Posts Tagged ‘Mario and Silvia Silva’

Divine Appointment: A Changed Life!

Posted: March 19, 2018 in Christianity, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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The Spirit is on the Move in Mexico City
Mario & Silvia with their son, Daniel

Mario & Silvia with their son, Daniel

Dawn and I are seeking to grow in being more sensitive to the Spirit as we go through the day. We are realizing more and more that much of ministry happens in the unplanned moments as we go through our day.

I’m in Mexico City this week! I love this city, because of all our friends here and the many years we lived here.

On Friday Mario Silva and I went out for breakfast at the local VIPS so we could talk. Well, we ordered and just began to eat our breakfast when I noticed a woman sitting at a table near us, and she was crying. I asked her if she was okay, and she said that she was going through a really hard time. Mario and I invited her to sit with us.

We soon found out that her name was Gaby. When we asked her what was going on, through tears she shared, that her husband who is a successful doctor has been sleeping around. Gaby went on to say that she found out recently that he was using Cocaine.

She was broken.

The Love of Christ Lifts Us Out of the Pit

4A5A59BE-5936-4084-8D85-1694D35DE032Mario and I began to share with her how much God loved her, and that was part of the reason she sat near us that morning. It was in the Lord’s loving plan for her to meet us, so we could share the love of Christ with her, and give her hope.

Then after we spent some time with her encouraging her, we also shared the gospel with her, and we told her the only way to fix her life was to let Christ into it. That’s where it all begins!

We asked Gaby if she would like to pray with us to receive Christ and she said yes! I had the privilege along with Mario to lead her in prayer to receive Christ as her Lord and Savior!

Pray for Gaby’s Spiritual Growth & More Divine Appointments

Mario’s wife, Silvia is a very godly and committed follower of Jesus, so we told Gaby we’d like to connect her with Silvia so she could help her grow in her new found faith, and give her some wise counsel as Gaby seeks to navigate some of the challenges she is facing in her life.

Dawn and I walk on this winding road of faith together

Seeking to share the love of Christ wherever we are, and whenever the Lord opens the door!

Dawn is usually the one to meet people in restaurants and share the gospel with them. She’s been a good example for me. I’d say on average Dawn shares her faith with at least one person every time we go to a restaurant and often with even more people. It was encouraging that even though my extroverted wife wasn’t with me that the Lord opened this door for us. Can you say, “Divine Appointment”?

Thanking Jesus! Every time something like this happens I believe it’s one more way that the Lord is redeeming our daughter’s early home going. It’s made Dawn and me even more bold to share the love of Christ with a lost and hurting world. Yay Jesus! 😃

In His Loving Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Reminiscing & Dreaming – Mexico!

Posted: May 20, 2016 in Christianity, Ministry, Missions, Prayer, Reflections & Musings
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Mexico City – Ciudad de México

Reminiscing & Reacquainting

Dave sharing the gospel in Mexico City with Isabel Cisneros

Dave sharing the gospel in Mexico City at UNAM with Isabel Cisneros in 1986

Dawn, Hannah and I made it home from our wonderful trip to the big city of Mexico.

This trip reminded me of why God called me to serve in Mexico those many years ago. I still remember how the Lord stirred my soul as I first met and interacted with the people. Even with my limited Spanish on my first trip I fell in love with the people and the country.

I realize that all these years later that love is still there, and that my family shares this affection.

God gave me the great privilege of attending seminary at the International School of Theology (ISOT) affiliated with Cru, at that time Campus Crusade for Christ.

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Enjoying some tacos with the Silva family

While I was at the seminary one of the requirements was that we go on a cross-cultural missions trip. A group of about sixteen of us, led by Dr. William Iverson chose to go to Mexico in the summer of 1985.

God gripped my heart way back then. That’s how it began, but I’m glad that I’m not the only one in my family that loves Mexico. It was fun to watch Dawn and Hannah connect with old friends and rediscover the city.

When we lived in Mexico the city was referred to as D.F. or the Distrito Federal, now it’s called Ciudad de Mexico. There are signs all around the city that have an abbreviated CDMX for Ciudad de Mexico.

Reconnecting & Dreaming

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Dave with Barush & Monse two university ministry workers at UNAM. Do you notice any differences from the photo taken above?  🙂 

As Dawn, Hannah and I reconnected not only with the city, but with many friends from days gone by I felt the Lord tugging at my heart. It warmed my heart to be with such wonderful and loving friends again.

My time connecting with old friends and some new one’s as well caused me to begin to dream and wonder how we could minister and encourage our friends who live here? I’m not sure what the Lord has in store for us, but there are so many needs in Mexico City, so many opportunities I would love to have a stronger connection with the people.

You can pray that the Lord will guide and lead us. There is still so much work to be done on the border and in the Baja that I can’t let up on that. Our tag line for our ministry is the Border, the Baja and Beyond, and Mexico City is part of that beyond! We so long to see the gospel extending out throughout the whole country of Mexico.

O Lord, continue to lead us and show us the way! Thank you for this wonderful trip and for your tug at our hearts. Strengthen the hands of those that our weak. Be glorified in this great city, and this great country! Hallelujah!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

 

A Mother’s Reminiscing: David’s Return

Posted: July 12, 2014 in Christianity, Family Happenings, Reflections & Musings
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A Mother’s Reminiscing & a Trip to Mexico
David & Chivis ready to take off for Mexico City

David & Chivis ready to take off for Mexico City

Here are some thoughts from my heart to my David Jr. right after I hugged and kissed him goodbye, sending him on his way to Mexico City for the first time in 13 years! ….

My David, I’m so excited for you sweetie! I’m praying that God blesses you there in many ways…way beyond what you can even ask or think! We will be missing you here son, but we are glad we can bless Mexico City and Chivis’ family with you! Please give everyone there big hugs for us!

…With tears in my eyes I can see you there in our first home in Mexico City, even before God had given us our Jonathan, well he was probably in my tummy! You would be standing there, down by my side… looking up at me and smiling and asking me your daily morning question, that I could always count on, “What we doing today Mommy?”, and for emphasis you would repeat, “What doing Mama?”

little David with his mom

Little David with his mom

You were always ready to take on the day, and excited to discover what God had in store for our day. You loved to be able to leave the house and explore the world of Mexico City; it’s amazing people, places and events, and we can’t forget the Mexican food…. and hot chili candy…that filled your little life with great adventure!

From the very beginning of your little life you began to change your world for the better; with your joyful, expectant heart, your desire to serve others, and your love for people! Every time the doorbell rang you were excited to be a little host.

You wanted to greet everyone with your gregarious and welcoming smile and personality! You would then run to the kitchen to get out a big bowl or serving tray so we could share some chips or other yummy treat with our guests.

David having fun with the Piñata in Mexico

David having fun with the Piñata in Mexico

You always wanted everyone to feel welcomed, loved, and to have fun with us in our home! Your love for people and excitement about life was contagious from the beginning of your little life!

Blessings on your return to the roots of your childhood, son. We are grateful to Mario Silva and Silvia Arellanos for this precious and generous college graduation gift of a two-week, all expenses paid, trip to Mexico City! May God richly bless their family for their gracious generosity of this amazing gift to you, our first college graduate! Sending a hug your way!

written by Dawn Diaso

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

P.S. Pray for the group from Denver, Skyview Church that arrives today. We will be working in Ensenada, Mexico this week with the Iglesia Nueva Jerusalén.

The Gospel is in the House!

Posted: May 12, 2014 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions
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God’s Work Through Mario & Silvia
Silvia, Chivis, Mario & little Daniel

Silvia, Chivis, Mario & little Daniel

I had a wonderful time when I was in Mexico City last week. I loved the opportunity to see the city after so many years, and to reconnect with some of my friends.

Dawn and I first met Mario and Silvia Silva 19 years ago. We were attracted to them and they become close friends. They joined us in planting a church in the southern part of Mexico City.

The Lord used that experience to give them the bug for starting new works. Mario likes to blame me for getting them involved in church planting. Mario and Silvia are both very gifted and have a heart for the lost.

One of the things that was so invigorating on this trip was watching Mario and Silvia in action. Mario works for a pharmaceutical company, and he and Silvia are super busy. Living in such a big city adds to the complexity of their lives.

Despite everything else they are doing, they have found time to lead two house churches. Mario and Silvia have church in their home every Sunday with about 30 friends. On Wednesdays after work Mario leads another group.

New Life in Christ for Evelyn & Emily

After a muy sabrosa breakfast with Mario and Silvia and the family Mario felt led to share the gospel with a grandmother and her granddaughter, who were in the park across the street. I mostly just watched and prayed as Mario loved on these people.

Evelyn & Emily with Mario

Evelyn & Emily with Mario

Mario saw Evelyn and her granddaughter (I think her name was Emily) and he felt like the Lord was leading him to share the gospel with them, because he noticed that the Emily was sick. Emily was in a wheelchair, and she lost her hair due to cancer. Cancer also took her leg.

Evelyn and Emily were very friendly, and open to the gospel message. When Mario asked them if he could pray for them, and if they would like to pray to receive the gift of eternal life. They said yes, and Mario led them in prayer.

He asked them if they would like to come to his church, and they said, yes! Now Mario is working on picking them up before church so that they can attend.

Mario & Silvia’s House Church
Mario leading the group that meets in his home

Mario leading the group that meets in his home

Then on the Sunday I was with Mario and Silvia at their house church. It was so encouraging to see Mario leading the group. Silvia and their daughter, Chivis were loving on and ministering to the children.

They had a visitor join them, so after the service Mario had the opportunity to share the gospel with their new friend and she too prayed to receive Christ.

Dawn and I have been praying that Mario and Silvia could join us in the work here on the border, but so far the Lord has closed the doors on that. Yet, it’s so good to see how the Lord is using them where they are at.

We believe in the Lord’s good and perfect timing he will bring us the right people to serve with us. In the meantime we just keep on looking to him and trusting him.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

 

 

I Left My Heart in Mexico City!

Posted: May 7, 2014 in Christianity, Ministry, Missions, Reflections & Musings
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La Capital – Mexico City
The Cathedral on the Zocalo in Mexico City

The Cathedral in the Zocalo in Mexico City

It’s hard to believe that it’s been so long, 12 years since I’ve visited this city, which I once called home. I remember how hard it was to leave. Even all these years later we have some very dear friends here.

God has used this trip to remind me about many of the things that first drew me here. The people, the culture, the food and the physical and spiritual need. I still love those things about Mexico.

This city can be intimidating. It’s one of the largest in the world with 25 million plus. I was a little nervous about returning. You might remember that with all the good experiences I also passed through some difficult events.

Once I got here and I was able to re-familiarize myself with the city, then I started feeling more comfortable. All the good memories began to come back.

I realize now that I left my heart in this city. I invested almost a decade of my life to it and it’s people. Two of my children were born in La Capital.

I didn’t have all the success here that I would have liked, but God taught me many things, and I was able to make in a difference in some people’s lives. Thank you Lord for that gift!

Reconnecting with Friends
Silvia, Mario, Chivis and Daniel Silva

Silvia, Mario, Chivis and Daniel Silva

While here I’ve stayed with our good friends, Mario and Silvia Silva. It’s been so good to be with them. They are some of our dearest friends. I still wish there was a way for us to live closer and to minister together.

I’ve enjoyed rediscovering some of the city with them, and reconnecting. They’ve started a house church, and it’s encouraging to see how the Lord is using them here. I pray that their ministry will grow. I still pray that God will show a way that we can minister together.

In my next post I will write about how I see God moving in Mexico City, and especially through my fiends, the Silva’s.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

The Abundant Life – “Vida Abundante”: The Silva Family

Posted: January 29, 2013 in Christianity, Church Planting, Family Happenings, God's Leading, Journey, Ministry, Missions, Potential Team Members, Prayer, San Diego, Tijuana
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family, Mexico, coffee, Mario & Silva Silva, Dave and Dawn Diaso

Dave & Dawn enjoying some coffee and tea with Mario and Silvia Silva

Mario and Silvia Silva along with their three children, Silvia, Cesia and Daniel just left on Sunday. They visited us for 10 wonderful days. They were exhausting days, but great all the same.

Our family loves the Silvas. The Lord has done a good work in their lives, and in their family.

Dawn and I were involved in a church plant with Mario and Silvia in Mexico City in the late 90’s. We became good friends during those days. The Lord used that time to give Mario and Silvia a heart to plant churches.

After we left Mexico City we didn’t stay in close contact with Mario and Silvia. The Lord used the Silva’s daughter, Silvia or “Chivis” to reconnect us. Mario reminded me of how Chivis was going to have a big Quinciañera party (when a girl turns 15 in Mexico they throw a fiesta). Then Chivis changed her mind, and decided she wanted to reconnect with us, and come live with us for six months. She lived with us in 2010.

God used that reconnection to spark something new. It rekindled our friendship. We began to dream about the possibility of working together on the border.

Mario and Silvia have worked as bi-vocational church planters in Mexico City. They call their ministry Vida Abundante or Abundant Life. Mario gets very passionate when he explains how most Christians are not experiencing the Abundant Life that Christ came to give us.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

–John 10:10 (ESV)

They teach the Bible in such a way that those that are learning begin to understand how they might experience the abundant life. Their heart is to see that ministry expanded on the border. Dawn and I love their passion. When we were together they shared about some of their dreams. What they hope to see the Lord do here on the border. We came away inspired and hopeful about what God might do!

In order for them to be involved with us here, they’ve got to get a visa. Join us in prayer as we work with them on figuring out how to get the correct visa. We are learning it’s not an easy thing. God is the God of the impossible, so we will trust that he will bring it to pass. We just have to wait on his perfect timing.

If any of you have experience with a religious workers visa or another type of visa please send me a note.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

A Surprise Visit from Jonny Boy!

Posted: January 25, 2013 in Christianity, Family Happenings, Ministry, San Diego
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Jonny Boy, surprise, family

Jonny Boy the night he arrived for the fun surprise!

Last night Dawn and I said a tearful good-bye to our son, Jonathan as he flew back to Colorado.

Before that was the wonderful surprise visit!

Jon called me last week, and said he had some extra days off, because of the Martin Luther King holiday. Since Hannah and our friends from Mexico were also going to be here at the same time, I thought maybe we could take advantage of Jon’s days off.

I furiously searched the internet to see if I could find any affordable flights. After some digging I found a reasonable flight if he flew into the John Wayne airport in Orange County.

My son has a fun personality. I think he got that from his mom! 😉 He said, “don’t tell mom, let’s surprise her.” So we decided to surprise Dawn and our friends from Mexico.

David and Hannah took the girls, Silvia and Cesia, to a nice mall in Irvine near the airport. I took Dawn and our friends, Mario and Silvia, out on the town. I told Dawn I had a surprise for her, but she thought the surprise was some of the places I took them.

David and Hannah blindfolded Silvia and Cesia before they picked up Jonathan at the airport. They were thrilled when they saw Jon. Then they drove back home. It’s an hour and a half drive.

It was a late flight, and they didn’t get home until about 12 AM, so I was trying to figure out how I was going to keep Dawn up. By the time they got home she was in the bathtub. It took me a little while to get her out of the bathtub for the fun that awaited.

We told Mario, Silvia and Dawn to come downstairs for a surprise.

David has a flair for the dramatic, so he had us all go outside for a fashion show as the girls showed us what they bought at the mall. Dawn and the Silvas were a little disappointed there wasn’t more to the surprise. Meanwhile, Jonathan snuck upstairs.

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Jonny Boy and the gang with some friends having some fun

When we went to go back in the house David had mistakenly locked the door, which added to the drama. Finally, we made it back in the house. Jon left a trail of his clothes for clues. We somehow missed the clues, but when we got back upstairs there was Jonny Boy sitting on a chair, drinking coke in his boxers!

Wow, his mom was very surprised and overjoyed!

The Lord gave us a wonderful five days together. It was the first time we’ve had our whole family with us since we left Colorado. What a blessing! Our house has been busting at the seams with the Silva family and our family. There’s been much activity and fun late into the night!

Thank you Lord for the fun kids that you’ve given us! Thank you for a great visit with our son. I just wish it wasn’t so hard to say good-bye.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

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Strong Bonds and Kingdom Expansion: Send Us Workers!

Posted: January 24, 2013 in Christianity, Church Planting, Family Happenings, God's Leading, Ministry, Missions, Prayer, San Diego, Team Members, Tijuana
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Mario and Silvia with Dave and Dawn, San Diego Harbor

Mario and Silvia with Dave and Dawn

The last week has been super fun and super busy. Some of our best friends in the world, Mario and Silvia Silva along with their three children have been visiting us. On top of that our son, Jon came in on Saturday for a surprise visit. Our other two children, David and Hannah are also here. We’ve had a full house.

Since Mario and Silvia are here it’s given us a chance to get to know San Diego better. We’ve been in the area for five months, and there is a great deal to see and do.

What makes all this extra special is Mario and Silvia have a very strong interest in ministering with us on the border. That’s a huge prayer request for us and them, that God will open the door and show us the way to make that happen.

I’ve written about Mario and Silvia before. This has been a long journey, and sometimes it takes longer than we’d like, but we believe we are getting closer.

Mario and Silvia Silva family, David and Dawn Diaso family, Sea World

The Silva family and the Diaso family enjoying a day out

At this point Mario and Silvia have the strongest interest of those we’ve talked to about joining our team. We’ve prayed that the Lord will raise up workers. It is still our cry, “O Lord, do send us men and women who are called by you and willing to work with us to see your kingdom expanded on earth as it is heaven!”

I’m learning that it’s not easy to mobilize people for the harvest. I enjoy it, but it’s a long process. The Lord keeps reminding me that one of the most important things for us is to see God drawing them. They need to be called by the Lord. If they are truly called they will feel a strong commitment. It’s not dependent on us. God and his grace must be preeminent.

There are some things that we are still trying to figure out with Mario and Silvia. It is a journey for them, just as it has been for us. We know the Lord wants us to trust him, and to have faith. Also, we need prayer for protection as there are times we can sense that the evil one is trying to divide us or dissuade us.

Please join us in prayer as we seek the Lord and ask him for his leading, guidance, protection and direction.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Related articles

A Big Surprise in a Box

Posted: May 11, 2012 in Christianity, Church Planting, Family Happenings, Ministry, Ministry Partners, Missions, Prayer, Team Members
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Chivis popping out of the box to greet Hannah

Chivis popping out of the box to greet Hannah

Wednesday night my daughter, Hannah received a surprise in a box on our front porch. It was a large box, and when Hannah came out to see what was in the box out popped “Chivis,” her friend from Mexico City.

Chivis lived with us last school year for six months. You can catch up some on that adventure here…

We are excited to host her again for three weeks! While she’s here apart from continuing her school work, she will enjoy some good time with our family.

One special event we have coming up is Hannah’s graduation tomorrow on Saturday, May 12th. Thank you, Jesus that Chivis can join us and celebrate with us!

The Silva family are dear friends of ours from Mexico City. We are praying that they will be able to join us on the border in ministry. Mario and Silvia are wonderfully gifted servants. We loved ministering with them in Mexico, and it would be a dream come true to have them work alongside us on the border.

One of the things that has held up their move is our move. They are waiting for us to sell our house, and get settled in before they make the transition. In the meantime we are praying with them, and seeking the Lord’s perfect timing. It’s not always easy to wait, but as I mentioned in an earlier post if God truly rules over all we don’t have anything to worry about.

Mario is such a great friend, and blessing to me. Recently he sent me some promises from the Bible to lift me up. Here they are. I hope they are a shot in the arm for you as well!

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.” —Isaiah 26:3,4 ESV

“Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his commandments! His offspring will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness forever. Light dawns in the darkness for the upright; he is gracious, merciful, and righteous. It is well with the man who deals generously and lends; who conducts his affairs with justice. For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered forever. He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord. His heart is steady; he will not be afraid, until he looks in triumph on his adversaries.” —Psalm 112:1-8 ESV

Aren’t those rich promises. Thank you Lord for such wonderful promises. Thank you for such wonderful love. Praise the Lord with us!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeontheBorder.org

Praising the Lord for His Blessings in 2011! – Part 4

Posted: December 30, 2011 in Journey, Potential Team Members
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Cesia, Mario, Chivis, Diane and Silvia (from left to right)

One of our huge highlights for 2011 was reconnecting with our friends from Mexico, Mario and Silvia Silva. You might remember that their daughter, Chivis stayed with us for six months starting in September of 2010. Mario came out to Colorado to bring Chivis home in February. Then we were with the whole family in San Diego in August. It was so good to see them again!

We hadn’t seen them in almost 10 years. Mario and Silvia were our best friends in Mexico during our second term. They were very involved in one of our church plants in Mexico City.  We love them and their family. So it was a thrill to be with them!

Mario and Silvia are very gifted in ministry. They have a great love for people to reach out and serve others. We’ve been praying for God to raise up a team to work with us, so to make it even more exciting I asked Mario to pray about joining us in reaching Hispanics on the border. God is working and Mario and Silvia have a growing desire to serve with us in the bi-national city of San Diego – Tijuana. Thank you, Jesus!

When Mario was with us in Colorado I asked him to share more about his calling and how the Lord is working in his life. So Mario shared his call to ministry on some short videos that David and I shot. Check them out here – God’s leading and call for Mario Silva 1, 2, 3 & 4.

Mario & Silvia, Dave and Dawn with the Phelans

It was a lot of fun to be with them, and we loved having them meet our co-workers, partners and friends. And they made quite an impression. Stephen Phelan keeps asking me about them, and letting me know how much he and Bradford enjoyed getting to know Mario and Silvia.

We are praying that Mario and Silvia can join us in our work on the border soon. Please pray with us. There are two big areas that we have to figure out with them. One is getting them a visa to live and work on the US side of the border, and secondly is their funding.

Another big highlight for the Silva’s was the birth of their son, Daniel Ezequias. He was born on October 28! Their first boy. Wow! God is so good! We love the Silva’s and pray that the Lord will give us the privilege of working side by side with them for the harvest.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeontheBorder.org

P.S. Please be in prayer with us for David Jr. He had an MRI for his knee which he hurt playing rugby. We will find out today whether he will need surgery or just physical therapy.

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