Posts Tagged ‘Valle Verde’

A Joyful New Church

Posted: April 12, 2014 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer, Tijuana
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There is Joy in the Church
Pastor Daniel Nuñez & Pastor Ivan Casados

Pastor Daniel Nuñez & Pastor Ivan Casados

Today we head back down to Tijuana to finish the church building that we started last week. Our group from Harbor is about the same size this week, 40 people.

I talked to pastor Ivan on Friday and he was joyful. I asked him if they were ready for us, and he assured me that they were more than ready. It put a smile on my face to hear his excitement.

We build the church on the rock, which is Christ our Lord!

What a wonderful time of year to see the church grow as we celebrate the resurrection. Pastor Ivan is planning on having their inaugural service on Palm Sunday. Dawn and I hope to be there to celebrate with them.

The 20th Church for Lo Mejor del Trigo!
Before and after with the whole group in front of the church before we left

Before and after with the whole group in front of the church before we left last Saturday

This is the third church that Harbor and Lo Mejor del Trigo have planted together. It’s the 20th church for Lo Mejor del Trigo. Pastor Daniel Nuñez’s vision is to plant 50 churches in his lifetime. I think he might exceed that, although he tells me that the Lord told him 50. It will be fun to see God provide and to be involved in helping his church grow.

Pray for a good day in Valle Verde. Lord protect us, and to give everyone a wonderful experience. We’d all love a short wait crossing back into the States at the border!

Thanks for joining us on this journey.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

 

Wow! How did it Happen so Quickly?

Posted: April 7, 2014 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Ministry Partners, Missions, Prayer, Tijuana
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The Kingdom Expands
Daniel Nuñez directing our group at the start of the day

Daniel Nuñez directing our group at the start of the day

Wow! was the common sentiment expressed on Saturday and Sunday. The quick progress left our group of 40 that went down to Tijuana on Saturday amazed.

When we arrived in the morning there was only the concrete slab for the foundation, and a lot of lumber lying around. Once we got to work the building progressed quickly. Pastor Daniel Nuñez and part-time foreman did an outstanding job directing us.

I didn’t hear one complaint the whole trip, which doesn’t happen all the time. God truly answered our prayers. Thanks so much for joining us in prayer.

God Works Through Our Weaknesses
Dave & David Jr. (I loved having my son with us!)

Dave & David Jr. (I loved having my son with us!)

When I put these trips together I must admit that sometimes I stress over the details coming together. I got frustrated last week when I was working on organizing the trip. Things shouldn’t have bothered me as much as they did, but I let them get the best of me.

I’m confessing my own sinful struggles, but also proclaiming the Lord’s faithfulness to work through my weaknesses to bring everything together.

The Church is Standing!
Everybody working hard to get the church built

Everybody working hard to get the church built

By the time we left the work site on Saturday afternoon the church was standing, and had a covered roof. Amazing that we could get so much accomplished in one day. It’s a testament to Daniel and his crew’s hard work at directing us and working with us.

Now we are excited to go back this next Saturday to finish the job. We will put the shingles on the roof and put up all the dry wall.

Some of the favorite parts of the trip for me are watching as our team worked so hard, and worked so well together. I loved meeting more of the people from the church, and seeing how happy pastor Ivan and his wife Rocio were. It was wonderful to get to know Ivan’s dad and brother as well.

The church made us a wonderful lunch – fish tacos with great salsa.

Before and after with the whole group in front of the church before we left

Before and after with the whole group in front of the church before we left

Thank you Jesus for the good work that you are doing. Next Sunday, April 13th Ivan and Rocio are planning on having their inaugural service in the new church building.

I’m hoping that it will be a little easier this week preparing for the trip. I was able to get most of the work done last week, so I’m grateful for that.

Pray that this next week will go as well or better than this last Saturday went.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

What are We Excited About?

Posted: April 4, 2014 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Ministry Partners, Missions, Prayer, Tijuana
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Excited About the Church in Valle Verde
Ivan and Dave at the church site surrounded by all the building materials

Ivan and Dave at the church site surrounded by all the building materials

I think it’s fun to be involved in the start of something new. There is so much potential for good things to happen. This is definitely the case with the start of the new church in Valle Verde.

Today (Thursday) I went to see pastor Ivan at the church site. It was exhilarating to see the materials at the site, and all the prep work that has been done for the church build. Ivan is excited to begin the work on his new church.

Eleven people including the following pastors, Ivan Casados, Daniel Nuñez and Rodrigo Vallarta all worked on preparing the church to be ready for our group when we descend on Tijuana in Valle Verde this Saturday. We have 40 people who will be coming down to build the church this Saturday. Then on April 12th we have another 50 people ready to finish up the work.

Ivan and his brother are spending the night to watch over all the materials to make sure that no one takes it, since it is out in the open. I feel for Ivan as he’s going to end up spending three nights out on guard.

Excited About the Gospel Going Forth
Rodrigo Vallarta, Tury Nuñez, Scott Griffis, Daniel Nuñez and Ivan Casados getting the roof beams ready

Rodrigo Vallarta, Tury Nuñez, Scott Griffiths, Daniel Nuñez and Ivan Casados getting the roof beams ready for Saturday

Just think of all this church represents. All the people who have worked to get it to this point. The lives that have already been touched by the gospel. The Word of God that will be preached from the pulpit of this church. Heaven will rejoice as new people are won into the kingdom of God.

As heaven rejoices, we will rejoice. “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Lord, extend your kingdom and bring heaven to earth.

Pray for God’s protection for all that go on this trip, and that the Lord will use this church in a powerful way to touch those who live in the surrounding community.

In HIs Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

A New Season & A New Church

Posted: March 31, 2014 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer, San Diego, Tijuana
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Baseball & Church Planting
Dave with Pastor Ivan

Dave with Pastor Ivan on the foundation for the new church plant

I’m excited about two events that are going on this week. One is the beginning of baseball season, and second is the building of the new church in Tijuana.

On Tuesday I will be with some church planters to discuss church planting in Southern California and Tijuana. Then after the meeting we’ll go to a baseball game together. That’s like a day made in heaven!

Hope for Valle Verde

As much as I may enjoy baseball, the new church is even better. When you think of all the lives that will be touched, and the people who will be reached for the kingdom in the community of Valle Verde in Tijuana. Wow! What a privilege to play a part in that.

Join Us in Prayer
Meeting on Sunday with some of the people that will be going to build the church in TJ

Meeting on Sunday with some of the people that will be going to build the church in TJ

Pray with us for all the details as we make the final preparations for our trip to Tijuana with a group from the Harbor network of churches on April 5th and 12th. I’m still working on setting up all the van transportation, and getting all the insurance forms filled out. The details aren’t the fun part of the trip for me, but very necessary if we wish to have a successful trip.

Our church planting couple Ivan and Rocio Casados just got back from the church planting assessment center in Monterrey, Mexico. They did very well there, and told me that it was a real blessing for them to be there. Ivan said that they were able to learn more about themselves and church planting through their time in Monterrey.

Thank you Jesus for your good work!

One of the many things that encourages me as we serve here on the border is that the longer we are here the more we learn and we are able to improve. God’s grace enters in and allows us to do an even better work.

Rejoice with us! Pray for a wonderful two weekends and a Spirit  inspired launch of this new church plant.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

 

 

Building for the Kingdom!

Posted: March 24, 2014 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Ministry Partners, Missions, Prayer, Tijuana
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A New Church is Born
Pastor Ivan Casados with Pastor Daniel Nuñez on the new church's foundation

Pastor Ivan Casados with Pastor Daniel Nuñez on the new church’s foundation

On Friday afternoon pastor Daniel Nuñez and his wife, Yolanda and I went to visit pastor Ivan Casados at the new church plant site in Valle Verde. They just poured the slab for the foundation last week, so it’s exciting to see the progress on the building.

Ivan gave us a good report about how excited his people are about the construction for the church. It will give them more visibility in the community and create the opportunity for them to reach new and different people.

We are praying that we will have the majority of the church building completed in time for their first service on April 13th, Palm Sunday. Join us in prayer that the Lord will bring everything together for his glory, and that the church will reach their neighbors as the gospel goes forth.

Training Our Pastors
Rocio & Ivan - Please pray for them as they lead this new work

Rocio & Ivan – Please pray for them as they lead this new work

Pastor Ivan and his wife, Rocio are heading to Monterrey, Mexico today for a church planting assessment center. This will help them to discover their strengths and weaknesses, which will be a tool to aid them in being better church planters.

I was planning on going with Ivan and Rocio, but because of the trials my family is going through right now many friends and co-workers counseled me that it would be better for me to not attend this time around. I’ve worked with Ivan and Rocio and talked to other friends that will be there to make sure they will be well taken care of and have a good experience.

The assessment center is part of our larger plan to better equip our church planters. The next step will be incubator training that they will attend in the fall.

I’m thrilled that even though we’ve only been on the border for a year and a half that the Lord is moving this forward, and new works are springing up.

The Church Moves Forward on Her Knees

We should attempt great things for God, but in doing so we need much prayer.

Dave with Pastor Ivan

Dave with Pastor Ivan

Here are some specific prayer requests:

  1. Ivan & Rocio’s travel to and from Monterrey, Mexico and for a great experience at the assessment center.
  2. For all the details to come together in the building of this new church.
  3. We will be doing the majority of building on April 5th and 12th.
  4. I’m working on recruiting and organizing 50 – 60 people who will be coming down to build the church.
  5. Transportation – that we have enough for everyone, and that we don’t have any trouble getting to the site.
  6. That God will protect everyone that goes on the trip, and that they will all have a great experience.
  7. That the Lord will use this for his kingdom and his church will grow in Tijuana.
  8. That the Valle Verde church has a wonderful opening church celebration on April 13th.

 

Thanks so much dear friends. I don’t know what we would do without your prayer covering!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

It’s Going to Happen!

Posted: February 7, 2014 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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God is at Work Through Our Weaknesses

Despite the trials we’ve been experiencing there are some wonderful things that the Lord is doing! Yes, God does works through our weaknesses.

A New Church Plant!
Pastor Ivan Casados with the land for the new church site behind him

Pastor Ivan Casados with the land for the new church site behind him

On Thursday I had a great meeting with two of my colleagues and we got excited about the new initiatives we feel the Lord is leading us to take on this year. God has provided the funding for us to start to new church planting project in Tijuana.

The pastor that will be leading this plant is Ivan Casados and his wife is Rocio. They are choice servants of the Lord. The church plant is in an area of Tijuana called Valle Verde, which means Green Valley. It’s a misnomer, because there isn’t much green in the valley.

At the moment I’m working with Ivan on going through an evaluation process to enable him to be better prepared to lead the church plant.

We’ve been working on putting this project together since the Fall, and we’ve had a few set backs along the way. It makes it all the sweeter to see this coming together.

April Launch for New Plant

We are planning on building the church in April. Please join us in prayer as we continue to work on making this happen all for the glory of God that his kingdom will be expanded on earth as it is in heaven!

Grateful for Prayer

Thank you for all the encouragement as my family and I have been going through a difficult season. Things are definitely getting better, and we know the Lord is hearing and honoring your prayers. We are not out of the woods yet, so your prayers continue to be huge for us.

We are looking to Jesus and thankful for friends as we endure this storm of life.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

A New Journey Begins!

Posted: January 6, 2014 in Bright Spots on the Border, Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Ministry Partners, Prayer, Tijuana
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God’s Continued Work in 2014
Dave with Pastor Ivan, Pastor Jose Luis and Pastor Daniel Nuñez

Dave with Pastor Ivan, Pastor Jose Luis and Pastor Daniel Nuñez on the new church plant site

I’m still reflecting some on all that God did in 2013. The Lord’s mighty deeds encourage my heart, and I hope it will lift your spirits as well.

One of the projects that we began in 2013 that I’m very excited about going into 2014 is a new church plant in Tijuana. We are working with Daniel Nuñez (Lo Mejor del Trigo, “The Best of the Wheat“) and Harbor to start a new work in Valle Verde. The pastor of this new work is Ivan Casados.

We’ve had some set backs in getting this project up and running, but our hope is to get this new church off to a strong start in the next month or so.

Pray For God to Bring Things Together

We appreciate your prayers for pastor Ivan Casados and his wife, Rocio as they lead this new work. Pray God brings all the resources together, so we can move this church plant forward.

One of the reasons that I get stoked about church planting is that as C. Peter Wagner has said,

“Church Planting is the best methodology of evangelism under the sun.”          Church Planting for a Greater Harvest (Ventura, Calif.: Regal Books, 1990), 11.

A Changed Life
Pastor Ivan Casados with the land for the new church site behind him

Pastor Ivan Casados with the land for the new church site behind him

I love the stories of changed lives that come from our church planters.

Ivan shared this story with me lately of someone who his wife, Rocio reached out to. Rocio went out with a group from the church to visit neighbors in the community where they are starting the new church. Rocio met Veronica, and asked her if she could pray for her. Veronica said she was nervous about her upcoming back surgery.

Rocio prayed and Veronica felt God’s peace which gave her strength and carried her through the operation. Through the witness of Rocio and the prayer and loving support of the church Veronica gave her life to Jesus. Then her husband, Saul and her son, Samuel came to Christ. Now they are becoming an integral part of the church.

Pray for many more people like Veronica and Saul to come to know the Savior, and see their lives transformed. We’d love to see the Lord do a mighty work through this church in 2014 and beyond!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

It Starts with Vision: A New Church

Posted: October 4, 2013 in Bright Spots on the Border, Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Ministry Partners, Missions, Prayer, Tijuana
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A New Church in Valle Verde
Dave with Pastor Ivan, Pastor Jose Luis and Pastor Daniel Nuñez

Dave with Pastor Ivan, Pastor Jose Luis and Pastor Daniel Nuñez on the new church plant site

Earlier this week I met with Daniel Nuñez in Tijuana, and we visited a new site for a church plant. The site is in an area of the city called Valle de Verde, which means Green Valley. It’s not very green now ;).

We also met with the pastor that is already working on starting up this new work. Pastor Ivan Casados and his wife, Rocio. Pastor Ivan has started up a small group that will be the committed core for this church. A number of these people a from an area nearby called, Rivera del Bosque, which means brook of the forest, so they’d like to call the church Lo Mejor del Trigo – Rivera del Bosque.

I love the passion that Daniel and pastors he’s working with have for reaching lost people and starting churches to minister to them all throughout the city.

Praying for an Improved System for Church Planting

Daniel and I just came back from a vision trip to Monterrey, Mexico. We were both very encouraged to see the system that the Center for Church Planting has in place. They are doing a great job at assessing, coaching and training their church planters. We’d love to develop a stronger system to sustain the movement of church planting on the border.

Join Us in Prayer for This New Work
Pastor Ivan Casados with the land for the new church site behind him

Pastor Ivan Casados with the land for the new church site behind him

While we were at the church planting site, we stopped to take some time to pray. We do want to lift up this new work, and ask the Lord to go before Pastor Ivan and his wife, Rocio to see many won to Christ and a strong church planted in the community of Valle Verde. O that this church would be a city set on a hill for this community!

Pray with us that God will work powerfully through Ivan and Rocio and all those involved in this project.

We also need wisdom as we work on bringing all the loose parts together to get this off the ground. Lord, enable us to do a better job of training and caring for our pastors, so we can do a better job of loving the city!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org