Posts Tagged ‘God’s provision’

Sent Out in the Power of the Spirit
Dave & Dawn with Luz & Davis

One of my prayers that Dawn and I pray often for ourselves and those that we minister with is that we will minister in the power of the Holy Spirit. And that in doing so that he will give us an anointing that is equal to the task that he has called us to. When I read Acts, which describes how the early church grew it highlights how Paul and the other followers of Christ depended on the God’s power and his work in their lives through the Holy Spirit.

The early church in Antioch felt led to send out Saul and Barnabus as they worshipped and prayed. The Holy Spirit spoke to them and told them to set apart these two men.

While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

Acts 13:2,3 (ESV)

We desire to be led in the same way as we send out our church planters in Mexico and on the Big Island. It’s so encouraging when we see God at work, even as we go through such a difficult season.

Davis & Luz Pardo – Ministering in Playas

One of the church planting couples that we are working with in Tijuana is Davis and Luz Pardo. They are a gifted and friendly young couple. Jesus has called them to minister in a beach community called Playas, which means beach. One of the challenges of planting a church there is that the rent is high, especially for their budget. They’ve been living in a small apartment this last year. We realized as time moved on that they needed a bigger house to be able to have people in their home. Yet, we weren’t sure how they could afford a bigger place.

We’ve raised funds to plant this church, but the church in Mexico which we are partnering with was also supposed to be giving them some financial help. Mexico has been hit harder by the pandemic financially than the US. Most churches are cutting back and having to reduce their budgets. So we felt stuck in some ways with the budget shortfall and the cost of renting in Playas.

Jehovah Jireh – God is Our Provider
Luz & Davis

We began to pray with Davis and Luz. When I pray for God’s provision I like to remember his promises. God’s name is Jehovah Jireh, which means the God who provides. Paul declares in Philippians 4:19, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

To be honest even though we prayed and trusted the Lord I was wondering whether they were going to need to move to a community near Playas that was less expensive. I guess you could say, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

God in his grace and mercy came through again! God opened a door through a family member of one of the couples that Davis and Luz have been reaching out to. The family member’s name is Enrique, and he had a home he wanted to rent in Playas. When Enrique woke up in the morning on the day he was to meet Davis and Luz he felt like the Lord put it on his heart that it was important for him to meet them.

When they met Davis and Luz told Enrique what their budget was. The amount they have to rent the house is about $250 USD less than Enrique could have rented the house for. God worked in his heart, and he felt good about renting the home to Davis and Luz. He liked the idea that they were going to use the home to start a church!

One of the joys of our ministry is seeing the Lord come through like this. Even when my faith may be small it doesn’t limit the Lord’s ability or his desire to provide.

These testimonies of God’s wonderful grace are so good, and so important not only for Dawn and me, but for Davis and Luz as well. It’s a further confirmation that the Lord is at work and that he desires to plant this church and reach this community.

Alpha Outreach
Luz & Davis leading a Zoom Alpha meeting

One of the ways that Davis and Luz are reaching out in the community is through Alpha. They’ve been learning how to use Alpha online with some of our other pastors. Alpha is an outreach ministry that has been used to reach thousands of people around the world! The timing is wonderful since in many places in Mexico the people are not able to gather, or they are afraid to be with others.

Pray with us as they continue to reach out in Playas. Pray for the Lord’s continued favor and provision, so that they will see many lives transformed by the gospel in the community of Playas, Tijuana.

Thank you so much for strengthening our hands when we are weak, and for praying with us as we seek and serve the Lord!

Donate

The needs caused by the pandemic in Mexico and on the Big Island are heart breaking. The prices are increasing and the salaries aren’t even close to keeping up. This is especially true on the Big Island. Many pastors are being forced to find another job so they can buy food and feed their families. This is a great time to give to these needs. Just click below and designate the funds for Mexico or the Big Island. Thank you!

Click here to donate…

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

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
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

The Father’s Good Gifts: Ask, Seek, Knock

The beautiful sunset Hannah & Dave saw at Imperial Beach last night

The beautiful sunset Hannah & Dave saw at Imperial Beach last night

The last several weeks maybe longer the Lord keeps bringing me back to passages about persistent prayer, and the loving Father’s answer to our petitions. Yet I find myself doubting, and worrying.

One of my favorite teachings of Jesus on prayer is found in Matthew 7:7-11 ESV

““Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!”

Jesus exhorts us to ask, seek and knock. Then he goes on to use as an example the relationship of a parent to his child. A good parent will do whatever they can to provide for their child. Then Jesus contrasts our evil nature to the Father’s goodness and holiness.

The Father’s Heart

Thankful for Hannah & the beauty of God's creation

Thankful for Hannah & the beauty of God’s creation

Even though man has an evil nature in general a parent desires to love and protect their children. How much more with God, the Father?

Our loving Father wants us to come to him. He desires to give us good things. Jesus actually says “how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!

So why don’t we ask? Why do we worry? Why don’t we take Jesus at his word?

O Lord, I ask that you would work in my heart, and cause me to believe.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Dawn & I have felt Nomadic lately

Dawn & I have felt Nomadic lately

Our nomadic life may be coming to an end. We believe and hope it is!

We found a home that is eight miles from the San Diego-Tijuana border. It’s ten miles from the San Diego Mid-City area, and right in Chula Vista. I think it will be a very good location for us.

The home also provides enough space for me to have an office, and for us to host interns and other visitors.

We’ve prayed, and we’ve asked you to pray. This gives us added comfort knowing that so many people are praying for God to lead us to the right place.

We will pay and sign the contract tomorrow, so continue to stand with us in prayer that we will have smooth sailing all the way through to the end.

Dave & Dawn Diaso

I don’t like chaos, which I feel like we’ve experienced as we moved from our house in Colorado. We’ve also experienced it some as we’ve moved from home to home, living our nomadic life. More chaos lies ahead until we can get our home unpacked and settled. Pray for my sanity during this process! Pray that I’m patient and loving to Dawn and those that surround me.

Join us in praising the Lord for guiding, leading and directing us to the place he wants us to be. Thank you, Jesus!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeontheBorder.org

Dawn & Dave with the San Diego Harbor in the background

Dawn & Dave

Last week we met some new friends that have also recently moved to the San Diego area. Ross and Din mentioned they were talking to some family members who said they we homeless. Din responded, “I prefer to think of myself as nomadic.” Dawn and I could identify!

We’ve been without a home for more than two weeks, so we’ve been in a nomadic state. A little like Abraham, but not quite as dramatic. During that time we’ve stayed in a couple of hotels and in four different homes. We are hoping that we will be able to find our own place to live by next Friday at the latest. “O Lord, hear our prayer.”

The nomadic life isn’t an easy one, but we are glad that we have a place to lay our head.

What a challenge after living in Colorado to find an affordable home in the San Diego area. We know the Lord brought us here, and he will provide in his good and perfect timing. Dawn and I continue to pray for a miracle!

Part of the struggle is finding a home that puts us in a good place to minister to Latinos, while also having a place of refuge, a home and a ministry center. Please join us in prayer that the Lord will open up the right doors and lead us to the right place. My faith wains at times. “Lord grant us patience, wisdom and strength as we go through this process.”

I must confess that part of the struggle I face is thinking of our friends here, and not wanting to let any of them down. I know ultimately I need to please the Lord, and look to him for direction.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

We can do all things through Christ

We can do all things through Christ

Moving from Colorado to San Diego is no easy task. Our house officially sold on Friday, August 17th. Hurrah! 🙂 We sold it for much lower than we first listed it for last year – Boo! 😦 The homes in San Diego go for about double what they would cost in Colorado. Therefore we are praying for a miracle.

We’ve seen the Lord provide for us in so many ways over the last two years. It’s given us hope and confidence that this is where the Lord wants us to be. Since we are confident about His calling on our life, it makes sense that He will provide a place for us to live in His perfect timing. Why is it so hard to wait?

One of the things we are praying about is whether we should rent or buy. I told Dawn that if we are to buy a home here it is going to take a miracle. God is a God of miracles, so we don’t yet know what He will do. Yet we know what He can do. He can do beyond what we can ask or think.

“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)

David & Dawn with the San Diego Harbor in the background

David & Dawn with the San Diego Harbor in the background

Today as I was walking in the neighborhood where we are staying in the Mid-City area I came across a street named Miracle Drive. It was fitting as we look to the Lord for a miracle that we would find a street with such a name.

It’s so good to be here after all the work and all the dreaming about living and serving in mission on the border.

Please join us in believing the Lord for the miracle He as for us as we look to Him for a house. We could also use His peace as this is a stressful and unsettling time. Thank the Lord that this is easy for Him. We serve a great God!

In His grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

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

The Border Crossing into Tijuana, Mexico

Thank you Lord as we begin 2012. Praise you for your faithfulness and for so many faithful friends who uphold us in prayer, and through generous gifts!

We asked you to pray that the Lord would raise up $25,000 by December 31st, and it happened! We not only reached our goal we surpassed it! The Lord provided over $26,000 which is a huge boost as it helps launch our ministry on the border. Since many donations come in the last few days of December we still don’t know the final total. Yet we do know that we’ve exceeded $26,000!

Isn’t that encouraging! Praise the Lord with us. This gives us a huge boost as we begin 2012. What a great way to start the year!

We still need to raise more in regular monthly support to be fully funded, but these large special needs gifts will help cover our moving expenses, and ministry expenses as we launch our ministry.

Continue to pray with us that we will see the last 10% of our monthly support raised up.

In my next post, I’d like to talk about the power of prayer, and the huge need that we have for friends to pray for us. We will never be successful in this work without an army of people standing with us, and holding us up in prayer.

Speaking of prayer, I’d like to ask special prayer for our friends, Brian and Anna Peterson. Brian is the pastor of one of our supporting churches in Fresno, California, my hometown. Anna went into labor last Saturday, and had to have an emergency C-section, because of complications. She’s been in intensive care since Saturday. She is doing better, but it’s still a long and tough battle. Please lift up Brain and Anna and their family with us. You can find updates, and learn more from Anna’s sister-in-law’s blog: here…

Dave & Dawn at San Diego Harbor

Thanks for going on this journey with us!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeontheBorder.org