Posts Tagged ‘the Big Island’

A Baby’s Cry for a Bar of Soap

Posted: March 8, 2023 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer, Video
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The Big Island’s Economic Crisis
Sofia with her Grandmother

I just read an article on the news website 14ymedio.com about how the inflation on the Big Island is seven times higher than the increase in salary. This is reflected in the poverty that our familia faces in a greater measure daily. The article says it’s the worst economic crisis that the people have faced in the last 70 years, which is an astounding assessment of the state of this Island full of so many beautiful people.

One of our pastor friends wrote me this week and shared an example of how the economic collapse is affecting the families.

Feeding families on the Big Island is not easy as food prices continue to rise. Your gifts help these families
Sofia’s Cry

This testimony came from the wife, Maria, of one of our pastors on the Big Island. (It’s translated from Spanish, and it might be a little rough, but I thought it would give you a better idea if I left it that way) “My cousin gave birth 4 months ago. The arrival of a baby into the world brings great joy to all the families in the world. It is also like that on the Big Island, but unfortunately it also brings some sadness when the family begins to consider how they are going to feed her, to dress her, to have the articles for her personal use. The baby’s name is Sofia. Yesterday her mother told me while crying that the only soap that they had at home was to bathe the baby girl and since she bathed her in the patio, she left the soap outside of the house, and someone came by and stole it . A bar of soap in Camaguey is selling for 270 pesos (which is about $1.90 USD). The average salary on the Big Island is only $25 a month.

Life is more and more expensive as the cost of living continues to rise, families are poorer every day. Hunger, misery and lack of resources have caused some people to start stealing, there are already many examples on a day-to-day basis that are seen in each town, situations that have never happened before. Maybe some think? Why cry for a bar of soap? The sad reality is not the soap, it is that how this mother is going to bathe her 4-month-old girl, how can she maintain her hygiene in a place where it is very hot and that there is also no pest control, where dengue fever is worse every year and contagions are growing.

When does the time come to choose? If she buy a 270 peso bar of soap, she won’t be able to buy a pound of rice to be able to eat something during the day. Because her family is made up of 3 children and 2 adults. She had no choice but to talk to pastor Luis and tell him what had happened to her. Luis only had two bars of soap at home and there are 3 who live at home. We do not hesitate to share a bar of soap with her so that at least in their house Sofia would have something to bathe with.

This leads me to think how many people outside this Island have more than one bar of soap in their homes? How many people who have two would be willing to share with one? How many people cannot travel to this Island, but can support Christian and non-Christian families with their prayers and the kindness by extending their friendly hands?

Perhaps you think, “what I can give is very little,” but a little makes a difference to those who have nothing. To those who have the most, it is always good to be generous and remember that each work of your hands giving food and shelter to the poorest is the work that Christ left for us to do.

The sad reality for Sofia is also the sad reality of many families on this Island.

We pray to God that he will touch the hearts of men and women to extend their hands to give a piece of heaven to those on the Big Island. God bless in EVERYTHING to those who with outstretched loving hands dry tears and give away smiles.

Thank you because just for taking your time to read what I have written you have dried my tears and revived the hope that you can be a beautiful instrument in the hands of God on the Big Island.”

Extend Your Hands to Help Those in Need!
Pastor Ernesto and his wife, Denise (bottom left) have been able to help feed the people in their church because of your generous gifts

The church is growing and many are coming to Christ, despite all the suffering. God is doing a great and mighty work on the Big Island. Many families have a meal on their table, and a bar of soap, because of your willingness to extend your hands to help. Thank you for the vital role that you play. TOGETHER we can make a difference!

Dawn and I would like to ask you to prayerfully consider extending your hands to give a piece of heaven to those on the Big Island. You can support one family for $25 a month. Make a Donation Today.

Click to Donate…

A Tale of Two Cities on the Big Island featuring Jessica’s prayer for toothpaste

Thank you for joining us in prayer, and for considering making a gift to help our precious familia.

In His Grip, Dave

P.S. Help take the gospel to the Border, the Baja and Beyond
BeyondBordersLife.org

On a Journey Towards Jesus

Posted: December 28, 2022 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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Evangelism Training in Tijuana
Evangelism training course for pastors and leaders in Tijuana

I hope that you enjoyed a wonderful Christmas with your family and friends. Dawn and I celebrated Christmas at home this year, and we spent the afternoon with some good friends for an outstanding meal and a fun time.

It’s hard to believe that 2022 is almost over. One of the highlights for us this last year was the evangelism training we helped lead for pastors and leaders in Tijuana. We teamed up with a friend, Steve Dueck who works with Cru. He and his wife, Alyssa were missionaries in Italy and now they’ve been ministering in the San Diego area for the last 8 years or so.

Dawn and I enjoyed partnering with Steve in training pastors and leaders about how to share their faith in a natural way. This experience took us back to our roots, because when we first met in our 20’s I was attending Campus Crusade’s seminary, the International School of Theology and Dawn was on staff. Campus Crusade, which is now called, Cru used to be headquartered in San Bernardino, California. We met there in the mid-80’s, and we were married just outside of San Bernardino in Redlands.

CoJourners: Showing Others the Way to Jesus
Steve Dueck and Dave leading the evangelism training course in Tijuana

Steve led the training, and I recruited the pastors and leaders. I also translated for Steve as we went through the four week training. We made the time interactive and it filled my heart to hear the testimonies of those that participated. There were 20 pastors and leaders that went through the material with us. It was so encouraging to get feedback from them on how they were putting the principles that they were learning into practice. One of the main things that stood out to me was when we talked to them about the importance of praying for people that don’t yet know Christ. We explained how it’s essential to lay the groundwork through prayer. All of them had testimonies of family members and friends that they have been praying for. Some of them have already come to Christ. God is at work in drawing people to himself through the prayers and testimonies of his people!

The course is called, CoJourners: Joining Others in Spiritual Journey. The basic idea is that everyone is on a spiritual journey, and we get to join them on their journey. God is already at work in other people’s lives. He uses us to help guide and lead them towards Christ. We have the privilege of showing them the way to Jesus.

One of the main reasons that people don’t share their faith is because of fear. Fear can paralyze us. Many are afraid that if someone asks them a question they won’t have the correct answer. People are also afraid of rejection. These are some of the things that we address in the training.

Steve and I had actually started talking about doing some training like this over two years ago, but then COVID happened and it slowed down our progress. This was a pilot run for us. Everyone that went through the course with us loved it, so in 2023 we’d like to work with more pastors and leaders. Pray that the Lord guides us and leads us as we prepare and plan for 2023!

Extend Your Hands to Help!
Starting from bottom left: Pastor Federico & Blanca Muñoz; bottom right: Pastor Eliel & Jessica Osorio with Sarvia and Tirsa; Top right: Pastor Ernesto with his wife, Dayana and their daughter; Top left: Our familia on the Big Island

You can help us to end the year strong, so that we can continue training and coaching leaders. Our desire is to spread the flames of faith and ignite church planting movements on the Border, the Baja and Beyond!

3 Ways You Can Help

Please consider giving an extra gift of $25 $50, $100, $500, or more to plant a new church and to equip and encourage ministers who are bringing the love of Christ to the Border, Baja, and Beyond.

Thank you for joining us in prayer, and for considering making a gift today.

Click to Donate…

In His Grip, Dave
BeyondBordersLife.org

God is Building His Church on the Big Island!

Posted: December 20, 2022 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer, Video
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The Gospel is Going Forth in the Midst of the Difficulties
Pastor Justin bottom left is always faithful to share the good news of the gospel

Dawn and I always enjoy connecting with our pastors, our familia on the Big Island. We love them and it’s great to learn about what the Lord is doing in and through them.

Life is still hard on the Big Island. Many people on the Island had been dealing with long periods without electricity. The good news is that has recently improved, and they have more electricity. Some of the challenges that they are facing is that the price of rice and beans, and other staple food items have skyrocketed. The average pastor makes 3,000 pesos a month, which is about $20 USD. One pound of rice now cost 150 pesos or $1 USD, and it used to only cost 5 pesos. Pastor Justin said they are only able to eat meat once a week. He added if it wasn’t for the aid that we’ve been sending they wouldn’t have enough to eat. The gifts that we are sending make a difference!

God is on the move, and he is building his church. In spite of all the obstacles that they are facing the church is growing. Justin told us that he and his wife were able to share the gospel with over 1,000 people this year and 450 said ‘YES’ to Jesus. The Lord used Justin and those who are partnering with him to plant 15 churches in 2022. We give thanks to the Lord for how lives are being transformed by the life giving message of Jesus.

Pastor Ernesto Shares His Thanks for Our Help and Encouragement
Top photo: Pastor Ernesto with some of the people from his church; bottom right: Pastor Ernesto giving aid to a family; bottom left: Pastor Ernesto with his wife, Dayana and his daughter

As we celebrate Christmas and come to the end of the year I thought you would enjoy a greeting from pastor Ernesto, one of the pastors on the Big Island that we have been supporting for the past year. “Pastor, a big hug from our family and to all the brothers and sisters who have helped us and blessed us through the ministry of you and Lety (Dawn). This year that is passing and is about to end, has been very hard for our nation, but we thank the Lord because despite being a difficult year with many needs in many areas, we have been able to see His hand caring for us and providing for us. We have been able to see God’s caring hand very much alive through you and your ministry, sending not only financial aid, but also the Word of life. In my case many times the words of encouragement that you send picks me up off of the floor and strengthens me to continue. THANK YOU PASTOR THANK YOU!”

Pastor Ernesto said that they saw 200 people come to Christ in this last year. They started seven new churches. Despite their lack they are committed to reaching out to those who are lost and without hope.

Pastor Marco & Pastor Jesus’s Need
Top photo: Pastor Jesus, Pastor Marco, Yolanda, Miguel and Raquel in front of the church; bottom right – Pastor Jesus & Raquel; bottom left – Yolanda, Raquel and Jesus leading worship

Pastor Marco, One of the other pastors we are working with shared a need that he has as they are starting new churches. The building for one of their church plants collapsed recently during the stormy season. Jesus, a young church planter who is working with Marco is planting this church. Jesus and his wife, Raquel are faithful evangelist sharing their faith in the city where the church is located. It’s wonderful to see how people’s lives are being changed by the gospel as they share the good news of Jesus. In the last year 60 people came to Christ through their outreach. I asked Marco and Jesus how much it would cost to rebuild the church, and they said $1,000 USD. That’s not much for us in the USA, but it’s a fortune for their economy. I told them that we would let you know about their need, and trust the Lord to raise the funds to rebuild the church.

Extend Your Hands to Help Those in Need!
Pastor Jesus’ church that collapsed

You can help Pastor Marco and Pastor Jesus rebuild their church so that more people will hear the good news of Jesus Christ. You can also give towards the needs of the other pastors and families that we are sending monthly aid to so that they can put food on the table.

Your gifts do make a difference in this nation. God is using you, because even where your feet cannot reach, your prayers can reach! Your offerings of love can reach!

TOGETHER we can make a difference! Pray with us and extend your hands to help our familia. Help us to end the year strong and bring hope to our familia Make a Donation Today.

Click to Donate…

A Tale of Two Cities on the Big Island featuring Jessica’s prayer for toothpaste

Thank you for joining us in prayer, and for considering making a gift to help our precious familia.

In His Grip, Dave

P.S. Help take the gospel to the Border, the Baja and Beyond
BeyondBordersLife.org

Happy Thanksgiving! Give Thanks & Extend Your Arms to Help Those in Need

Posted: November 22, 2022 in Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer, Video
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Give Thanks for the Lord’s Many Blessings & Remember Those in Need
Dawn and I (Dave) wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving! It’s a great time of year to stop and give thanks for the many blessings that the Lord has bestowed upon us. Dawn and I give thanks for you, for our family, for all of our friends and for our latina familia.

As I take time to give thanks I can’t help, but think of those who lack, and do not enough. I think especially of our familia on the Big Island. The reports coming out from the Island are heartbreaking.

One of my missionary friends, Russell who has made more than 300 trips to the Big Island told me that he thought that they are going through their worst economic crisis in their history. News reports that I have read say that it’s the worst economic crisis in 30 years. Dawn and I are continuing to send aid, but the pastors and those in their congregation struggle to find food to buy. They are going without electricity for long periods each day, which causes their food to spoil.

I would like to share a testimony that one of our friends, Yolanda wrote us in the last couple of weeks. This will help give you an idea of what our familia is suffering through, and move you to pray for them. I translated it from Spanish, and the English is a little rough, but I hope it will serve to give you a better picture of what she and our familia are experiencing.

Yolanda’s Testimony
Our familia on the Big Island

Pastor God bless you. You don’t know how much good the reflection that you sent me about casting our burdens on the Lord has done for my walk with Christ. Now I would like to share with you what is going on with my family and me.

When I was recently converted, I used to carry a lot of burdens. When I prayed for people it was as if they were putting a very heavy sack on my back. I spent a lot of time feeling the weight of it until God took that feeling away from me. At that time I told my pastor that I did not know how to give my burdens to God, and he gave me some good advice.

In recent times I have tried to encourage others to rest in the Lord to give their burdens to him.

Here in Cuba we are experiencing a lot of pressure in terms of food, the high prices that everything costs and the scarcity. People are very burdened because instead of seeing improvement in the country, it is quite the opposite.  My husband, Rene is one of those who does not spend a day that he is not agitated and burdened. I pray a lot for him.

Typical transportation on the Big Island – a horse drawn carriage

He gets up every day at dawn and goes six kilometers in a horse carriage to work. There are moments when he arrives at work that he can’t even get anything done, because there is no electricity then when he returns home he is so frustrated. He says to me, “you tell me to rest in the Lord, but when you tell me that there is no rice for lunch and that our baby does not have even a snack to eat, how do expect me to respond when you tell me to rest in God.”

Today in the afternoon we were without power. I was sitting in the doorway with my baby. I was talking to God asking him to help my husband to rest in him, because he is working so hard to try to make sure that our family does not need, and that we have at least the basics. At times, I feel that as a family we have been neglected.

Rene arrives very late from the place where he works. Then after a day on the job he goes to the land where his mother lives to plant tomatoes and work some more. He does this so that we have food and to be able to make puree when the tomato is ready to be picked.

He comes home very late and that’s the way it is every day. I just try to pray for him and leave everything in God’s hands, because as his wife God has put me with him and I must support him. I know that Rene works hard. Please help me to pray for him.

Thank you for the good testimony that you shared with me about casting our burdens on the Lord. I sent it to every possible person I could think of, because of what you know that we are going through. 

Today at dawn I have asked God to help me not only believe these truths in my mind, but in my heart as well. This way by giving God my burdens he will take care of them and carry them and thus help me. May the Lord help me every day to depend on him

It is as Pablo says, “I have known how to live in abundance and in scarcity.” I only hope that God continues helping my life to always believe in him and to deposit my burdens on him, because I totally depend on his love and mercy. When the enemy wants to make me see all THE needs, and all that am I going through. I don’t want to lose my focus, because I confess to you that there are times when I lose strength, but God helps me and encourages me. Thank you for being one of those people who help my walk in Christ for good.

I send you a big hug Pastor from the depths of my heart for all your family.

Extend Your Hands to Help Those in Need!
That laughter on the lips or the cackles set off by anything at all have disappeared from Cuban streets. (14ymedio)

Cubans tend to try to see the bright side and they like to laugh, but much of their optimistic spirit has disappeared, because of all the difficulties that they are having to live through. It’s sad to see how challenging every day living has become.

Dawn and I would like to ask you to prayerfully consider making a gift today to help our familia. Make a gift this Thanksgiving to help a family, like Yolanda’s. You can give by clicking on the link below.

Click to Donate…
Video: A Tale of Two Cities
Tale of Two Cities featuring Jessica’s prayer for toothpaste

Thank you for joining us in prayer, and for considering making a gift to help our precious familia.

In His Grip, Dave

P.S. Help take the gospel to the Border, the Baja and Beyond
BeyondBordersLife.org

Strengthen the Hands of the Weak

Posted: September 12, 2022 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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A Wonderful Trip
Dave and Dawn with Jonathan and Hannah in PA

Dawn and I are returning from a trip to Pennsylvania. We were able to see our son, Jonathan and his wife, Hannah. The Lord also gave us the opportunity to see a few other friends and family who live in the area. We took advantage of the trip to visit two churches one in the Annapolis, Maryland area and one in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

It was a great trip as we hadn’t see Jonathan and Hannah for a year. We loved the opportunity to update our friends in the churches about all that God is doing in Mexico and on the Big Island. When I think about our many friends at the churches that support the ministry, I’m reminded of the importance of prayer for the gospel to expand successfully in the places we are ministering. These friends are so kind and they do truly infuse us with renewed strength to carry on.

Encouraging One Another
Dave and Dawn with Pastor Eliel, Jessica and their two girls Sarvia and Tirsa

I love the interest that people show in what we are doing, and in what God is doing through us. Sometimes we forget the importance of these connections when we are separated.

We don’t always realize how important it is to have people in our lives that encourage us. Friends who stand with us in the battle.

Isaiah 35:3 mentions the importance of strengthening the hands of those who are weak. Paul in Galatians 6:2 writes about bearing one another’s burdens. Dawn and I seek to do strengthen the pastors and leaders we are working with.

Showing Concern for Those in Need
Ernesto sharing the aid that we send with a family in need

Just recently one of our friends, Anna from the Big Island wrote me and said, “You are an excellent pastor, always showing concern for others. This is not very common. I notice that there are fewer pastors and I believe it’s because many of them don’t have someone like you to encourage them.” When I read this I thought, wow! I don’t always realize how important it is to show care and concern for our leaders. I’m grateful the Lord is using both Dawn and me in this way to strengthen the hands of those who are weak, and to help bear others burdens.

Another friend wrote me today and said, “you have been a great blessing to my family and to me. You are to me, as I’ve told you on other occasions, like the apostle Paul. You encourage me and exhort me in the Word of God. God bless you!”

We all need someone to stand with us and to encourage and to exhort us along the way. I recently heard that many pastors in the USA have been leaving the ministry because of discouragement especially during this season that we’ve been living through. The circumstances are even more difficult in Mexico and on the Big Island, so we pray and we seek to strengthen our friends. Our desire is to see healthy ministers of the gospel, who have strong families.

Who Cares for the Pastors?
VBS at one of our churches on the Big Island

Who cares for the pastors? Often pastors and leaders feel lonely and isolated. They don’t know where to go for the support that they need.

I think we tend to underestimate the necessity of having friends and family in our corner who show concern for us. We desire to be those friends for the pastors and leaders that we are working with. We also give thanks for the many friends that help us along the way. I think that is one of the privileges that we have as missionaries. There are a lot of people who pray for us, and who are cheering us on.

Thank you for being one of those friends. You are very important to us. You play a pivotal role in our lives and ministry. We give thanks for you!

Extend Your Hands to Help Our Familia
From an article in the BBC, August 17 2022. You can read the article here…

As stated in the photo above our familia on the Big Island is facing their worst economic crisis in 30 years. Dawn and I are sending aid every month to help the pastors and families on the Big Island. Since the COVID-19 hit in March 2020, we’ve been able to help more than 2,000 people in 9 different cities.

Your gifts are making a difference in this nation with tremendous needs that are difficult to meet. God is using you, because even where your feet cannot reach, your prayers can reach! Your offerings of love can reach!

You can be part of a team in the hands of God, and TOGETHER we can make a difference! Pray with us and extend your hands to help our familia. Make a Donation Today.

Thank you for your prayers and for your support for this work on the Big Island!

Click to Donate…
Video: A Tale of Two Cities

Tale of Two Cities featuring Jessica’s prayer for toothpaste

Thank you for joining us in prayer, and for considering making a gift to help our precious familia.

In His Grip, Dave

P.S. Help take the gospel to the Border, the Baja and Beyond
BeyondBordersLife.org

Jesus Sets a Runaway Free

Posted: August 24, 2022 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer, Video
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Israel’s Story of God’s Redeeming Love
Pastor Humberto with Israel

The Lord continues to encourage us through the pain that we feel for our familia on the Big Island. It is the tale of two cities, the best of times and worst of times. What gives us hope in light of the darkness, is God’s wonderful acts of redemption.

There are some amazing testimonies coming from our friends and familia on the Big Island. Pastor Humberto told me about a young man, Israel that recently came to Christ. Israel grew up in an extremely dysfunctional home. He was abused by his stepfather. He was beaten and treated poorly from a young age. His mother prostituted herself in order to survive. In the midst of living through this constant state of turmoil Israel got so desperate that he tried to leave the Big Island on a boat, but he was detained by the police. All of these circumstances made Israel hungry for something more. At Israel’s lowest point Pastor Humberto was able to share the love of Christ with him and he prayed to receive Christ, and he was recently baptized.

God is at work redeeming lives of people like Israel!

Life with Little or No Electricity
Thankful to receive help as Pastor Ernesto shares the aid that we are sending

Life on the Big Island is so difficult. Many of the pastors that we work with have told us that they are having to live with up to 20 hours a day without any electricity. One pastor, Rolando told me that they are having to cook their meals at night at 12 AM or 1 AM in the morning, because that’s the only time that they have any power for their stove. They don’t have a way to cool themselves in the extreme summer heat. Also, not having electricity means they can’t charge their phones to communicate. It’s gotten harder for me to stay in close contact with the pastors there. Even though it doesn’t seem possible the situation continues to worsen. There are many challenges that our familia faces along with the rising cost of food and basic needs. It always breaks my heart to hear their stories.

Extend Your Hands to Help Our Familia
Pastor Ernesto giving the aid that we are sending to a needy family

Dawn and I are sending aid every month to help the pastors and families on the Big Island. Since the COVID-19 hit in March 2020, we’ve been able to help more than 2,000 people in 9 different cities.

Your gifts are making a difference in this nation with tremendous needs that are difficult to meet. God is using you, because even where your feet cannot reach, your prayers can reach! Your offerings of love can reach!

You can be part of a team in the hands of God, and TOGETHER we can make a difference! Pray with us and extend your hands to help our familia. Make a Donation Today.

Thank you for your prayers and for your support for this work on the Big Island!

Click to Donate…
Video: A Tale of Two Cities
A Tale of Two Cities featuring Jessica’s prayer for toothpaste

Thank you for joining us in prayer, and for considering making a gift to help our precious familia.

In His Grip, Dave

P.S. Help take the gospel to the Border, the Baja and Beyond
BeyondBordersLife.org

God is Advancing His Kingdom on the Big Island!

Posted: August 9, 2022 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer, Video
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Faithful to Pray for Our Needs
Our familia loves to worship

Much to my chagrin, I found out recently that I need to have surgery on my prostate. Dawn and I told the pastors that we work with in the US, Mexico and Cuba and they all have been concerned for us. They are praying that God will heal me. Some of the pastors have called me and prayed for me via phone or video calls. It encourages us a great deal that so many people love us, and they show it through their faithful prayers.

Our friends in Cuba are some of our most faithful prayer warriors. They’ve had to live with so little. Every time I talk to them things are worse than the last time. Prices continue to climb, and they are often without electricity. They can go anywhere from 5 hours to 20 hours without electricity during these very hot summer months.

The Church is Growing and Lives are Being Transformed
Sharing the good news of the gospel in season and out of season

One of my friends, *Ernesto called me recently and he told me how they are faithfully praying and fasting. He shared some wonderful news about how the gospel is advancing. They have shared the gospel with more than 120 people and 34 of them have given their lives to Christ and they are now involved in discipleship.

One of the people that came to Christ is *Hilda. God brought Hilda out of witchcraft, which is very common on the Big Island. She was without hope until she found Christ. Her dad recently passed away, but God set her free and He is helping her get through this trial. Now she is faithfully worshipping the Lord and serving in the church.

God’s Faithfulness to Sustain His People
Pastor Ernesto with the piano that we helped them buy, bags of food for people in need, and the church benches

Another woman, *Diana was involved in a serious accident in her home, and her two year old son was completely burned. A few days after the accident he passed away. Instead of blaming God she’s looked to Him to strengthen her as she walks through the valley of the shadow of death. It is not easy, but the Lord is comforting Diana and He is strengthening her.

Ernesto thanked me for the financial support that we have sent them which allows for people in his church to buy food and basic needs. Last year they were able to buy a piano for their worship services. Before they worshipped without any musical instruments. They also bought nine benches so that people had a place to sit during their worship services. I always wish we could send more, but I’m encouraged by how the offerings that we are sending go so far in helping them.

Pray for Our Familia
Prayer in Camaguey. These people are warriors!

Prayer in one of the churches that we partner with.  Our familia is committed to pray!

One of the other pastors that we are working with on the Big Island, *Rolando said, “thank you very much for your prayer support for all of the challenges that we are facing. We pray that God will give us wisdom and strength to continue advancing the Kingdom of God on the Big Island. We also ask for protection for each pastor in our country, we know that the times are difficult. Another prayer need we have is to ask God to provide workers for the harvest. Every day it’s harder to find people willing to serve the Lord.”

“We want to deeply thank you for all the love and support for the advance of the Kingdom of God on the Big Island. God is using all of you who are praying and supporting us financially to participate in the good work of the gospel. You are participating in all that God is doing and will do in the future in our country.” Praise the Lord for His marvelous work!
*(The names have been changed for security reasons)

Extend Your Hands to Help Our Familia
Some of the people and families that we are helping 

We are still sending funds every month to help the pastors and families on the Big Island. We would like to raise $18,000 this year to cover these needs.

Since the COVID-19 hit in March 2020, we’ve been able to help more than 2,000 people in 9 different cities, because of the generous gifts of many friends like you.

It is true that we will not be able to help the more than 11 million people on the Big Island. It is a nation with tremendous needs that are difficult to meet, but where your feet cannot reach, your prayers can reach! Your offerings of love can reach!

God is working on the Big Island. You can be part of a team in the hands of God, and TOGETHER we can make a difference! Pray with us and extend your hands to help our familia. Make a Donation Today.

Thank you for your prayers and for your support for this work on the Big Island!

Click to Donate…
Video: A Tale of Two Cities
A Tale of Two Cities featuring Jessica’s prayer for toothpaste

Thank you for joining us in prayer, and for considering making a gift to help our precious familia.

In His Grip, Dave

P.S. Help take the gospel to the Border, the Baja and Beyond
BeyondBordersLife.org

Waiting for a Miracle

Posted: June 28, 2022 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer, Video
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My Heart is Saddened

I just got off the phone with one of the pastors from the Big Island. He told me that it’s getting more difficult by the day. Their electricity is being cut off anywhere from 5 to 10 hours a day. That makes it hard to cook, and it’s very hot and humid there so they are going without air conditioning or even fans during all those hours.

Pastor Justin giving a bag a beans to one of the families in need

We are sending aid to a number of pastors and their families. Yet it seems like so little compared to the overwhelming need. It’s hard to imagine, but the conditions continue to worsen.

It saddens me to hear our friends, our familia share all that they are living through. I continue to pray, and hope that we can do even more than we are doing to help.

Pastor Justin told me that thousands of people are leaving the Big Island. Pastors are leaving their churches either for a higher paying job or to immigrate to other countries that offer more hope. Many churches are left without pastors, because of this.

Pray for Our Beautiful Familia
God is at work and the church is growing despite all the difficulties

Another one of my pastor friends, Rolando told me that he is traveling 650 miles on bus this week to visit and strengthen the churches that he is working with. I can assure that the buses and roads there are nothing like they are here. I’m concerned for the health of these pastors who are working such long hours. They are not able to eat a healthy diet, and when they get sick there are few medicines available to help them.

The people stand in long lines to get their food and other basic needs

The average salary on the Big Island is 25 USD per month, and the salaries have not increased even though beans, rice, chicken, cooking oil, soap and other basic needs have skyrocketed. To buy anything, they have to stand in long lines throughout the day (5 to 8 hours). To buy a liter of oil costs 10% of a monthly salary. The country is bankrupt, all that is very sad.

You can Help!
Some of the people and families that we are helping

Since the COVID-19 hit in March 2020, we’ve been able to help more than 2,000 people in 9 different cities, because of the generous gifts of many friends like you. Although we cannot help all 11 million people on the Big Island we can help some. It is a nation with tremendous needs. Where your feet cannot go, your prayers can go! Your offerings of love can go! You can extend your hands to bless these men, women and families who are waiting for a miracle every day.

We are sending funds every month to help the pastors and families on the Big Island. We would like to raise at least $18,000 this year to cover these needs.

Help us help the church and our familia! Will you join us? Please prayerfully consider partnering with us to help us bring aid to these beautiful people.

Thank you for your prayers and for your support for this work on the Big Island!

Click to Donate…
Video: A Tale of Two Cities
A Tale of Two Cities featuring Jessica’s prayer for toothpaste

Thank you for joining us in prayer, and for considering making a gift to help our precious familia.

In His Grip, Dave

P.S. Help take the gospel to the Border, the Baja and Beyond
BeyondBordersLife.org

The Tears of a Hungry Child

Posted: June 14, 2022 in Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer, Video
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How Much do the Tears of a Hungry Child Weigh?
A Beautiful family on the Big Island

Today I’d like to share the testimony of one of the leaders that we work with on the Big Island. This will give you an up close view of what our familia is living through, and help you to understand why they still need our help.

Maria’s Testimony

The island I am from is surrounded by sea. The place where both Christians and unbelievers raise their eyes to heaven hoping that the God of heaven will work a miracle in favor of a people who feel imprisoned by the sea that surrounds them. They cannot escape, but many still prefer to jump into the sea in a small boat with the hopes of finding freedom. They would rather die trying than to live in a place with so much repression, persecution, hunger, and lack of medicine.

Someone has said, that the tears of a hungry child weigh more than the whole world. 

The Precious Seed of the Gospel to those Without Hope
The Gospel is going forth through faithful Ministers who love Jesus

Yet what can I say about those who cannot flee. Those who choose to stay because of their commitment to God. There are Pastors, workers, leaders, missionaries, and church planters who even in the midst of these difficult situations, walk and cry, carrying the precious seed of the gospel to those without God and without hope. They realize that the only true hope for this island is to hear the good news of salvation.

They are encouraging and discipling those who are surrendering their lives to Christ.  They cry with those who cry, sharing the little bread they have with the hungry, although this often means going to bed without eating just so that another family or a small child does not go to bed on an empty stomach.

Bend Your Knees to Pray
Prayer in Camaguey. These people are warriors!
Prayer in Camaguey. Our familia is committed to pray!

Today I call on you friends, people committed to pray, to bend their knees for my people on the Big Island. Pray for every man and woman who, despite going through persecution, opposition, hunger, nakedness, do not stop to bring the Word of hope and Salvation to a people who have had their dreams stolen and their desire to live wains.

I call on all of you generous people in Christ to extend your hands to bless these men, women and families who are waiting for a miracle every day.

My daughter, Zoe recently turned 9 years old. She has suffered from a fever for a number of days. She’s endured a very dangerous flu.  It has lasted a long time not only because of the lack of medicines, but also because of the little medicine that one can find on this island it has to be bought in dollars. Dollars are expensive, because that is not our national currency. This makes it expensive and more difficult to obtain what is needed not only for Zoe but by most of the children.

Extend Your Hands to Bless Families in Need!
Some of the families that we are helping on the Big Island

It is true that we will not be able to help the more than 11 million people on the Big Island. It is true that it is a nation with tremendous needs that are difficult to meet, but where your feet cannot reach, your prayers can reach! Your offerings of love can reach!

God is working in on the Big Island. You can be part of a team in the hands of God, and that way we can to do it TOGETHER. Pray with us and extend your hands to help our familia. Make a Donation Today.

Click to Donate…
Video: A Tale of Two Cities
A Tale of Two Cities featuring Jessica’s prayer for toothpaste

Thank you for joining us in prayer, and for considering making a gift to help our precious familia.

In His Grip, Dave

P.S. Help take the gospel to the Border, the Baja and Beyond
BeyondBordersLife.org

Your Gifts are Changing Lives

Posted: June 6, 2022 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer, Video
Tags: , , ,
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Christ’s Love is Shining Brightly on the Big Island
The Church is growing and making a difference on the Big Island

This week I’d like to share the testimony from one of the pastors that we are working with on the Big Island. This will give you a taste of what the pastors we are partnering with are doing, and how the Lord is using the donations that you are sending through Beyond Borders.

Pastor Marco’s Testimony
Pastor Marco with one of th elderly couples the church is giving aid to

Hola my name is *Marco, and I am the pastor of the church in Cabaiguan in the center of the Big Island. Our goal is to develop the multiplication of new churches. My wife and I are ministering to more than 80 people, and we have 4 churches that we’ve started.

We have been able to help more than 60 families with food and toiletries. This includes 15 elderly families and 20 single mothers. These families have expressed immense gratitude for the donations of love that they have received.

An 18 year-old woman, *Diana who is 8 months pregnant, and also has a 4 year old daughter cried with joy when we visited her and shared the blessings and gifts we brought. Her husband is in prison, but she told us that she was confident that God would send her help in a similar way to how the Lord helped the prophet Elijah when He used the ravens to bring Elijah food. Now Diana’s faith is much stronger and she keeps looking to the Lord each day.

We were also able to help another young single mother, *Jacquelin finish building her house (photo above). She lives alone with her 2 children. She was in great need.

We thank God for the gifts that you have sent. God has done many great things in our ministry!

We would like to ask you to pray with us that we can complete the construction of a dining room for our church so that we can provide food to many poor families in the community who don’t have enough food to eat. We hope that God will open new doors and provide for this need.

In the last few months we have shared the gospel with 120 people. The Word of the Lord continues touching hearts. We ask you beloved brothers to continue to pray for the work of God on the Big Island.

Greetings and thanks to our mentors David and Lety (Dawn) for helping us in our ministry with love and peace.

DIOS LES BENDIGA Y RECOMPENSE ❤ God Bless You and Reward You ❤
*(The names have been changed for security reasons)

Extend Your Hands to Help Those in Need

Your prayers and your financial gifts are making a huge difference as we sow the seed of the gospel. An example of this is the testimony that pastor Marco shared with us above. Your donations enable us to send monthly aid to families on the Big Island. You can read more about the growth of the church and the challenges that our familia is facing on the Big Island here…

We would like to ask you to extend your hands to help those in need.  You play an important part in seeing the extension of the kingdom of God in Mexico and on the Big Island! 
Our familia is forever grateful for your generosity.

Click to Donate…
Video: A Tale of Two Cities
A Tale of Two Cities featuring Jessica’s prayer for toothpaste

In His Grip, Dave

P.S. Help take the gospel to the Border, the Baja and Beyond
BeyondBordersLife.org

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