Posts Tagged ‘travel’

The Ever Expanding Kingdom: Colima and Guadalajara

Posted: March 31, 2023 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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God’s Good Work in Colima

Dawn and I are returning from a trip to Colima and Guadalajara as I write this. It was so good to be with the pastors and church planters that we are working with in these two cities. (I decided to repost this, because I accidentally posted it late at night the first time). It was so good to be in Colima and also to see all that the Lord has done and is doing in Colima and in Guadalajara.

From left to right: Dawn, Flavia, Mariel, Jose Luis and Dave with Jose Luis and Mariel’s two boys Josefat and Eli with their parrot, Poki

Pastor Jose Luis and Mariel Rodriguez have a beautiful young family with 2 young boys. Mariel’s mom was also visiting while we were there. It was a real joy to visit Colima for the first time. Colima is about 2 1/2 hour drive south of Guadalajara.

Jose Luis and Mariel are involved in a turnaround church or a replant. I’ve heard people say that when you start a church it’s starting from zero, but when you replant it’s like starting from minus zero. It’s a difficult task, but there is a huge need for revitalization in many churches in Mexico. Churches that have stagnated or dwindled in size and lack life and vision.

I started working with Jose Luis and Mariel about three years ago. They have been eager to learn and make the necessary changes to turn things around. That’s one of the most difficult issues that these churches face, is a willingness to change and do things differently.

Puerta de Salvación church, “Door of Salvation” is now growing and attracting young families. It’s good to see how the Lord is working and bringing life.

While Dawn and I were in Colima we were able we were able to meet some of the people in the church. Jose Luis was very vulnerable with them and shared how we helped him not only with strategy for turning the church around, but also in strengthening his marriage. He mentioned how most pastors in Mexico don’t have someone to mentor and coach them. It was affirming to hear him share how the Lord had used us to help them in both their personal life and in their ministry.

It was very gratifying to see how God is bringing transformation to the people in Puerta de Salvación. Please, pray for Jose Luis and Mariel as they train leaders and continue to reach out into the community. Pray as well that they can build a solid foundation as God grows the church.

Celebrating 25 years of Growth
Pastor Kenton Wood and his wife, Adriana with the other pastors of their daughter churches

After our time in Colima, Dawn and I went to Guadalajara to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Rey de Reyes church, “King of Kings. It was a special time to celebrate all that God has done through their ministry. They’ve planted 5 other churches besides the mother church in the last 25 years. It was a wonderful time to praise God for his good work through these churches.

I know that frequently the news coming out about what’s going on in Mexico isn’t very encouraging. The vast majority of people in Mexico are awesome. They are a beautiful people and culture that Dawn and I have come to love. Despite the bad news, God is doing a marvelous work as he builds his church in Mexico and beyond!

Join us in Prayer!
Pastor Jose Luis Rodriguez leading a time of worship with some of the people from the Puerta de Salvación church

We thank you for standing with us in prayer and extending your hands to help those in need.

  • Pray for Pastor Jose Luis and Mariel as they lead the church in Colima.
  • They do have a church building, but it’s in need of much repair.
  • Pray for them as they train up leaders and reach out to new people.
  • Pray for the ongoing church planting work in Guadalajara and Colima as the gospel goes forth.
  • God’s protection over them and all of our church planters against spiritual attack.
  • We also appreciate your prayers for the other church planters that we are working with throughout Mexico.
  • Continue to pray for our familia on the Big Island as the gospel goes forth their amidst all the scarcity and lack.

Dawn and I are grateful that we can be a part of the great and mighty work that God is doing in Mexico, on the Big Island and the Dominican Republic. Your prayers and your gifts play a critical role as the gospel goes forth. We are supporting church planters and the life changing ministries that they are involved in. Extend your hands to support our church planters, our familia today! 

Make a Donation Today.

Click to Donate…

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

Triumph in Kingdom Expansion

Posted: November 16, 2021 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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Kingdom Expansion in Mexico
Worship at Rey de Reyes Church in Guadalajara

Last week I wrote about how the church is experiencing explosive growth on the Big Island. More than 7,000 people have come to Christ in one city through one church planting network. It’s amazing and it’s also exciting!

The ground is not quite as fertile in Mexico, but we continue to pray and work for the expansion of the kingdom. We started a church this summer in memory of my parents, which has been a wonderful highlight for us. Also, as we coach and train church planters throughout Mexico we are seeking to set them up so that they will be successful, and grow healthy, vibrant churches.

Wonderful Group of Church Planters
(From left to right) Yudy, Petri, Dawn, Dave, Roberto, Eliel, Tirsa, Jessica, Sarvia, Berenice, Mariel, Jose Luis, Blanca and Federico

Recently Dawn and I took four church planting couples to Guadalajara to equip them so that they will have new ideas and more opportunities for success. It was an amazing time. Many of the church planters had never met one another before, so just the connections and fellowship was valuable. Also, we were able to visit four churches that are in various stages of the church planting process. One of church is just getting ready to launch this Sunday, November 21. One that has seen a lot of growth, and maturity, but is still working on being formally recognized as an organized church. Two churches that are organized, and are starting other churches.

It was like a dream come true to see the church planters so involved in learning from people who have already successfully passed through some of the same steps that they are going through now. The pandemic has created some obstacles for growth, but it also opens up some new opportunities.

Learning together in Guadalajara
Pastor Kenton Wood sharing with our group of church planters

Dawn and my prayer is that the church planters that went to Guadalajara with us will take what they learned and begin to implement the things that would fit in their context. This will help their churches to grow, and to be healthy.

We believe as the gospel goes forth that it will bring about transformation. First to individuals, then to families, then to communities which will go on to be an influence in the city and even in the world. This is our hope and prayer. I realize they are lofty goals, but the gospel can bring about life transformation, and city transformation.

God is on the move. He loves His church and He desires that the church grow. We are a city set on a hill. A light that shines into the darkness.

Dawn and I give thanks for opportunities like this to grow with others. We loved getting to know these families. Just wonderful people. We trust that the Lord will do a great and mighty work in and through them. Hallelujah!

Join Us in Prayer for the Church Planters
Dave and Dawn with one of the church planting couples, Pastor Eliel and his wife, Jessica

Please join us in praying for these pastors that accompanied us on the trip. Pray for each of them as they share the love of Christ in the cities where they are ministering.

  • Pastor Jesus “Petri” & Yudy Petrikowski in Ensenada
  • Pastor Federico & Blanca Muñoz in Mexicali
  • Pastor Jose Luis & Mariel Rodriguez in Colima
  • Pastor Eliel & Jessica Osorio in Oaxaca
Extend Your Hands to Help!

You can help through prayer and through a financial gift to support church planting in Mexico.

Dawn and I also ask you to consider making a donation today to help our familia on the Big Island. Sadly, the crisis is ongoing and it has only gotten worse as time has gone on. Not only is there a lack of food and basic goods, but the prices are skyrocketing and they are having to stand in long lines for hours at a time to get the little food that is available. We are thankful that we can be an instrument to bless others, and we’d love for you to join us in this effort of offering food to the hungry, and drink to the thirsty.

Click to Donate…

In His Grip, Dave

BeyondBordersLife.org

Our Family is Moving East!

Posted: August 27, 2021 in Christianity, Family Happenings, Ministry, Prayer
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Our Grand Adventure to Pennsylvania
Jonathan and Dave on the Road

I’m writing this on the plane. I’m on my way home from a great adventure!

In the past week I had what I feel was a privilege and an honor to help my son, Jonathan and his wife, Hannah move from Colorado Springs to the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania area.

It was quite a trip as we drove through Kansas with the wind blowing it felt like the truck was about to tip over at times. Both Jonathan and I wondered with eyes of fright if we were going to wobble down the highway the whole way, because the trip required 24 hours of driving not counting pit stops along the way. Fortunately, things got smoother once we got out of Kansas.

In God’s grace we safely arrived in Harrisburg! As soon as we arrived we began unpacking in the sweltering heat. The air was filled with humidity which none of us are used to. We unpacked the truck in that heat, so we got a good workout on that day, with a little help from some friends and family.

Jonathan, Hannah and I made some wonderful memories along the way, and I think that it is something that will stay with us. I know that it is not something that I will soon forget. I’m grateful that the Lord gave me the opportunity to join them on their trek across the country.

Following My Dad’s Legacy
Uncle Ted, Sam, Aunt Gahee, Hannah, Jonathan and Dave in front of their new home

One of the reasons that I felt that it was important for me to join Jonathan and Hannah on their journey to PA is that my dad helped me move at least three times. One time he helped us move from Fresno, California to Mexico City, which took a lot of guts and determination. At the young age of 77 he also helped Dawn, David, Jr. and I move to San Diego.

I believe that it is part of the legacy that my dad left. It brings tears to my eyes to think about how my dad sacrificed for us and showed us his love and support in that way. My dad who was a man of few words and who didn’t become a Christ follower until late in his life always wanted to help us in whatever way he could.

I remember after he moved to heaven the Lord gave me the words, “he showed up,” in reference to my dad. He always showed up for our family. In that way dad, Ronald John Diaso, set a wonderful example for me to follow, so that was one of reasons that I felt like it was important to help Jonathan and Hannah move.

Our Mixed Emotions
Hannah & Jonathan and their new townhouse

Dawn and I have to admit that we share some sadness seeing them leave Colorado, because we lived there for 12 years and we have a lot of friends in the Springs. Also, David and Emily live there, although they too are preparing for a move.

Yet even though we have mixed emotions with the move we see God’s hand in guiding them and leading them. We are excited for what the Lord has in store for them. Jonathan will be attending a ministry school, while working part-time at a credit union. It’s an important step as they desire to prepare themselves to be better equipped for ministry.

One of the professors that Jonathan met said that our family would be blessed through his time at the school, which I agree with. We are excited to see what the Lord will do in and through Jonathan and Hannah over these next few years.

Dawn and I are proud of Jonathan and Hannah for taking this step of faith!

Join us in Prayer!

We appreciate your prayers as we all adjust and as our son and our daughter-in-law get settled. That the Lord will richly bless them with many divine connections as He grows and develops them. Pray for further direction as they seek the Lord in how to best serve.

Pray & Extend Your Hands to Help!
Our familia on the Big Island

I’d also like to ask you to pray for our church planting work in Mexico and on the Big Island. We have needs in both countries. There is a need to support the church planters that we are partnering with. Also, on the Big Island our church planters and families there have need for aid so that they can feed their families and buy basic needs like cooking oil, detergent, soap and toothpaste. Just in the last couple of weeks one of the church planters Lucas and Maria told me that they only had enough food for one meal a day. This is in part, because they are generous and they are sharing what we send them to help other families.

You can help, by extending your hands through a financial gift today. You can make a donation by clicking on the button below.

Click to Donate…

In His Grip, Dave

BeyondBordersLife.org

The Excitement of New Life: Serafina

Posted: March 30, 2021 in Family Happenings, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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Thrilled About Serafina

Baby Shower in Colorado for David & Emily and littler Serafina!

New life brings excitement, and we are thrilled about the soon arrival of our first granddaughter, Serafina Grace Diaso. She is our oldest son, David and his wife, Emily’s first child. We just can’t wait to meet her.

Last week Dawn and I were in Colorado Springs for the baby shower. The event took place on March 21st, the first day of Spring. Wouldn’t you know that it snowed! That’s Colorado for you. Although I must admit that the snow did make for a beautiful setting.

We all had a fun time with our family celebrating David and Emily and the coming of Serafina.

While we on our way to Colorado we got some disappointing news, and I took some time to pray in route. As I prayed the Lord encouraged me. He reminded me that Serafina is due at the end of April which is the same month that Dawn and Hannah were born in. I believe that the Lord’s hand is on little Serafina in a special way and that the Lord is going to bless our family and many others through her. Our Papa God is going to use her to bring healing to our family. The healing and the blessing will extend beyond our family.

I don’t feel like this is wishful thinking, I believe the Lord was encouraging me in this way as we flew and headed towards Colorado. Thank you, Jesus for caring for our family and these details!

Dawn and I had such a good time visiting our family, David & Emily and Jonathan & Hannah.

A Special Gift That Made Me Cry

Hannah Elizabeth Diaso and the engraved bracelet

We shared a special meal with David and Emily on one of our first evenings in the Springs . David made some delicious tamales. He’s become quite a cook, and he specializes in Mexican cuisine, which we all love!

When we finished eating David and Emily gave me an unbelievable gift. It was so amazing it made me cry. They gave me a bracelet with something our daughter, Hannah had written before she moved to heaven. It’s also engraved with Hannah’s actual handwriting. Tears formed in my eyes as I read what it said, and Dawn also began to cry when she read what Hannah had written.

It says, “Dear Lord this is what I long for I wanna be where you are! I can’t wait to go home with you and live in happiness all fo the days of my life. I love you! Amen.”

When Hannah wrote this entry in her journal she referenced Psalm 27:4. “The one thing I ask of the Lord— the one thing I seek most— is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple” (NLT).

It warmed my heart fo read what Hannah had written. It was like a kiss from heaven. A reminder that God was preparing her heart to go home to be with Him in the days and months leading up to her sudden departure. We miss her so much, but we are thankful for the hope that we have in Christ. Hallelujah!

Give thanks with me for new life, and the assurance of the Lord’s good work!

Extend Your Hands to Help Our Familia!

Our Familia on the Big Island!

Before I say goodbye, I’d like to remind you of the ongoing and tremendous needs on the Big Island. I just received a note from a pastor today that told me that his $25 USD monthly salary was only enough to buy a package of coffee, some cooking oil and a package of detergent. Can you imagine living on that!?! How can you feed your family? on top of the exorbitant prices, they are having to wait in line for 5 to 8 hours to buy these products, when and if they are available.

Please extend your hands to help these beautiful families, our familia.

Donate today by clicking on the button below! Thank you!

Click to Donate…

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Our Expanding Team of Church Planters

Posted: November 2, 2020 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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Peace in La Paz
From upper left clockwise Benjamin & Blanca and Sofi; Dave, Alice, Blanca, Dawn, Sofi and Benjamin; Dawn and Dave; Peter and Jenny

Last week Dawn and I were in La Paz, Mexico which is on the Gulf of California side of the peninsula. We went there to get some time with our fellow missionaries, Peter and Jenny Boling, and our church planters, Benjamin and Blanca Romero.

It was our first ministry trip that we took where we had to get on a plane since the pandemic began.

La Paz, Baja California Sur

It’s always good to get some face to face time with those that we work closely with. Even though La Paz is on the same Peninsula as Tijuana it’s about 800 miles away.

Dawn and I get a lot of time with our church planters in Tijuana, Mexicali, and Ensenada, or at least we did until the COVID-19 restrictions began in March. Since these cities are close to where we live it makes it much easier to visit the church planters and encourage them.

Expansion Even in the Midst of the Pandemic
Some of the pastors with are working with throughout Mexico

Despite, the difficulties that the coronavirus restrictions have caused it has forced us to be creative, and in doing so we’ve been able to work with other church planters. In the last year, we’ve started funding, coaching, and training church planters in a number of other cities in Mexico: Neri and Karina in Tapachula, Chiapas; Manuel Santos in Durango, Durango; Roberto and Gabriela Mendoza in Ciudad Obregon, Sonora; Hector and Lulu Bautista in Hermosillo, Sonora; Eraclio and Amy Conde in Culiacán, Sinaloa; Jorge and Clara Izaguirre in Querétaro, Querétaro. And on top of that, there are all the church planters that we are supporting on the Big Island.

As I wrote the list of church planters we are working with I thought, “well it might not be all that exciting to read through that list, but if you consider the Apostle Paul and many of his letters he would end them greeting all the people he partnered with.” Part of the point is that we don’t do ministry alone. Too often church planters tell me, they feel alone and isolated. We are trying to change that. I’m encouraged by all the Lord is doing, and in the next few months, we are planning on partnering with even more church planters in other cities in Mexico.

That does encourage me! It represents kingdom expansion and that’s what we’ve been praying for.

Hard Times on the Big Island
Church that was torn down

Before I go I wanted to update you about some concerns on the Big Island. We just learned that the powers that be bulldozed a church. As you can see in the photos above the church was destroyed. This has all our familia there very concerned! They need our prayer. You can learn more about the tearing down of the church via this website: 14ymedio.com.

The Scarcity Continues
The Bread Shortage as reported by 14ymedio.com

Also, we’ve been getting more reports about the lack of basic needs like bread. And as I mentioned in my last post some church planters are not able to get the medicine they need. One of our pastors, Roberto has diabetes and he can’t get any insulin to help with his glucose levels.

Pray with us for these needs and give to help provide for these families. I wish that you would have the chance to talk to some of our familia, they are so grateful for the ways that we have helped them. Many of them call the help that they’ve received, “Friends Hands.” You are the friends that extend your hands to help them.

Pray and Extend Your Hands to Help our Friends, our Familia Today!

Make a donation today by clicking below.

Click here to donate…

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

The Waymaker is Bringing Peace to La Paz and Beyond!

Posted: October 23, 2020 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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Ministry in This New Season
La Paz, Mexico at night

Dawn and I are on a flight to La Paz, Mexico to visit our missionary teammates and Mexican church planters. It’s our first ministry trip since the coronavirus restrictions began last March. As I write this I reminded what a strange and different season we’ve been living in. It’s not been an easy season to minister in. Yet, in spite of all the obstacles we see God at work.

In mayt ways our ministry has grown during this time. Just since last Saturday Dawn and I have had video calls with pastors and church planters on the Big Island, and in Mexico. The various pastors that we’ve talked to in Mexico represent more than 12 cities throughout the country. Since we’ve had to be more creative in the ways we’ve ministered it’s begun to open doors for us to influence leaders in cities that are new for us.

The Waymaker Brings the Increase
Pastor Roberto & Yolanda on the Big Island. Join us in praying for this wonderful couple and their family. We pray for the Lord’s healing touch on them.

It’s an answer to prayer, because we have been praying for increase. We’ve been praying that the Beyond part of our vision will grow, and that the Lord will make a way. He is the waymaker, as the popular Michael W. Smith song proclaims. It’s so good to see Jesus at work in the lives of men and women.

On Saturday Dawn and I spent over an hour praying with a pastor and his wife from the Big Island, *Roberto and *Yolanda (Not their real names). Roberto has diabetes and because of the ongoing crisis there is a shortage of so many things including medical items like insulin and antibiotics. We felt very concerned for Roberto when he told us that he was running out of insulin, and there wasn’t a way to get more, so we set up a time to met and pray with him and his wife. We prayed for healing and the Lord’s provision. Roberto and Yolanda were moved to tears as we prayed. When we were done Roberto said that he felt better, and as I’ve kept in touch with him this week he’s continued to improve!

Roberto and Yolanda just told us this morning that they don’t have anymore insulin! Prayer for healing and God’s provision is URGENT!

Please join us in prayer for Roberto and Yolanda and so many others who are hurting and having to go without on the Big Island. Send a gift today to help meet these needs, so that we can continue to send aid to our beautiful familia.

Outreach Through Alpha
Zoom meeting for Alpha training

Last night we had five church planters throughout Mexico who are taking an online Alpha class with us so that they can learn how to reach out in their communities even while they are faced with the limitations that we living with. Two more pastors told me today that they would also like to go through this training.

I must admit on the one hand I’m frustrated with all the Zoom meetings. At times life seems so busy, even though most of my meetings now take place on my computer in my home office. Yet, I also realize that I am connecting with pastors who live 100’s if not thousands of miles away in places in Mexico like Tapachula, Durango, Culiacán, Hermosillo and La Paz. And as I’ve already mentioned Dawn and I also have regular, even daily contact with our friends and familia on the Big Island.

The Lion is on the Move!
Outreach in Tijuana & Mexicali

God is on the move! There is a lot of swirl going on right now, with the coronavirus, the social unrest and political divide, but I believe there is breakthrough. There are things we can be excited about, but maybe we just have to look a little harder to find them!

Dawn and I continue to pray for, work for and trust the Lord for breakthrough. It is inevitable that the church will grow. His kingdom will be established on earth as it is in heaven! I hope that these words might encourage you. Both Dawn and I hope that the needs especially the lack on the Big Island will move you to be generous and give. Donate today! You can’t believe what a tremendous blessing your generosity is to our familia. The reports and testimonies we are receiving are heart warming.

Click here to donate…

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

A Lively Time! God is at Work

Posted: September 4, 2020 in Christianity, Ministry, Missions, Prayer, Video
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Travel in this New Era
Dave, Dawn and Alice flying to Philadelphia

Dawn and I traveled to the East Coast last week. It was the first time we’ve been on a plane since March. The plane ride wasn’t all that enjoyable wearing a mask the whole way, but it has been good to visit Dawn’s brother and family as well as some friends in Pennsylvania and Maryland. Although we weren’t able to visit as many friends as we would have liked to because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

VBS at New Life in Escondido

One of our partner churches, New Life in Escondido put together a fun video for their VBS featuring our ministry. It’s a lively, upbeat video that I thought you would enjoy seeing. There are some great aerial shots that will give you an idea of some of the places where we are ministering and planting churches. Also, they used some entertaining Latino music that I think you will enjoy!

Join Us in Prayer!

Please pray for our church planters who have a tough job of reaching out during a time when people are afraid, because of the coronavirus. Pray that the Lord will give them the wisdom to connect with people in creative ways. Pray for the tremendous needs that continue to plague those who live on the Big Island. We just received a message this week from one of our church planters on the Big Island telling us that he was being told that his church could no longer meet because they meet in an apartment complex. Pray for the Lord’s care and protection for our familia.

Extend Your Hands to Help!
Some of the families that we’ve extended our hands to help!

Extend your hands to give to the needs and help feed families on the Big Island. The scarcity is heartbreaking, and many of our friends are suffering ill-health as a result of the lack of food. Give through the link below!

Click to donate…

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnBorder.org

A Time to Reset & Refresh!

Posted: August 17, 2020 in Christianity, Family Happenings, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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Our Road Trip to Colorado
Lake Mead – Unfortunately, Hoover Dam was closed, but we were able to stop and see Lake Mead

Dawn and I just returned from a road trip to Colorado to visit our family, David & Emily, and Jonathan & Hannah. It’s always such a joy for us to see our boys with their lovely wives. We wish we could see them more frequently, yet we give thanks for the time that we do have with them.

This summer we especially felt like we needed a break, since both of my parents died in the last few months. I’ve felt heavy at times, and the COVID-19 crisis and all the riots haven’t made it any easier. In some ways it was like breathing a breath of fresh air. It was a time to be refreshed and unwind.

We decided to drive to give us a little more time alone, and to enjoy the scenery. It was a beautiful trip, and although we are worn out now that we are back home it was well worth it.

A Time to Celebrate! 🎉
Jonathan’s graduation celebration. Jonathan with Rich & Liz Blanco (top left); Jonathan & Hannah (top right); Jonathan with David & Emily (bottom right); Jonathan with Dave & Dawn (bottom left).

While we were in Colorado we celebrated Jonathan’s graduation from Grand Canyon University. We are proud of Jonathan for completing his degree while working full time, and getting married. He’s always been a very hard worker, and he showed a lot of perseverance by sticking with it, and finishing his undergrad studies.

Jonathan’s birthday celebration! On the bottom left Dave and Jonathan from a few years ago

Another milestone we celebrated with Jonathan was his 28th birthday on August 8th. Jonathan and Hannah planned out a full day of fun which included, golf, breakfast, BBQ and we ended the night with guys volleyball followed by a delicious birthday cookie.

Apart from the wonderful time with our family we also enjoyed seeing some of our friends. We always wish we could see even more friends. Since we lived in Colorado for 12 years we have a number of amazing friends that we love in the State of the Rockies.

Promoting the Lord’s Good Work
Pastor Federico Muñoz – planting a church with his wife Blanca in Mexicali, Mexico 🇲🇽

I also had the opportunity to meet with some our pastor friends to give an update about the ministry and all that the Lord is doing. Dawn and I are continuing to promote and raise funds for church planting and for the tremendous needs on the Border, the Baja and Beyond which includes the Big Island.

We are so grateful for the generous gifts that have been given. The needs are ongoing. In our communication with our pastor friends the needs for food and basic needs continue on the Big Island. Tourism is one of the main attractions which generates funds for the Island, but the coronavirus has kept the tourist away. Flights into the country are very limited.

Extend Your Hands to Give
One of the pastoral families that we are helping. They have planted 9 churches this year!

Please pray with us for these dear friends and give to help feed these families in need. We’ve now been able to help more than 750 people on the Big Island. We give thanks for that! We couldn’t have done it without your help. Extend your hands to help these wonderful friends.

Click Here to Donate…

In His Grip, David

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

My Mom & Mi Familia Cubana

Posted: March 31, 2020 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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A Tough Transition Back Home
Virginia Diaso – November 5, 1935 – March 19, 2020

Life has been both difficult and crazy since I returned from Cuba. I saw a lot of fruit while I was with my friends on the big island, but I wasn’t prepared for what was waiting on the other side of my trip. I returned close to midnight on Wednesday, March 18. Communication with my family isn’t easy when I’m in Cuba, because there is very little access to the internet. Finally, on my way home, I was able to talk to my brother, John and I found out that my mom didn’t have much time to live.

I hoped and prayed that I could get to Fresno before my mom moved to heaven, but I wasn’t able to make it in time. Thankfully John called me in the morning on Thursday and suggested that I talk while he put the phone up to mom’s ear and I was able to tell her of my love and say good-bye. I’m grateful for that opportunity. Later in the day I called back and talked to my other brother, Greg and right when I got off the phone with him my mom moved to heaven.

Then as everyone knows we’ve had this pandemic Coronavirus going on which has made it challenging to do basic things that we’ve all come to expect. We still haven’t been able to have a graveside service for my mom, because of the all of the restrictions. It’s an odd time, and we definitely appreciate your prayers during this season of our lives.

I wrote a tribute to mom in the last post and you can read it here…

An Amazing Time with Mi familia Cubana
One of the groups of church planters that we trained in Camaguey

My time in Cuba was amazing, and I find that often when the Lord is working through us in a dark place that there is opposition. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised by this anymore.

When I was in Cuba last September I was able to train a number of church planters, and I learned that it would be better to train them in cities closer to where they live. This time we held four training events in four different cities and we had 102 church planters attend. One of the most exciting things is that the Cuban leaders did most of the training. This alone is reason to celebrate, because now they can continue with the work even when I’m not there. Another important consideration is that I’m limited in what I’m allowed to do and I desire to be wise and careful while I’m in the country.

These pastors, many of them lay leaders are such quality people that love the Lord. Most of them have such a deep commitment to the Lord that it motivates me to have more faith and devotion to follow Jesus.

The Church is Growing!
One of the group activities during the training

In one of the cities where I was we worked with a group that has started 16 churches in the last year, and their goal is start 30 by the end of 2020. That’s one of the reasons I come back home so stoked! King Jesus is doing a great work on the big Island despite all the obstacles.

Pray for Us & Our Cuban Familia
Our Cuban familia

I’d appreciate your prayers for our familia. Even when things are normal in Cuba life is difficult. Long lines for basic needs are common. What the US is going through now still doesn’t match what the average Cuban experiences on daily basis. Yet, God in his marvelous mercy is at work.

The churches can only meet in very small groups now with the Coronavirus and they don’t have the same access to the internet that we have. Pray for the Lord’s care and provision for them during this time. Many of our friends have asked us to pray them as they’ve shared their growing struggles, and how the quarantine has made things worse.

Look to the Father in this Season
Dave & Dawn

I feel like the Lord wants to wake the church up during this season. My prayer is that we will use this time to strengthen our families and to spend more time with the Lord. Grow in your intimacy with the Father. He is calling all of us to the secret place!

He will care for you as he promises to do.

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.'”

Psalm 91:1,2 ESV

Thanks so much for joining Dawn and me on this journey of faith. I would like to write more about my time in Cuba in my next post. There are many magnificent stories to tell.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Our Cuban Familia – Pray!

Posted: March 6, 2020 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
Tags: , ,
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My Trip to Cuba
Dave with Mario & Yany

I’m on my way to Cuba to encourage our growing familia. They are people that Dawn and I have come to love. Every time we are on this big island we see the Spirit breakthrough! So I go expectantly.

Dawn is not able to join me on this trip. She is staying home to care for her mom. It’s been a new season for us since Dawn’s mom, Alice has come to live with us. Dawn isn’t able to travel with me as much.

The Lord is opening of some doors and ways for Dawn to join me on some my upcoming trips. We are also praying about the possibility of both them joining me on my next trip to Cuba in June. You can help us by praying that the Lord will show us the way, and make it clear to us. I think it could be a wonderful opportunity! Dawn’s mom still has an adventurous spirit after living in the Ukraine for 20 years.

I’d also appreciate prayer for my time with our familia in Cuba. I will be in four different cities after I land in Havana. First I will go to Sibanicu and Camaguey with Luis and May. Then I will go to Cabaiguan with Mario and Yany. I will end my trip in Jatibonico with Justo and Sara. While there I will have the opportunity to see and encourage a number of our friends.

Join us in Prayer
Dave & Dawn on this journey together
  • Pray for Dawn and her mom, Alice while I’m away.
  • Pray for our family including David and Emily, Jonathan and Hannah and my parents Ron and Virginia.
  • Our son David has had some health issues recently that we are concerned about, and we would ask prayer for his health and healing.
  • Pray for the Lord’s protection while I’m in Cuba.
  • Pray for His Spirit to breakthrough and to minister and encourage our Cuban family and friends.
  • I will be in Cuba until March 18th, and I usually have little to no internet access while there, which makes communication sparse.

In His Loving Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

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