Posts Tagged ‘Hannah Diaso Memorial Church’

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

The Ron & Virginia Diaso Memorial Church
Dad & Mom, Ron and Virginia Diaso

Dawn and I just returned from a funeral for one of my best friends, who I’ve known since I was 5 years old. His name is Rod Jones, and his daughters organized a great celebration of life service. I hope to write more about Rod in a future post, but today I’d like to focus on the church we are getting ready to build in memory of my parents, Ron and Virginia Diaso.

Rod’s funeral reminds me of the need to give people hope beyond this life. That’s one of the reasons that I’m thankful to have this opportunity to build a life giving living memorial for my parents. We are building this church in partnership with our friends from Ministerios Transformación, which is led by Pastor Daniel Nuñez.

Dad and Mom were always our biggest supporters, so I’m grateful that we can honor them in this way. We are making this a family affair. Both of our boys, David and Jonathan are flying in for the weekend to help us build the church.

Church Number 43 in Rosarito
Dave with Pastor Tomas Duarte & Pastor Esteban Martinez at the church site

I went to visit the church site today, and the foundation is already laid, and the prep work is being done so we can start with a larger group on Saturday. The pastor for this church will be Esteban Martinez. Please pray for Esteban as he begins to reach out in the community of Lomas Altas 2 in Rosarito, Mexico. While I was with pastor Esteban and two other pastors, Tomas and Davis today we were able to pray together for the church. We went to the four corners of the church and prayed, and asked for the Lord’s blessing and protection as the gospel goes forth from this place.

This is the 43rd church that Ministerios Transformación has planted in the last 15 years. God gave pastor Daniel a vision to plant 50 churches, and he is getting close to that goal. When I first met him 11 years ago I think he had planted 8 churches. It’s exciting to partner with Daniel and his team. We love seeing their enthusiasm to reach the Border and Beyond with the life changing message of Jesus Christ.

I look forward to sharing more about this church planting project with you after we get it built. It’s so good to bring the light of Christ to shine in the darkness. It’s wonderful to honor my parents in this way. I believe that it’s part of the legacy that they left. We were able to start a new church in our daughter, Hannah’s memory in Mexicali, Mexico three years ago. We give thanks to our Papa God that he has provided the funds and the partners to be able to start new churches.

I know that I’ve mentioned this before, but I love what our son Jonathan told me the first time we went to visit the site where we built the church in Hannah’s memory. He said, “I’d much rather visit the church to remember Hannah than to visit the cemetery.” I feel the same way, and we give thanks that we can remember Dad and Mom in this way.

Join Us In Prayer
We prayed for and anointed the four corners of the church property
  • Pray for a successful weekend as we head down on Saturday morning with a group of friends to build the church.
  • Pray for Pastor Esteban and his team as they begin to do outreach in the community of Lomas Altas 2 in Rosarito.
  • Pray for the Lord’s protection as we endeavor work together this Saturday.
  • Thank the Lord for his provision for this church.
Extend Your Hands to Help
Our familia on the Big Island

Our familia on the Big Island told me about how they pray for friends hands. Those that extend their hands to help them in their need. When they explained the significance of the “friends hands” I decided to adopt it and use that phrase when I ask you to help. Dawn and I would like to ask you to extend your hands to help the church planting work in Mexico.

Our familia on the Big Island also needs your help. One of our friends there wrote me today, and said that the Big Island has collapsed referring to the financial situation. Things were bad before, but now they are experiencing rolling blackouts, to go along with skyrocketing prices for food and basic goods. They need our prayers and our help. you can give by clicking on the button below.

Click to Donate…

In His Grip, Dave

BeyondBordersLife.org

Looking back on God’s good work

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hebrews‬ ‭12:1-2‬ ‭ESV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

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

Click to make a donation

To Die is Gain, even in Our Pain

Dawn and Dave with Hannah when she graduated from IMPACT 195. Two months later she graduated to heaven. We miss her every day. So thankful for our hope in Jesus!

Dawn and Dave with Hannah when she graduated from IMPACT 195. Two months later she graduated to heaven. We miss her every day. So thankful for our hope in Jesus!

Today marks the 2nd anniversary of the worst and longest day of my life. The day my daughter, Hannah Elizabeth Diaso graduated, or as we like to say she moved to heaven.

When I think about it, I suppose it was the worst and the best day of Hannah’s life. Her last day on earth wasn’t a good day for her or for us. Yet she was immediately ushered to heaven where she saw Jesus face to face.

The Lord has been comforting me and reminding me this week of his true and amazing promises. I don’t think I could make it without his loving care and assurances.

Just as I began to write this he reminded me of Paul’s statement regarding life and death.

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21 ESV

It’s an amazing statement, but if we are honest, this is not the way most of us live. Death is a wake-up call. Dawn and I think about death differently now that Hannah moved to heaven. It’s caused us to think of heaven more frequently, and wonder what it is like there. Hannah went from suffering to experiencing pure joy in just a moment. It’s so hard to comprehend!

My Hate for Death!

Hannah Diaso, Our beautiful daughter

Hannah Diaso, Our beautiful daughter

Through my sweet daughter’s graduation to heaven, I’ve had to come to grips with death. It’s not an easy thing to do. I believe it’s a long process that I’m still going through in many ways.

I hate death and its effect on man. I never realized how horrible death was until my daughter died. God created the world without death. When man fell into sin death was waiting right at the doorstep. Ever since then all of creation has been groaning for the day of redemption.

I’m thankful for the life I’ve been given, but I long for redemption. I look for glimpses of my Heavenly Father’s redeeming love every day. When I see someone healed, or someone receive the gift of eternal life I believe this gives me a glimpse of redemption.

Again Paul gives us words of hope as we wait.

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as son, the redemption of our bodies. Romans 8:18-23 ESV emphasis mine

Our loving Papa is at work as we suffer in this world. He brings redemption and he gives us hope as we wait.

A Desire to Encourage Others

Both Dawn and I love to minister. We enjoy encouraging others and seeing them set free of whatever may be holding them back. Often our friends will make a comment to us that we’ve been able to encourage them and lift them up in the midst of our pain and mourning. I think at times they are surprised that we’ve been able to stay upright and maintain a positive attitude.

We do have our difficult and down days, but it encourages us as we love on and minister to others. We’ve seen a lot of grace during these moments. Part of the mystery is the grace flows two ways as we extend God’s goodness to others. It goes out to those we minister to, but it also comes back to us.

I must say that I believe everyone in my immediate family, Dawn, David jr., Jonathan and me have all grown deeper in our love for the Lord. It’s not because there is anything special about us. When you are hurting, you realize that you need to run into the loving arms of your Father. It’s a place of comfort and nourishment. Once you’ve tasted of his love you want more and more. O Lord, bring it on!

More of the Lord’s Loving Encouragement

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

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

I found it interesting in my normal daily Bible reading this week, that the Lord had me read Psalm 116 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13. Amazing passages!

“I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live.

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” Psalms 116:1,2 & 16 ESV

I still don’t fully understand death, and God’s ways, but I’m glad to know that the Lord does have it figured out. He has a plan for life and death. He even says that our days our numbered. At times all we can do is trust in his loving kindness. That’s what I choose to do.

From the moment Hannah moved to heaven one of the most helpful comforting verses in the Bible has been 1 Thessalonians 4:13. Often when I share my faith with nonbelievers I tell them that we are sad, but we have hope. The hope of heaven, the hope of redemption, the hope of a Savior sustains us. It takes away the sting of death. Christ conquered the grave.

“…what happens to those already dead and buried, we don’t want you in the dark any longer. First off, you must not carry on over them like people who have nothing to look forward to, as if the grave were the last word. Since Jesus died and broke loose from the grave, God will most certainly bring back to life those who died in Jesus.”        1 Thessalonians 4:13,14 MSG

I thank the Lord for the work of Jesus through his death and resurrection. Because he conquered the grave we have hope!

I hate that our daughter is no longer with us physically on this earth, but I’m grateful for the promises. I’m grateful for the hope of the gospel. I will continue to love and serve with Dawn longing for and looking for glimpses of God’s redeeming love until the day of redemption. Then I will be reunited with Christ, Hannah and all the saints that have gone before me.

Thank you, Papa, for your loving care! Hannah, I look forward to seeing you again soon!

In His grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

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Honoring Hannah’s Memory – Church Expansion

Pastor Daniel Nuñez, Pastor Edson Martinez, Pastor Mere Godinez, Dave Diaso and Pastor Rafael

Pastor Daniel Nuñez, Pastor Edson Martinez, Pastor Mere Godinez, Dave Diaso and Pastor Rafael

Ever since the day our daughter, Hannah moved to heaven I’ve prayed that her death wouldn’t be in vain. I know from 1 Thessalonians 4:13 which mentions to not grieve as those without hope, that her early home going isn’t in vain. Yet, I would like to see in tangible ways how the Lord has used her life to have a lasting impact on the earth. I suppose these are complicated emotions to explain, but I do have the drive to honor our daughter’s memory.

One of the ways we are doing that is building a new church in Mexicali, Mexico in Hannah’s memory. We are doing this with some of my best friends on the planet, Pastor Daniel Nuñez, and Ministerios Transformación. We are inviting friends and family to come help us build the church. Both David Jr. and Jonathan are flying out for the church build as well as other very special people we love.

Memorial Church in Mexicali, Mexico

The site where we are building the church

The site where we are building the church

On Friday I was able to go visit the site where the church will be built. Daniel and Yolanda Nuñez along with Edson Martinez took me to Mexicali. Mexicali is the capital of Baja California, and it’s about three hours from Tijuana. We’ve partnered with Ministerios Transformación to plant five churches in Tijuana and Rosarito. This will be the first church we’ve helped plant in Mexicali, so that is exciting for us.

This will be the 34th church that Ministerios Transformación has planted! These churches are making a huge difference in the communities they serve in.

Planting Churches with our Special Friends

Pastor Victor Bravo, his wife Sol and their son, Abraham

Pastor Victor Bravo, his wife Sol and their son, Abraham

Today (Sunday) Dawn and I went to visit Pastor Victor Bravo and his wife, Sol and their church in Rosarito. It’s always a huge blessing for us to be with them. We helped them plant their church 3 years ago. Their church is growing and the people there are in love with Jesus. They have a wonderful outreach to an orphanage, Nueva Generación, “New Generation”.

Victor and Sol’s church is just one example of the difference the gospel is making through the churches we’ve helped to plant in communities around Tijuana and Rosarito. We give thanks for God’s good work!

These friends I’ve mentioned Daniel and Yolanda, Victor and Sol love Hannah, and Hannah loved them. I know if she was still living she would be so proud and excited to know that we are planting a new church with these much-loved friends. Hannah is now a part of the cloud of witnesses. I don’t know if she can see back into this world or not, but if she can I’m sure she’s praying for us and rooting us on along with Christ and all the Saints.

The pastor of this new church is Mere Godinez and his wife is Edna. We’d appreciate your prayers for Mere and Edna as they start this church.

The Mixed Emotions

One of our goals for 2018 is to build a church in memory of our daughter, Hannah.

Our daughter, Hannah Elizabeth Diaso

When I visited the church site this last week I had mixed emotions. I felt both excited and sentimental. When I think about Hannah and her memory it brings up many emotions. I miss her so much! My family and I are grateful for this opportunity to not only honor Hannah’s memory but to make a difference in a community in Mexicali.

Help Us Finish This Memorial Church Plant

We’ve been able to raise more than half of the amount we need to plant the church, but we still need to raise some more to build this church. When I was in Mexicali I realized that it’s so hot there in the summer that they need air conditioning to be able to meet in the church during the summer months. An additional expense we hadn’t considered.

You can give to the church plant in Hannah’s memory by clicking on the link below. We’d love to have you join us!

Click to make a donation

Click to make a donation

Thank you, dear friends, for standing with us on this wonderful and sometimes painful journey.

In His Grip, Dave for Dawn, David Jr., and Jonathan

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org