries of life.

David walking Dawn down the aisle as we began the wedding ceremony

Thank you Lord for bringing Emily into our son, David’s life and for the great gift that she is to him and to our family. Thank you as well for bringing Hannah into Jonathan’s life. What a huge blessing and gift, each of these young beautiful women are to our boys and to our family. Thank you, Jesus! Hallelujah!!!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Bask in the Father’s Love

Posted: March 25, 2019 in Christianity, Family Happenings, Ministry, Prayer, Reflections & Musings
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Our Trip to Colorado
Our growing family - Jonathan & Hannah's wedding. David & Emily's wedding shower

Our growing family – Jonathan & Hannah’s wedding. David & Emily’s wedding shower

Last week Dawn and I were in Colorado to visit our growing family. Jonathan married Hannah on December 1st of last year, and David is soon to be married to Emily Tenison on May 26th. We had a couples wedding shower for David and Emily which was a lot of fun, and we met Emily’s mom, Libby, for the first time.

Our trip to Colorado was packed full, so although we saw a few friends we didn’t see everybody we would have liked to see. One thing we did do that was super encouraging was we met with a small group of prayer warriors. They are gifted in prayer. We spent about an hour and a half with them as they prayed for us and spoke words of encouragement over us.

Colorado Dreaming!

I find that when I’m around people that have a close walk with the Lord that it seems to spark something in me. Both Dawn and I just love when we feel in a strong way the Lord’s presence. It ministers to our soul.

After our time of prayer, I had a dream that night about some missionaries. I didn’t know one of the missionaries, but I heard his name in the dream, so I had to do a little searching to figure out who he was. Since this particular dream was so clear I felt like the Lord wanted to communicate something to me. So when we got back home I began to pray, and the Lord opened my eyes and helped me to see.

Affirmation of the Father’s Love
Warrior Angel at the prayer center at Every Home for Christ in Colorado Springs

Warrior Angel at the prayer center in Every Home for Christ in Colorado Springs

I decided to send the missionaries a note just letting them know how I sensed the Lord wanted to encourage them. I felt like it was a risk to share with them, especially with the guy who I didn’t know. They responded to my message after a few days, and one of them told me, “you hit the nail on the head.” That strengthens my faith, and it lifted my spirit.

I prayed some more and as I prayed especially for one of the missionaries I felt the overwhelming love of the Father. The sense I felt was so strong that I almost started crying while I was walking my dog, Daisy and praying in the park. After that experience, I decided that I should share more with my missionary friend. The Lord used that to build my faith.

Encouragement Multiplied

Then on the next day, while I was praying for a number of pastors and leaders in Cuba, Mexico and Colombia that we partner with I decided this message would be encouraging for them as well. I sent the note of encouragement to them, and a number of them responded and told me how the Lord had used it to encourage them in some amazing ways!

Yesterday I started thinking I should write about this and post it so more friends can read it and be blessed by it. This is part of what I said in the message I sent out:

After I received your message I was able to go on a walk to think and pray. While walking I had this overwhelming sense of the Father’s love. I sensed that the Father wants you to know how deeply he loves you. He wants you to grow in that love, to bask in it. His love is not based on you being a missionary or based on your success. He just loves you and he wants you to know and experience his love in a deeper and fuller way.

If you are able listen to Good Good Father by Chris Tomlin I think it will minster to you.

I pray that the Lord might encourage you today through these words of comfort. Learn to bask in the Father’s love. This reminds me of Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians in chapter 3 starting in verse 16.

“that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭3:16-19‬ ‭ESV‬‬

The Lord does hear our prayers and he desires a deep relationship with us. I pray that you might be encouraged by this message and that you might experience the Father’s love in a new and fresh way as he ministers to you!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

2018 An Amazing Year!

Posted: December 31, 2018 in Christianity, Church Planting, Family Happenings, Missions, Prayer
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Looking back on God’s good work

When I think back on 2018 I give thanks for all that the Lord did this last year. The highlights this year were building a new church plant in our daughter, Hannah’s memory. That was a huge event and all that went into it. I’m so thankful to the Lord for allowing us to honor Hannah’s memory in this way. Dawn and I are thankful for the pastor that is leading the church plant. Pastor Mere and his wife, Edna have become like family to us, and we’ve grown to love them.

The church in near Mexicali. Pastor Mere & Edna during the inaugural service with Pastor Daniel Nuñez who leads Ministerios Transformación.
The church is near Mexicali. Pastor Mere & Edna during the inaugural service on May 6, with Pastor Daniel Nuñez who leads Ministerios Transformación.

We love their passion to reach the lost for Christ and to see the community transformed by the gospel. Dawn and I have enjoyed getting to know them, and being able to coach and encourage them in their ministry.

Cheering on from Heaven
One of our goals for 2018 is to build a church in memory of our daughter, Hannah.
Our daughter, Hannah Elizabeth Diaso. Thankful to be able to build a church honoring her life & memory

There’s so much mystery surrounding heaven and the interaction between heaven and earth. Hebrews speaks of a cloud of witnesses in Hebrews 12.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Hebrews‬ ‭12:1-2‬ ‭ESV

We believe if there is any way possible Hannah is in heaven cheering on the work of this church, and even interceding on behalf of Mere and Edna as they serve in Mexicali.

One thing we do know is that Hannah loved Mexico, and she loved the people we work with in Mexico. She was born in Mexico City, and just two weeks before she moved to heaven she told us how she’d love to live in Mexico.

Jonathan & David working hard on the church
Jonathan & David working hard helping to build the church

We miss Hannah so much, our heart aches for her, but we are thankful that our grief is not without hope. Our whole family, David jr., Jonathan, Dawn and I give thanks for all the people that gave towards this project and participated in building the church.

Dawn and I are encouraged by the progress that Pastor Mere and Edna have made as they reach out into the community. We also look forward to seeing all that the Lord has in store for them and this special church.

Celebrating Jonathan & Hannah’s Marriage
Excited for this young couple, Jonathan & Hannah as they start their lives together!
Excited for this young couple, Jonathan & Hannah as they start their lives together!

The other special highlight for us in 2018 just happened the first day of December when our son, Jonathan married Hannah Blanco. Now they are Mr. & Mrs. Jonthan Diaso. Both of them love Jesus, and they desire to serve the Lord and to be involved in ministry. They have tremendous gifts, and as they come together we know that the Lord is going to do a great work through them. We are so excited for them and cheering them on as they start their lives together.

I wrote more about their wedding and marriage in my last post.

Looking forward to 2019
Hannah & Jonathan with David & Emily
Hannah & Jonathan with David & Emily

We already know that 2019 holds something special for us as well. We know this because of God’s promises in Jeremiah 29:11 that his plans for us are for good and not for evil. We also know this, because our son David just got engaged to Emily Tenison and they are planning on getting married in May of 2019. The Lord continues to redeem and expand our family and ministry!

Thanks so much for praying for us and encouraging us through this past year. We know that we would not have been as effective or successful without a team of faithful friends standing with us. People who pray for us, encourage us and who give financially to support the ministry. Thank you, Jesus! Thank you for your goodness and that all of your promises are yes and amen in Christ!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

P.S. If you’d like to give a year-end gift you can give to the ministry online through this link:

Click to make a donation

No Words to Express This Church

Posted: April 20, 2018 in Christianity, Church Planting, Family Happenings, Ministry, Ministry Partners, Missions, Prayer
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An Amazing Day!
The Hannah Diaso Memorial Church just outside of Mexicali, Mexico

The Hannah Diaso Memorial Church just outside of Mexicali, Mexico

I find it next to impossible to fully express our experience in building the memorial church for our daughter, Hannah. It was wonderful, but it also brought a wide range of emotions.

I felt sad and happy, I felt sorrow and joy, I felt grief and hopeful. On top of all those emotions, I also felt a sense of pride that we could build the church in a community just outside of Mexicali, Mexico. I felt very loved by all those who participated. The Lord gave us about 60 in all counting those that came from both sides of the border.

So Much Love!

Many participated in building the church on a hot day just outside of Mexicali, Mexico

Many participated in building the church on a hot day just outside of Mexicali, Mexico

At the end of the first day, I told one of our Mexican friends, Sol Carrola how much it meant to me that she came all the way from Tijuana to help us build the church. We helped Sol and her husband, Victor to build a now thriving church in Rosarito three years ago. I’m going to be preaching at their three-year anniversary celebration service this Sunday.

I told Sol that I felt very loved that she was helping out, and as I expressed my gratitude I started to cry. She told me that they did love us, and wanted my family and me to feel loved. I started crying even more. God is so good to us!

Thankful for All Who Joined Us!
Jonathan & David working hard on the church

Jonathan & David working hard on the church

Both David and Jonathan, our two boys were able to fly out to be with us and help us build the church. Also David’s girlfriend, Emily and Jonathan’s girlfriend, Hannah joined in the fun. Chivis, our close friend from Mexico City, who was one of Hannah’s closest friends flew out to join us. Jim DeWitt a close friend, and also a colleague with Mission to the World made the trip from Michigan to show his love and support. Marissa, who Hannah knew from Colorado came from St. Louis.

My 82-year-old dad got on a plane and came down from Fresno. When my dad told me he was coming I about started crying. When I told Dawn and the boys that grandpa was coming they cried as well. It’s a miracle that my dad could be with us. Last year on March 1 or thereabouts I received a phone call from my mom telling that the doctor said that my dad only had 6 months to a year to live. God has healed my dad! One of the last doctor’s reports he received, the doctor said that the cancer was regressing. The doctor went on to say that it must be divine intervention because it wasn’t because of anything he had done! God is so good!

Elissa and Dawn along with other friends and family

Elissa and Dawn along with Stephany, Kim, Jonathan, Hannah, and Emily with some of the local children

There were also other close friends that joined us locally. Two of Hannah’s friends from her IMPACT 195 discipleship came, Elissa and Stephany. Some of my best friends from Mexico also joined us.

The Impact and Legacy of Hannah’s Life
Praying for Pastor Mere and his wife, Edna as we gave them the keys to the church!

Praying for Pastor Mere and his wife, Edna as we gave them the keys to the church!

As we shared at the end of the time and reflected some on Hannah’s life, one of the things that was mentioned over and over was how loving and welcoming Hannah was. Our prayer is that this new church will bring life to the community and that all who come will feel welcome!

Both of my boys have expressed that they would much rather visit this church and remember Hannah than to go out to the cemetery to remember her.

We believe that this is going to be a life-giving church. Our family and those that joined us enjoyed getting to know Pastor Mere and his wife Edna. God is going to use them in a powerful way as they plant this church. Join us in praying for them. The inauguration service for the church will be on Sunday, May 6th.

On behalf of my family, I want to thank all who prayed for us as we prepared for this big project. I want to thank all who gave, and there were many. We give thanks for you, and we give thanks to the Lord!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

 

Great Celebration, Great Sorrow!

Posted: April 9, 2018 in Christianity, Church Planting, Family Happenings, Ministry, Missions, Prayer, Reflections & Musings
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Mixed Emotions on This Day
One of our goals for 2018 is to build a church in memory of our daughter, Hannah.

Our daughter, Hannah Elizabeth Diaso

Today is a special day in the life of our family. Under normal circumstances, this would be a day of celebration. You see, on this day, April 9 my daughter, Hannah would have turned 24. The key phrase there is “would have,” but Hannah moved to heaven on October 18, 2016.

Now it is a day with mixed emotions!

Sorrow & Hope!
Hannah #AHannahPercent

Hannah We love you #AHannahPercent

Dawn and I along with our boys, David and Jonathan continue to give thanks for Hannah. We are grateful she was born. We give thanks for all she has meant to us, and the gift she is and was to us. Yet, there is also sadness and sorrow, because she is no longer here. As much as we wish we could, we can not change the fact that she has gone on ahead of us to be with the Lord.

For believers mourning is strange, in that, on the one hand, we have hope. All is not lost. We will see Hannah again! Hallelujah! Hannah is experiencing the greatest celebration possible today! Yet, because we love her so dearly we miss her. Each of my family members wishes we could take her out for a meal today, buy her a birthday cake and watch her joyfully blow out the candles. We would love to buy a gift for her and watch her open it.

Rather we are forced to wait. It’s not easy to wait. We do grieve, we do mourn, but not as those without hope.

The strange thing is on these days that should be days of celebration they become days of reflection. Days to remember what once was, and even what we dreamt for together.

Don’t get me wrong there are many good memories when I think about my daughter’s short life. These good memories are mingled in with some painful moments as well. It’s a mixed bag.

Tough Questions
Our last picture as a family together before Hannah moved to heaven

Our last picture as a family together before Hannah moved to heaven

I find that from time to time I want to ask, “Why?” “Why, Lord?” Why did this happen?” “Where were you in the midst of it all?”

I realize although these questions are inevitable, they are not good questions to focus on. The Lord was definitely with us in the midst of it all, even though it didn’t always seem like it. He has assured me of that, and he has said that he will never leave me nor forsake me. I believe those words are true.

The why questions are harder.

I’m not sure if the Lord will ever fully answer that question this side of heaven. We live in a broken world marred by sin. All of creation groans until the day of redemption. We are not the only ones who are crying out to the Lord as we grieve. We groan and we wait for the redemption as Romans 8:22-23 states.

Good Memories, Longing for More

On these days I find it harder to reflect on the good memories of Hannah. I’m not sure why? As I write this, I’m processing and in a sense thinking out loud. There are many good memories, but I think I just miss her so much, so even the good memories cause an ache of sorts.

My son, David wrote a wonderful reflection about his sister today. He shares many positive memories he has of Hannah. Although I cried as I read it, I found it encouraging. It’s worth checking out, My Little Sister.

I often think of King David after his young son died. David said he will not return to me, but one day I will go to him. That’s my hope to see my savior face to face and to see my daughter again one day.

The Lord is My Rock!
Dave with Hannah - My beautiful daughter that I love

Dave with Hannah – My beautiful daughter that I love. We had a special relationship. I do miss her so much.

Thank you, Lord, that you are near the broken hearted. You are with my family and me in our pain. You are carrying us through the valley of the shadow of death. You have a purpose, and it is a good purpose even if I don’t understand it.

When I reflect and think about our life and our grief it always comes back to our rock. He’s the rock of our salvation!

For some reason, this reminds me that a dear friend today, who I love encouraged me to be strong. In some instances, it could be hurtful to say something like that, but as I read those words I felt loved. I started to cry as I read those words, because I know the friend that wrote them loves Dawn and me, and that they look up to us. They want to encourage us.

Also, I realize that being strong doesn’t mean that I don’t cry, or that I don’t get sad or mourn. It means that even though “my world” may be falling apart around me that I keep my eyes on Jesus. He’s my rock. He lifts me up. He says that when I am weak then I am strong! I rejoice in my refuge in whom I run to in times of need.

Thank you, Jesus, for loving me, for loving my family in the midst of all the pain, and what at times even seems like hell on earth. Yet, this is temporary. It will soon pass!

“For this momentary affliction is peparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparision, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:17,18 ESV)

Dawn, David Jr., Jonathan and I thank you for going on this journey with us. It’s not an easy one, so thank you for staying with us through all the ups and downs. God is good! So Good!!

The Hannah Diaso Memorial Church

We are excited to build the church in Hannah’s memory this week. Please pray for us as we make the final preparations and work with our friends at Ministerios Transformación to see this new church bring the light of Christ into a community filled with many needs.

In His Loving Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

 

My Little Sister by David Jr.

Posted: April 9, 2018 in Christianity, Family Happenings, Ministry, Prayer, Reflections & Musings
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Today would have been our daughter, Hannah’s 24th birthday. Our son, David wrote a beautiful reflection on his relationship with Hannah, and things he learned from her life, so I wanted to share them with you here.

How can you sum up a life? Today marks what would have been her 24th birthday. The memories, the tears, the laughs. 22 years of memories can never be summed up in words. My memories with her will never leave me. I thought the best way I could share with you how important she was […]

via My Little Sister — AHANNAHPERCENT

The Day the Music Died

Posted: December 27, 2017 in Christianity, Family Happenings, Journey, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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I Must Keep My Eyes on Jesus
A fun time at our Christmas posada with our friends - the day the music came back to life!

A fun time at our Christmas posada with our friends – the day the music came back to life!

Don Mclean’s song, American Pie, sings about the day the music died. The song uses poetry to tell a tale of sorts about the tragic day that Buddy Holly and Richie Valens died in a plane crash. The other day I listened to American Pie and thought about the day the music died for me when my sweet daughter moved to heaven. That was a sad and horrific day for each of us, David, Jonathan, Dawn and me. We have many friends and family that have mourned with us over this past year.

God is been so good to us this year, despite our sorrow. He has been so near to us and comforted us in so many ways. That’s not to say that it’s been easy. It’s been the hardest year of our lives, but the Lord carries us through it.

There are moments when I think I wish more had changed, that we would see even more redemption than we’ve seen. The Lord has reminded me that I must keep my eyes on him. That I walk by faith and not by sight. Even though we are walking in victory, it doesn’t always feel that way. God has a plan and purpose for us and it’s a good one.

What would I do without this hope? What would I do without the hope of eternity? What would I do without the hope of one day being reunited with Hannah?

I give thanks for the Lord’s nearness and his healing power.

Music and Laughter in Our Home Again!
David before and after the mordida!

David before and after the mordida with our friend Andy!

Last week we had more than 40 people in our home for a Christmas, Posada party. The night of the party it dawned on me that this was the first time we had had a party in our home since Hannah moved to heaven! I thought, Wow! That is a victory for us! That is progress.

The party was even more special because one of our son’s, David was able to be with us for the Posada. David loves the fiesta, and he is the Lord’s gift to us on Christmas, December 24th, which is his birthday. We were able to celebrate David’s birthday as well. One of the traditions that they have in Mexico is the “mordida”, which means a little bite of your birthday cake. Inevitably when the person being honored goes to take the “mordida” bite someone will lovingly shove his face into the cake. Since my children grew up in Mexico, they grew to love this tradition. Also, they still love to have fun!

Usually, it is a little push and a little bite, but this time David’s whole face got shoved into the cake. David loved it!

It was so good to hear laughter in our house again and to have so many friends enjoying the time and celebrating the season. You might say it was the day the music came back to life. The Lord continues to do his amazing healing work in our lives. It’s a long journey, much longer than I would like.

Remembering Hannah

 

I asked David Jr. to share one of his favorite photos of Hannah with me, and here it is.

I asked David Jr. to share one of his favorite photos of Hannah with me, and here it is.

Today David and I went to visit Hannah’s gravesite, which I like to do on occasion, although it tends to be a somber experience. We left the cemetery feeling sad and quiet. It’s a reminder we are not home yet. There is still pain in this world, and part of that pain is being separated from those we love. Even though it wasn’t an especially uplifting time, I’m glad I could share that moment with my son.

As I mentioned above I was hoping that we would have seen even more redemption of Hannah’s moving to heaven. It’s there, but I have my moments of doubt, and at those times I can get down. I’m thankful for my family and that we have so many friends holding us up.

Over the last few months, I’ve made it aware that one of the ways we are seeking to honor Hannah’s memory is by starting a new church in Mexico. We are in the process of raising $30,000 so we can build the church. We would like to build it in the Spring of 2018, and we are inviting all of our friends to join us by giving towards this church plant and to come and help us build it! This also a plays a part in the redemption of Hannah’s early homegoing.

Click to make a donation

Click to make a donation

You can give by clicking on this link

Thank you, dear friends, for standing with us. We pray that you will have an unbelievably fruitful and blessed 2018!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

The Unfinished Task

Posted: November 6, 2017 in Christianity, Ministry, Ministry Partners, Missions, Prayer
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Ringing the Bell for Missions
Dave at Trinity Presbyterian Church

Dave at Trinity Presbyterian Church

Dawn and I just returned from a whirlwind trip. We started our trek in the Hartford, Connecticut area to visit our son, David Jr., and to help him move. Then we drove down to Maryland for the weekend and spent some time visiting some wonderful friends and a new church that has just started partnering with us in ministry.

It’s been a number of years since Dawn and I were able to visit our churches and ministry partners on the east coast. We’ve been so focused on our ministry in Mexico it’s been hard to break away. Also, the difficulties we went through in the years leading up to Hannah’s early home going made traveling more of a challenge.

This trip was outstanding and it awakened in me not only the need but the desire to reconnect with many of those who partner with us in ministry. My only regret is that there were still a number of our friends and partners that we weren’t able to see, so we hope we can make a return trip in the near future.

Thankful for the Task the Lord has Entrusted us with
Dave sharing during Sunday School at Trinity Presbyterian Church

Dave sharing during Sunday School at Trinity Presbyterian Church

While we visited Trinity Presbyterian Church Dawn and I had the opportunity to share with them about what God is doing in Mexico. I love sharing about Mexico and the people we work with, such wonderful people. Our son, David was able to join us so that made it that much more enjoyable.

The people at the church were wonderful. What a privilege to share about the challenges as well as the victories we experience in ministry. I find it especially enjoyable to meet people who used to live on the field or the missionary kids who are now grown and living in the United States.

Pray with us for more partners and for Workers
Dave and Dawn with some of our wonderful friends - Jim & Leslie Wilkins and Dave and Cathy Rysak and our sone, David, Jr.

Dave and Dawn with some of our wonderful friends – Jim & Leslie Wilkins and Dave and Cathy Rysak and our son, David, Jr.

The older I get the more convinced I am of the necessity of working together in ministry. The importance for Dawn and me to have a loving team that surrounds us encourages us and prays for us. We seek to love, encourage and pray for our friends as well.

Not only do we need a team that comes around us in this way, but we need more workers. We are praying for more people who are called by God to leave the comfort of their own home to serve with us on mission with God in Mexico.

Please pray with us for the Lord to raise up more laborers. Jesus still needs men and women for the harvest. It’s one of the blazing truths of Christianity!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Hannah Diaso – Celebration of Life

Posted: October 29, 2016 in Christianity, Family Happenings, Missions, Prayer, Video
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Our Princess Warrior – Hannah Diaso
Our beautiful daughter and beloved sister, Hannah

Our beautiful daughter and beloved sister, Hannah

On Tuesday, October 18th our beautiful daughter, and beloved sister went to be with the Lord. A tragic loss! Yet our refrain continues to be, “we grieve, but not as those without hope.” We are a hopeful family, surrounded by a wonderful community of hopeful people. The hope that the Lord has displayed to us is a Biblical hope, which is a hope of certainty that Hannah is with her heavenly Father, and that we will see her again in glory.

On Wednesday, October 26th we mourned Hannah’s loss and celebrated her life at the graveside service and the funeral service. One of Hannah’s close friends, Marissa Irakoze posted the following on Instagram,

Before this week, I never knew that joy and grief could be in the same place. Hannah, your service yesterday was incredible. You would have LOVED it. You lived such a beautiful life, it was an honor to have known you. See you soon, friend ❤️

The service was Christ centered celebration of life. While the service was a time to grieve, yet also a time to rejoice. We grieved that she is gone, and we don’t get to enjoy her presence anymore on this side of heaven. We rejoiced in the victory that Christ secured for us over death on the cross. We have victory through his death and resurrection. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!!!

The House of Mourning is Better

Another close family friend, Heidi Griffith shared a wonderful verse in Ecclesiastes that the Lord used to minister to Heidi when her mother passed away. We found it touched us as well, and I feel it’s a passage we will be chewing on and thinking through for a long time.

“It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart.”

Ecclesiastes 7:2 ESV

It’s hard to understand how it can be better to mourn than to feast, but there it is. We are finding that the Lord is meeting us in a deep and profound way through the pain that we are enduring. God is present in this trial. He has not abandoned us. He will never leave us or forsake us.

Hannah with her brothers, Jonathan & David

Hannah with her brothers, Jonathan & David

Hannah’s brothers, David and Jonathan put in over 24 hours creating a beautiful slide show. They chose two songs from Rachel Platten that Hannah loved, and that carry a deep significance. The boys shared during the service that the first song, Better Place, speaks of how  Hannah made the world a better place from the moment that she entered this world to the moment that the Lord took her home. Several Friends shared that Hannah would not waste any time to show her love and would make you feel special the very first time you met her. The boys also shared that, Hannah touched many lives on this world and we are confident that her Impact and testimony will outlive her by continuing to bring those still on earth to a relationship with Christ.  Most importantly an assurance that the Lord has given us  is that Hannah is now in a better place. The second song, Fight Song, is a remembrance of Hannah’s fighting spirit. She was and is a princess warrior.

Video: Hannah-Celebration of Life

If you have trouble viewing this video on your browser you can view it by clicking on this YouTube link

We rejoice that death has been swallowed up in victory through the death and resurrection of Christ!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Transitions of Life

Posted: May 30, 2016 in Christianity, Family Happenings, Ministry, Prayer
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David’s Big Adventure
David in front of his new pad in Fairfield

David in front of his new pad in Fairfield

I’m in the process of helping my oldest son, David Jr. move to Fairfield, California. Fairfield is in Northern California between Sacramento and the Bay Area. It’s just south of Napa Valley.

My travels with my son have taken me off the grid some. It’s harder to stay up on my posts while I’m traveling, which I’ve been doing a lot lately.

Dawn and I are very proud of our son as he starts his new adventure, which will give him some awesome opportunities to learn and take him all over the United States over the next two years.

It’s a bittersweet time. We are thankful that David has this job, it’s a tremendous opportunity for him. Yet we will miss him! Our family is going through some changes and transitions. At times like this we need to remember that God is on the throne and in control of all things.

Join Us In Prayer!
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!

We’d appreciate your prayers for David and our family. Pray that David adjusts to his new job and new environment well. Pray that Dawn, Hannah and I adjust to not having our oldest son, and Hannah’s big brother around.

Hannah is beginning a 5 day retreat with IMPACT 195 today. Pray that the Lord ministers to her in a deep way, and brings her even more healing. Dawn is off to Pennsylvannia today to visit her parents and her brother. We are scattered out this week, and we will be reunited next weekend.

Thanks for praying for our family during this week as we all go through these transitions of life.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

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