Posts Tagged ‘Skyview Presbyterian Church’

New Life in Ensenada

Posted: August 19, 2019 in Christianity, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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Ministry & Family in Fresno & Bakersfield

My dad, Ron Diaso and I

I never grow tired of seeing the gospel bring about transformation, a changed life!

I’m writing this post just as I’m getting ready to leave Fresno and head back home to the Border lands.

This last weekend I had the opportunity to visit my parents in Fresno. While I was in Fresno my dad had a hernia surgery. Thanks for praying for him. It’s a relief to get him through that, and on the road to recovery. I also was able to visit two churches. One in Fresno and one in Bakersfield to promote our missions work and especially the work of church planting on the Border and Beyond.

I’m grateful for a fruitful trip. We wouldn’t see new churches planted without faithful partners who pray for us and give to the ministry.

God’s Grace Shines in Ensenada

The team from Skyview and from Renuevo for our summer VBS in Ensenada

Today I’d like to highlight an experience that I had while the group from Skyview Church in Colorado was with us while we were ministering in Ensenada. Skyview is a valuable partner that has grown close to Renuevo church and their leadership as they’ve come to aid in leading VBS over the last six years.

A couple of weeks ago on Monday while Skyview was in Ensenada, we went to the local hospital in the afternoon to do some outreach and community service. We handed out over 100 sandwiches and burritos and handed out toothbrushes, toothpaste and soap. This hospital services low-income families, so the people were grateful to receive this aid with along with a loving smile.

Jorge’s Open Heart

Jorge my new friend who found forgiveness in Christ

While our group ministered to the people in this way I took the opportunity to ask the people if they’d like prayer. The Lord gave me the opportunity to pray with a few of the people who came to visit and support their family in the hospital. One of the guys that I prayed for in particular stood out. His name is Jorge and I mentioned him in my last post.

There were a number of people waiting outside the hospital and at first I wasn’t sure if I should share with Jorge. I prayed and asked the Lord as I looked for someone to talk to. I approached Jorge, and he told me his sister was in the hospital and she had a problem with her kidneys. I told him that I’d like to pray for him and his sister, and as we talked he told me that he’s struggled with drugs and alcohol for a long time. He admitted that he was separated from his wife, and that he felt hurt and bitter in regards to his ex wife. He felt like his relationship with his wife, and his frustration with her pushed him towards the drugs and alcohol.

Jorge finds Forgiveness and New Life

I took the opportunity to let him know about the importance of forgiveness. I explained that when you don’t forgive and when you hold on to bitterness you are actually hurting yourself. It’s like drinking poison and expecting the other person to get sick. I asked him if he was familiar with the Lord’s Prayer, and he said, “yes”. I told him in the Lord’s Prayer part of the prayer is, “forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” In a sense when you are unwilling to forgive and we pray this prayer we are asking the Lord to do the same to us.

The light bulb came on for Jorge. It made sense to him.

I said “Jorge, I believe that God loves you. I could have talked to any number of other people here today, but he sent me to talk to you.” Then we prayed and I a gave him the opportunity to confess Christ as his Lord and Savior as well as confess his sins and to forgive those that had offended him. After we prayed I sought to encourage him more and remind him of God’s great love.

Jorge started to cry. Here was this big, tough looking guy and God broke through. The Lord touched his heart and Jorge found love in Christ that day.

Paul reminds us, “because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.” Romans‬ ‭10:9-10‬ ‭ESV‬‬ (Emphasis mine)

There were a number of highlights to our week in Ensenada as there always are, but this was definitely at the top of the list. I never tire of seeing the gospel touch someone’s life and bring about change that has eternal implications. Wow! God is so good! Thank you Jesus for leading me to Jorge and giving me the opportunity to share the good news, the love of Christ with him!

In His Loving Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

A Fun Time in Ensenada

Posted: August 6, 2019 in Christianity, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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A Week In The Wild – VBS

A week of fun learning through In The Wild VBS

Our week in Ensenada with Renuevo church and Skyview is always one of the highlights of the year. This is the 6th summer in a row that Skyview has come from Denver, Colorado to help with VBS. One of the beautiful things that the Lord is doing through all the years is bringing maturity and depth to the relationships.

God continues to amaze as the gospel goes forth. We were able to minister to 55 children this year. At the end of the week, one of the teachers gave each of the children a questionnaire and asked them if they would like to have a relationship with Christ. All of them said yes and they expressed interest in continuing to grow in their faith.

The Gospel Touches Families

Petri sharing with the parents about the importance of helping their children to learn about Jesus and the Gospel

We received a number of positive comments from the parents. One parent, in particular, said that their son was coming home and he didn’t want to talk about the games and the crafts so much, but he wanted to talk to his parents about what he was learning about Jesus. Another mother whose son, Tomas is deaf, told us how one of her children kept encouraging the family to go to church. It sounded like more than anyone in the family he hoped that they might all attend church to learn more about Christ.

There were also two students who came with disabilities. Tomas who is deaf, and another girl who has cerebral palsy. It was heartwarming to see the love that these children received, and it was obvious that they enjoyed themselves.

Growing in and Through the Relationship

More VBS Fun!

One of the many benefits of VBS is it brings us all together for this one intense week. It gives Renuevo an opportunity to grow together as they spend extra time together in prep for the week. The Lord works through relationships, so it so good to see these dear friends come together and grow in their love for one another. This includes the relationships with those from Skyview. Each year they anxiously await the time they spend together. The week always ends with a tearful goodbye. Which is descriptive of the love that they share.

Petri is the pastor of Renuevo and his wife is Yudy. They have a wonderful team that works with them, and they are all gifted teachers. In fact, a number of them work in the school system in Mexico. They do an excellent job at organizing the week, and the VBS in particular.

A Week of Outreach and Impact

I had a chance to pray with Jorge and share the love of Christ with him!

Apart from the VBS, there were other opportunities to minister. On Monday afternoon we went to one of the local hospitals that serve many low-income families. The family members and friends waiting outside are needy. We gave out more than 100 sandwiches and burritos. We also gave them toothpaste, toothbrushes, and soap. I was surprised by how many people thanked us for the toothbrush and toothpaste! That seemed to be a real need that they had.

We were able to pray for some of the people that were at the hospital. The Lord gave me a wonderful experience sharing the gospel and praying for one particular man named Jorge (photo above). God did an amazing work in Jorge’s life as we shared and prayed together.

Healing Through Testimonies of God’s Grace

Hannah Berglund leading the children in one of the classes during VBS

One other activity that I’d like to mention before I end this post is that we had a number of young people from Ensenada as well as from Denver, Colorado. Most of them were girls this year ranging from around 15 – 22. On Wednesday night I asked two of them to share a brief testimony. Hannah Berglund and Monica Vasquez shared. They were vulnerable about their own struggles, and how Christ and the gospel have carried them through the difficulties they’ve faced.

After Hannah and Monica shared I asked the group if anyone else would like to share, and then a number of them expressed the challenges they have faced or are facing. Almost everyone got involved in loving and encouraging one another, and it ended up being a beautiful time of healing and redemption. God is so good.

The days were long during the week, but it’s surprising how the time flew by. I think we experienced almost all the emotions, much laughter, and joy, some sadness, and sorrow. Overall it was a time of experiencing God’s loving grace which brought us joy and contentment.

Join us in Prayer

On the final night, we celebrated our week together with some Mariachis!

Pray for Pastor Petri and Yudy and the Renuevo team as they follow up all the families that they were able to reach out to. Pray that these families will come to have a true and living relationship with the Savior.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Stories of Grace: VBS in Ensenada

Posted: August 7, 2018 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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A Fun-filled Week of VBS
Many smiles - a fun filled week on VBS in Ensenada

Many smiles – a fun-filled week on VBS in Ensenada

One of the favorite parts of our summer for the last 5 years in a row has been when the group from Skyview comes from Colorado to help us run VBS in Ensenada, Mexico. It’s a super busy week for us, but it’s a great time. The thing I most enjoy from the week are the stories. The stories of grace as I hear from the teachers and those leading the VBS how the Lord is working in the life of the children and their families.

A Changed Life!
Aideliz on the far right with her group of students

Aideliz on the far right with her group of students

One of our teacher’s this year, Aideliz shared with me what became my favorite story of grace from this year’s VBS. Aideliz told me that on the first day she asked the students to write down some words on a banner to describe who God is. One of the children, Adrian didn’t write anything. Aideliz asked Adrian why he hadn’t written anything down. He responded by saying, “I don’t believe in God, so there is nothing to write down.”

Aideliz prayed for Adrian and showed him and the other children in her class the love of Christ during the week. All of those involved, the group from Denver as well as those from the local church, are very loving.

The end of the week came and Aideliz asked Adrian what he thought about God. He said, “Now I believe.” Then Aideliz went on to tell Adrian how much God loved him, and how he gave his life for him. Adrian was just one of many children who were literally transformed by the gospel during the week.

The Love of Christ Taught and Lived Out
Our group of teachers and volunteers that ran the VBS

Our group of teachers and volunteers that ran the VBS

It’s not just the lessons that were taught about Jesus, but also the love that Aideliz and the other teachers and volunteers showed to Adrian and the rest of the children.

Since Renuevo is a new church plant they are reaching families that are unchurched, so many of the children that come to the VBS either don’t believe or they just haven’t had much of an opportunity to hear the good news.

On the final night of the VBS, we had a meeting with the parents, and a number of parents came. Petri, who is the pastor of the church explained to the parents what they were teaching during the week, as well as thanking the parents for entrusting their children to Petri and the team. After the meeting, some of the those that came expressed interest in attending the church the following Sunday. That’s part of our goal to show the love of Jesus to the people and to create a bridge for the gospel.

One of the many fun games that the children enjoyed!

One of the many fun games that the children enjoyed!

Continue to Pray for Bridges for the Gospel in Ensenada

Thank you for praying with us for Pastor Petri, his wife Yudy and his team from Renuevo. Pray that the Lord will continue to open doors and create bridges for the gospel in Ensenada. God is on the move!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Game On! VBS in Ensenada

Posted: July 25, 2018 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Ministry Partners, Missions, Prayer
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Smiles & Laughter!

Many Smiles and Fun at our Summer VBS in Ensenada

One of my favorite things about our summer VBS in Ensenada is all the big smiles and the laughter. It’s a joy to see the children enjoying themselves and having fun!

I love the fact that we have a cross cultural bi-lingual team as a group of friends from Skyview Presbyterian Church in Denver, Colorado has come to Ensenada again this summer. This is the 5th summer in a row that Skyview has sent a team from their church.

The group from Skyview led by Tim & Kari Berglund has formed a close and loving relationship with the church here. The Lord has used them and their relationship to help start a new church plant in Ensenada, which is called Renuevo. Dawn and I are thrilled with what the Lord is doing here!

Loving the Unchurched

Game On! is the theme for this Summer’s VBS

This VBS is different from many in that most of the children involved are coming from unchurched families. Since the church just began last year they are reaching out to their friends, and the VBS has proven to be a wonderful opportunity to love on these children and their families.

You can see the love of Jesus shining through the many smiles!

Learning about Jesus and Fun Activities at our Summer VBS

This year we have 70 children participating in the VBS. That’s a big group for this young and growing church. Renuevo means to renew or renewal. The church has a vision to see families, communities and the city renewed by the gospel.

They are reaching out to many young families, who are in need of hope and help as they raise their children.

Join Us in Prayer

Many Fun Activities that aid the Learning

We appreciate your prayers for this week. That many of these children will come to know the Savior, and that their families will also come to know Christ. Pray that the love of Christ shines brightly through all those involved in leading and serving the children and their families. We know that only Jesus and the message of the gospel can fill the emptiness and the needs that these families have.

In His Loving Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Summer Fun VBS in Ensenada

Posted: August 3, 2017 in Christianity, Ministry, Missions, Prayer, Video
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Give Thanks for the Lord’s Mighty Work!

 

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Young Children learning about the Creator of the Universe!

The Lord gave us another wonderful week this year with our friends from Skyview Church and our friends from Renuevo. We came together for the fourth year in a row to bless the city of Ensenada with Summer VBS. Many lives were touched, and many families took steps towards Christ!

 

Renuevo – Skyview Summer VBS Ensenada 2017 Video

Here’s a video that shows some of the highlights from our time together.


Thanks so much for praying with us, without faith and an army of friends praying with us none of this would be possible.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

The Creator of the Galaxies

Posted: July 31, 2017 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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Summer VBS in Ensenada
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Singing to the Creator of the Universe 

This was our fourth year of VBS in Ensenada with Skyview from Denver and the church in Ensenada. We started with La Nueva Jerusalén, but this year we have a new church plant called, Renuevo. This is a sister church plant with a strong relationship with La Nueva Jerusalén.

There are some new challenges in running a VBS with a new church plant. There aren’t as many church members to draw from or as many children that are part of the group. Yet, Petri and Yudy did a wonderful job along with their core team of recruiting friends and new believers to get involved. Many of the people who helped lead weren’t in a church as little as 6 months ago!

God the Creator of All
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Yudy teaching the eager children 

Most of the children that came are from families that are not yet involved in a church. Maybe they are interested, seeking or were just looking for something for their children to do that was positive during the summer months. The VBS had a different feel this time around.

The theme of the VBS was on creation. God created with world, and the galaxies. The idea of God’s involvement in creation was new to many of the children. One of the teachers, Luz Angela said that she asked the children she was teaching who created the chicken, and they responded the mother chicken. The concept of God creating the chicken was foreign to them.

Reaching New Families
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Petri sharing with the parents about the importance of teaching their children about the Creator

One of the highlights of the week was parents night, on Wednesday night. Forty parents showed up. Petri and Yudy said they didn’t know how many to expect. They thought maybe only 10 or 15 would come.

Petri talked to the parents about the importance of forming their children’s character and teaching them about having a relationship with God. He told them one of the most important things is that the parents themselves set the example and grow personally in their relationship with the creator of the Universe.

The parents responded very enthusiastically. One of them mentioned that their child came home and had all kinds of questions. Their son asked if God created the world does that mean he created the fly as well? It opened the door for positive interaction among parents and their children.

Praying for Renewal in Ensenada
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Kari Berglund from Denver leading the children with Diane Farris

Petri at the end of the evening was able to invite them all to be a part of the new project, Renuevo. Renuevo means renew. They are working to bring about renewal in Ensenada! So encouraging to see God’s work and the hunger.

The parents were also invited to the closing ceremony on Friday. There was an equally strong showing. The parents were proud of their children as they finished up the week and received their certificate for being involved in the summer VBS.

Thankful for Skyview from Denver!
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Thankful for our friends from Skyview Church

The group from Skyview plays a key role as they show love to the children and lead the crafts and activities. They’ve also developed a wonderful relationship with the team from Renuevo. The love of Christ is very apparent as these two groups come together to work on VBS and to enjoy the week together.

Thanks for praying for us. Please continue to pray for Petri and Yudy and their team as they seek to bring renewal to Ensenada through the good news of the gospel.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Valuable Partners: Skyview!

Posted: August 22, 2016 in Christianity, Ministry, Ministry Partners, Missions, Prayer
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Blessed by Skyview Church
Skyview Presbyterian Church

Skyview Presbyterian Church

Dawn, Hannah and I loved our visit with Skyview Presbyterian Church in Denver today (Sunday). Skyview has brought groups down to Ensenada Mexico for the last three summers in a row to work with us. This group and the church has blessed us and our friends at La Nueva Jerusalén (The New Jerusalem) in Ensenada a great deal.

It was so good to be with them, and give a report of our work on the Border, the Baja and Beyond!

Dave sharing at Skyview

Dave sharing at Skyview

Skyview is an important and valuable partner. They’ve not only encouraged us, but they’ve become great friends with the leaders at the Nueva Jerusalén church. It’s been wonderful to watch the relationship grow.

The Lord has used Skyview to open doors for us in Ensenada. The seeds of the new church planting project, Renuevo were born through the relationship that was built through these projects.

God has brought other churches into this partnership as Redeemer Church in San Diego has brought numerous groups down to minister through medical clinics. These trips have also been a huge blessing and the seeds of gospel have gone forth through their ministry. Redeemer has also been a key cog is seeing Renuevo come to life as they have prayed and given towards the new project!

Join Us In Prayer!
Skyview Church team and La Nueva Jerusalén church team

Skyview Church team and La Nueva Jerusalén church team

This Fall Petri and Yudy are hoping to launch the church planting project, Renuevo. Pray for them as they lead this project, and seek to make a difference for the gospel in Ensenada.

Pray for Saul Lopez as he takes on more leadership as La Nueva Jerusalén Church. We pray that this church will also see renewal in Christ. Jose Zunun is leading a mission church in Maneadero, which is south of Ensenada. The mission is called Gracia Eterna, which means Eternal Grace. Pray as he labors to see this mission grow.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Blown Away by God

Posted: August 5, 2016 in Christianity, Ministry, Missions, Prayer, Video
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The Afterglow of an Outstanding Week!
VBS at Gracia Eterna in Maneadero south of Ensenada

VBS at Gracia Eterna in Maneadero south of Ensenada

This week we’ve been in the afterglow of the outstanding week of VBS outreach we had this last week in Ensenada. Part of what I enjoy is the amazing friends that God has given us to work with.

Skyview Church team and La Nueva Jerusalén church team

Skyview Church team and La Nueva Jerusalén church team

The group from Skyview led by Tim & Kari Berglund is a quality group of individuals who love Jesus and have a heart to serve him and learn about another culture. The group from Ensenada led by Petri & Yudy Petrikowski is equally amazing. We’ve grown to love and respect those that the Lord has given us the privilege of working alongside.

Apart from the relationships there are the new children and their families that experience the gospel, some of them for the first time. We are praying for the ongoing work of La Nueva Jerusalén as they seek to be an influence in their community. We are lifting the new church planting project called Renuevo that will be in the city center.

Jose Zunun in front the of the mission Gracia Eterna

Jose Zunun in front the of the mission Gracia Eterna

This summer God gave us the opportunity to work with Jose Zunun, who is ministering in a poor community called Maneadero. Jose is working with a new mission called Gracia Eterna (Eternal Grace). Despite the fact that Jose began preparing for ministry without even an elementary school degree that he has persevered. He’s gone back to school and finished his high school degree, and he is now enrolled in a theological extension program.

Blown Away by God’s People

Dawn and I continue to be blown away by all the wonderful, godly people who the Lord connects us with as we serve here. Our prayer and desire is to see a movement of God’s Spirit so that His church will grow. Many new churches will be planted and many will come into the kingdom of God.

I put together a short video that highlighted our week of VBS in Ensenada. I think you will enjoy it!

Skyview – Nueva Jerusalén Summer VBS

Thank your for praying for us for this outreach, and God’s ongoing work in Ensenada and throughout the border and the Baja!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

VBS – Celebrate God’s Good Work!

Posted: July 29, 2016 in Christianity, Ministry, Missions, Video
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Our Best VBS Yet!
A Fun-filled week at VBS

A Fun-filled week at VBS

We’ve had a great week of VBS in Ensenada with La Nueva Jerusalén church and Skyview Presbyterian. This is the third year in a row that these two churches have come together to partner on VBS.

The children and teachers alike are saying that this is the best VBS yet. It’s been fun, and the children don’t want it to end! That is very encouraging.

Our ongoing prayer is that the Lord will use the VBS to reach children and their families for Christ. We pray that they will grow to love Jesus and his church.

Today (Friday) we will be holding the closing ceremony. It’s a celebration of all that God did during the week. Also, it gives the church a chance to love on and care for the parents as there will be a brief presentation for them as well. Wow! What a wonderful opportunity, and boy do we ever need prayer.

Petri will lead the ceremony and give the presentation to the parents. Here’s a short video that we’ve put together for the parents. The brief interviews are in Spanish, and I believe you will get the main gist of it. Next week I will post an English video of the VBS.

Video of VBS Highlights from Ensenada, Mexico

Thanks so much for praying. We know the Lord hears the prayers of his people!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Summer VBS in Ensenada!

Posted: July 27, 2016 in Christianity, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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A Fun Week!
VBS at La Nueva Jerusalén church in Ensenada

VBS at La Nueva Jerusalén church in Ensenada

Our week has gotten off to a fun and exciting start with VBS in Ensenada. A group of friends from Skyview Church in Denver is here! It’s the third summer in a row that they have come, and it’s always a good time.

This year they are helping lead a VBS at two sites. One of the sites is La Nueva Jerusalén in Ensenada, and the other one is Mission Gracia Eterna in nearby Maneadero.

Skyview & La Nueva Jerusalén Serving Together
Yudy leading the children in a fun learning activity

Yudy leading the children in a fun learning activity

Skyview is partnering with La Nueva Jerusalén to reach out to children in the surrounding communities. 55 children have come to the morning VBS in Ensenada and 35 have come to the afternoon session in Maneadero.

This is the third year that Skyview has come, but the first year that they’ve helped lead VBS at the mission church in Maneadero. It makes for a long day, but all those involved have had a wonderful attitude and real servant hearts.

The Lord has used these short-term summer mission trips to help the church to be a light in the community. The group from Skyview has served as an encouragement to those from La Nueva Jerusalén. The leaders from the local church said that before they weren’t as motivated to organize a VBS. They felt worn out from the school year, but Skyview has given them energy and they’ve come to enjoy and even look forward to the week-long outreach.

A Fruit-filled Week
Luz teaching her group of young children

Luz teaching her group of young children

Dawn and I have worked with a number of short-term groups and this has been among the best of them as far as the fruit that we see. The two main church groups that have worked with La Nueva Jerusalén over the last three years are Skyview from Denver and Redeemer from San Diego. The Lord has used both of these churches in a powerful way here.

Now we are working with the leaders Petri and Yudy on a new church plant that we hope to start later this year.

It’s fun to watch the children smile, laugh and have a good time. I love seeing the parents bring their children to a VBS for the first time, and seeing how it encourages them as well. God is working in ways that we don’t even know.

Thanks so much for holding us up in prayer, and continuing to pray for the work in Ensenada Mexico. We pray that many will come to know Jesus as the Word of God is proclaimed in various ways!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

 

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