Posts Tagged ‘Jesus’

The Cross: Don’t Forget the Sorrow!

Posted: September 11, 2017 in Christianity, Family Happenings, Ministry, Prayer, Reflections & Musings
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The Pain of Loss
The Cross on Mount Soledad in San Diego

The Cross on Mount Soledad in San Diego

Recently I was conversing with some of my missionary colleagues about death and grieving, and how most of us struggle with working through the sorrow of losing someone we love. The Bible tells us to not grieve as those without hope, but it does not tell us not to grieve. One of the phrases that was said a few times just a few days after Hannah had passed away is that “Hannah is more alive than ever.” While that is true, I didn’t feel that it helped me at the time. That phrase in some way seemed to make me feel like I shouldn’t be sad. I know it wasn’t meant that way, but I didn’t find it comforting. That is not to say that I lost hope entirely. Yet, I felt that it minimized the pain and the deep loss I had just experienced.

I should add that I’m more able to receive that word, and I find it more comforting now that I’ve had some time to grieve and process Hannah’s home going.

I still feel the sadness at times, and it hits me at unexpected times. It’s not as frequent as it once was. In some way, I find it hard to explain the emotions that I go through. The realization that my daughter is no longer here, and that I can’t talk to her anymore. We can’t do together any of those things we had dreamed of.

Lessons from the Cross
Dave with Hannah - My beautiful daughter that I love

Dave with Hannah – My beautiful daughter that I love

As I conversed with my missionary friends, one of them, Bill Yarbrough brought up some thoughts of a friend of his, who just happens to be a nun. She said that she feels we move on from the cross too quickly to the resurrection. We forget the pain involved in Jesus’s death on the cross, and that his mother and his friends felt deep sorrow. They didn’t realize at the time of his death that Jesus would rise from the dead. Thanks be to God that Jesus did rise on the third day!

Now that I lost my daughter, and I have suffered deep loss I am grateful for the man of sorrows, who’s acquainted with grief. He comforts me in my loss. He stays with me. He gives me hope, and lifts me out of the pit when I fall in. I believe the Lord has some awesome and wonderful mysteries for me to learn as He embraces me in my loss.

All of the Creation Groans for Redemption
Dave & Dawn - Thankful for my wife and that I don't have to go on this journey alone

Dave & Dawn – Thankful for my wife and that I don’t have to go on this journey alone

We live in this broken world, scarred by sin.

The enemy of our soul comes to kill, steal and destroy, and he will do anything he can to hurt us. This too is one of the effects of the fallen world we live in.

That is why all of creation groans for redemption. We long for the new creation. We long to be in the place where there will be no more loss, no more suffering, no more sorrow. The place where we will see our Savior, the lover of our soul face to face. We will be reunited with those we love.

I can’t wait to see my daughter again. I can’t wait to hug her again. If there are any tears they will be tears of joy!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Jesus Among Us!

Posted: July 11, 2015 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Ministry Partners, Missions, Prayer
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God’s Spirit is on the Move
Dave and Larry Trotter with Pastors Cesar Santizo, Felipe Hernandez, Benjamin Romero & Victor Hugo Herrera

Dave and Larry Trotter with Pastors Cesar Santizo, Felipe Hernandez, Benjamin Romero & Victor Hugo Herrera – leaders of the Presbytery called Fronterizo Noroccidental (Northwestern border presbytery)

I sense Jesus among us as Dawn and I minister on the border. God is doing a number of marvelous works.

On Friday I met with the leaders who represent the National Presbyterian Church of Mexico on the border and throughout the Baja. We discussed candidates for our first ever church planting readiness evaluation in Tijuana for this group of churches! You might say this is a historic event for them.

I’ve grown to love these men who lead the churches on the border and the Baja. They are careful to make wise decisions, while willing to take a risk to try something new. God’s Spirit is blowing on the border, and we pray for even more of his presence. We want Jesus to be among us as we serve!

God moved and directed as we sought him.

We selected 8 candidates that we think have the potential to be good church planters. The assessment event will take place in the first week of November, so pray for the Lord’s continued guidance and leading as we move towards that week.

An Exciting Week Awaits
Skyview and Iglesia Nueva Jerusalén in Ensenada

Skyview’s group from last year and our friends from Iglesia Nueva Jerusalén in Ensenada – fun times await!

This morning Skyview Presbyterian Church from Denver, Colorado arrives. Then we will head down to Ensenada where we will serve with La Nueva Jerusalén (The New Jerusalem) church. This is the second summer in a row that Skyview has come. The churches know each other some, so we are glad to see this relationship continue.

Skyview will be collaborating with La Nueva Jerusalén to reach out in the community through a VBS program.

Can’t wait to see what God does!

This is another demonstration of Jesus among us.

Praise Him From the Highest

Friday morning, my dad, Ron Diaso had surgery on his carotid artery. He just turned 80 last month, so we had some concerns about the surgery. I’m thrilled to report that my dad made it, and he is now recovering. Thank you Jesus!

We see Jesus’ fingers prints all around us. Praise him, Praise him, join the hallelujah chorus.

Pray with us that Jesus’ presence will be felt in a powerful way as we minister in Ensenada. We are praying for a successful outreach and that those in the church will be strengthened in their faith. That those outside the church will come to a new and living faith as they meet the Savior!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

The Joy of a Daughter

Posted: October 11, 2013 in Christianity, Family Happenings, Ministry, Reflections & Musings
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Hannah & Dave

Hannah & Dave

One of the benefits of my ministry meetings and preaching in Colorado this last weekend was that I was able to see my daughter. I praise the Lord for my daughter and the relationship we have.

We had such a good time together. She went with me on Sunday when I preached at Sky View Presbyterian. When she wasn’t working or in school we got some good father-daughter time in.

I remember when my daughter, Hannah was born that I was afraid to raise a girl. I grew up with two brothers and no sisters. My first two children were boys. I thought I had guys figured out, but I didn’t know what to do with a daughter.

Hannah as the baby in the family and my only daughter always has had a special place in my heart. She surprised me in that I realized what a joy it is to have a sweet little girl. Even though Hannah is now a grown young woman, she will always be my little daughter. I like to call her, my beautiful little daughter that I love!

My Beautiful Little Daughter that I Love, Hannah!

My Beautiful Little Daughter that I Love, Hannah!

One of the many things that gives me joy as Hannah matures is to see her tenderness towards others, and things of the Lord. She has a strong desire to know God better, and to grow in her relationship with him.

The only bummer is that Hannah lives in Colorado and we live in Southern California. It’s too far away, and I miss her dearly. I’m glad that the Lord provides opportunities for us to visit one another. I am so grateful that she loves Jesus!

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.                       Proverbs 31:30,31 (ESV)

It is so hard to say good-bye. I can’t wait to see her again.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

A Proud Papa!

Posted: August 31, 2013 in Christianity, Family Happenings, Ministry, Prayer, San Diego
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David Jr. giving his speech at San Diego Christian College

David Jr. giving his speech at San Diego Christian College

On Wednesday I tweeted a tweet (not sure how to say that, but we’ll go with it 😉 ) about being excited that our oldest son, David Jr. would be addressing the faculty and student body at San Diego Christian College. David is the student body president, and they were kicking off the school year with the first chapel. A friend of mine of my seminary days, Maribeth Myers wrote, “proud papa”. Yes that would accurately describe how I felt.

I’m proud of all three of my grown children: David, Jr.; Jonathan; Hannah. They are all excelling in what they are doing, and more importantly they love Jesus.

I want to praise the Lord for the work he has done in my family, and not boast in what we’ve done. I know that it’s God’s work in their hearts.

It was so encouraging to listen David Jr. give his speech at the chapel service. He shared about how he used to get his identity in being a missionary kid when he was a child. Then as he started playing baseball that became a big part of his identity. Over the last few years he’s been growing in his understanding of Christ’s love for him. His identity is in Christ.

David used a powerful quote from Mark Driscoll that expands on the theme of Jesus’ love for us:

Jesus loves me. That’s the bedrock of the Christian faith. We can never outgrow that one great, majestic, and simple transforming truth. Once we know Jesus’ love, we can stop using people for their love and simply start loving them as Jesus loves us.

Foot washing ceremony with President Dr. Paul Ague and David Jr. (representing the faculty and administration serving the students at SDCC)

Foot washing ceremony with President Dr. Paul Ague and David Jr. (representing the faculty and administration serving the students at SDCC)

Our identity in Christ never changes, once we are in Christ, but we do grow. In the grace of God we do become more and more like our Savior. As we become more like Christ we find ourselves loving and serving others.

I pray that each of my children along with those at San Diego Christian College will grow to know and understand the depths of Christ’s love for them. I pray this will be true for Dawn and me, and for you as you read this post!

Pray With Us
Ron & Virginia Diaso (Dave's dad and mom)

Ron & Virginia Diaso (Dave’s dad and mom)

On a side note, I’d like to ask you to join me in prayer for my dad, Ron Diaso. He will be undergoing a heart bypass surgery on September 4th at 7 AM, PT. Pray that the Lord will guide the doctors hands, and that my dad will make it through the surgery. The doctors feel confident going into the surgery, but I know we need the divine doctors care. I will be going up to Fresno this week to be with my parents for the surgery.

Thanks so much for standing with us on this journey, and for encouraging us along the way!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Ending on a High Note in Los Cabos!

Posted: August 22, 2013 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer, Team Members
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God’s Rich Blessings In Los Cabos
Dave preaching at the Fuente de Vida mission church

Dave preaching at the Fuente de Vida mission church

Our ministry trip to Los Cabos ended on a high note. In the morning, Peter Boling and I visited Vida Nueva. American missionaries who came several years ago started the church. These missionaries won many of the leaders and church members to Christ.

So encouraging seeing the legacy that they left. The missionary, Johnny Lynch who started the church didn’t even speak much Spanish. It’s amazing what God can do with a willing and faithful servant.

Now this church faithfully preaches the gospel, and they have ministries to gang members and the poor in the community that they are reaching.

May God’s Peace Rain Down on La Paz

Peter and I met with the church leaders on Saturday night, and we told them of the plan to start a new church in La Paz. They were very positive, and they started thinking of all the people they knew in La Paz.

La Paz means “the peace”. We pray that the Prince of Peace will bring his peace to the people of La Paz.

Then in the evening we went to the mission church that I wrote about in my last post, Fuente de Vida “Fountain of Life”.

The Journey from Prison to Missions
Peter Boling sharing his testimony at Fuente de Vida mission

Peter Boling sharing his testimony at Fuente de Vida mission

Peter shared his testimony. How God saved him from a life that was headed on a downward spiral. God used a fellow prison mate, who threatened to kill him to wake Peter up spiritually. Instead, the animal, as they called him, read Peter a Bible passage that brought him from asleep to being more than curious.

When he got out of prison he went to visit an aunt who was a believer. She didn’t want to open up the door when she saw Peter. He had a long beard, and long hair and looked like a bad dude. His reputation presided him. He told his aunt after she finally let him in; “I want to know how to become a Christian.”

She wasn’t sure she could believe him at first. “Are you serious?” she asked. Peter assured her he was, and she shared the gospel with him. Now Peter is a missionary with a wonderful testimony that he is using for the glory of God.

One thing I’ve seen about people who have been saved out of bad backgrounds is they get God’s grace. It’s not hard for them to understand the need for grace in their lives. Since they get it, they are good at sharing it with others. That’s what Peter and his wife, Jenny dedicate their lives to now.

The Gospel of Hope
The Arc of Los Cabos

The Arc of Los Cabos

After Peter shared his testimony I was able to preach about grace for those that don’t believe as well as the believer. I find there are so many Christians that either fall into liberalism or legalism. The people responded very well to the message. Grace gives us hope.

The Gospel gives all of us hope and lifts off the heavy burden that many try to carry alone. Jesus wants to take those burdens and carry them for us.

Our prayer is that the gospel will be powerfully proclaimed in Los Cabos and La Paz. Lord please do rain down your peace on La Paz and the Baja peninsula.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

The Contrasts of Los Cabos

Posted: August 17, 2013 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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Los Cabos: The Beauty and the Crying Need
Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas

For the last two days I’ve been with fellow missionary, Peter Boling in the Los Cabos area. He’s been showing me around, and we’ve been connecting with some of the ministries here.

I would describe Los Cabos as a land of contrasts. There is the beauty of the Pacific, the Sea of Cortez, the landscape and the beach. Then there is the barrenness, the dirt, the cactus and the shrubs inland. Some of the wealthiest people in the world have homes here, and many tourist come to enjoy all that Los Cabos has to offer. In contrast there are people who are struggling to survive, many people living in very humble conditions.

Most of the residents of Los Cabos depend on the tourism for their survival. The tourism has suffered over the last few years, because of the economy and the recent drug wars.

It hurts to see some of the people living in the humble conditions they live in.

Reaching Gangs for Christ

Peter and Jenny Boling have a passion for this area and for the many hurting people. I love watching Peter interact with those that live and serve here.

Peter sharing with the young gang members

Peter sharing with the young gang members

Just yesterday we met a group of 30 young gang members that had recently come to Christ. The Lord is using a Salvadorian hit man and drug runner to reach into the gang community. Emilio has street credibility with these gang members, because of his past. He had a dramatic conversation, and the Lord is now using him in a powerful way.

We dropped in on their meeting in the afternoon, and they asked Peter to share his testimony. Peter is a big guy, and he comes from a rough background. He was once involved in gangs and drugs. God got ahold of his heart while he was in prison, and he became a warrior for the Lord. Since, he lived the life that they are living they listen.

God is on the Move

It’s so encouraging for me to see that behind all the tourism that moves the economy that God is moving in people’s lives. He is touching the hearts of many that are now following Jesus.

The main reason that we are in Los Cabos is to pave the way for Peter and his wife, Jenny to move here so that they can minister in Los Cabos and La Paz. We want to see ministries strengthened and new churches started. The kingdom extended for God’s glory!

Join us in Prayer

Pray with us the God will grant us favor and open many doors for the Bolings to walk through as the look to serve here!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

The Upside Down Kingdom

Posted: July 25, 2013 in Christianity, Prayer, Reflections & Musings
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Humility photo from samuelatgilgal.wordpress.com

Humility photo from samuelatgilgal.wordpress.com

God tells us in his kingdom the last shall be first and the first shall be last (Matt. 20:16). Isn’t that opposite of the way we think things should usually be? I guess, that’s the point, isn’t it?

I’ve been struck lately as I watch God use humble, unassuming people. It’s not that the Lord doesn’t use the well-known, but a great deal of ministry happens in places that seem small. The ministry might be run by someone who at first glance is not very impressive.

Some authors, such as Jim Collins in his book, Good to Great have come to realize one of the characteristics of great companies is that they have humble leaders. Dr. Collins was surprised to find that to be true.

When you think about it, we (the church) shouldn’t be surprised that God uses the humble. Jesus came as a humble servant. His triumphal entry was on a donkey, rather than on a stallion.

God Lifts Up the Humble

James encourages us to be humble, as he quotes from the Proverbs.

But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but he gives grace to the humble.” …Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

James 4:6 & 10 (ESV)

That is quite a nudge to not be proud. If you are proud, then God will oppose you! I don’t think anyone wants that. If the proud understood what they were up against they wouldn’t want God to be their opponent. It’s obvious who’s going to win that one.

Many truths in the Bible are counter-intuitive. They go against the grain of much of what we hear from the culture. I don’t know about you, but I find myself sometimes listening to the wrong voices.

May Our Prayer Be

O Lord, remind me that you look at the heart. Remind me that you honor the humble. Make me a humble man (woman) as I seek you!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

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Creating a Safe Haven for Pastors

Posted: July 13, 2013 in Bright Spots on the Border, Christianity, Ministry, Missions, Prayer, Tijuana
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The Joy of Connecting with Like-Minded Friends
Dawn and Dave with Cesar and Kristina, Martha and Abraham - some of the wonderful ministers Dave and Dawn work with.

Dawn and Dave with Cesar and Kristina, Martha and Abraham – some of the wonderful servants Dave and Dawn work with.

As we encourage others God richly blesses us. Wow, thank you Jesus!

This past week Dawn and I had some great conversations with some of the pastors we are coming alongside in Tijuana. We have such a wonderful time encouraging one another and discussing topics related to ministry.

One of the things we try to provide for our friends is a safe place where they can share their heart. An environment where they can discuss questions about theology, their ministries and their personal struggles. There aren’t many places that pastors can go where they don’t feel like they are being scrutinized.

Time just flies by when we are with them.What a joy it is to converse with friends and grow deeper together. Often we spend three hours together and it seems like it was only a short time.

God Blesses Us as We Encourage Others!

It fills our soul!  We pray it will fill up our friends as well. They tell us the time goes by quickly for them as well, so we are thrilled that God can use us in their lives in this way.

Both Dawn and I come away from these encounters humbled. It’s humbling, because we feel privileged to minister to and play a part in the lives of such choice servants of the Lord. We are reminded we need the Lord to give us his wisdom so we give wise counsel to our friends.

I pray that the Lord will give us more ministry connections like these. They are invigorating, and we believe one of the ways God can use all of our life and ministry experience  is to pass on what we’ve learned to others. That means that we too have to be hungry to learn. We need to be committed to life long learning. Also, Dawn and I need to lean hard on the Lord and his leading. As we do so we find that the Lord opens new doors for us!

In His Holy Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

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God is Winning in Tijuana!

Posted: May 13, 2013 in Bright Spots on the Border, Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Ministry Partners, Missions, Tijuana
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Daniel Nuñez with the pastors of Lo Mejor Del Trigo

Daniel Nuñez with the pastors of Lo Mejor Del Trigo

God’s Amazing Work in TJ

I see God doing an amazing work in Tijuana, and it’s fun to be a part of it. There’s so much bad news in the world it’s refreshing to receive good news.

The Lord has blessed me with some wonderful pastors to work with in Tijuana. Last week I was especially encouraged!

On Sunday I preached at the church we helped start. Such a great group of people! The church responded well to my message. They blessed Dawn and me, and we felt we were able to love on and minister to them. God is using pastor Rodrigo and his wife, Nancy to build the church.

Then on Monday Bill Yarbrough and I were able to be with Daniel Nuñez and all the pastors with Lo Mejor del Trigo (The Best of the Wheat). Bill spoke on Christ centered preaching, and they loved it. It’s wonderful to see the gospel influence the influencers of a church planting movement.

Coaching and Encouraging Pastors
Rodrigo & Nancy, Dawn & Dave, Martha & Abraham (from left to right) pastors, ministers, pastors wives

Rodrigo & Nancy Vallarta, Dawn & Dave, Martha & Abraham Velazquez (from left to right)

Later in the week I met with some of the pastors that I’m coaching and encouraging in their ministries. I had a great time with pastor Abraham Velazquez. He shared with me how he is preaching the gospel in his church, and how God is using it in people’s lives. Some of the things Bill and I have shared with him he is passing on. Wow, that thrilled my heart to hear!

I do believe God is winning in Tijuana!

Abraham has a wonderful family. Dawn and I love Abraham and his wife, Martha. They are quickly becoming some of our favorite people in Tijuana. The Lord is doing an amazing work in their family and through their ministry at the church.

Praise Jesus for His Good Work

I praise the Lord that he is using our efforts to bring positive change in Tijuana.

Thanks for standing with us on this journey of faith for Jesus!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Mobilizing for the Kingdom

Posted: March 11, 2013 in Christianity, Ministry, Missions, Prayer, San Diego
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Dave presented at MTW's vision retreat

Dave presenting at MTW’s vision retreat

On Monday David, Jr., Dawn and I were at the Mission to the World (MTW) office in Lawrenceville just outside of Atlanta. We participated in MTW’s Vision Retreat. At this event those who are interested in pursuing missions come to learn more about what God is doing around the world.

It’s an enjoyable time for us as we meet new people who are exploring what the Lord has for them. We are also able to connect with friends and colleagues. For example, we got some time with Bill Goodman. I’ve known Bill for 27 years. I first met him when I was still single. He was our first team leader when we started serving in missions in Mexico City.

In the afternoon I had the privilege and opportunity to share about our work, and what God is doing on the border. Those that were in attendance responded well.

I must admit I get a little anxious at these events, since I’m trying to promote what we are doing, and wondering if I did well enough to persuade them to take a look at us. “O Lord, help me to keep my eyes on you.”

On Tuesday morning we are off to drive up to Covenant College to present our border ministry to the college students there.

Pray that the Lord blesses our efforts, and that he will bring those that he is calling to join us! I pray we will be patient and rest in Him.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

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