Posts Tagged ‘Village Seven Presbyterian Church’

The Church is Advancing in Mexicali & Beyond!

Posted: February 8, 2021 in Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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The Good News of God’s Unfolding Plan
Pastor Federico Muñoz leading an outreach in Mexicali, Mexico

Today (Sunday) Dawn and I had the opportunity to participate in our first online virtual missions conference with Village Seven Presbyterian Church in Colorado Springs. We would have loved to have been with everyone in person, and it would have been nice to see our family there as well, but we did enjoy our time with our Village Seven family.

Dawn and I love getting the news out about what God is doing on the Border, the Baja, and Beyond! It encourages us when others show an interest in what we are doing. It’s fun to tell the story! Really when you think about it, God’s unfolding plan and work is the best story to tell. We thank you for your interest in this ministry and what Jesus is doing through us.

Today I thought I would share one of the videos that I showed to Village Seven. This video highlights the church planting work of Pastor Federico & Blanca Muñoz. They are planting a church in Mexicali, Mexico. It’s so good to see the Lord build His church through them!

Video: Mexicali Church Plant
Federico & Blanca Muñoz – church planting in Mexicali, Mexico
Join us in Prayer!

Pray for Federico and Blanca as they share the love of Christ in Mexicali. Pray that the Lord gives them more contacts and creative ideas for reaching out. Pray that they see a breakthrough this year!

Extend your hands to help our church planters on the Border, the Baja, and Beyond! Donate today by clicking on the link below.

Click here to donate

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Worship in Tijuana!

Posted: June 15, 2018 in Christianity, Ministry, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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Worship: A Dream Come True

The group that attended the worship workshop in Tijuana

The group that attended the worship workshop in Tijuana

When we first began planning and preparing for our worship workshop there was much excitement. Pastor Tury Nuñez said, “this is a dream come true.” I believed that it could be a game changer for many of our congregations in Tijuana, Ensenada, and Mexicali.

Mark Tedder who leads worship at Village 7 Presbyterian Church in Colorado Springs agreed to come and lead a worship workshop for us in Tijuana. Apart from leading worship at Village 7 Mark also has a ministry called, worship planet. Worship planet leads seminars and workshops around the world. Just in this year alone, they’ve already trained worship leaders in China, England and now Mexico.

A Wonderful Team of Worship Leaders

Mark Tedder with his team of worship leaders, Paul Assante, Josh Smith, Mark David, and Lesli and Eric Goetze

Mark Tedder with his team of worship leaders, Paul Assante, Josh Smith, Mark David, and Lesli and Eric Goetze

A group of 5 other musicians and worship leaders came to Tijuana with Mark to form their team. They are all very talented and loving musicians. Dawn and I loved getting to know them.

Mark and his team did a wonderful job leading the group through a variety of exercises and breakout sessions to help them grow and to be better prepared to lead in worship.

Refreshing Time of Worship!

Mark Tedder and Abby Nuñez leading us in worship in Tijuana

Mark Tedder and Abby Nuñez leading us in worship in Tijuana

One of the side benefits for me is that I had some wonderful opportunities to worship. My soul and spirit were filled up daily as we worshipped the Lord together. I didn’t really think of that benefit when we planned everything out. Yet, I found my soul and spirit being drawn into worship. It was a refreshing and uplifting time.

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!
     Serve the Lord with gladness!
    Come into his presence with singing! (Psalm 100:1,2 ESV)

Pray for God’s Continued Work of Renewal in Worship

The group learning about worship through an interactive activity

The group learning about worship through an interactive activity

Our prayer is that those that came to the workshop will continue to improve as they lead in their churches. They learned about flow and how to bring the people into the presence of the Lord.

Pray with us that this will only be the beginning, the first step towards helping these churches have a more vibrant, alive and meaningful worship experiences. We would even pray that the Lord might use humble leaders to aid the churches and the people into worship of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

 

Promoting Missions in Cold Colorado!

Posted: February 16, 2018 in Christianity, Ministry, Ministry Partners, Missions, Prayer
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Dave and Dawn in the middle with fellow MTW Mexico missionaries, Jamie and Jen Burkemper, Dan and Becky Young

Dave and Dawn in the middle with fellow MTW Mexico missionaries, Jamie and Jen Burkemper, Dan and Becky Young

I hardly have time to reflect on and write about our last trip before we are on to the next trip. Dawn and I just returned from cold Colorado. I must admit that we’ve gotten soft now that we are living on the border with year-round mild temperatures.

We were in Colorado Springs for Village 7’s missions conference. A number of good things happened while in the Springs. We give thanks for God’s many good gifts:

  • Wonderful opportunities to pray with and for others
  • We got to see many of our very close and special friends
  • We had a wonderful time with our son, Jonathan
  • The Lord gave us many opportunities to tell our story, and about all that He is doing on the Border, The Baja and Beyond
  • Many MTW colleagues and friends from other missions organizations were at the conference
  • Despite the cold, the mountains in Colorado are breathtaking

We loved being able to see our son, Jonathan. His dog, Cesar joined us for this photo!

We loved being able to see our son, Jonathan. His dog, Cesar joined us for this photo!

When we are in Colorado we are always reminded of Hannah. There were a number of friends who we saw for the first time since Hannah moved to heaven. Dawn and I love to talk about our daughter, and yet it does bring up some emotions for us. I’m grateful for the Lord’s good and loving healing in our lives. When I think of how fragile we seemed last year at this time. God has been so good, and he is giving us strength as we continue to walk on this journey.

We came home just for a few days to catch our breath, but now we are off to Guadalajara for the weekend. We will be participating in the 20 year anniversary of one of the churches that our colleague and friend, Kenton Wood started. The Lord has used Kenton in some amazing ways over the years to see many won to Christ and discipled into the kingdom. His church, Rey de Reyes, “King of Kings” has started eight other churches as well.

Promoting the ministry on the Border, the Baja and Beyond!

Promoting the ministry on the Border, the Baja and Beyond!

We give thanks for the Lord’s good work, and we pray for more. More Lord, give us more!

Dawn and I appreciate your continued and ongoing prayer for us. Every day I feel like the Lord shows me the importance of prayer. It’s like air, we can’t live without it. Breathe in deeply God’s love and his grace. Let us all grow together as we approach the throne of God, a throne filled mercy and grace!

In His Loving Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Healing Through Tears

Posted: July 22, 2017 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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We Began The Trip With Some Fear

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Special Moments with dear friends

Dawn and I felt some apprehension as we returned to Colorado for the first time since Hannah moved to heaven. We saw many dear friends, who love us. Through tears Dawn and I retold the story of how Hannah passed from this life to the next. I would say it wasn’t an easy trip, but God showed up as he always does. He brought healing through our tears.

Maybe what we didn’t expect is as we shared our hearts, and friends empathized with us it strengthened us. We were afraid of being pulled down into the valley of the shadow of death, but rather the Lord lifted us up.

Comforted in Our Grieving

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Thankful for Opportunities to share our story like pictured here at Village 7 

Upon arriving to Colorado Springs we attended a conference for grieving parents. Then the next day, Dawn participated in a workshop of grieving mothers. When she arrived Saturday morning and saw all the pictures that had been made into button to be pinned on their clothes. Photos of all the children that passed away too early from our perspective. When Dawn saw those, she lost it. She wasn’t sure she would be able to make it through the workshop. Yet, the women were very loving and supportive and once she got through that she had a great day.

Overall, it was so good to see our friends. We loved visiting with people who care for us, friends who have been praying for us!

 

We enjoyed speaking in two churches, Cheyenne Mountain and Village Seven. We shared our story with them and many others. We told how our hearts still ache for the loss of our precious Hannah. Yet, that’s not the whole story, because the Lord has been healing and redeeming Hannah’s untimely passing.

Encouraged by All That The Lord is Doing

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Raising Funds for the Hannah Diaso Memorial Church!

It encouraged us as we shared about the changed lives through the church planting work and other ministries on the border, the Baja and Beyond. I think it lifted our spirits, because those who came, and listened were excited with us and for us. Also, we challenged people with getting involved in helping us to raise the funds, $30,000 so we can plant a new church in early 2018 that will be a memorial church. A church to honor Hannah’s memory and her legacy! In doing so we know that it will also bring glory to our loving Father.

Dawn and I realized anew that we can’t do what we do without an army of friends standing with us!

An Exciting Week Lies Ahead of Us

 

It seems like we just got back home in time to catch our breath, as we head out today to Ensenada with Skyview Presbyterian for a week of ministry. Pray for our time there, and that the Lord will use it in a powerful way to extend his kingdom in Baja California.

Yes, we were afraid, but God came through again. He rescued us, and he continues to redeem our pain and our suffering for that we give thanks!

Thank you as well, dear friend! What would we do without your faithful prayers and encouragement?

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

VBS Fun in City Heights

Posted: August 2, 2013 in Bright Spots on the Border, Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Prayer, San Diego
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One of the Summer Highlights – VBS!

David having fun at VBS

David having fun at VBS

We are in the middle of weekly summer VBS in City Heights.

Our son, David Jr. is leading VBS for Harbor. He’s got a great team working with him, and they are off to an awesome start.

Dawn and I were in Mexico last week, so we weren’t able to join them.  Yet we got a good idea of how well things went when we saw all the smiles in the pictures. They told the story.

God Used Village 7 Church in Colorado as a Training Ground

VBS at Colina Park in City Heights

VBS at Colina Park in City Heights

The three of our children, David, Jon and Hannah spent the last 12 summers enjoying a super VBS program that Village Seven Presbyterian Church put on in Colorado Springs. It was one of the highlights of the summer for them. David contacted Robin Gorab who’s led the children’s ministry at V7 for many years. Robin gave David some of the material she developed to help him plan out and direct the VBS here. The theme they chose is Upward Bound!

It’s so encouraging to see our kids contributing to kingdom work. We are also thrilled that the gospel is going forth and touching the lives of many children in the City Heights neighborhood.

Pray for God’s Continued Blessing

Pray with us that the Lord uses VBS to bring positive change to the children and their families!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Blessed Kingdom Visits!

Posted: May 25, 2012 in Christianity, Church Planting, God's Leading, Ministry, Ministry Partners, Missions, Prayer, San Diego, Team Members, Tijuana
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Ray, Zach and Gene

Ray, Zach and Gene

Over the last few days while I’ve been in San Diego we’ve had some wonderful people visiting us. Gene Bowman, BEAMM‘s coordinator is with us until Friday. Kelly and Kate Mulholland missionaries with Cru to Ireland were with us on Tuesday and Wednesday. Zach Lutz, our intern just arrived!

Ray Call and I have been able to introduce Gene, Kelly and Kate to a number of people we are working with. I love being able to connect people. Seeing them get excited as they learn what God is doing on the border.

It’s Gene’s first visit with us. Gene and LuAnn are beginning to make some transitions in ministry themselves, but even with that I’ve been overjoyed to have him meet our ministry partners. It’s been exciting for all of us to see the Lord at work. God is definitely on the move in this great bi-national city of San Diego – Tijuana. We long to see him do more, and touch this city socially, culturally and spiritually.

Dave with Kelly and Kate Mulholland

Dave with Kelly and Kate Mulholland

Dawn and I know Kelly and Kate from Village Seven Presbyterian Church in Colorado Springs. It’s been a special treat to have them meet our friends and see what we are doing. They have faithfully served the Lord in Spain and are now serving in Ireland. I always enjoy connecting with friends and fellow missionaries. We love Kelly and Kate, and we pray the Lord’s rich and special blessing as they love and serve Him!

Who knows maybe someday the Lord will give us the privilege and opportunity to serve Him together on the border. We keep praying for the Lord to build our team, to bring workers. We trust that He will draw the right people at the right time!

Thank you Jesus for your holy and powerful work. Thank you for giving us such outstanding partners and friends. We couldn’t do this work without the encouragement of so many friends.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeontheBorder.org

What are You Living For? What are You Passionate About?

Posted: April 15, 2012 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Reflections & Musings
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God’s passion is for the lost. Jesus said,

“I came to seek and save the lost.”

Pastor Mark Bates at Village Seven

Pastor Mark Bates at Village Seven

In Luke 15 the Father shows His heart for the those that are without Christ. The lost coin, the lost sheep and the lost son all illustrate the Father’s love. Jesus said the shepherd would leave the 99 for the 1. Even though 99% were safe, he’d go for that one lost sheep. It should encourage us learning of the Father’s love for the those that have wandered away.

Today, our pastor at Village Seven Presbyterian Church, Mark Bates, shared a great sermon. It inspired me! He said that it was a recycled sermon that he first heard from Randy Pope, pastor of Perimeter Church in Atlanta.

I liked it so much I thought I’d highlight some of my take aways from this morning. I think good sermons should be recycled!

The sermon was from 1 Corinthians 9:19-27. The focus was on verses 19 & 22.

“For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them… I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.”

Paul says he has made himself a slave to all. He’s a slave to Christ. As he follows Christ he too has a passion to win men and women for the kingdom. He recognizes the needs of the lost become more important than the needs of the found. This is alluded to in the parables of the lost coin, lost sheep and lost son mentioned above.

Paul is willing to do whatever it takes to reach those outside the church. Those in need of Christ. We are to do the same. Notice his emphasis here. “I have become ALL things to ALL people, that by ALL means I might save some.” Any unnecessary barriers that keep people from coming to Christ must be removed. We do not exist for ourselves. We exist for the kingdom. What will we choose our comfort, or to join Christ in His mission?

In the last part of 1 Corinthians 9, Paul issues a challenge to the church in verses 24 – 27.

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”

Paul has a laser beam focus. He knows what he is serving for. He exhorts us to follow him as he disciplines, beats, punishes his body so that he might finish the race, and not be disqualified. Instead of running for a prize that is perishable, we discipline ourselves for something that lasts forever. We live for Christ.

This sermon pumped me up. I told Mark that even missionaries need mission focused sermons. I know for me it strengthens and reaffirms my faith, and my calling to serve him.

I hope it does the same for you!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeontheBorder.org

BEAMM Launch Lunch

Posted: September 21, 2011 in Journey, Team Members
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Gene Bowman @ V7

This past Sunday we had a BEAMM Launch Lunch. It was an opportunity to share with friends mostly from Village Seven Presbyterian Church about BEAMM, E4 teams, and our work on the border. We also raised some money to help launch us off to the border. Gene Bowman, BEAMM’s coordinator came up from El Paso to share in the event.

Gene spoke about the challenges we have on the border. Here are some of the stark statistics. There are 8,500 orphans, 30,000 abandoned homes, and an average of 8 people killed a day on the border. Yet as Gene shared there is hope, because of the transforming power of the Gospel. It is really the only true hope. A number of lives have already been transformed, and we are praying that we will see a spiritual tsunami that sweeps across the border.

We also need workers to see the gospel go forth on the border. We are recruiting E4 teams. The concept is based on Ephesians 4:11,12, which says, “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up the body of Christ…” The idea is that we need people with different gifts to see the church equipped and grow, as the gospel goes forth.

Dave speaking at the BEAMM Launch Lunch

The Lord brought a good group of people to the lunch, and we had some great friends helping us to pull off the lunch. Just putting this lunch together was a good model of how the body of Christ works. Thank you Jesus, for good friends who are gifted, and willing to help! It was so encouraging for Dawn and me to have so many pitching in to pull the lunch off. It was also a huge blessing to have a such a good group come out to support us through the event!

The Lord keeps moving us closer to being on the border. We are still waiting for our house to sell, so we can move. Thanks for praying for our family, and for the sell of our home. We are confident it will come together in His good and perfect timing.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeontheBorder.org