Posts Tagged ‘transportation’

God’s Blessing: The Arrival of Our Son, Jon!

Posted: May 28, 2013 in Christianity, Family Happenings, God's Leading, Journey, Ministry, Missions, Prayer, Reflections & Musings, San Diego, Tijuana
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Jon and Dave embarking on the cross country trip from Colorado Springs to Chula Vista

Jon and Dave embarking on the cross-country trip from Colorado Springs to Chula Vista

I’ve been on the road the last week, which has made it harder to get on the internet to post anything. Last Thursday I flew out to Colorado to help our son, Jonathan move to Chula Vista.

I can still remember the tears and the pain of saying good-bye to Jonathan and Hannah last August! God is so good to provide a way for Jonathan to be with us again.

One of the difficulties of living out the life of a missionary is all the painful good-byes. You keep thinking that it might get easier, but it doesn’t, at least not for me.

The Lord has put us in the wonderfully unique situation of living and serving in missions on the border. Because of where we live we can minister on both sides of the border. In two different countries with two radically varied cultures. This makes it possible for us to be closer to our grown children. It’s an opportunity many missionaries do not have.

In Jeremiah the Lord encouraged the Israelites to seek the welfare of the city where they had been sent. As God blessed the city they too would be blessed. That is really our heart here. We pray that we will see San Diego – Tijuana blessed by God. We trust as the Lord showers down his blessings on the city that our family and friends will experience God’s rich and bountiful care as well.

God’s promise in Jeremiah 29:7 & 11, gives us comfort and hope:

Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find welfare… For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Jon & Hannah right before we began our trek

Jon & Hannah right before we began our trek

Dawn and I love what we do, and we love where we live. It affords us the opportunity to minister to Latinos in San Diego and in Tijuana. God has given us some great partners to work with. We continue to pray that the Lord’s kingdom will be expanded on the border as it is in heaven.

“Thank you Jesus for calling us to serve on the border! Thank you for making it possible for our son, Jon to move so he can be near us. We pray for your watchful care over our whole family. Thank you that we can trust you!”

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

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Missions Outpouring at Biola

Posted: March 17, 2013 in Christianity, Ministry, Missions, Prayer, San Diego, Tijuana
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Dawn and Dave at our booth at the Biola global missions conference

Dawn and Dave at our booth at the Biola global missions conference

Last week was a very productive week of mobilizing for our work on the San Diego – Tijuana border. We started the week in Atlanta at Mission to the World’s vision retreat. We met a number of people there who are asking the question, where might God want me to serve? Then we headed up to Lookout Mountain, Georgia where we met with students and faculty at Covenant College. We ended the week at Biola’s global missions conference.

Biola and Global Missions

Biola University held their missions conference this last week. They called the conference Outpouring. Since Dawn and I were out-of-town earlier in the week we were only able to attend on Friday.

Unfortunately, on our way up to Biola, which is in Southern Los Angeles we encountered a huge traffic jam leaving San Diego. Even though we left at 6:00 AM there was an early morning traffic accident that closed down the 805 freeway.

I must say that I did get a little impatient. Believe it or not I have not yet mastered patiently waiting in traffic when I feel that we need to be somewhere! 😉 I’m hoping it’s not something I get too much experience in.

Despite the slow down we did make it to the conference, just a little later than we hoped we would.

Dawn with a new friend at the missions conference, Biola University

Dawn with a new friend at Biola’s missions conference

Dawn and I had a good day at Biola. Even though we were only participated on the last day of the conference, it was a fruitful time. We connected with some students that are exploring opportunities to go on mission with God. The students are especially interested in summer internships.

We love the opportunity to invest in the lives of young people. Who knows what the Lord will do when we plant and water for his kingdom?

Biola put on a big conference which attracted a number of students and other missions organizations. It was enjoyable to connect with new and old friends from the other missions organizations. They have some great ideas, so we can learn from them.

Praise to God for a Fruitful Week

In all, it was a very fruitful week. Dawn and I love connecting with people, especially those that have a heart for the world. There are already some students that have talked to us about a summer internship. We are also following up with a few young families that are interested in pursuing a longer term of service on the mission field.

Pray for Workers

God is moving on the border, and he is opening doors for us to walk through. Thank you Jesus, continue to guide and lead. Bring us those workers that you want to serve with us!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Celebrating the Life of Jim Healy

Posted: March 14, 2013 in Christianity, Prayer, Reflections & Musings, Video
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Jim Healy (in the middle) on his bike

Jim Healy (in the middle) riding his bike

Last week I wrote about a good friend of mine that passed away. Jim Healy was involved in a life ending accident while riding his bike on March 5th. It’s so hard to lose friends, especially close dear friends.

I enjoyed the many good times I had with Jim. I always looked forward to seeing him and his family when I went back to my hometown, Fresno.

I feel frustrated that I won’t be able to enjoy his presence this side of heaven again. The Lord uses this as yet another reminder that there is something beyond this life. That we have the hope of heaven where there will be no more pain, no more tears.

“He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the LORD has spoken. It will be said on that day, ‘Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us. This is the LORD; we have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.'”

—Isaiah 25:8,9

The funeral service was held on Saturday, March 9th.

His riding buddies along with friends, students and colleagues held a memorial bike ride for Jim earlier in the day on Saturday. They also put together a touching video expressing what Jim meant to the many people who knew him. It is an encouraging testimony of Jim’s life.

It is sad to lose Jim, and my heart goes out to his wife, Janine and their three children. I’m thankful that I could count Jim as one of my close friends. I give thanks to the Lord for the wonderful testimony that Jim left.

May his life serve as an inspiration to us to live in a way that we honor our Lord as we love and serve others.

Thank you Lord for Jim. Please watch over and care for his family in a special way now that he is gone. Continue to use his testimony to draw people to you!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Mobilizing for the Kingdom

Posted: March 11, 2013 in Christianity, Ministry, Missions, Prayer, San Diego
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Dave presented at MTW's vision retreat

Dave presenting at MTW’s vision retreat

On Monday David, Jr., Dawn and I were at the Mission to the World (MTW) office in Lawrenceville just outside of Atlanta. We participated in MTW’s Vision Retreat. At this event those who are interested in pursuing missions come to learn more about what God is doing around the world.

It’s an enjoyable time for us as we meet new people who are exploring what the Lord has for them. We are also able to connect with friends and colleagues. For example, we got some time with Bill Goodman. I’ve known Bill for 27 years. I first met him when I was still single. He was our first team leader when we started serving in missions in Mexico City.

In the afternoon I had the privilege and opportunity to share about our work, and what God is doing on the border. Those that were in attendance responded well.

I must admit I get a little anxious at these events, since I’m trying to promote what we are doing, and wondering if I did well enough to persuade them to take a look at us. “O Lord, help me to keep my eyes on you.”

On Tuesday morning we are off to drive up to Covenant College to present our border ministry to the college students there.

Pray that the Lord blesses our efforts, and that he will bring those that he is calling to join us! I pray we will be patient and rest in Him.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

The Power of a Good Word!

Posted: February 9, 2013 in Christianity, Missions, Reflections & Musings, San Diego, Tijuana
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English: Traffic at the San Ysidro Port of Ent...

Traffic at the San Ysidro Port of Entry in San Diego-Tijuana (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Earlier this past week I was in Tijuana for a pastors’ meeting. On the way back home I stopped at a PEMEX gas station in TJ to get some gas. The woman who was attending my car’s needs (in Mexico they still have gas attendants to fill up your tank for you!) was very friendly.

When she finished filling the car up, I paid her and she asked me if I wanted a receipt. I said, yes. Then she gave me a compliment. She said, “you speak Spanish well.”

I found that to be very encouraging. I guess, in part because even though I’ve spoken Spanish for over 20 years, I feel a little rusty. When I lived in Colorado I didn’t get a lot of opportunities to speak Spanish.

As I drove away from my encounter with the gas station attendant, who I may never meet again, my spirit was lifted. It made me think about the power of a good word. Even when we speak a positive word of encouragement to those we don’t know, the Lord can use it to lift them up.

pastors, Daniel Nuñez, Lo Mejor del Trigo, Tijuana

Pastors’ meeting with Daniel Nuñez at Lo Mejor del Trigo in Tijuana

Since I’ve moved to the San Diego – Tijuana border I’ve met with a number of pastors and Christian workers, and some of them are discouraged. All of them need encouragement along the way.

Even as I read other people’s blog posts I notice that many share how they are discouraged. Some feel they have to defend themselves, because of the negative words of others.

I was surprised and disheartened to see an example of this the other day on a very good and popular blog site: Bucket List Publications. The author of this site, Lesley, has encouraged me along the way, so it’s disappointing to learn that she is getting some negative feedback.

Many are weighed down by the worries this world brings upon them. God can use us to lift the load, and to carry one another’s burdens. Yes, there is power in the words that we speak! Power for good or evil.

“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.” —Proverbs 12:25 (ESV)

“To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!” —Proverbs 15:23 (ESV)

“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.” —Proverbs 25:11 (ESV)

—emphasis mine!

Why not choose to be a blessing to others? Why not bring words of healing and hope?

Pemex, gas station attendant, Mexico

Pemex gas station attendant in Mexico (photo credit: legacy.utsandiego.com)

If something as simple as a gas station attendant complimenting me on my Spanish could lift me up, just think how the Lord can use you if you are intentional and listening to him. Seek to speak words of healing and hope today!

I so appreciate all those that like my posts, and those that take the time to write an encouraging comment! A heartfelt shout out to you!

Hey – if you have an encouraging story to tell, I’d love to hear it!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

A Surprise Visit from Jonny Boy!

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

Jonny Boy the night he arrived for the fun surprise!

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

Before that was the wonderful surprise visit!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

fun, family

Jonny Boy and the gang with some friends having some fun

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

Wow, his mom was very surprised and overjoyed!

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

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

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

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One of my Outlets – Biking

Posted: January 13, 2013 in Christianity, Family Happenings, Prayer, Reflections & Musings, San Diego
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biking, cycling

Dave on a bike ride

On Saturday I enjoyed a wonderful bike ride with my son, David. I started riding a bike for fun and exercise just over two years ago.

In September of 2010 my doctor told me, “you’ve got pre-diabetes. You need to lose weight, and start exercising more.” Not the news I wanted to hear. I already exercised a good amount, or at least I thought I did.

Then my good friend, Scott Kracht, suggested that I try the bike. We went on a ride together, and the rest is history, or something like that.

By the way, I did lose some weight and got my blood sugar down, although it’s a continual struggle to stay disciplined. I’d appreciate prayer that I will do even better this year. I do want to stay healthy!

The wonderful thing about the San Diego area is the weather is temperate year round, so I can ride my bike with shorts on all the time.

biking, cycling

Scott Kracht near Mission Beach

I love the beauty of our former home, Colorado, but it was 9 degrees there today. You have to be very dedicated to ride a bike there in the winter months.

One of the great things about riding a bike is that it adds variety to my exercise routine. I still go to the gym, and I even do the stationary bike while there, but there’s something about getting outdoors.

I love being able to ride where I can see the ocean.

I find biking not only gives me a chance to exercise, but it also helps me to clear my head. I’m able to think and pray while I bike. I connect with the Lord when I exercise. It strengthens my inner life. I pray, read and reflect while I’m walking, riding or working out at the gym.

I’m still exploring some of the great places and trails I can go on in the area we live in. If you know of any good ones send me a note, and I’ll give it a try.

Thank you Lord for giving me the opportunity to exercise and ride my bike in such a beautiful place. Thank you for the beauty of your creation!

Even though we live in such beautiful place, it is a place in need of the gospel. I received a stark reminder of this while writing this post. Just across the street from us a crime was committed. There was a fight and someone was stabbed. Pray that we can minister to our neighbors. Pray that the love of Christ will shine forth brightly, and bring about transformation in our neighborhood!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

The Joys of Crossing the Border

Posted: January 9, 2013 in Christianity, Ministry, Missions, Prayer, Reflections & Musings, San Diego, Tijuana
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Crossing back in the U.S.

Crossing back in the U.S.

I love living on the border, and the interaction we have with such wonderful friends in Tijuana and San Diego. One of the many things I appreciate is being able to see Tijuana every day. It helps me pray for the needs there. Since we live so close it makes it easy to go into Mexico frequently.

Dawn and I just received our Sentri (Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection) pass, which allows us to cross the border in much less time. We can now go in the fast lane. In December for example, I waited for more than five hours to cross back into the U.S., while friends of mine who have the Sentri pass crossed in 15 minutes. Wow! What a difference.

There are many things you can think about and do in five hours. One of the things I’ve reflected on is how many people wish they could be in that line, and cross legally into the US. There are many others who have to cross back and forth each day for work. Amazing! I wonder how they are able to persevere?

Tijuana at the San Ysidro Border crossing

Tijuana at the San Ysidro Border crossing

The San Diego – Tijuana border crossing is the most land crossed border crossing in the world. We are thrilled that we can now cross back and forth more easily. It makes it much more reasonable to live and work on both sides of the border.

My wife and I are excited as we start this new year. We see God opening more doors the longer we are here.

I’m praying about and working on putting together goals for 2013. Please join me in prayer, that the Lord will guide, lead and direct. One of the things I’m asking the Lord for is that I will become more sensitive to his voice and his leading.

Thanks for joining us on this journey of faith!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org