Pastor Daniel Nuñez praying over Pastor Hector and Perla at the inaugural church service in Tijuana, Mexico.
Before Dawn and I moved to the San Diego-Tijuana border we prayed that the Lord would connect us with kingdom minded ministries. We prayed for like minded partners that had a heart to plant churches on the Border, the Baja and Beyond. The Lord answered those prayers! We are so grateful for all that the God has done over the last 13 plus years.
Earlier this year I wrote about our friend and partner in ministry Pastor Daniel Nuñez and Ministerios Transformación. Seventeen years ago God gave Pastor Daniel a vision to plant 50 churches. In January we were in Tijuana to inaugurate and celebrate church number 50. We are so thankful for the opportunity we’ve had to help them to plant 8 of these churches. We’ve also worked with them to grow and to expand their ministries through training, assessment and mentoring the majority of MT’s pastors.
We’ve put together a short video that highlights the wonderful work the Lord has done in and through our partnership with Pastor Daniel and Ministerios Transformación.
Video: Celebrating Church #50
Celebrating Church #50 with Pastor Daniel Nuñez and Ministerios Transformación
Extend Your Hands to Help!
Church number 50 – Esperanza de Vida (Hope of Life)
Dawn and I are grateful that we can be a part of the great and mighty work that God is doing on the Border, the Baja and Beyond! He’s on the move in Mexico, on Big Island and in the Dominican Republic. Your prayers and your gifts play a critical role as the gospel goes forth. We are supporting church planters and the life changing ministries that they are involved in. Extend your hands to support our church planters, our familia today!
Pastor Daniel Nuñez praying over Pastor Hector and Perla at the inaugural church service
Dawn and I moved to the San Diego – Tijuana border in 2012. One of our main desires has been to extend the kingdom by planting new churches. God has far exceeded our expectations!
One of our key partners has been Ministerios Transformación (Transformation Ministries) led by Pastor Daniel Nuñez. When we first met Daniel and his wife, Yolanda in 2010 he told us that he had a goal to plant 50 churches. I think they had planted 7 or 8 churches. At that time 50 seemed like a far off goal. On Saturday, January 28th of this year we joined Pastor Daniel and Yolanda and 500 others to inaugurate and celebrate church number 50!
Church number 50 – Esperanza de Vida (Hope of Life)
Wow! it’s so encouraging to see God building his church along the border and throughout Mexico. God has given us the privilege to partner with Daniel and Ministerios Transformación (MT) in a number of ways. We’ve helped evaluate, train, mentor and coach many of their pastors. The Lord has provided for us to raise the funds and build eight of their church plants in Tijuana, Rosarito and Mexicali. We’ve also aided in building and extending the ministry of another 7 churches. It’s been fun to be a part of building and planting churches from the ground up.
Pastor Hector and Perla Sigala
Perla and Hector
Church number 50 is being led by a young couple, Hector and Perla Sigala. Hector and Perla have three beautiful daughters. Dawn and I first met them at the Centro de Descubrimiento (Discovery Center) when they came through as church planting candidates last year. They were also involved in the evangelism course we led this Fall.
Hector and Perla hold a special place in our hearts. The first time we met them Perla was wearing a blouse with butterflies on it. Butterflies hold a special significance for Dawn as they remind of her of our daughter, Hannah. The Lord used Perla’s blouse and Hector and Perla’s sweet spirit to draw us toward them. Now it seems like almost each time we see them Perla gives Dawn a gift with a butterfly on it. We are excited for them as they lead this new church.
God is building His church!
Some people have asked Pastor Daniel what’s next, now that he’s reached the goal that the Lord gave him. He is raising up a new group of young leaders from MT. They have felt that the Lord is calling them to plant 500 churches. That’s a big goal, but God is able. He can do all things!
Each of these churches become a light that shines brightly in the community where they are planted.
Join Us In Prayer – Extend Your Hands to Help!
Damaris’ Quinceañera (15 year birthday celebration). From left to right: Junior, David, Federico, Damaris, Blanca and Daniel
God is on the move building His church. One of the goals that we have for this year is to build a church in Mexicali, Mexico for our church planters, Federico and Blanca Muñoz. Pray with us that God makes this dream a reality. (see video below)
We need $25,000 to build the church in Mexico. We’d like to ask you to prayerfully consider making a gift for this need. Your gift will allow us to accomplish the God-given vision to impact Mexicali for generations to come. Make a Donation Today.
Pastor Daniel & Yoli with Pastor Jorge & Lucy on the property where the church will be built
Next Monday, April 18th the day after Easter we are building a church in Mexicali, Mexico. We are partnering with our good friends, Ministerios Transformación (Transformation Ministries) to begin construction for a new church plant. Pastor Daniel Nuñoz who leads Ministerios Transformación has a God given vision to plant 50 churches. Pastor Daniel has almost accomplished this goal. This will be the 45th church that he’s started.
Dawn and I love the friendship that we have with Daniel and his wife, Yoli. They’ve become some of our closest friends. This is the 8th church that we’ve help them start. God has enabled us to raise funds to expand the ministry of 7 of their other churches as well. Dawn and I have enjoyed our relationship with all the pastors and leaders with Ministerios Transformación. We give thanks to the Lord for opening the door for us to train and mentor many of them. It’s one of the most fruitful church planting ministries that we’ve partnered with in all of our years in missions.
God Rescued Pastor Jorge and Lucy
Pastor Jorge and Lucy
The church in Mexicali will be lead by Pastor Jorge Alvarado and his wife, Lucy. Jorge has an amazing testimony. He was enslaved to drugs for many years. God rescued him from this life, and now he is serving as a pastor. After being saved from a destructive lifestyle, God has given Pastor Jorge a heart to help men who are stuck in addictions. His dream is to someday be able to open a drug rehab center as a ministry of his church.
Jorge had a near death experience before he came to Christ. He was shot 3 times in a drug related shooting. While he was in the hospital he laid in a coma for three days. The doctors told his mom that he was was going to die, and it would take a miracle for him to survive. Jesus showed up and miraculously healed Jorge. God had a different plan, a better destiny for Pastor Jorge.
When Jorge told me his story it brought tears to my eyes. It made me think of my daughter, Hannah. God’s plans and purposes are mysterious in many ways, but I love redemptive stories, like Jorge’s.
Dawn and I went to see the site where we are going to build the church for Pastor Jorge and Lucy. It’s a simple place in a poor neighborhood. We have been impressed by their commitment to serve the Lord and to sacrifice for Christ.
Jorge and Lucy set up a canopy for shade and have started holding services. The church is growing even though they don’t have a building! People are coming to know Jesus!
We are so excited by what God is doing, and how He is building His church.
Extend Your Hands to Help Us Finish Building This Church
Dave & Dawn with Lucy & Jorge
Even though we are starting to build the church this coming Monday we still don’t have all the funds we need to finish the church. We will begin construction, but we need to raise $6,000 more to complete the project.
Dawn and I would like to ask you to prayerfully consider making a donation today to help us finish building this church. We are almost there. Please consider giving a gift of $50, $100, $250, $1,000, or more to plant a new church in Mexicali, Mexico. Dawn and I appreciate the critical role in play in bringing the light of the gospel to Mexicali and Beyond!
David & Jonathan in action (on the bottom left with their friend Jacob Betchol and on bottom right with me)
It is hard to contain my excitement over the latest new birth that our family has experienced! Although Dawn and I are thrilled with our granddaughter’s recent birth, in this case I’m referring to the birth of a new church. The church we built in memory of Dad and Mom, Ron and Virginia Diaso.
Thankful That So Many Helped!
Top left clockwise Davis & his son, Deivis; Blanca & her daughter, Damaris; Luz; Federico and his two sons, Daniel & David
The last two weeks there were one hundred or more people involved in helping us to build this new church. Our two boys, David and Jonathan came out from Colorado to pitch in. There were people helping from a number of different churches from both sides of the border. Some of our church planters that we work closely with also got involved. Pastor Davis and Luz Pardo, who are planting a church in Playas came one weekend. Then Pastor Federico and Blanca Muñoz, who are planting a church in Mexicali also made the 3 hour trip to contribute their time, energy and love.
It is an amazing time! I always enjoy watching the first wall go up. Since the foundation has already been laid, and some of the prep work is done we are able to get the roof up the first day. We had so many hard working people involved that we not only got the walls and roof up, but we began putting up the drywall on the first day.
After our two weeks of work the church was ready! Wow! It’s truly Amazing to witness.
As I’ve said before, “it never grows old seeing a new church go up.”
The Inaugural Service in Rosarito, Mexico
Starting upper right going clockwise at the inaugural service: Pastor Daniel Nuñez; Daniel Nuñez with Pastor Esteban Martinez and Dave; Worship; Pastor Esteban
Since this church was built in honor of my parents it made it extra special for our family. On Sunday July 18th we held the inaugural service. During the service Dawn and I had the opportunity to pray for Pastor Esteban and his wife, Cinthya. Pastor Daniel Nuñez, who is the leader of the ministry, Ministerios Transformación gave the charge to Pastor Esteban. Then we prayed for Esteban and Cinthya. Such a blessing from the Lord to be involved in the lives of special people who love and serve the Lord.
I shared about how the church in Acts 4 prayed for boldness. As they prayed God answered and they were all filled with the Spirit and the ground shook. It’s a wonderful reminder of our need today for boldness and the power of God. Zechariah 4 also emphasizes that it is not by our strength or power but by the Spirit. “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts” (Zechariah 4:6).
Pastor Esteban Martinez & Cinthya
Pastor Esteban & Cinthya – building the church and the inaugural service
While I sought to encourage Esteban and Cinthya as they begin this new work I couldn’t help but think about my parents, Dad and Mom. I was reminded of the cloud of witnesses spoken of in Hebrews 12:1. I had this sense that my parents were looking on with Christ cheering us on, which gave me peace. Maybe Hannah was cheering us on as well!
I thank the Lord for the special time that He gave us, and for the privilege of being involved in launching a new ministry in a needy community, Lomas Altas 2. Dawn and I give thanks for Pastor Esteban and his wife Cinthya. This is the second church that they’ve been involved in starting. They are building a team so that they can reach out and see fruit in both of the communities that they are ministering in.
Join Us in Prayer!
Having a good time while constructing the church
Join us in prayer as Pastor Esteban and Cinthya begin to minister and reach out in the community of Lomas Altas 2. Pray that many people will find the savior through this church.
Continue to pray for our familia on the Big Island as well. If you’ve been following the news at all you’ve seen that the situation on the Big Island has reached a boiling point, and that a number of people have taken to the streets to protest. They are upset about the lack of food, skyrocketing prices, rolling blackouts, and all the restrictions due to the coronavirus. They need our prayers, and our aid! Please extend your hands and give a donation today to help our familia.
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.
Virginia & Ron Diaso’s Wedding Photo (a good looking couple)
I remember when I was growing up that my grandma, Joan Diaso, used to tell us what a bad time of year her birthday fell on. She was born on May 30th, and since that is when our country has set aside a day to remember and honor those that have gone before us, and those who have died in battle it wasn’t a good day for a birthday celebration. My grandma would go to the cemetery to take flowers to the graves of her loved ones. That didn’t put her in a celebratory mood.
I thought about that this last week, because Dawn and I went to Fresno and visited the cemetery where my parents are buried. My grandparents on both sides are also buried in the same cemetery. I wanted to go to the cemetery in part, because it was one year ago on May 26th that my dad moved to heaven.
I can’t say that I enjoy visiting cemeteries, but it does make me feel a little closer to my loved ones, in this case my parents. I realize that only their bodies are there. It gives me comfort knowing that they are now celebrating in heaven.
On the day we left Fresno I felt sentimental as we drove out of the city. I realized that much of my past and one of the primary reasons I visit Fresno, the city where I grew up, was no longer there. My parents have moved on.
It does give me much comfort knowing that both of my parents are now in heaven. As we like to say, “they’ve moved to heaven.” I love the hope of heaven and that there is no sadness, no sickness and no separation in heaven. Hallelujah!
Honoring My Parents Memory
My parents headstone at the cemetery
Dawn and I felt like one of the best ways to honor my parents memory was to help start a church in memory of them. This July we will be partnering with our good friends from Ministerios Transformación, led by Pastor Daniel Nuñez, to build a church in honor of my parents memory.
We are excited that we are getting close to the date in July when we will go down to build the church. A new church means that the light of Christ is coming into a new community. It means transformed lives. These are some of the reasons we love to start new churches.
Extend Your Hands to Pray and Give!
I love this photo of Mom & Dad, makes me think of them dancing on the streets of gold.
You can play a part in helping us to make this dream a reality by making a donation for the Ron & Virginia Diaso Memorial Church. Pray for us as we work with Pastor Daniel and his team to build the church. Pray that many will be won to Christ through this church. Make a donation today by clicking on the donate button below.
Tijuana Discovery Center with Ministerios Transformación
After this last year with so many restrictions it was wonderful to participate in a Discovery Center with my friends and partners in Tijuana. Ministerios Transformación held a church planters ministry assessment. This is the first one that we’ve done in Mexico for more than a year.
I hadn’t seen some of our friends, some of the pastors that we work with in Tijuana for this last year, so it was so good to be reunited. It was refreshing to minister together again. Even though the Discovery Center creates some apprehension for the candidates, we all had a good time. We laughed a lot.
God has Blessed us with Like Minded Partners
Tijuana Discovery Center
Pastor Daniel Nuñez leads Ministerios Transformación (Transformation Ministries) and they’ve planted over 40 churches in the last 15 years. When I first met Daniel about 11 years ago, they had only planted 7 churches. Dawn and I have loved partnering with them in ministry, and they have become like family to us.
We’ve helped them plant a number of these churches, and we’ve raised the funds to build 6 churches, and we are getting ready to build the 7th this summer.
When I first met Daniel Ministerios Transformación didn’t have a way to evaluate their church planting candidates. About 6 years ago they began the Discovery Centers in partnership with Excel Leadership Network. One of the many things I’ve enjoyed about ministering on the border is all the outstanding partners the Lord has given us.
Dawn and I prayed for the Lord to give us like minded partners as we prepared to move to the border to minister. One of my mentors Dick Kauffman, who started the Harbor church planting network in San Diego told me how important it was to be aligned and to work with like minded people. This has proved to be very wise advice.
Witnessing God’s Miraculous Wonders
Dave with Jorge at the Discovery Center
The Discovery Centers are very valuable tools in helping both the candidate and those evaluating to discover their strengths and weaknesses. It helps the candidates to know areas that they need to grow in. If the church planting candidate gets the green light it can also serve as an affirmation as to their calling.
The candidates are asked to share their testimonies and we have the opportunity to interview them and ask them questions. One of the candidates, Jorge told us that he was shot three times about ten years ago. The doctors told his mom that he was dead, and that only a miracle could save him. That’s exactly what happened a miracle! God brought him back to life! He was rescued from the brink of death. He wasn’t a believer during that time, nor was anyone in his family, but God in His tender mercy wasn’t finished with Jorge yet. He had a greater plan for him. This testimony deserves more time and space. I hope to write more about Jorge and how the Lord rescued him in a future post.
This was just one of the testimonies that I heard!
One of the things I enjoy the most is connecting with those involved in the Discovery Center both the staff and the candidates. I love being able to build into their lives, and to have the opportunity to speak into their lives as well. It’s also an amazing blessing to hear their stories of how the Lord has worked in their lives!
This Discovery Center was extra special, because I was able to see so many people that I hadn’t seen face to face for quite some time. The other thing that is special and that I love is we are helping these church planting candidates to extend the kingdom through starting new churches. I continue to pray that the Lord will allow me to be involved in helping plant at least 1,000 churches and this is one of the ways that I’m able to do that!
Pray with us as these new church planters begin their ministries. They are all bi-vocational which is not easy. They have a tremendous amount of commitment, which is one of the reasons I love being around them.
Extend Your Hands to Help – Donate Today!
Our familia on the Big Island – one of the young church planting families
Also pray for our familia on the Big Island as they battle to keep their families fed, and to continue to minister. Unfortunately, Basic needs and food prices are skyrocketing, while their pay has not increased. It’s not possible for them to support their family on what they are earning. Dawn and I remain committed to sending aid to the pastors and families each month.
Give a donation today to the needs of the church and our familia. Your prayers and generosity will aid these families and the gospel in undeniable ways. Make a donation today by clicking on the link below!
I love this photo of Mom & Dad, makes me think of them dancing on the streets of gold.
I realized this morning that the last time I saw my mom was on February 23rd, one year ago. I was looking on my phone at some of the last texts that I received from her. It stirs up a lot of emotions. I miss my mom and I feel sad that she’s no longer with us, but I’m grateful for her strong faith. She was definitely ready to go. It was something she talked about a lot during her last months on earth.
She moved to heaven on March 19th, the day after I came back from a two-week trip to Cuba. It’s like my mom waited for me to come back from my trip. Dawn was able to talk to mom just a few days before she left this world. She asked Dawn how I was doing. She was a caring mom to the end.
I believe one of the reasons my mom went before my dad was so that she could intercede with Hannah for my dad. Dad moved to heaven just 67 days later. He made a profession of faith with my brother, John just 3 days before he moved on. Thank you, Jesus!
A Life Giving Church In Mexico
Dave with Pastor Daniel Nuñez on the land where we will build the new church
We give thanks that both of my parents are in heaven with Hannah and Jesus. They are all together, enjoying and worshiping our Heavenly Father! This gives us hope and peace. We know that one day we will join them and we will be reunited.
Since my parents moved to heaven Dawn and I have wanted to honor their memory along with Hannah. We thought that one of the best ways to honor them is to start a new church, a memorial church in Mexico. It’s something that we love to do, and my parents were always supportive. In fact, my dad joined us when we built the church in memory of Hannah. That was a special weekend!
We are partnering with our good friends, Pastor Daniel Nuñez and Ministerios Transformación to build and help start a new church plant in Rosarito. The Ron & Virginia Diaso Memorial Church. It also helps us to honor and remember Hannah.
I’ll never forget Jonathan’s words the first time we drove out to see the land where we built the church in memory of Hannah. He said, “I’d much rather visit the church to remember Hannah than to visit the cemetery.” It’s a life-giving legacy!
These churches represent life and they bring light to communities that are in need of the love of Christ.
Help Us to Bring the Light of Christ to Rosarito
Praying over the land with Pastor Daniel and some of the other Ministerios Transformación pastors
You can help us make this dream of seeing a community transformed by the light of Christ a reality. One way that you can make this dream a reality is by giving a gift today. We are raising $26,000 to build the church this summer. Make a donation by clicking on the button below. Also, Join us in prayer for the pastor and Ministerios Transformación as they begin to minister in the community of Lomas Altas 2 in Rosarito.
Thank you for standing with us and for helping us to bring the light of Christ to Lomas Altas 2!
Soon after Hannah moved to heaven I told our good friend Pastor Daniel Nuñez that I’d like to build a church in memory of our daughter. Daniel was one of the first people to come to our house when Hannah passed away. He is one of our closest friends and ministry partners here on the border. Dawn and I were interested in starting a church to honor Hannah’s memory in Mexico because she was born in there and she loved the people of Mexico so we believed that this would be a good way to have a living memorial.
A Life-Giving Community of Hope
Pastor Mere leading the church
I remember when Pastor Daniel first told me that they were thinking of starting the next church in Mexicali, and if I’d like that church to be the one that we helped to start. At first, I thought Mexicali is a long ways from where we live, but then we felt like we should do get involved in this community just outside of Mexicali.
One of the first times I went to visit Mexicali our son, Jonathan was in town and I was able to take him with me. We had a wonderful father and son time as we drove to Mexicali. Jonathan loved being out there, and he started to play with the children that lived nearby. Later that day he told me he’d rather visit the church than the cemetery where Hannah was buried. The church represents life and light in the community.
Dawn and I have enjoyed getting to know Pastor Mere and his wife, Edna this past year. They are leading the church in Mexicali. Mere and Edna are a young couple, who have a lot of gifts. They are doing a great job of sharing the love of Christ in the community and leading the church.
The Lord’s Hand is on This Church
Cristina & Conchita with the picture of Hannah that I gave to the church
Once we got involved we felt like there was something special about this church. We met Cristina who lived right next to the church. She had been praying with her family for 3 years that the Lord would bring a church there. Cristina also told me that even before she started praying the Lord gave her mom, Conchita a sense that He was going to bring a church to the community.
On Sunday I talked to Cristina and Conchita some more. Conchita said that the Lord actually gave her a vision regarding the church. She saw a church in some clouds being lowered onto the land where the church now sits. The Lord’s ways are mysterious at times.
Then Conchita told me that she wanted to see a picture of Hannah because she had a vision of a young woman. She saw her face three times. I did bring a picture of Hannah so that they could hang it in the church. When I showed the picture of Hannah to Conchita she said that was the face she saw in the vision.
God works in Mysterious Ways
Our day of celebration at the church in Mexicali
I can’t say I understand all these things and the way the Lord is working in the church. I do believe though that the Lord has his hand in a special way on this church, and he is going to use it in a powerful way in the community. There is such a need for the gospel to break through the darkness that we find all around us. I believe we are prone to underestimate the power of the gospel. The power it has to bring change and transformation to an individual, a family, a community, an entire city and beyond!
That is our prayer as Mere and Edna minister in Venustiano Carranza the community where the church is located. The gospel is going forth to bring life change. We give thanks for the good work that He has begun, and we look forward to hearing all the God stories that will come as this church reaches out and shows the love of Jesus.
Jesus said that he would build his church and that the gates of hell would not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18). The growth and expansion of the church are inevitable. All of God’s promises are yes and amen in Christ! Glory be to God!
One year anniversary celebration for Hechos 13 church
I don’t know how it is for you, but I often have a hard time getting in gear after the holidays. Part of it is engaging emotionally and even physically. Don’t get me wrong 2018 was an excellent year, but after slowing down and spending some quality time with my family it’s not easy to get psyched up again.
What’s a guy to do!?!
Today I’m headed to Mexico City for a weeklong church planters assessment with people who I love and enjoy ministering with. Then the following week I’m headed to Quito, Ecuador to connect with an amazing ministry, Red de Multiplicación (Multiplication Network). I will be meeting with their leadership as we desire to partner with them with a goal of seeing more churches started and to create an environment to grow healthier churches. I appreciate your prayers for my time with them.
So you can see that there’s not much time to rest as the year begins with much activity!
Galatians 6 – One of my Favorites
One of the verses that the Lord has used to encourage me over the years as I start off a new year is found in Galatians 6.
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. – Galatians 6:9 ESV
I love Paul’s encouragement to not grow weary. And when I start thinking about the many good things that the Lord lets me be involved in then I start getting excited.
Wonderful Celebration: So Thankful for the Advance!
Pastor Daniel Nuñez leading Hechos 13
Even last night, Sunday night, I participated in the first year anniversary of a new church plant in Tijuana. The church plant is called, Hechos 13 (Acts 13). My good friend and partner in ministry, Pastor Daniel Nuñez is planting this church. Ministerios Transformación the ministry that Pastor Daniel leads has planted almost 40 churches over the last 11 years. We have a wonderful relationship and partnership for the gospel.
A number of other pastors from Ministerios Transformación were at the celebration as well, and it was so good to see them as well as the people from the local congregation. When I see the fruit of our labor then I start feeling excited!
As I drove home last night I began to give thanks for all that the Lord has done so far. Dawn and I also give thanks and we look forward to all that the Lord is going to do this next year. We are super excited about our growing relationship with Red de Multiplicación. This connection is allowing us to expand our reach, which is something that we’ve been praying for!
Join us in Prayer!
Dawn & I appreciate your prayers as we walk on this journey of faith together
So as we kick off the ministry in this new year we ask you to join us in praying for the Lord’s leading and guidance. We truly want to be Spirit-led, and not driven purely by methods and plans. Our desire is that Jesus is in the middle of everything we do, and this his kingdom will expand on earth as it is in heaven. Amen!
We would also appreciate your prayers for Dawn and her mom, Alice. Alice had surgery on her neck in early December right after our son, Jonathan’s wedding. Dawn will be heading out to Pennsylvania to help her mom out while I travel to Mexico City and Quito. We do pray for the Lord’s continued and ongoing healing for Alice! Thank Jesus that he is our healer!
Dawn & I appreciate your prayers as we walk on this journey of faith together
Beyond Borders 