Posts Tagged ‘faith’

A Tribute to My Mom, Virginia Diaso

Posted: March 23, 2020 in Christianity, Family Happenings, Ministry, Prayer, Reflections & Musings
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A Life Well Lived
Virginia A Diaso – November 5, 1935 – March 19, 2020

I’m not quite sure how to start this tribute to my mom, Virginia A Diaso. How do you encapsulate a life of 84 years into just a few words? It’s not possible to capture it all, or to honor my mom and her memory in the way that she deserves, but I would like to share a few highlights from her life.

My mom was a quiet, unassuming, hard working woman who was dedicated to her family, and who loved her God. Those are probably the two most important aspects of my mom’s life, her two loves. Her family and her God.

Mom’s Faith Story

She was raised in a Catholic home, but she didn’t really come to understand what it meant to live for Christ until I was a teenager. I think she would have been in her late 30’s when she truly came to know Christ. She taught catechism classes at the church. I believe it was as she taught those classes that she met a nun who taught her what it meant to receive Christ as her Lord and savior. Mom went from trying to earn her way to heaven to receiving God’s grace. She confessed Jesus as her Lord and Savior as St. Paul taught in Romans.

“because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭10:9-10‬ ‭ESV‬‬ (emphasis mine)

At that point my mom, Virginia Diaso’s life began to change. She prayed for my brothers and I during our rough teenage years. All three of us, John, Greg and I struggled and rebelled in different ways during those years. I feel bad for what we put our parents through!

Mom with her mom and dad and her four sisters from left to right – Gloria, Theresa, Virginia, Georgina and Mary

My mom, who grew up on a ranch and learned how to work hard and the discipline of getting up early while she was young. Throughout her life she would start her days at 4 AM in quiet with her Savior.

I believe that in ways my mom prayed me into the kingdom and she did the same for my brothers. She gave me a Bible and she encouraged me to go to a Bible study while I was in college at Fresno State. It was there that I met Christ.

Mom and I

She was definitely the most significant person in my life especially when I was young in relationship to my spiritual development. My mom was quiet, but she prayed fervently, and she maintained that discipline throughout her life.

Mom on the far left when she was young with her mom and her two sisters, Mary and Georgina

When mom was a teenager she suffered from tuberculosis and she spent most of her teenage years in a sanatorium in the mountains outside of Fresno. She lived away from her family during those years. Unfortunately, she grew to not like the mountains, because of all the bad memories. All of our family vacations where at the beach. Mom never talked about her years in the sanatorium. They were painful years that she wanted to forget about.

Mom & Dad at my brother, John’s wedding

Mom was a beautiful lady, but I don’t think she ever saw herself in that way.

They took out part of mom’s lung and one of her ribs to treat her tuberculosis. It’s a miracle that mom lived as long as she did after having suffered as much as she did and living with a damaged lung. Over the last few years mom developed COPD, caused by the scar tissue in her lungs, and the smaller lung capacity.

When I think of my relationship with mom I feel grateful and I give thanks for her. I know it wasn’t easy for her or my dad for that matter to let me go to serve as a missionary in Mexico. Of course, there is a cost to go serve the Lord in another country, but it isn’t only the one who goes that is affected. The parents, the family also have to pay a price.

Mom was always concerned for us. I know she would admit that she struggled with worry, but I also know that she turned that concern into prayer. I’m sure it’s one of the things that motivated her to pray so fervently.

Virginia, my mom, was born and raised in Fresno, California. She was a good friend to many, and she developed a number of friends at her church. She also was involved in Bible Study Fellowship for a number of years, and she was a leader as well.

When mom’s health started declining over the last year she assured me on numerous occasions that she was ready to go to heaven. About 6 months ago when her health took a turn for the worse and she was hospitalized two times, she began to long for heaven.

Mom with John

A few days before she moved to heaven I was in Cuba, which made it difficult for me to be able to talk to mom. She called Dawn, my wife, and she asked her how I was doing and if I had come back from Cuba. I returned late Wednesday night on March 18. My brother, John, called me and told me that mom wasn’t doing well. I hoped that I could get home in time, and then make it up to Fresno to see her one last time. On Thursday morning on March 19th, John called again. He told me that it wouldn’t be long, so he put the phone up to mom’s ear. I told her I loved her, that she was a good mother, and that I will miss her. I also told her to give our daughter, Hannah a hug for us, and that I looked forward to seeing her again one day soon.

Later that afternoon I called my brother, Greg to see how things were going. We talked for a few minutes and right after I got off the phone with Greg my mom moved on to glory.

Mom & Greg
Goodby for Now

I wish I could have seen my mom one last time, but I’m glad that I was at least able to tell her how special she was and that I loved her. It was almost as if my mom waited to move to heaven until she knew I was safe and had returned from my trip. That would be very much like her. She was a mom till the end!

Bye for now, mom! I love you very much. I miss you, but I’m glad that you no longer have to suffer. I’m thankful that you are with your Savior face to face. It encourages me that you are with Hannah and all the saints that have gone before us.

I give thanks for the hope I have as I say goodbye to one of the most significant women in my life. Hope of the everlasting, and hope to see mom again! Hallelujah!

In lieu of flowers you can make a donation in memory of Virginia Diaso to Beyond Borders Ministries click here …

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Our Growing Family: Havana and Beyond! 3

Posted: February 25, 2019 in Christianity, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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Our Familia in Cuba Needs Our Prayers!

Mario & Yani with their team of church planters

Our familia – Mario & Yani with their team of church planters. From the top left moving clockwise: Junior & Kendra with Mario & Yany; Jorge & Rachel with Dave; Mario & Yany with Dave; Dave next to Yoiset & Osmeiki

Yesterday (Sunday), Cuba held an election to legalize gay marriage. The results of the election are to be released today. I decided to write about this because it is affecting many of my friends, our familia in Cuba.

Some of the pastors in Cuba are undergoing persecution because the church is opposing the legalization of gay marriage. While I was with my friends a couple of weeks ago, they told me what was going on, and it concerns me. We need to be praying for our brothers and the church in Cuba.

The Challenges of Dealing with the LGBT Agenda

Luis & May with their children Zuri & David

Pastor Luis & May with their children Zuri & David

Unfortunately, we’ve seen the gay LGBT agenda making headway around the world. I’m willing to admit that the church has done a poor job of showing love to the LGBT community. We’ve struggled to figure out how to lovingly show that we do not agree with the LGBT lifestyle. I mean the Bible calls it sin, yet there are many other sins the Bible refers to, and in those cases, we seem to more effectively show love and grace to the person without agreeing with what he or she is doing. This is something the church has to do a better job addressing.

I don’t want to focus so much on the overall problem of the church and the LGBT community in this post. My focus here is what’s going on in Cuba and how we can pray for our brothers and sisters there.

While I was in Cuba I learned that the government allowed the gay community to hold a march and to also hold a huge rally in a stadium supporting their cause. When the church asked for the same privilege they were denied.

The church sent a letter to the governing officials stating their case and asking for the opportunity to represent for their view in public. They wanted to present their side of the argument, but they were denied. They were not allowed to organize a march and they were not allowed to hold a rally.

It’s interesting that in 1960 when things shifted dramatically in Cuba that pastors, Catholic clergy and homosexuals were imprisoned. This left the church without their main leaders for a number of years. Most families didn’t even know where these pastors were for three years or more. We can also see the cultural shift here, at one point the government saw the homosexual community as a threat to their society. Now there has been this huge swing, and they are actually promoting the LGBT agenda. They have denied the right of the church to promote what the Bible teaches about the family.

Our Battle is Spiritual

Prayer in Camaguey. These people are warriors!

Prayer in Camaguey. These people are warriors!

I think that in large part this is the agenda of the god of this world. He is the enemy of the church and the enemy of our soul. The Apostle Paul says in Ephesians 6 that our struggle, our battle is not with flesh and blood, but against powers and principalities.

Our friends many of whom refer to us as part of their family have come under oppression during these days because they have refused to support the LGBT lifestyle.

I must admit barring a miracle this new law allowing gay marriage is going to pass. Of course, our God is a God of miracles so he can do the impossible.

Great Sacrifices Made for the Gospel

Some of the wonderful friends the Lord has given us that have become family

Some of our wonderful friends that the Lord has given us who have become family. What a precious gift they are!

My heart goes out to our family on this small island. They’ve suffered so much for the sake of the gospel. They’ve made sacrifices so that the gospel might be proclaimed. Sacrifices that most of us can’t even conceive of. Dawn and I admire their commitment to Christ and his church. I feel that it challenges our faith in a good way.

The church in Cuba is growing in large part, because of their willingness to serve and minister despite the huge costs. Christ paid the ultimate price so that we might have life. They are following in Christ’s footsteps so that others might hear the good news and come to faith. I give thanks to the Lord for their example and their amazing faith and commitment to follow Jesus.

Join us in Prayer!

Pastor Ivan praying for church planters Osmeiki and Yosiet

Pastor Ivan praying for church planters Osmeiki and Yosiet

Join us in praying for our Cuban familia, made up of many pastors and leaders and those under their care. Pray that the church continues to grow despite the opposition and that the Lord sustains the pastors, especially those who are experiencing persecution. We live in this crazy mixed up world, where men wear beautiful gowns (see Oscars Ceremony Sunday night) and people call wrong right and right wrong.

Our hope is that Jesus is on the throne. He rules! Jesus promised us in this world we would have many trials, but he also said cheer up, because I have overcome the world! (John 16:33) Thank you, Jesus!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

A Difference Maker: Life Transformation!

Posted: September 14, 2018 in Christianity, Ministry, Ministry Partners, Missions, Prayer
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Making a Difference in Plan Libertador

Sol seated on the right with some of the children she is working with.

Sol seated on the right with some of the children she is working with.

Dawn and I are truly enriched to have such wonderful friends and partners that we minister alongside. Pastor Victor Bravo and his wife, Sol have blessed us in so many ways! We continually give thanks for them and lift them up in prayer.

Four years ago the Lord brought us together, and we helped Victor and Sol build and start their new church. The Lord has been working through them and the ministry of the church as they seek to make a difference in the community. Both of them have a lot of energy and they possess many gifts.

One of the ways the church is seeking to make a difference in the community of Plan Libertador is they are tutoring students after school. Sol is a trained psychologist and has worked for many years with children in the school system in Tijuana. Since they planted the church she’s wanted to give more time to outreach in the community. She is truly making a difference in the lives of these students and their families.

Dawn and I were able to visit Sol this week, and it filled our hearts to see the bright smiles on the face of each young person there.

Victor also is meeting with and working with the community leaders, so that the church has an active voice and influence in Plan Libertador. He just met with these leaders this week and planned to pray with them as they met. I love Victor and Sol’s boldness and enthusiasm for the gospel.

The Power of Prayer

Dawn with Miroslava and her daughter, Mitchell

Dawn with Miroslava and her daughter, Mitchell

There’s also the powerful presence of the Lord in their church and those that they are ministering to. Some of the families in their church are going through some real tough trials. I’ve mentioned before 15-year-old Mitchell, who is battling with leukemia.

Mitchell has great faith for a young person going through such a trial. Every time we go to visit her in the hospital to pray with her, she has a beautiful smile on her face. Mitchell says that our visits and our prayers encourage her, and give her peace, but Dawn and I always leave astonished and strengthened by her faith. We are believing the Lord for her healing. We’ve seen the Lord work in her life and bring a measure of healing, but we are looking to Jesus for complete and total healing.

Mitchell was in the hospital in February when we first met her family. We prayed for her, and in a miraculous fashion, in just a few days she was able to leave the hospital. The doctor told Mitchell’s, parents, Miroslava and Salvador that they thought she was going to die in a few days. That was back in February. We were so encouraged when the Lord answered our prayers, and brought her a measure of healing, but battle rages on.

Join Us in Prayer!

Pastor Victor & Sol with their son, Abraham

Pastor Victor & Sol with their son, Abraham

Join Mitchell’s parents, along with Victor and Sol and the church as we lift up Mitchell and her family in prayer. Mitchell is in the hospital again receiving treatment for her leukemia. We cry out to the Lord from whom our help comes from. He is our healer, our deliverer, and our strong tower!

Pray for Victor and Sol as they minister to those in their church, and as they love on and reach out in their community.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Mountain Moving Faith!

Posted: March 30, 2016 in Christianity, Ministry, Prayer
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Whatever You Ask in Prayer…

Jesus says that if we have faith in prayer, even a little faith we can move mountains. I think we tend to dismiss Jesus’ words as hyperbole.

happiness“And Jesus answered them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.””

Matthew 21:21-22 ESV (emphasis mine)

Do we really believe him?

I’d like to say, yes! At least I’m praying that I will have that mustard seed of faith, and see the Lord do amazing things as I pray.

Dave & Dawn

Dave & Dawn

What about you?

Dawn and I have some important meetings on Wednesday and Thursday, and we’d like to ask you to join us in prayer. Trust God as you pray that he will answer your prayers. Even better, let’s join hands and trust him together!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Think About Excellent Things!

Posted: January 16, 2016 in Christianity, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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Taken from Sunset Cliffs in San Diego

Taken from Sunset Cliffs in San Diego

Give Thanks!

“Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say, Rejoice.” —Philippians 4:4

One of my goals for this year is to practice Philippians 4:8. In this passage Paul exhorts the church to think on good and even excellent things. Too often my thoughts are toxic, so this is an excellent reminder for me.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:8, emphasis mine)
One of the ways to think on things of excellence, and things that are praiseworthy is to remember the good things that the Lord gives us each day. I realize that too often I pray for something, and the Lord answers and rather than focusing on his goodness and his faithfulness to provide I start to think about the next mountain I have to climb. Jesus does want us to stop to give thanks for all that he is doing in our lives.
The Lord’s Answer! Amazing!

The Diaso Family at the border - with the U.S./Mexico border fence in the background

The Diaso Family at the border – with the U.S./Mexico border fence in the background

Dawn and I were working for and praying for a strong year-end in 2015. December is always an important month for us as the Lord provides through his people, and we catch up financially from some of our slower months. A strong December means a solid start to the new year in January.

This last year Dawn and I prayed and looked at our budget and we felt that we needed $35,000 to finish the year strong. A few days before the end of the year we were at about 80% of our goal. We continued to pray as the year drew to a close. It takes a week or more after December 31st for us to know for sure how much comes in.
When I checked it last week it was at $33,000, and Dawn and I were praising the Lord that we came so close to reaching our goal. Then I checked again this week, and another gift came in at the last moment of $2,000, which put us over $35,000.
More Abundantly Than All That We Ask or Think
The Lord even exceeded what we asked for! Thank you Jesus!
Another passage that the Lord has had me meditating on is Ephesians 3:20,21.
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20, 21 ESV, emphasis mine)
Rejoice with us and Pray with us

We appreciate your continued prayers

We appreciate your continued prayers

I felt like it was important to share this good news, because I asked you to pray. I asked you to give so that we could reach this goal. The Lord used many friends to make this possible. We give thanks to the Lord for his good work, and for his people.

I would like to encourage you to think about the excellent and praiseworthy things each day. Thank you for joining us on this journey!
In His Grip, Dave

The Incredible Privilege God Has Given Us!

Posted: August 10, 2015 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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Feed My Shepherds

Pastor Daniel Nuñez with the mic leading us in prayer at the pastors meeting for Lo Mejor del Trigo

Pastor Daniel Nuñez with the mic leading us in prayer at the pastors meeting for Lo Mejor del Trigo

One of the favorite things I enjoy about the work the Lord has called us to is connecting with and encouraging the church planters. A big part of our ministry is loving on, pastoring, coaching the pastors and their wives. It’s an incredible privilege!

Dawn and I grow to love these amazing servants of the Lord!

Last week I was able to meet with a number of the church planters and leaders from Lo Mejor del Trigo.

The stories they tell about how God is working through them energizes me!

God’s Grace on Pastor Victor Bravo & Sol

Pastor Victor, Sol & Abraham with Dave, Dawn and Hannah

Pastor Victor, Sol & Abraham with Dave, Dawn and Hannah

Victor Bravo and his wife, Sol just started their church in April of this year. Their church is just four months old.

Last week they did their first VBS, and 30 children attended. This is outstanding for the size of their church.

Pastor Victor said that most of the people in the church are new, and they are still very young in their faith. They are very open with Victor and Sol. As Victor and Sol are sharing with them and loving on them most of the couple’s have shared with them that they are not married. They are living together, but they have not entered into the covenant of marriage.

This gives Victor and Sol a tremendous opportunity to disciple them and teach them about the the importance of making the commitment before God in marriage. The people are so open, so hungry to learn, but they are in process. God is working in their hearts. He is changing them.

God’s Provision

Dave with Pastor Victor in front of the church

Dave with Pastor Victor in front of the church

Recently someone broke into the church and stole the sound equipment. Victor was discouraged, but the Lord lifted up his spirit and he was able to tell the people that he trusted that in faith the Lord will provide. Victor said he was going to give towards the needed repairs. Then the other families began to volunteer, and most if not all of the families decided to chip in to repair the damage done to the church.

God is so good!

After my meeting with Pastor Victor and Sol I left feeling lifted up. It encouraged my spirit to see how God was and continues to work among them.

Keep praying, dear friends, for the advance of the gospel on the border. God does hear our cry. He responds to our prayers and petitions.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

God Meets Me In The Dark

Posted: February 10, 2015 in Christianity, Family Happenings, Journey, Prayer, Reflections & Musings
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The Simple Truths

Hannah & Dawn enjoying a tea party

Hannah & Dawn enjoying a tea party

Today as I was praying for Hannah, my family and life in general, God met me. He reminded me of some simple things. Truth he had given me before. Much of it I’ve already shared through my scribbling on these posts.

The Lord reminded me that I shouldn’t doubt in the dark, what he has already shown me in the light. When I go through deep valleys, and experience pain God meets me there, but sometimes I doubt. I wonder why? Why Lord?

God doesn’t always respond as I’d like, but if I truly seek him I will find him. He is there with me as I pass through the night.

God Will Not Forget You

This past summer as I was praying for my children the Lord reminded me of a passage of scripture in Isaiah 49.

“Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me. (‭Isaiah‬ ‭49‬:‭15,16‬ ESV)

This passage reminded me of the Lord’s care for us. He will not forget his children. He will not forget my children. They are tattooed to his hand. I can trust him for that, even in these troublesome days.

Update on Hannah & Prayer

On a positive note, Hannah’s doctor told us that she might be able to come home in a couple of days! We pray for the Lord’s intervening work to bring healing to Hannah. Continue to stand with us in prayer and to storm heaven for Hannah!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Navidad & New Birth

Posted: December 23, 2014 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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The Good News of the Gospel

Jesus Loves City Heights - One of the ways we reach out in the community

Jesus Loves City Heights – One of the ways we reach out in the community

I love sharing my faith. I supposed it’s one of the reasons the Lord called me to be a missionary. It goes back some to those that influenced me when I was a new believer and being trained for the ministry. Dr. Bill Iverson, who I’ve written about in previous posts mentored and trained me in evangelism and discipleship.

Christmas and Easter are times of the year when I find people to be more open. There are more opportunities for me to share the good news of the gospel. Over the last month I’ve been able to lead six people to Christ.

What a thrill it is to see a new birth in Christ!

Pray for Good Soil that Produces Fruit

I must admit though that not all those that pray to receive Christ with me continue in the church. That’s the frustrating part. It’s like the parable of the sower and the seed. Some seed is received immediately, but the birds eat it, or the thorns choke it out and it doesn’t give fruit.

It is a battle to see people come to faith, and then for them to get plugged in and grow.

Jesus & Tacos

My friend, Martin at the taco stand

My friend, Martin at the taco stand

Over the last month Dawn and I have gotten to know one of the guys that cooks our tacos for us in Tijuana. He’s a real friendly guy named Martin. Dawn started talking to him, which opened up the door for us to share the gospel with him and leave him a gospel tract.

Last week I went back to the taco stand, and I shared some more with Martin while I was eating my tacos. I told him about the greatest gift, the gift of eternal life through Christ.

He said he wanted to receive the gift of life in Christ, and I was able to lead him in prayer to place in faith in Jesus work on the cross for his sins.

Grow in the Family

Baptism - the Lord's sign and seal is an element of being part of the family of God!

Baptism – the Lord’s sign and seal is an element of being part of the family of God!

I encouraged him that now he is part of a bigger family, and he needs to stay connected to the family to grow in his faith. I get concerned, because too often I see people who say they want to place their faith in Christ. They want the gift of life everlasting, but then they don’t follow through. So I’m concerned for Martin, and the others that I’ve led to Christ that they will get connected to a church and grow in their faith.

When I was leaving the taco stand. The security guy, who watches our cars while we enjoy our tacos asked me if he could have a gospel tract. I gave him one, and asked him if he had ever placed his faith in Christ. He said he was a believer.

I was thrilled to find out that he was a believer. We talked some and I told him about Martin. How Martin had just come to Christ. I encouraged him to keep talking to Martin and encourage him to grow in his faith. He told me he would follow through with that.

I left the taco stand that day feeling like I was walking in the clouds. O Lord, bring many more to yourself and cause them to grow and produce much fruit for your glory!

Join Us In Prayer!

Pray with us that Martin and the others that have recently come to Christ will get connected and grow in their faith.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Don’t Laugh at God

Posted: September 11, 2013 in Christianity, Family Happenings, God's Leading, Ministry, Prayer, San Diego
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A Stressful Week

Dave, Dawn and David Jr. with Dave's parents, Virginia and Ron

Dave, Dawn and David Jr. with Dave’s parents, Virginia and Ron

Last week the Lord brought my dad through an open heart bypass surgery, for which I’m very grateful. Thanks for praying.

It was a stressful week!

My dad going through such a huge surgery. Then the owner of the home we are renting said that she might want us to move out in two months, or she is going to raise the rent. We had some other family challenges back in Chula Vista. I felt stressed, and I thought the enemy was trying to discourage us.

God’s Loving Care

I took all this to the Lord in prayer. God reminded me that he is going to take care of our housing needs.

I felt like he spoke to me in this way, “The Father wants to give me good gifts not a stone or a serpent. Wait on the Lord. He will show me in due time. God is going to do a great and mighty work. Trust. Have faith. Wait.”

I’m not sure I have a clear sense on what God is going to do, and in my weaker moments I doubt.

The View of TJ from the local Starbucks

The View of Tijuana from the local Starbucks near our home

Dawn and I were praying and talking about our concerns and our hopes for a house. We love the location of our home, and it seems too early to have to move, since we’ve only been here one year.

It would be close to impossible to move right now with all the things we have going on through the rest of this year. If we were to move it also seems like such a waste of time and energy!

Don’t Laugh, Trust God

Then Dawn said a few people had told her with all the ministry we do out of our home we may need a bigger home, maybe a five bedroom home. I laughed, because homes are so expensive here and it would take a true act of God for us to be able to afford a home like that. Yet, I shouldn’t laugh because this is not too big of a challenge for our God.

Dawn warned me, “You shouldn’t laugh. Do you remember what happened to Zechariah the priest, the husband of Elizabeth when he doubted? He was unable to speak and he remained mute until John the Baptist was born.” (Luke 1:5-23)

I didn’t really care for Dawn telling that, but she does have a point. What is difficult for man is not difficult for God. The Lord can and will do a great and mighty work in our midst. He didn’t bring us here to abandon us!

Lord, forgive me for my unbelief. Do lead us as we look to you for your provision for our home, which is our ministry launching pad!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Related articles

Car Troubles in Mexico & John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt!

Posted: September 2, 2013 in Christianity, Family Happenings, Journey, Missions, Prayer
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David Jr. celebrating Mexican Independence day with Dawn and Dave in Mexico City

David Jr. celebrating Mexican Independence day with Dawn and Dave in Mexico City

Last night Dawn and I were reminiscing with David and Jonathan about some of the experiences our kids had in Mexico City. David Jr. wrote this story about a night of adventure, that the Lord used to strengthen the faith of my young family. I love the way David tells the story!

Car Troubles in Mexico City

My mother always reminds me of a story of our time spent in Mexico. It was late and dark as my mom drove through a very poor and equally dangerous part of Mexico City on Donceles road. The only light came from the high beams of our van. Sitting in the back seats were my six-year-old little brother Jon, my four-year-old sister Hannah and seven-year old me. We were making our way back home from a dinner at a friend’s house when the van suddenly hit a boulder-sized pothole and the van came to a screeching halt. Our tires were blown out. Hannah started bawling in her car seat, while Jon and I just sat there confused.

“Mommy what’s happening?” I asked, “Why aren’t we moving?”

My mother was obviously freaking out as she was shaking and busted into immediate prayer mode, but was trying her best to keep her calm for us. She wondered what to do. We were in the worst part of Mexico to be stuck in. I could tell mom was getting worried so I suggested, “Mommy let’s sing,”

“Sweetie I’m not really in the mood to sing right now” my mom responded. Obviously I disagreed. I had one of those musical books that play a song when you push the button.

“Come on mommy we’ll all be happy if we just sing . . . John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt, his name is my name too…” Tears began to roll down her face.

“Mommy are you okay? Are we going to die?” I asked timidly.  Confident that I could cheer her up, I exclaimed, “Don’t worry mommy! Remember Daniel in the lion’s den? We just need to have faith and pray!”

Jon, Hannah & David Jr. having some fun

Jon, Hannah & David Jr. having some fun

My mom looked back at us with a warm smile and thanked me for being so brave. She began praying as I piped in one last time.

“Mommy just in case we die, we should pray with Hannah because she doesn’t know God. And remember to pray in Spanish so she’ll understand us.” After a few hours of being stranded, God answered our prayers. A man came up to us and offered us his cell phone to call our mechanic Jorge.

I enjoy listening to this story from David Jr’s perspective. The missionary life isn’t always an easy one, and living in the largest city in the world was not a walk in the park. You might remember the experience I shared a few months ago about being kidnapped in Mexico. Yet, God took care of us. He taught us to trust him even in the midst of trials. It’s a lesson we continue to learn as we minister here on the border.

Join us in Prayer for Ron Diaso

Dave, Dawn and David Jr. with Dave's parents, Virginia and Ron

Dave, Dawn and David Jr. with Dave’s parents, Virginia and Ron

Tomorrow, Tuesday I head up to Fresno to support my parents. My dad will have an open heart bypass surgery on Wednesday, September 4th at 7 AM PT. Please join us in prayer!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

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