Posts Tagged ‘God’s faithfulness’

A Momentous Event: Wedding Bells

Posted: December 13, 2018 in Christianity, Family Happenings, Prayer
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Wedding Bells for Jonathan and Hannah

Jonathan & Hannah Diaso

In my last post I mentioned two momentous events that took place on December 1. Our son, Jonathan’s wedding, uniting Jonathan to Hannah Blanco and the inauguration of the president of Mexico, Andres Manual Obrador Lopez (AMLO). Jonathan was born in Mexico so it was fitting that these two events occurred on the same day. Today I’d like to focus on the more significant event in our immediate world, our son’s marriage.

The Joy of Marriage!

Grandpa Ron Diaso, David Diaso, Dawn Diaso, Grandma Alice Moore, Hannah and Jonathan, and David Diaso, Jr.

After two years of grieving our daughter, Hannah’s move to heaven the Lord gave us a glorious event to celebrate. The Lord gifted us with another daughter named, Hannah. I believe this is not mere coincidence, but it’s part of the Lord’s redeeming work in the life of our family. I must admit it takes some getting used to seeing the name Hannah Diaso again. I do believe that Hannah is not only a gift to Jonathan, but to our whole family.

I thank the Lord for his love and graciousness to our family! Great is Thy faithfulness.

For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning. Psalms 30:5 ESV

One of the many things that excites me about Jonathan and Hannah’s marriage is that they both love Jesus and they have a desire to serve him. The Lord has gifted them, and together they make a great team that the Lord will use to see lives transformed for his glory.

After the ceremony many of our friends encouraged us and told us that it was the most enjoyable wedding they had been to, and that it was deeply spiritual. Thank you, Jesus, because we prayed for the Lord’s presence and he heard and answered our prayers. It was a great privilege for me to officiate the wedding ceremony for my son and his bride.

I must admit it was an emotional day for me, seeing my son get married and officiating the wedding. There were times during the service where I had to hold back the tears. It was a joyous and sentimental day. Right before we began the wedding ceremony Hannah called me up to where she and the other women had been getting ready and she gave me a gift. She gave me a tie clip that said, “Father of the Groom,” and she gave me a picture of Jonathan and me fishing from a few years back. Hannah wrote some beautiful words on the back the picture frame. When she gave me the gifts and I saw the picture I lost it, and I couldn’t talk for a little bit while I cried. After I gathered myself I told her how much I loved her. I think that special moment prepared me for the service!

Join us in Prayer!

David giving an awesome speech for his brother and new sister

Join us in praying for Jonathan and Hannah as they start their lives together. We are so excited for them! Hannah comes from a wonderful family and we’ve grown to love them as well. We look forward to getting to know them better.

The Lord is so good to love us and to continue to redeem and restore what was taken.

Thank you friends for cheering for my family and me. It makes it all the more special to have friends who love us and share this journey with us, both the good and the bad. Keep rooting for us, and pleading to the Heavenly Father on our behalf.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Breakthrough on the Border

Posted: April 3, 2017 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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Joy and Sadness
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October 15, 2016 the group that helped us finish building the church in Rosarito, Mexico

Today (Sunday) was a special day for me. I love being able to visit our church plants and encourage the pastors and the congregations. Today I was able to visit our latest church plant with Ministerios Transformación in Rosarito, Ramos 2. Pastor Obed and his wife, Cesiah invited me to preach.

You might remember that we finished building this church, and the church was inaugurated just two days before Hannah died. I remember praying with Obed and Cesiah for Hannah, because she wasn’t feeling well. So the joy of being with them still had hints of sad memories.

We experienced a huge victory in the launch of the church, but personally we experienced a tragic loss.

God is Faithful to Build His Church
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Dave encouraging the church through the Word of God

Yet, I have learned that God is faithful. He keeps working in our lives, and in the lives of others. He is faithful to grow his church, and I believe the growth of the church is inevitable. Maybe not the growth of a particular church, but growth of the Church. God’s kingdom continues to grow and transform lives around the world. Even as I’m writing this Ministerios Transformación is building two new churches that will be launched in April and May! Hallelujah!

I thank the Lord for the small part that Dawn and I could play in helping launch this church. I give thanks for all that God is doing and I trust will continue to do in this community through Pastor Obed, his wife Cesiah and the people of the church.

O Lord, Breakthrough
The inaugural service for Ministerios Transformación in Rosarito. Church #29

The inaugural service for Ministerios Transformación in Rosarito. Church #29

We are praying for breakthrough. Breakthrough for this church, and many others that we have a connection with. We’d love to see God’s Spirit move and touch all the churches, and the ministers in Mexico like the waters cover the sea.

Isaiah 54 has been on my mind a lot this year. I love that God tells the barren women to have faith, and to enlarge her house, because the baby is coming. For all of those who have suffered loss, or those who are waiting for something you long for, this is a wonderful promise from the Lord of the Angel Armies. He is the Lord Almighty, and he can and he will do it. He calls us to trust him, to have faith, to prepare and to be patient.

“”Sing, O barren one, who did not bear; break forth into singing and cry aloud, you who have not been in labor! For the children of the desolate one will be more than the children of her who is married,” says the Lord. “Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes. For you will spread abroad to the right and to the left, and your offspring will possess the nations and will people the desolate cities. “Fear not, for you will not be ashamed; be not confounded, for you will not be disgraced; for you will forget the shame of your youth, and the reproach of your widowhood you will remember no more. For your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is his name; and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer, the God of the whole earth he is called.”

Isaiah 54:1-5 ESV

I encouraged the church with these words today, and God showed up and he touched the people. We grew together as the Spirit ministered to each of us.

Join Us in Prayer

My prayer is that this church will grow, and that they truly will make a difference in the community. I pray and I thank the Lord for Pastor Obed and Cesiah who have a deep and abiding love for Christ, and they are willing to make sacrifices to see this church grow.

Join us in prayer that God will do a great and mighty work in the life of this new church. Pray that they will experience breakthrough personally, and as they reach out in the community with the love of Christ.

Thanks so much for standing with us!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

God’s Amazing Work Over the Years! 2

Posted: September 2, 2016 in Christianity, Journey, Ministry, Reflections & Musings
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On Monday I posted photos and memories from our first term in Mexico. Many good memories of the work the Lord did in those first years in Mexico. We began our second term with three young children, and some changes in ministry as we began a partnership with the National Presbyterian Church of Mexico. Our focus continued to be church planting, but now we worked in a facilitative role.

Here’s some fun photos from our second term from 1995 – 1999 in Mexico City.

Our family as we served in Mexico City

Our family as we served in Mexico City

One thing about missionary life is we got used to traveling together

One thing about missionary life is we got used to traveling together

Flying with my two boys - part of the life we lived!

Flying with my two boys – part of the life we lived! I think it’s part of what made our family close.

Hannah, Jonathan & David going to Kinder with Miss Marilu. She owned and ran the school and often helped us out by taking our children to school.

Hannah, Jonathan & David going to Kinder with Miss Marilu. She owned and ran the school and often helped us out by taking our children to school.

Having some fun and ministering to the youth

Having some fun and ministering to the youth

Our children had a lot of fun in Mexico and we always thought of ministry as family affair

Our children had a lot of fun in Mexico and we always thought of ministry as family affair

Our good friends Roberto & Lupita with their two children Luis Roberto & Ana Lei

Our good friends Roberto & Lupita with their two children Luis Roberto & Ana Lei

Outreach event with the church plant Red Familiar led by Pastor Daniel Valencia

Outreach event with the church plant Red Familiar led by Pastor Daniel Valencia

Our good friends Mario & Silvia Silva

Our good friends Mario & Silvia Silva

Our neighbors Luis & Gloria loved our children and we had a lot of fun with them

Our neighbors Luis & Gloria loved our children and we had a lot of fun with them

We used to have interns work with us in the summer. Jeremy Gabrysch in the middle went on to be a doctor and served as a medical missionary in Ethiopia. Jose Antonio Navarro (on the right) a great friend and a valuable partner in ministry.

We used to have interns work with us in the summer. Jeremy Gabrysch in the middle went on to be a doctor and served as a medical missionary in Ethiopia. Jose Antonio Navarro (on the right) a great friend and a valuable partner in ministry.

Our children loved the parties and piñatas in Mexico!

Our children loved the parties and piñatas in Mexico!

David, Jonathan & Hannah with their good friend Chivis. They reconnected with Chivis and 6 years ago she lived with us for 6 months. Fun times!

David, Jonathan & Hannah with their good friend Chivis. The Lord used Chivis to reconnect our families. 6 years ago she lived with us for 6 months. Fun times! We’ve also spent some good times over the last few years with the Silva family.

After almost 10 years in Mexico we moved to Colorado Springs. We originally thought we’d only be in Colorado a year or so before we returned to Mexico. That year turned into 12 years. I guess the Lord had a lot of work to do in us. We continued to serve in missions while living in Colorado Springs. Yet come to think of it we are still a work in progress, but Philippians 1:6 gives me some hope.

“being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

God proves himself faithful again and again. We are thrilled to be serving in Mexico again. God has given us wonderful ministry partners here. Thanks for joining us on this journey.

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

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

My Faith Filled Friends!

Posted: December 2, 2014 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Ministry Partners, Missions, Prayer, San Diego, Tijuana
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Counting the Blessings of Special Friends!
Pastor Daniel Nuñez and Victor Bravo with Dave

Pastor Daniel Nuñez the leader of Lo Mejor del Trigo and Victor Bravo, one of our newest church planters with Dave

I’m often reminded of the many blessings Dawn and I have in working with the people we minister alongside with on the border and in the Baja. I just love the variety of those we serve with. Their love for Christ and growth in Christ challenges me to grow.

I find that some of the most valuable lessons are learn are from very humble people who love Jesus. They may not have all the training that I have, but they love our Lord and they challenge me to grow in my faith.

One of the dangers of having studied a lot is that it is easy to become like the pharisees and scribes. You might remember that Jesus didn’t speak very highly of them. It is not my goal to be like a hard-hearted, stiff-necked pharisee. By the way, you don’t have to have studied a lot to become like a pharisee. It’s a danger for all of us.

God Uses Our Friends in Our Lives for His Good
Good times with our friends from Ensenada

Our friends from Ensenada from the church La Nueva Jerusalen

The friends that we serve with challenge my faith. They don’t let me rest on my laurels. Some of the pastors that Dawn and I work with have very little training, and yet we learn so much from them. We grow in Christ, because of them.

I’m grateful for the bigness and the grandness of the kingdom. There are no little people in God’s kingdom. Those that are in Christ have significance, because of who we have become in Christ. This is one of the great truths of the Bible.

We are sons and daughters of our Father. We have been adopted into his family. We can call our Father, Abba, Father! He is our daddy!

Paul and Linda Kim with the pastors from Lo Mejor del Trigo

Some of the wonderful pastors from Lo Mejor del Trigo In Tijuana and San Diego that we serve with

One of the reasons my friends who are in ministry challenge me to grow in my faith is that they are different from me. I see them trusting God in incredible ways. Some of them live in very humble surroundings. It’s hard, but they serve joyfully. They have an amazing amount of faith. I praise the Lord for them!

I aspire to be more like my faith filled friends. I’m grateful to call them amigo and to walk this journey of faith with them!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

God’s Faithfulness to Our Family

Posted: April 19, 2013 in Christianity, Family Happenings, Journey, Ministry, Missions, Prayer, Reflections & Musings
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Our Three Kids: Jonathan, Hannah & David Jr.

Our Three Kids: Jonathan, Hannah & David Jr.

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

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

One of the Hardest Things I’ve Ever Done
The beauty of Colorado Springs (taken by Terry Bradley)

The beauty of Colorado Springs (taken by Terry Bradley)

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

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

Jesus’ Healing Words

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

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

—Luke 12:22-26 (ESV)

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

Why do I Worry?

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

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

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

Hannah & Jon having some fun

Hannah & Jon having some fun

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

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

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

God Helps Those Who Help Themselves, or Does He?

Posted: March 25, 2013 in Christianity, Ministry, Reflections & Musings
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Edgardo Avila - leading the Spanish speaking church

Edgardo Avila – leading the Spanish-speaking church

God helps those who help themselves, right?

Many Americans think that they can find this verse in the Bible, but search all they want and it is nowhere to be found.

Abram and Sarai’s dilemma

The pastor of our Spanish church, Edgardo Avila spoke on Genesis 16 on Sunday. This passage describes how Abram and Sarai began to doubt whether God would come through and give them their promised child, a son, an heir. Sarai decided to give Abram her servant, Hagar as his wife. Abram did take her as his wife, and Hagar conceived and a whole lot of problems were born with her son.

Abram and Sarai decided instead of trusting God, instead of waiting on the Lord that they would take things into their own hands. You could say they believed that God helps those who help themselves.

This message really hit me. In some areas of my life I’m tempted to rush ahead, instead of trusting God. In a sense, I feel like I have to help God make it happen. It’s so good that God is full of mercy and grace, because he still used Abraham and Sarah in spite of their misstep. He is also amazingly graceful to us.

Choose God

When you come to a fork in the road, and you have to decide whether to trust yourself, or trust God, choose God. He is all-knowing and he is abundantly loving. Choose him every time, no matter how difficult it may seem. You will never go wrong if you choose to trust in the Lord and his faithfulness. All his promises are yes, in Christ Jesus!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Nothing, means Nothing in TJ

Posted: October 14, 2012 in Bright Spots on the Border, Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Tijuana
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Dave preaching at Lo Mejor del Trigo

We had such a wonderful time Thursday night with pastor Daniel Nuñez and his church, Lo Mejor del Trigo. I preached in Spanish for the first time in a while.

I felt a little anxious going into the night, since it’s been a while since I’ve preached in Spanish, but the Lord blessed. It reminds me of how God works through our weaknesses.

I enjoyed the opportunity to share the Word of God from Romans 8. My sermon was titled, “Nada, quiere decir Nada,” (Nothing means nothing). Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. What a great promise. Why do we worry? Why do we fret? Our loving Father holds us in the palm of his hand and he will never let us go.

Romans 8:37-39 (ESV),

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the Love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Pastor Daniel Nuñez

Paul repeats over and over again that there is nothing created that can separate us from the love of Christ. If we are in Christ we are not condemned, and it’s impossible for anything to separate us from Christ’s love.

It was so good to worship together with our brothers and sisters from Tijuana.

Then after the service we enjoyed fellowship over some delicious tacos!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

God Shows Up Again: Our Move to San Diego-Tijuana

Posted: August 4, 2012 in Christianity, Church Planting, Journey, Ministry, Ministry Partners, Missions, Prayer, San Diego, Tijuana
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The Challenges of Moving

The Challenges of Moving

This has been a crazy week!

On Monday I returned from a ten-day trip to Pennsylvania and Maryland. Since then it’s been all about getting our house and family ready for our upcoming move. The unrest has made it harder to get a good sleep at night, and harder to find time to write.

Amidst all the craziness going on in our lives we continue to see God at work in a big way. A little over a week ago the buyers accepted our counter to their proposal after the house inspection. That was a huge relief! One thing still stood in the way of us being able to sell our home. We had to get a permit for our porch. Crazy!

Just the idea of taking our porch apart so we could do all we needed to do to get the permit was stressful enough. It took me some time to find the right people who could help us with this monumental task. When I found them they assured me that it wouldn’t be difficult to get done. Their assurance made me feel better.

Then they started taking the porch apart, and realized that it was a much bigger project than we anticipated. That meant more stress and a much greater cost. It made me wonder if we could get it all done in time. You can bet we prayed.

Finally on Friday the inspector came. More stress! Our builder, who is a friend from church, said it was a miracle. He said, “I’ve been doing this work for 31 years and I’ve never had an inspector approve everything with one visit.” They usually have to come out at least a second time after more work is done. We all said, thank you Jesus!

My son, David Jr. who’s room is right above where the builders were working on the porch, said he heard them praying before the inspector came that he would approve everything. Thank the Lord for godly prayer warriors that the Lord sent to work on our porch.

In a future post, I’ll have to share the amazing story of how God lead us to use these friends. It’s apparent from how all things have come together in their lives, and ours that it was a God ordained meeting.

David & Dawn with the San Diego Harbor in the background

David & Dawn with the San Diego Harbor in the background

It’s been so encouraging for us to see the Lord bringing together all the loose ends as we prepare for our work on the border. It’s further confirmation that we are headed in the right direction. That’s not to say that we haven’t had opposition, but the Lord has brought us through it.

Praise Him with us!

We have two more challenges to trust the Lord for before we leave.

1.) Our children – getting them all situated, and working to be unified and on the same page as Dawn and I leave.

2.) We still have to raise about $700 more a month. We are grateful that in the last two weeks we’ve seen $300 more come in. We are almost there! This is not too difficult for the Lord.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

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