Posts Tagged ‘Encouragement’

Mentoring Leaders

Posted: February 28, 2022 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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A Mentor’s Heart
Some of our familia – Pastors we are mentoring on the Big Island

The Lord has given us a heart to mentor and come alongside pastors and leaders. Dawn and I feel the Lord’s pleasure when we encourage others. He’s gifted both of us in this way, and in this season of our lives we’ve seen our influence grow. It’s a privilege for us to be spiritual parents to our friends, that we like to call our familia. God continues to bless with a special relationship with each of them.

Our experiences in life, including how we’ve suffered through our daughter moving to heaven when she was only 22 years old has created a platform for us to minister from. I believe that this is one way the Lord is bringing redemption and restoration to us for what we have suffered.

God Uses Our Experiences – Including Our Pain
Pastor Ivan & Rocio Casados with Dawn & Dave – planting a church in Tijuana (Ivan and Rocio were very close to our daughter, Hannah)

I must admit that I don’t understand fully why our daughter had to die at such a young age. It’s something that I don’t think will ever make sense this side of heaven. Yet, I believe in God’s promises.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Jeremiah‬ ‭29:11‬ ‭ESV

God has a good plan for my family and me, even when I don’t fully understand. He also has a way of turning evil around. He uses things for our good that were intended by the enemy to harm us. The harm, the evil and the suffering that we experience in life are part of living in a fallen world.

‭‭‬Joseph understood God’s goodness and His plan, and how the Lord has a way of turning things around. He became one of the most powerful people in the world, yet that journey began with him being sold into slavery by his brothers. God worked in Joseph’s heart and gave him a new perspective, which allowed him to say to his brothers.

“But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.”

Genesis‬ ‭50:20‬ ‭NKJV

Dawn and I see how the Lord has used even the difficult things in our lives to increase our faith, and to broaden our influence. We give thanks for God’s mighty work in expanding His kingdom and for allowing us to be a part of that.

Mentoring as Padre and Madre
Dawn and Dave with Jessica and Pastor Eliel (They are planting a church in Oaxaca, Mexico)

We love the relationships that we have with the pastors and leaders that we work with. Many of them call us Padre and Madre (Dad and Mom). This is more common among Latinos, because they are very family oriented. It speaks of more than just a business or working relationship – something much deeper, which is life giving.

Even today one of the leaders that we are partnering with told me that she did not have a good relationship with her dad, because her dad left her family when she was young. She said that the Lord has blessed her through our relationship, and she often calls me Papá or Daddy. Dawn has similar relationships with many of the young men and women that we minister with.

A Mentor Strengthens and Encourages
Pastor Jose Luis and Mariel – they are replanting a church in Colima, Mexico

It’s a unique ministry in a sense, because most pastors don’t have someone to mentor them and because of that they often feel isolated and alone. I love this passage in Acts 14, which speaks of Paul and Barnabas as they are traveling and visiting the churches they helped start. Acts 14:22 says Paul and Barnabus were “strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.”

That passage speaks to the heart of what Dawn and I do in ministry. We are strengthening and encouraging pastors and leaders. As we do so they are growing in their faith and maturity, so that they are better equipped to lead. It’s not been easy to lead and plant churches especially during these last two years. The COVID crisis which we’ve all grown tired of by now has increased the challenges for leaders and ministries.

We give thanks to the Lord for using our gifts and experiences in these ways. It is a privilege for us to serve to Lord to strengthen and better equip others.

Join us in Prayer
Dave & Dawn with the Muñoz family – front row: Junior and Paola; back row: Damaris, Dave, Daniel, Federico, Blanca, David, Dawn.
Pastor Federico and his wife Blanca are planting a church in Mexicali, Mexico

We appreciate your prayers for us, as we mentor the pastors and leaders we are partnering with. Pray that the Lord’s kingdom will be expanded through these relationships.

In His Grip, Dave

BeyondBordersLife.org

Awestruck by the Growth of the Church

Posted: January 31, 2022 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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Announcing a Website Upgrade in Progress
Dave and Dawn thankful for the Lord’s Good Work and Many Blessings!

It’s hard to believe that today is the last day of January. It seems like just a few days ago the new year was starting!

I just realized that this month marks 11 years since I began this website/blog. That’s amazing!

I’m in the process of giving my website an upgrade, which has made it harder to post anything lately. In the near future, this site will look different. I believe you will enjoy the changes. Over the last few days if you’ve tried to access this site you may have received a message saying that it was a private site, and I apologize for that. There also may be a few other bugs as we work on the upgrade. Thanks for your patience.

In Awe of God’s Goodness and the Growth of the Church
Pastor Esteban and Cinthya Martinez leading the new church in Rosarito, Mexico

Today I’d like to share a video that highlights some of the ways the Lord blessed us in 2021. Last year wasn’t an easy year for many of us. We hoped for better, but the year presented a number of challenges. Despite these challenges the church grew on the Border, the Baja and Beyond!

Dawn and I are in awe of how the Lord is growing the church on the Big Island. The church is growing by so much in some areas, that it is hard to believe what is happening. We are so impressed by the faithfulness of our God, and the commitment and dedication of our familia. In my next post I would like share about how more than 12,000 people came to Christ this last 2021.

Here’s a link to a testimony from Pastor Omar that we think you will enjoy as he shares about what God is doing on the Big Island.

The church didn’t grow at the same pace in Mexico, but it is growing. In this video I share more about the church that we built and helped plant in Rosarito Mexico, as well what God is doing on the Big Island.

Video Highlights of Ministry from 2021
Extend Your Hands to Help

Dawn and I appreciate you and the pivotal role you play through your prayers and financial gifts. You are helping extend the loving arms of the Father to bring the living water, the spring of eternal life to the Border, the Baja and Beyond!

We’d like to ask you to prayerfully consider joining us this year in prayer and through a financial gift to support church planting in Mexico and on the Big Island.

Your gift will help us to accomplish the God given vision to impact, Tijuana, Colima, Mexicali, Oaxaca, the Big Island and Beyond for generations to come. Our familia on the Big Island is still dealing with staggering needs. Sadly, the crisis is ongoing and it has only gotten worse as time has gone on. Not only is there a lack of food and basic goods, but the prices are skyrocketing and they are having to stand in long lines for hours at a time to get the little food that is available. We are thankful that we can be an instrument to bless others, and we’d love for you to join us in this effort.

Click to Donate…

In His Grip, Dave

Reflections and Hope as we Begin 2022

Posted: January 11, 2022 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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Some Reflections on the Past Year, and Hope for 2022
One of our highlights for 2021 is our beautiful granddaughter

I think for many of us as we start the new year it’s a good opportunity to reflect back on the highs and lows of the past year, as well as look forward to what we hope to do this year. I have spent some time praying and reflecting these last few weeks. It’s fun to remember the highlights. The positive things that the Lord did. And although it’s not as enjoyable to ponder the lowlights, it’s necessary especially if I don’t want to repeat them.

As others have said, It’s not wise to keep doing the same thing if it’s not working and expect a different result.

Contending for Breakthrough & Revival
Some of the Mexican pastors and families that we have the privilege of serving with

Dawn and I continue to pray for fruit in our lives and in our ministry. We pray for breakthrough and revival. It is something that we long for.

When we first felt called to the border over 10 years ago, the Lord gave us Isaiah 61.

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor…

Isaiah 61:1,2 ESV (emphasis mine)

This is a beautiful passage filled with hope and redemption. Jesus read from Isaiah 61 in the synagogue when he began his ministry, Luke 4:18-19. It’s always a good idea to follow in Jesus’ footsteps. On the border and in the other places where we minister there is much brokenness and many people are held captive, but Jesus brings hope. He brings redemption to the lost and the hurting. Only He can truly set the captives free.

As we work to see the Lord bring transformation to individuals, communities, and cities we recognize the need for the Spirit to work in the lives of the people we minister with. I have to admit this is not easy and sometimes I get frustrated and I start striving. In those moments it feels like I’m doing the ministry in my own strength instead of in the power of the Spirit.

The Lord has reminded me over and over again to, “cease striving, and know that I am God…” Psalm 46:10. I guess I’m a slow learner. 🙂 I can’t do it in my own strength. As He says in Zechariah 4:6, it’s “not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit.”

A Reminder to Serve in His Presence & in Joy
Joy filled churches on the Big Island

Recently I shared some of my goals and desires with a friend of mine. I told him that we are contending for revival in the churches and communities that we are serving in. He aided me in my journey, and he has prayed with me. One of the other ways he has helped me has been by asking me good questions. He asked me, “Where is your joy when you are contending for revival?” He said, “If there isn’t joy your contending could lead to burnout.” That made me stop and think because I have to admit that the joy is not always there.

I don’t always stop long enough to thank God for all the amazing work He is doing. That is one of the reasons that I started this blog. I like writing to highlight positive news. I’ve found that it helps me to reflect on the good that God is doing. The good news lifts me up and I hope it does the same for others as well.

As I reflected on the need for joy in my life, the Lord led me to some passages in the Bible that speak about that topic. The Psalmist said, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11, ESV). Jesus also speaks of the importance of joy. In John 15:11 he says, “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.“

I believe one of the things the Lord is calling me to do this year as Dawn and I contend for revival on the Border, the Baja, and Beyond is to serve with joy. I love that joy is found in God’s presence.

Join Us in Prayer!
Pastors, leaders, and families that we are helping on the Big Island

Join me in praying that I will grow in living and serving in God’s presence and that I would experience more joy in 2022. I will pray the same for you as the Lord works in your life.

Pray as well for those we are ministering with that they will experience joy and see even more fruit this year. We pray for the Lord’s bountiful provision for the church planters and their families in Mexico and on the Big Island.

Extend your hands to help provide for the families in need on the Big Island and to see the church grow on the Border, the Baja and Beyond! Thank you so much for praying for us and with us!

Click to Donate…

In His Grip, Dave

BeyondBordersLife.org

P.S. I’m trying a few new plugins to see how they work. I included a feedback button if you’d like to share any thoughts I’d love to hear from you.

Celebrating 3 Years of God’s Faithfulness

Posted: October 26, 2021 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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Celebrating 3 Years!
Pastor Mere leading the church service

Last week I wrote about my daughter, Hannah, and the fact that October 18th marked the 5th year since she moved to heaven. On October 17th of this year we celebrated the 3rd year anniversary of the church we built in Hannah’s memory. I find it satisfying that my family has built a living legacy for Hannah and for my dad and mom, Ron and Virginia Diaso. We built the church in memory of dad and mom this July in Rosarito, Mexico.

Pastor Mere Godinez leads the church that was built to honor Hannah’s memory which is on the outskirts of Mexicali. I attended the anniversary service, and it was very encouraging. It’s fulfilling to see the Lord at work. It hasn’t been easy for the pastors who are in ministering in Mexico over the last year and a half. The restrictions due to COVID have not permitted them to meet in person much over the last year. It’s a real challenge to start a new church when people can’t come to your worship service.

God’s Faithfulness to Build His Church
Mere and Edna with Dave

Yet God is faithful! Mere and his wife, Edna have a strong commitment to continue serving the Lord and reaching out in the community. They live about 40 minutes from the church, and I asked them at one point if maybe it would be easier if they found someone else to lead the church, and they could start another church closer to where they live. Both of them told me they felt called to minister to the community of Marítimo. It was encouraging for Dawn and me to see their faith and their strong sense of call.

Mere and Edna have asked us if we could help them build a small apartment on the church property, so that they can stay there on the weekends and minister. The cost to build a one bedroom place is about $2,000. We told them that we would like to help them raise the funds, so that they can minister in the community on the weekends. This will give them a greater presence, which is important when you are starting a church. Mere and Edna both have full-time jobs during the week. They are bi-vocational church planters. If they could be in the community more frequently on Saturday and Sunday that would help their efforts.

Dawn and I give thanks for Pastor Mere and his wife, Edna. We believe that the Lord hand picked them to minister in the church that we helped start. All the churches that we have helped to start are special, but this church is extra special, because it was build in honor of Hannah’s memory. We believe that the Lord has a special plan and purpose for this church. One of the older women that lives in the community had a vision a number of years ago of a church being built on the property where the church now stands!

God Shows His Love
The Hannah Diaso Memorial Church in Marítimo, Mexico near Mexicali

I love seeing God at work in big ways as well as in the little details. He demonstrates His love and His tender mercies in so many ways if we just look for it.

When I arrived at the church I noticed they had painted it, and it looked great. I thought, “I need to take a picture of the church.” After I took the photo all the sudden it dawned on me that the color they had chosen was similar to Hannah’s favorite color. When I asked Mere and Edna about it, they told me they didn’t know that Hannah liked sea foam green. They chose the color, because they thought it looked good. Wow! A kiss from heaven!

Extend Your Hands to Help
Pastor Abraham Velazquez leading us in a time of prayer for Pastor Mere and Edna

Pray for Mere and Edna as they reach out in the community of Marítimo on the outskirts of Mexicali. Pray that the Lord will provide for them to be able to build a small apartment, so it’s easier for them to stay near the church on the weekends. Pray that many in the community will come to Christ as the light of the gospel shines brightly in the community. You can give to their need for a small apartment by clicking on the button below.

We’d like to ask you to prayerfully consider extending your hands to make a donation today either to this need, or to our familia and their needs on the Big Island. Thank you for taking the time to consider these needs!

Click to Donate…

In His Grip, Dave

BeyondBordersLife.org

Shoes & Clothing for the Little Children

Posted: October 4, 2021 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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The Light of Christ Shines Brightly in the Community of Lomas Altas 2
Esteban and Cinthya Martinez when we were building the church in Rosarito, Mexico

Dawn and I are continually in awe of the commitment and dedication of the pastors we partner with. What a privilege to serve the Lord with such wonderful partners in ministry!

Pastor Esteban Martinez and his wife, Cinthya recently told us about the challenges of being bi-vocational and pastoring two churches. One of the churches that they are leading is the church that we built this summer in memory of my parents. Can you imagine the challenges of working a full time job and leading two churches? It’s not an easy task to pull off.

Some of the children that Pastor Esteban and his wife, Cinthya are reaching out to in the community of Lomas Altas 2

Jesus taught about caring for the poor and needy. He said in Matthew 25:40, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” He was referring to the importance of extending a hand to help the poor. The necessity of providing aid to those in need. When we do so we are also ministering to Christ.

Esteban and Cinthya are seeking to love as Jesus taught us to love as they reach out in the community of Lomas Altas 2, where the church is located in Rosarito, Mexico. On Saturday’s they have activities for the children. As they show the love of Christ to these little ones they have noticed that they come to the events with old tattered shoes. Their shoes were in such bad shape that they have been using wire to hold their shoes together. It’s hard to imagine!

This touched Esteban and Cinthya’s heart, and they felt that they needed to do something about it. They reached out, and asked friends to help provide shoes for these children, and God provided for this need. Praise the Lord!

Cinthya also noticed that many of the families that they were meeting had old worn out clothes. This touched her heart. Cinthya has a small used clothing business. She decided to give some of the clothes to these families. She felt compelled to make a sacrifice so that these families would be clothed!

It’s amazing that the church just held their first worship service on July 18th of this year, and they are already making a difference. It’s so encouraging to see how the Lord is using them to be a light in this community. God is so good!

Pray & Extend Your Hands to Help!
The Gospel is going forth in Rosarito, Mexico

Dawn and I admire Pastor Esteban and Cinthya’s love for the people and strong commitment to serve the Lord. Join us in praying for them as they minister in both of the churches that they are serving in. Pray that the Lord gives them wisdom and favor as they share the love of Christ.

Extend your hands to help those that Esteban and Cinthya are reaching out to who are struggling to clothe themselves.

Our familia on the Big Island

Also pray for and extend your hands to help our familia on the Big Island. They are facing increasing shortages of food and basic needs. Our familia also lacks medicine. They need the Lord’s supernatural protection during these days. We are getting reports of the electricity being turned off for up to 11 hours a day, which makes it hard to prepare the little food that they have. Your gift makes a huge difference in their lives!

Make a Donation Today
Click to Donate…

In His Grip, Dave

BeyondBordersLife.org

Delivered from the Darkness into the Light

Posted: September 28, 2021 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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Freedom to a Beautiful Young Woman and Her Family

I’ve been amazed by the testimonies coming from our familia on the Big Island.

Yoani with her son, Isaías (Isaiah)

The long lines for food and basic needs continue and even are getting worse, if that is even possible. Most of people cannot leave their houses after 1 PM, due to the restrictions placed on them. Yet, God is at work!

One of our dear young friends, Yoani shared this story of life change with me recently and I thought it would encourage you.

A Testimony of God’s Power and His Love
Yoani with her husband, Samuel

She begins, “I haven’t been able to go to church for about 6 months, because at first, I was pregnant with my son, Isaías (Isaiah). People who are considered vulnerable are not allowed to got out in public and attend church. Then after my son, Isaiah was born I couldn’t attend, because I had a small baby. Now most churches are closed and no one can attend.

Yet I thank my Heavenly Father for how He has worked in my life. I have not lacked encouraging words, because of my pastors here. The Lord also blessed me by allowing me to meet you. God freed me from the snares of the evil one when you came. I’m grateful that you continue to pray for me and that you send me powerful prayers and words of encouragement. I also enjoy the beautiful photos of your family, especially those of your pretty granddaughter.

My family is infinitely grateful for the financial help that you’ve sent to support us during these difficult times that we are all passing through here on the Big Island.

I’m so grateful for the marvelous redemptive work that the Lord has done in my life. When I was very little, shortly after I was born my father left my mom. He lived a life lost in drunkenness and chasing other women. He ended up in jail more than once for the crimes he committed.

About 6 years ago he got out of prison and said he wanted to change his life, so he moved close to where I live. He said he was proud of me for how I had chosen to live a good life, but he did not want to follow Christ at the time.

I prayed and cried for him. It was hard for me to forgive him, because he had caused me a lot pain. One day he developed appendicitis, and I was the only one who could take him to the hospital. While I was alone waiting for him during his operation God began to deal with me, but I wasn’t free, and I couldn’t forgive my dad.

It’s surprising how God responded to my supplications. He brought you from so far away to this small town as an answer to my prayers. I needed to be set free in some areas of my life, but I didn’t know how to do it. I didn’t know what to do. God guided you and my good friend and mentor Maria. The Lord used you to bring restoration, deliverance, healing, joy and forgiveness to my life. It was like a big weight was lifted off of my soul. I was finally able to forgive my dad.

I would have liked for this story to end with a happy ending like the fairy tales, but that’s not what happened. In a few weeks on the 10th of October it will be one year since my dad died from a heart attack. Now that he wanted to change his life and live a good life beside his family, his life was cut short. He never got a chance to meet his grandson, Isaiah. That has been very hard for me.

Today I give thanks to God that before my dad died I was able to forgive him for how he hurt me. God brought healing to me.

Pastor I wanted to share my testimony with you to encourage you to continue to minister. I believe that in whatever part of the world that you minister in that there are people that need God to do a miracle in their lives, like he did in my life through your ministry to me.

Thank You, Jesus!

Wow! What Yoani shared with me was so moving that I just had to share it. I hope that it might brighten your day as well. It gives you a glimpse of how the Lord is working in the lives of our familia on the Big Island as we extend our hands to help them. Despite all the pain, and all the difficulties God is on the move!

Extend your hands to help our precious familia
Send a Donation Today!

I’d like to ask you to join us, and send a donation today to help our familia!

Click to Donate…

In His Grip, Dave

BeyondBordersLife.org

Despite the Opposition God is Faithful to Build His Church

Posted: September 20, 2021 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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Our Privilege to Serve
Dave and Dawn with Angel, Arely, Monse, Uriel and Daniela

Every week Dawn and I meet with a number of pastors as close as Tijuana and as far as the Big Island. Those that live far away we meet online, and those that are close we can see face to face.

I’m always amazed by our time with these men and women who’ve chosen to sacrifice to serve the Lord. It’s a privilege for us to coach, mentor and encourage the leaders that we work with. Most of the time we feel invigorated after meeting with these friends who have become like family to us. They often refer to Dawn and me as dad and mom, and we love the relationships that the Lord gives us with them.

Pastor Uriel and Arely Garcia
Pastor Uriel Garcia with his wife Arely and their three children, Angel, Daniela and Monse

This last week we met with Pastor Uriel and Arely Garcia who are planting a church in Rosarito, which is South of Tijuana. This church is in the community of Ramos 2 just a few miles away from the church we just built this summer in my parents memory in Lomas Altas.

The church that the Garcia’s are ministering in we helped start 5 years ago. The church has faced tremendous opposition. The day after we inaugurated the church in Ramos 2 our daughter, Hannah moved to heaven. I must confess that I don’t fully comprehend how spiritual warfare plays out, but I do know that Satan doesn’t like what we are doing and he will doing anything he can to deter us and discourage us from continuing. I also know that we are in a battle and that our battle is not with flesh and blood.

The first pastoral couple that were called to start the church left the church within a year. Until Pastor Uriel stepped in the church was struggling to survive.

Uriel told Dawn and me that the day after they accepted the call to pastor in the community of Ramos 2 in Rosarito that he was involved in a terrible car accident. He broke his arm and other family members who were in the car with him were also hurt.

Despite all the obstacles Pastor Uriel and his wife, Arely have been faithful to reach out in the community. It hasn’t been easy and they haven’t always been received well as they’ve shared the gospel in the neighborhood surrounding the church. In fact, one day when they were out sharing their faith one of the neighbors got mad at them and the woman of the house brought out a pistol and threatened Uriel and told them to leave.

God is using the García family as they show the love of Christ to the people that live in Ramos 2. On Saturday’s they’ve been having fun activities and Bible stories for the children and this has begun to open the door to the families.

God is building his church!

This picture was taken in October of 2016 when we built the church in Rosarito in the community of Ramos 2

It’s a real privilege to see the humility and the dedication in Pastor Uriel. He is a bi-vocational church planter, which means he has another job that supports his family. They are very busy working as pastors and fulfilling his other responsibilities.

The families that live in the community where Uriel and Arely are ministering are poor. They struggle to survive. Many of the the children are malnourished and they aren’t doing well in school. Arely told us that she has been learning from Sol who ministers at another church that we helped start nearby. Sol has is a Master’s in Education and Psychology, so she is a great resource to Arely.

God is bringing light into the darkness!

Extend Your Hands to Help!

You can help by praying for Uriel and Arely as they reach out and show the love of Christ in the community of Ramos 2. You can also give a gift, extend your hands to help these families who are in need.

Some of the families that we are helping on the Big Island

There are also other needs as I’ve shared in previous posts about the crisis on the Big Island. Our familia is suffering due to the scarcity of food, basic needs and medicine. You can read more about those needs here…

Make a Donation Today!

Make a Donation today, by clicking on the button below.

Click to Donate…

In His Grip, Dave

BeyondBordersLife.org

Our Family is Moving East!

Posted: August 27, 2021 in Christianity, Family Happenings, Ministry, Prayer
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Our Grand Adventure to Pennsylvania
Jonathan and Dave on the Road

I’m writing this on the plane. I’m on my way home from a great adventure!

In the past week I had what I feel was a privilege and an honor to help my son, Jonathan and his wife, Hannah move from Colorado Springs to the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania area.

It was quite a trip as we drove through Kansas with the wind blowing it felt like the truck was about to tip over at times. Both Jonathan and I wondered with eyes of fright if we were going to wobble down the highway the whole way, because the trip required 24 hours of driving not counting pit stops along the way. Fortunately, things got smoother once we got out of Kansas.

In God’s grace we safely arrived in Harrisburg! As soon as we arrived we began unpacking in the sweltering heat. The air was filled with humidity which none of us are used to. We unpacked the truck in that heat, so we got a good workout on that day, with a little help from some friends and family.

Jonathan, Hannah and I made some wonderful memories along the way, and I think that it is something that will stay with us. I know that it is not something that I will soon forget. I’m grateful that the Lord gave me the opportunity to join them on their trek across the country.

Following My Dad’s Legacy
Uncle Ted, Sam, Aunt Gahee, Hannah, Jonathan and Dave in front of their new home

One of the reasons that I felt that it was important for me to join Jonathan and Hannah on their journey to PA is that my dad helped me move at least three times. One time he helped us move from Fresno, California to Mexico City, which took a lot of guts and determination. At the young age of 77 he also helped Dawn, David, Jr. and I move to San Diego.

I believe that it is part of the legacy that my dad left. It brings tears to my eyes to think about how my dad sacrificed for us and showed us his love and support in that way. My dad who was a man of few words and who didn’t become a Christ follower until late in his life always wanted to help us in whatever way he could.

I remember after he moved to heaven the Lord gave me the words, “he showed up,” in reference to my dad. He always showed up for our family. In that way dad, Ronald John Diaso, set a wonderful example for me to follow, so that was one of reasons that I felt like it was important to help Jonathan and Hannah move.

Our Mixed Emotions
Hannah & Jonathan and their new townhouse

Dawn and I have to admit that we share some sadness seeing them leave Colorado, because we lived there for 12 years and we have a lot of friends in the Springs. Also, David and Emily live there, although they too are preparing for a move.

Yet even though we have mixed emotions with the move we see God’s hand in guiding them and leading them. We are excited for what the Lord has in store for them. Jonathan will be attending a ministry school, while working part-time at a credit union. It’s an important step as they desire to prepare themselves to be better equipped for ministry.

One of the professors that Jonathan met said that our family would be blessed through his time at the school, which I agree with. We are excited to see what the Lord will do in and through Jonathan and Hannah over these next few years.

Dawn and I are proud of Jonathan and Hannah for taking this step of faith!

Join us in Prayer!

We appreciate your prayers as we all adjust and as our son and our daughter-in-law get settled. That the Lord will richly bless them with many divine connections as He grows and develops them. Pray for further direction as they seek the Lord in how to best serve.

Pray & Extend Your Hands to Help!
Our familia on the Big Island

I’d also like to ask you to pray for our church planting work in Mexico and on the Big Island. We have needs in both countries. There is a need to support the church planters that we are partnering with. Also, on the Big Island our church planters and families there have need for aid so that they can feed their families and buy basic needs like cooking oil, detergent, soap and toothpaste. Just in the last couple of weeks one of the church planters Lucas and Maria told me that they only had enough food for one meal a day. This is in part, because they are generous and they are sharing what we send them to help other families.

You can help, by extending your hands through a financial gift today. You can make a donation by clicking on the button below.

Click to Donate…

In His Grip, Dave

BeyondBordersLife.org

New Beginnings: A New Church

Posted: August 16, 2021 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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2021 A Year of New Beginnings
Starting from top left clockwise: Pastor Federico Muñoz and their first worship service, bottom right: Pastor Daniel Nuñez with Dave, David Jr., Dawn and Jonathan; bottom left David Jr. with our granddaughter

I’m still reveling in the latest church that we started one month ago. This year has been a year of new beginnings for us, which is much welcome! After experiencing the loss of both of my parents and the worldwide pandemic in 2020, Dawn and I give thanks for the newness of life in 2021.

In April our first granddaughter was born. In May Federico and Blanca Muñoz launched their services for their church, Comunidad Cristiana Verdad y Vida, “Truth and Life Christian Church,” in Mexicali. In July we started church number 44 with our partners Ministerios Transformación in Rosarito, Mexico, in the community of Lomas Altas 2.

The Church Advances Despite the Obstacles
Pastor Uriel Garcia with his wife, Arely and their three children

Despite all the challenges that we may face. Even with all the obstacles that stand in our way, God is forever faithful to build His church! One of our church planters, Uriel García who is also working in Rosarito told us recently that he was sharing the gospel in the community and someone came out with a gun, and told him that he wasn’t interested. I guess you would call that a definite, “NO!”

Also on the Big Island our familia continues to face many hardships as most of the churches have not been able to meet for the last 7 months. Also, in some of the areas of Mexico where we are working the churches have been forced to only meet virtually, which definitely hurts a new church’s momentum. Yet even with these set backs I’m receiving reports of families coming to Christ.

I’ve been reading in the book of Acts lately, and there are few points that stand out. One reality is that there will be opposition, but despite the obstacles the growth of the church in inevitable. There is no doubt about this. We are victorious in Christ, and the church is triumphant! Hallelujah! Amen!

Celebrate the Advance of the Church

Even with the roadblocks seeking to impede our progress, there is much to be grateful for. We celebrate the advance of the church! We give thanks to Jesus for building His church. He promises that even the gates of hell will not stop the expansion of the kingdom of God.

We put together a video to give you a glimpse of what it was like to build the church in Rosarito. It was so invigorating to see so many from different churches from both sides of the border join together for one common objective to build the church in order that the gospel will be proclaimed in Lomas Altas 2.

Video: Ron & Virginia Diaso Memorial Church
Pray & Extend Your Hands to Help
Pastor Esteban & Cinthya Martinez

Join us in prayer as Pastor Esteban and Cinthya are sharing the love of Christ in the community of Lomas Altas 2. Pray that many people will find the savior through this church. 

Continue to pray for our familia on the Big Island as well. If you’ve been following the news at all you’ve seen that the situation on the Big Island has reached a boiling point, and that a number of people have taken to the streets to protest. They are upset about the lack of food, skyrocketing prices, rolling blackouts, and all the restrictions due to the coronavirus. There is also a shortage of medicine, so we have friends who are in poor health and they are not able to find the medicine they need. They need our prayers, and our aid! Please extend your hands and give a donation today to help our familia.

Click to Donate…

In His Grip, Dave

BeyondBordersLife.org

Our Precious Familia

Posted: August 5, 2021 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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I Am Extremely Blessed!

I feel extremely blessed by many of the people we minister with. They are precious to us and to the Lord. Both Dawn and my lives are enriched by the special friends that God brings our way. Many of them become like family to us.

Today I’d like to highlight one couple on the Big Island, Alfredo and Yoli. They are definitely part of our familia!

If you’ve been following the news over the last few weeks, things have reached a boiling point on the Big Island. Our heart and our cries go out as we see our friends, our familia suffer!

God’s Hand is on Alfredo & Yoli
Alfredo & Yoli

One of the precious couples that Dawn and I have gotten to know over the past couple of years is Alfredo and Yoli (names changed for their security). Alfredo and Yoli are young church planters who love the Lord. They are fervent evangelist, and committed prayer warriors. They are part of a church planting network that has planted 16 churches in the last few years.

When we first met them they didn’t have their own home, and they have 2 young children, so it was very difficult for them. We raised some funds and helped them to buy a humble home that they could call their own.

Alfredo and Yoli’s house on the left

Both Alfredo and Yoli come from broken homes, which is common on the Big Island. Yoli told us through tears how both her mom and dad left her at a very young age. She doesn’t have a relationship with them. She went on to tell me how the love of Christ expressed through the church and the pastors that led the church brought her healing.

When their pastor moved away Yoli feared that she would lose her relationship with us too, since we met them through Pastor Lucas and his wife, Maria. When I found out that Yoli and Alfredo were so concerned it touched my heart. I felt like it was important to maintain my relationship with them. So we’ve actually had more contact with them since Lucas and Maria left.

We Encourage One Another

Dawn and I have the opportunity to encourage them in the Lord. They tell us that we are family, a dad and a mom to them, and they say that with tears in their eyes. The other day I told Yoli that maybe I was more like a grandfather to them, but she said, “no you are a father to us.” Well, I realize that Dawn and I are able to encourage them and love them like family, but it’s amazing how much we receive back from them. God is so good!

When we talk there are always plenty of smiles. God fills us up as Christ ministers in and through us.

Dave chatting with Alfredo and Yoli

They give us what money cannot buy. They show us love and respect, and I always feel better after I’ve talked to them or they’ve sent me a message. Earlier today they told me that they haven’t been able to call us recently, because they internet is so bad.

This precious young couple live in very humble conditions. There isn’t much food to go around, and the food that is available keeps getting more expensive. They have to wait in long lines just to get beans, rice, bread and other essential food items.

When I think about it, even though we have helped Alfredo and Yoli, just as we’ve aided the rest of our familia on the Big Island, I’m the one who receives back one hundredfold. God has brought me much healing, and many blessings through my relationship with these outstanding young families, like Alfredo and Yoli.

Extend Your Hands to Help!
Extend your hands to help Alfredo and Yoli and other families in need

That is why we keep asking you to extend your hands to help those in need. It’s easy to ask for those that we love. It’s a privilege for us to extend our hands to help our familia.

Please join us in praying for those on the Big Island. Join us also in extending your hands to make a generous gift to feed families that are in need. I can’t think of any better way to use the money that the Lord has entrusted to you.

Donate today by clicking on the button below.

Click to Donate…

In His Grip, Dave

BeyondBordersLife.org

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