Posts Tagged ‘Lo Mejor del Trigo’

More Churches to Plant in 2016!

Posted: January 11, 2016 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Ministry Partners, Missions, Prayer
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2016 Here We Go!
JD Pearring in the center on the left side sharing with the LMT leadership

JD Pearring in the center on the left side sharing with the LMT leadership

2016 got off to a great start for us. Dawn, Hannah and I met with pastors and leaders from Lo Mejor del Trigo (LMT). It’s always a highlight for us to connect with these friends.

Another ministry friend of ours, JD Pearring challenged all of us to be faithful to share the good news of Christ. Even pastors need to be reminded to follow Jesus example to be about our Father’s business.

James in Acts 15:9 says, “Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God.” James assumes that people who aren’t yet believers are interested in turning to God.

The Spirit is at work all around us, and we need to stay faithful to share this good news.

JD’s words were a healthy and needed exhortation to all of us.

Share the Gospel, Plant Churches
Pastor Daniel Nuñez praying for all the pastors and leaders of LMT

Pastor Daniel Nuñez praying for all the pastors and leaders of LMT

The reason we plant churches is we believe the task it not done. There are people who need to hear the gospel. There are lives that are being transformed by Christ, and that are yet to be transformed. God is on the throne. Hallelujah!

The Lord has blessed LMT with some outstanding leaders who love Jesus. Daniel Nuñez and LMT have a compelling vision to see 50 churches planted. They just planted number 26 in November.

I’m working on raising the funds to help them plant the 27th church this Spring. Pray that the Lord works and makes this happen!

It excites me to be a part of a movement that is growing like this one is. Such good people, but even sharp men and women need support and encouragement.

Gospel Coaching & LMT
Dave sharing a few words about the value of coaching at the LMT meeting

Dave sharing a few words about the value of coaching at the LMT meeting

I’ve been working with LMT on strengthening their coaching. Daniel and I hope to see every pastor with a coach. This will create a stronger movement, and it gives the pastors a place to go during the fight. It’s not easy to lead a church, and it’s next to impossible when you go it alone.

Pastor Daniel asked me to share a few words about coaching during the meeting last week. I enjoyed the opportunity to minister to this wonderful group of servants of the Lord.

Join Us in Prayer

Pray with us as the year gets underway that Lo Mejor del Trigo will continue to grow and be strengthened. Pray that the Lord gives Pastor Daniel Nuñez wisdom as he leads this movement. Pray for a growing group of gospel coaches to come alongside these leaders.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

 

Celebrating Church #26!

Posted: November 23, 2015 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Ministry Partners, Missions, Prayer, Tijuana
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The Lord is Building His Church in TJ
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Construction of Lo Mejor del Trigo’s 26th church

Dawn and I are giving thanks for the latest church that Pastor Daniel Nuñez and our friends at Lo Mejor del Trigo are starting. This weekend they built church #26 in the community of Maclovio Rojas in Tijuana.

About 10 years ago the Lord gave Pastor Daniel the vision to plant 50 churches in his lifetime, and each year LMT gets closer to realizing that vision.

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Pastor Daniel Nuñez

Each of these churches are giving testimony to the light of Christ. They are making a difference in the communities that they serve in. The good news of Jesus is reaching many, and lives are being transformed.

Dawn and I have had the privilege of helping directly with four of LMT’s church plants, and indirectly we’ve been involved with some of the other churches they’ve started.

We are praying and working for a renewed Tijuana and a renewed Baja. The Lord has given us some wonderful partners here on the border who have a similar vision. We rejoice in His good work!

Join Us In Prayer
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Lo Mejor del Trigo Maclovio Rojas

Pray for this church as they begin to preach the good news of the gospel, and make a difference in the community of Maclovio Rojas. Pray for Pastor Daniel Nuñez and his team as they lead this church planting effort.

I’m working with Daniel now to raise the funds for church #27, which we hope to be able to launch by next Spring. Join us in prayer as we look to the Lord for his provision.

Thank you Lord for your transformative work as the gospel goes forth on the border! Hallelujah!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org 

 

Give Thanks for His Many Gifts!

Posted: November 13, 2015 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Ministry Partners, Missions, Prayer, Video
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One of the many things that Dawn and I are thankful for at this time of the year is the incredible people and ministries that we work alongside. The unbelievable thing is that they are not only amazing ministers of the gospel, but they are also wonderful friends. We feel so blessed to be able to count them as our friends, our queridos amigos!

Pastor Daniel Nuñez, the leader of Lo Mejor del Trigo in Mexico is one such incredible minister and a dear friend. Recently pastor Daniel and I went on a ministry trip together and I had the opportunity to ask him a few questions. I would like to share that interview with you here.

We give thanks for Daniel and for all of those that the Lord has privileged us to work alongside!

Pray that the Lord will raise up even more workers, even more ministry partners, so that the kingdom of God will continue to be extended!

In HIs Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Amazed by God’s Work of Transformation!

Posted: October 5, 2015 in Christianity, Ministry, Ministry Partners, Missions, Prayer, Tijuana
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Keys to Transformation
Growing and learning together - Keys for a Transformed Life

Growing and learning together – Keys for a Transformed Life

This last week was tremendously gratifying as the Lord brought together a dream that Dawn and I have been working on for two years. Our friends from Ministerios Fuente de Gracia (Fountain of Grace Ministry) came and led a training seminar in Tijuana on Keys for a Transformed Life. We held the course at the Lo Mejor del Trigo (LMT) El Niño church.

I’ve written a lot about LMT in the past and the leader of this church planting movement, pastor Daniel Nuñez. Daniel, the pastors and leaders of the 25 churches they have planted are wonderful friends and partners in ministry. We often stop and give thanks for them!

This Spring Pastor Daniel went to San Antonio de Las Minas, near Ensenada with me. We took seven pastors from LMT, and God used that time to minister to them in a deep and profound way.

While we were in San Antonio de las Minas we began to think through and plan on bringing the teaching to Tijuana so more pastors and church leaders could attend.

The Basics – Faith & Repentance
One of the learning activities during the course

One of the learning activities during the course

More than 50 people attended the course last week. We dealt with some basic and deep foundational issues. The people heard about the importance of practicing forgiveness and repentance in their Christian life. They learned what it means to be sons and daughters of God. Then as we soaked up these basic principles there was opportunity at the end of the session for us to meet in small groups to practice what we were learning.

It’s beautiful to see the Spirit break through. Many wept as they shared, because of the pain involved in the root causes. With the tears there is a release and as people confess to one another and to God, He shows up and brings comfort and healing.

Dawn and I feel like this is, as the name implies, one of the most transformational courses we’ve been through. Also, as we’ve been able to share the teaching with others we’ve seen God change people from the inside out.

Healing in the Lives of Pastors and Leaders
The group that completed the course

The group that completed the course

A number of the pastors and leaders we work with have deep wounds that they’ve never been able to deal with, because they haven’t had the opportunity to do so. They are in a difficult situation, because many people in the church look up to them, so they don’t know where to turn for help. They are stuck.

The leaders in the churches feel afraid to open up, so they go on limping along not knowing how to be set free. It’s a process to be sure, but it’s amazing to see the process begin and to play a part in that!

On the final night of the course everyone had an opportunity to give a short testimony on how God had used the teaching in their lives. It was gratifying to hear so many positive reports of how the Lord had met them during the week.

Dawn and I pray that the Lord will continue to heal and to bring  transformation in the hearts of men and women on the border and the Baja! Thanks for the part you play in seeing this become a reality.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

The Church Unleashed in TJ!

Posted: September 21, 2015 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Ministry Partners, Prayer, Tijuana
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A Glorious Sunday of Worship
Dave preaching at LMT Plan Libertador in Rosarito

Dave preaching at LMT Plan Libertador in Rosarito

Today (Sunday) was an invigorating day! It’s so good to see God’s church in action. The church growing, and reaching out to the glory of God!

In the morning I was able to visit and preach at Lo Mejor del Trigo (LMT) Plan Libertador in Rosarito. Victor Bravo pastors this young church, which we helped him and his wife, Sol launch this past March.

Victor and Sol are some of my favorite people. They have so much energy and enthusiasm and it’s plan to see that they love their people and the people love them.

Dave & Pastor Victor Bravo in front of the church

Dave & Pastor Victor Bravo in front of the church

I preached on Christ’s tender invitation to come learn from him, and rest in him from Matthew 11:25-30. I’ve been camped out on that passage for a while now. It was hot in the church today, so I feared the congregation might take my exhortation to rest literally. Fortunately, they stayed awake and I sensed the Lord used His Word to lift up the spirit of the people.

Even though this church is only a few months old they already have about 40 people in their service. Victor and Sol are doing an outstanding job in showing the love of Christ in the community of Plan Libertador. I wish all our church plants would start off like this one is.

That’s our continued prayer. Lord, build your church.

7 Year Milestone at LMT La Morita
Jaime & Valentina on the far right receiving a plaque of recognition for their 7 years of ministry at the church

Jaime & Valentina on the far right receiving a plaque of recognition for their 7 years of ministry at the church

In the afternoon I was able to go to LMT La Morita in Tijuana to celebrate their seventh anniversary. My good friend, pastor Jaime Rodriguez is leading this church. He planted the church with his wife, Valentina in 2008.

Jaime also ministers as the Hispanic pastor of Bridge church in San Diego. I really enjoy working with him. As I’ve said before it’s a real privilege for me to minister with the men and women like Jaime & Valentina and Victor and Sol.

So encouraging to visit these two churches, and see how God’s Spirit is working in each church.

God’s Amazing Work – What a Joy!

When I pray and think about the future and what God wants to do on the border and throughout the Baja I keep being reminded of Ephesians 3:20.

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)

I love  the idea of Christ doing far more abundantly than all that we ask or think. It doesn’t only say abundantly, but the passage says far more abundantly. God can and will do more than we can even ask or think of. I don’t know about you, but that gives me hope.

Sometimes I get frustrated when I try to do the ministry in my own strength, or even when I lean on my own understanding too much.

So many wonderful promises in the Bible to keep me going in the right direction, and to remind me who’s in charge.

“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭127:1‬ ‭ESV‬‬
Thanks for praying and standing with us as we minister here, and see God fulfilling his promise to build his church.
In His Grip, Dave

The Incredible Privilege God Has Given Us!

Posted: August 10, 2015 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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Feed My Shepherds
Pastor Daniel Nuñez with the mic leading us in prayer at the pastors meeting for Lo Mejor del Trigo

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

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

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

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

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

God’s Grace on Pastor Victor Bravo & Sol
Pastor Victor, Sol & Abraham with Dave, Dawn and Hannah

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

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

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

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

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

God’s Provision
Dave with Pastor Victor in front of the church

Dave with Pastor Victor in front of the church

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

God is so good!

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

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

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

3 Years of Gospel Expansion!

Posted: August 3, 2015 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Ministry Partners, Missions, Prayer
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God’s Incredible Blessings!
Phases of Church building

Phases of Church building in Tijuana – Lo Mejor del Trigo Pipila

It’s hard to believe that three years ago this month we said a tearful goodbye to friends and family in Colorado and headed for the border. It’s been quite a journey. Many highlights with some dips in the road on the way.

God has blessed in many ways, and in some ways more than we thought possible.

We’ve partnered with a church planting movement on the border to help plant two churches in Tijuana and two in Rosarito. Lo Mejor del Trigo has planted 25 churches in 9 years.

We are thrilled to have such a close relationship with them and to coach, train and encourage many of the pastors in this multiplying movement!

Advance on the Border & the Baja
Pastor Victor Gonzalez on the left with Peter Boling and the core group for the new church

Pastor Victor Gonzalez on the left with Peter Boling and the core group for the new church in La Paz, Baja California

This May we’ve partnered with the National Presbyterian Church of Mexico (NPCM) to launch a new church planting project in La Paz, Baja California. Pastor Victor Gonzalez is leading this work and MTW team members Peter and Jenny Boling are supporting this new project.

In November of this year we will be holding our first church planting assessment center in partnership with the NPCM.

We are looking for solid church planting candidates to help launch more new churches in Ensenada, Mexicali, Tijuana and beyond.

Connections on Both Sides of the Border
Pastor Stephen Phelan leading worship

Pastor Stephen Phelan leading worship at Bridge Church

The Lord has also blessed us with a strong and growing partnership with Bridge Church, which is a bi-lingual multicultural church in San Diego. We are grateful for the vision of this church to reach San Diego and Tijuana with gospel-centered churches.

God continues to surprise us with new opportunities. He continues to open doors.

Dawn and I feel honored that Jesus has shown up, and connected us with such wonderful servants of the Lord. People who truly love God and want to see his kingdom expanded.

There are more churches and pastors that Jesus has connected us with than I have space to mention here. Thank you Lord for your answer to many prayers!

We Pray For & Look to the Future
Dave & Dawn

Dave & Dawn

As we look forward to the future we can’t wait to see what God will do over the next three years. We pray that the church will continue to grow in number and in influence on the border and the Baja. That many more lives will be changed.

One big request Dawn and I have is that the Lord would bring us more workers. Like-minded people who love Jesus and have a heart to serve. As the ministry expands we need people to help us. Jesus told his disciples to pray for workers, because the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few (Matthew 9:37, 38).

Thank you so much for praying with us and joining us on this journey. To God be the Glory!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Living a Dream!

Posted: June 23, 2015 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Ministry Partners, Missions, Prayer
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Much to Give Thanks For
The group of pastors and leaders in San Antonio de las Minas

These are some of the pastors that serve with Lo Mejor del Trigo

I’m so thankful for the wonderful men that I’m able to serve the Lord with here on the border. They are choice servants of the Lord and special friends. It also gives me great joy that Dawn and I can come alongside pastors and their wives.

Sometimes I feel like I’m living in a dream, since God has called us here. It’s not that we haven’t had more than our share of trials that can make the dream feel more like a nightmare.

Yet, despite the low times. Despite the valleys. There are also so many good things, so many things to give thanks for.

Wonderful Godly Partners
Jim DeWitt, Valentina & Jaime Rodriguez with Dave

Jim DeWitt, Valentina & Jaime Rodriguez with Dave

One of those things that I give thanks for is the people we partner with. They are not only wonderful partners in ministry, but they are outstanding friends.

Just this morning I had breakfast with Jim DeWitt with Mission to the World (MTW) and Jaime Rodriguez, pastor of Lo Mejor del Trigo La Morita and Bridge church. Jaime loves the Lord, and he loves to serve Christ. He is very sensitive to God’s leading and direction. I learn from him.

Valentina, Jaime’s wife is a jewel. Dawn and I feel privileged to minister with them.

Pastor Daniel Nuñez is another wonderful friend that I’ve enjoyed getting to know and serving with over the last 4 years. Daniel’s wife, Yolanda and their whole family have become very special to us.

God has blessed us with so many good people that we work alongside that I don’t have the space to mention all of them in this post, although if you follow my blog you will read about them if you haven’t already.

Growing Together in Christ!
Keys to a Transformed Life in San Antonio de las Minas

Keys to a Transformed Life in San Antonio de las Minas

This week I’m in San Antonio de las Minas going through a workshop on Keys to a Transformed life and I have three pastors, and three missionaries here with Dawn, Hannah and me. Pastor Ivan Casados, Pastor Jaime Avila and Pastor Mario Perez. Fellow MTW missionaries Peter and Jenny Boling are here along with Jim DeWitt.

Last week Pastor Felipe Hernandez was with us along with his wife, Laura.

We also had 4 leaders from the Nueva Jerusalen church – Jesus & Yudy Petrikowski and Jorge & Luz Salazar.

Such special people! Thank you Jesus for our friends. O Lord, do meet them at their point of need. Do work in their hearts and draw each of them nearer to you. Use us for your glory and she your kingdom extended on the earth! Amen and Hallelujah!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Celebrate – God’s Church is Growing!

Posted: June 19, 2015 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Ministry Partners, Missions, Tijuana
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The Lord’s Amazing Work

Worship at Rojo Gomez

Worship at Rojo Gomez

God continues to amaze me with all he is doing here on the border. Sometimes we are on the edge watching and cheering on the forward march. At other times we a more directly involved, but it doesn’t seem to matter, God is doing something special here.

On Sunday we were able to celebrate with our dear friends from Lo Mejor del Trigo (LMT). First, we celebrated LMT – Rojo Gomez’s 9th anniversary. The Spirit ministered to us as Pastor Abraham Velazquez led the growing church in worship. Then Pastor Daniel Nuñez the leader of the LMT movement in Mexico preached a wonderfully uplifting sermon.

Rojo Gomez is one of the first church that LMT started. The church is full of life and God’s presence is working in a powerful way.

Pastor Gilberto Garcia and his wife, Maribel with Pastor Daniel Nuñez

Pastor Gilberto Garcia and his wife, Maribel with Pastor Daniel Nuñez

Celebrating Church #25

Just about the time we ate our last bite of Birria we headed off for LMT’s – Torres de Matamoros inaugural service. Pastor Gilberto Garcia led a wonderful time worship. There were so many people in attendance some had to sit outside during the service.

A joyous celebration!
Installing Pastor Gilberto Garcia in the new church!

Installing Pastor Gilberto Garcia in the new church!

This church marks the 25th church that LMT has started. Daniel Nuñez vision is to plant 50 churches, so they are half way there. They are excited and we are thrilled to see God at work. This church is also special, because it was built in memory of Jacob Griffiths. Jacob passed away last year in a plane crash. His dad, Scott and his family have been very involved in Mexico. They are close friends and supporters of the work of Lo Mejor del Trigo.

God’s at Work in San Antonio de las Minas
The group we are growing with in San Antonio de las Minas

The group we are learning with and growing with in San Antonio de las Minas

Dawn, Hannah and I are presently in San Antonio de las Minas going through a course on life transformation. God has enriched us spiritually through our time here. It’s extra special, because we have some of our co-workers here: Peter & Jenny Boling and Jim DeWitt. We also have friends here from La Nueva Jerusalen church in Ensenada: Jesus & Yudy Petrikowski and Jorge & Luz Salazar. Friends from Tijuana also came, Pastor Felipe Hernandez and his wife, Laura.

It’s a busy time, but it’s a good time and we give thanks to the Lord for all his good work. Lord continue to do you amazing work on the border, the Baja and beyond!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Can Those Living in “Union Libre” Serve?

Posted: June 15, 2015 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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God’s Work Through Victor & Sol
Pastor Victor, Sol & Abraham with Dave, Dawn and Hannah

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

Dawn, Hannah and I had a wonderful evening with Pastor Victor Bravo and his wife, Sol and their son, Abraham this past week. It is evident that the Lord’s hand is upon them as they are ministering in Plan Libertador, Lo Mejor del Trigo’s 24th church.

The church held its first service in March of this year. Victor and Sol have been very active in the community. They are handing out flyers to let their neighbor know about the new church. They are taking food to people in the hospital. They are organizing soccer games. They’ve even partnered with the San Diego – Baja YWAM team to build some homes for the poor.

Can New Believers Serve?
Pastor Victor and Sol

Pastor Victor and Sol

New people are coming into the church. They are encountering Christ for the first time and many of them are coming into a personal relationship with Jesus.

Victor said that many of the new couples are living in “union libre” (they are living together, but aren’t married).

Victor began to pray and ask God how to minister to so many people who were living together as if they were married, even though they weren’t.

God Comes Through – His Answer
Dave with Pastor Victor in front of the church

Dave with Pastor Victor in front of the church

God answered Victor’s plea. He reminded him that even though they didn’t have their lives all together they could still serve. They could take food to the hungry. They could help hand out flyers. They could visit the homeless.

As Victor and Sol have lovingly shared with these young believers many of them have started to ask them about getting married. They are talking about fixing the church up to make it look nicer for the weddings!

The gospel is changing families! God is bringing about life transformation! Praise be to God! Pray that this young church will continue to grow, and to share the love of Christ with those in the community of Plan Libertador and Beyond.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

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