Posts Tagged ‘World Missions’

God’s Mission in Wyoming & Colorado and Beyond
Dave sharing about missions on the border with Cheyenne Moutain Presbyterian Church

Dave sharing about missions on the border with Cheyenne Mountain Presbyterian Church

This last weekend I was in Lander, Wyoming and Colorado Springs, Colorado. While there I had the opportunity to present what God is doing on the border, in the Baja and around the world.

The Lord strengthened my spirit as he opened doors for me to challenge pastors, leaders and interested church members to consider the cause of world missions. God has been reminding me that part of my calling is to ring the bell for missions.

I find that most of us get so focused on where we live and work that we fail to look up and see the marvelous works God is about all around the world.

World Missions on the Border

I love what I do and our work on the San Diego – Tijuana borders. It’s the largest bi-national city in the world. The needs are overwhelming, yet the church is growing. There is advance. God is at work.

We have helped start three churches in the last three years, and we are connected to other new works. There are four new works we hope to start in three different cities in Baja California in the next three years.

Transformed Lives
Dave with Pastor Ivan Casados

Dave with Pastor Ivan Casados

These churches represent transformed lives and works of compassion. One of my favorite stories is How the gospel is reaching a family in Ivan Casados church, which we just help start. last April. Joanna tried to commit suicide. One of her neighbors who attends Ivan’s church found out about it. She shared the gospel with Joanna, and invited her to come to church. Joanna came to Christ and her husband has also started coming to church.

They are new believers with a lot of challenges. They are in need of much prayer and care, but God is making a difference in the life of this family!

The Encouraging Advance of the Gospel

When I interact with other missionaries who are serving around the world I hear their stories. Stories of how the gospel is entering in and transforming lives.

As you pray for, support financially and bring the blessing of encouragement you play a part in God’s bigger and ever-expanding story around the world. You are connected to the expansion of the Lord’s kingdom where you and as it goes into the outermost parts of the world.

Praise be to God!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

God is on the Move
The fascinating country of Cambodia

The fascinating country of Cambodia

I feel very encouraged about how I see God working around the world and that he is using Mission to the World (MTW) among other missions organizations to advance the kingdom of God. I’m in Cambodia for MTW’s worldwide leadership conference. It’s so good to be with so many missionaries who are serving all over the world.

The Importance of a Humility

Earlier today, Dr. Lloyd Kim the new coordinator for MTW spoke on Matthew 6:5-9. In this passage Jesus warns his disciples not to pray like the hypocrites. Dr. Kim warned us of the dangers of being in professional ministry. It’s easy to become cynical and to just go through the motions. God calls us to be humble and to be broken before him.

This is the way of the cross and the way of the gospel.

It was a helpful reminder for me and all my colleagues. We are about a great task, taking the gospel to the nations.

Striking Contrasts between Japan and Cambodia
Some of the foreign gods of Cambodia

Some of the foreign gods of Cambodia

I just left Japan which is the 2nd largest unreached nation in the world. Now I’m in Cambodia a world with many foreign gods. There are reminders all around the hotel we are staying at. Even though there is much work to be done in this nation it is one of the places where the gospel is growing fastest in the world.

What a contrast! I don’t understand fully understand the great why one country is so responsive and another is so cold to the gospel of Christ!

Our Hope!

We are not without hope, because the message we proclaim is a hope filled message. Our job is to sow the seed. We need to learn how to sow it more effectively, but it must be done.

When I’m around so many talented and gifted leaders I often feel different emotions. If I compare myself to them I begin to feel insecure. I don’t stack up! I must remind myself of Christ, and that my worth is in him.

I also feel humbled when I sit around the table with these choice men and women and hear their stories. Dedicate servants who have given their lives to serving the Lord.

Of course as Lloyd Kim reminded us in the morning we are broken people. We all need the gospel and we need it daily.

My Prayer

O Lord, use me in spite of my own brokenness and weaknesses. Use me along with all the saints that serve you in missions. I do pray that Jesus will be preached with power and that many will come to a saving faith and be discipled in that faith. O Lord, hear my prayer!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org