Good News, Mom! Hope Found in Tijuana: It’s a Model City

Posted: May 26, 2012 in Bright Spots on the Border, Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, San Diego, Tijuana
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Tijuana

I’m on a layover flying back from the San Diego – Tijuana border, and I just read of the increasing safety in Tijuana. I know some of the risks I’ve taken have caused my mom and other concerned parties some anxiety. It’s great to get news that may calm your fears.

I was at Covenant Presbyterian in Bakersfield this last Sunday, and I told them that I feel alive when I’m in Mexico. It gives me energy, and I just love being there. I noticed as I said this that a number of them smiled at me, but it appeared they were smiling because they thought I must be crazy. Well, be that as it may, things are looking up on the border!

Nathan Jones just wrote an article that appeared in InSightCrime.org on the increasing safety in Tijuana. He stated, that Tijuana has actually become a model city in Mexico, because the crime has been reduced to pre-cartel lows. The article is titled, Tijuana’s New Calm Shows Benefits of Local Policing in Mexico. Jones goes on to say,

“Tijuana is the only place in Mexico where drug-related violence has surged and subsequently fallen to pre-conflict levels. While the government response cannot take full credit for the reduction in violence, it most certainly played a role, and that effort was not led by a federal police force.”

Hannah, Dawn and Dave in TJ

About one month ago I took Dawn and Hannah down to Tijuana and Rosarito with our friends, Daniel and Yolanda Nuñez. We had a great time, and I never felt threatened.

So come on down to the border and labor with us. The need for Jesus is just as great, but it’s a safer place to be.

This is good news for all of us! Praise the Lord!

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

Zach Arrives!

Posted: May 23, 2012 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer, San Diego, Team Members, Tijuana
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Dave, Zach and Ray

Dave, Zach and Ray

Our first intern, Zach Lutz arrived tonight, Wednesday evening. He’s kicking off a three-month internship with us. We are thrilled to have him. We also look forward to meeting Emily Gryder later this summer. She will arrive on July 7th. Our son, David Diaso Jr. will work with us towards the end of the summer and through the school year.

I just met Zach for the first time, but from what I can tell of him he is a friendly and relational guy. He enjoys connecting with people. It will be exciting to see how the Lord works in and through Zach this summer.

Zach first started coming to the border on short-term projects when he was 12. God has used these trips to deeply impact his life, which is one of the reasons he chose to do this internship with us.

Pray with us that he has a great experience, and that the Lord uses his time with us this summer in a powerful way. He has an interest in ministry, and we know there is a huge need for workers!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeontheBorder.org

The Spirit Breaks Through in Bakersfield

Posted: May 22, 2012 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Ministry Partners, Missions, Prayer, San Diego, Tijuana
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Dave preaching at Covenant Presbyterian Church

Dave preaching at Covenant Presbyterian Church

On Sunday I had the privilege of speaking in Sunday School and preaching at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Bakersfield. The Lord really showed up. I left filled up. Thank you, Jesus!

I preached on Matthew 9:35-38 while weaving in Luke 15. Luke 15 speaks of the lost coin, the lost sheep and the lost son. Matthew 9 explains how Christ was going through the towns and villages proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing people. This affected Jesus’ heart. He had compassion on the people as he saw their sorry state. Then he asked the disciples to pray:

” The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

This is a great missionary passage. It’s a truth that still rings true today. The harvest is still plentiful and there is still a huge need for workers.

Dave with Pastor Randy Martin

Dave with Pastor Randy Martin

I’ve preached this sermon before, but for some reason this last Sunday God moved in my heart in a special way. His Spirit touched me, and I sensed that He was at work in the hearts of those that came. I saw some with tears in their eyes. Now I don’t usually have that effect on people, so I know it was God’s Spirit at work. I praise the Lord that He would use me to touch others for His glory.

I love Charles Spurgeon. He is a master in the way he crafts his words. He describes things in picturesque fashion. I shared one of his quotes and the Lord used it to minister to me and the people. I’ve read this quote before, but as I read it I got emotional, which doesn’t happen very often. Also I could see that some of the people were teary eyed.

This is the quote, and I hope the Lord will minister to you through it as well. As you read it think of how great God’s love is for you personally as well as those prodigals you may know. Spurgeon is referring to the scene when the prodigal returns to his father. The title of the Sermon is, “Many kisses for returning sinners.”

Think of yourself as well as I you read this – look at how much God loves you!

“In this repeated kissing we see, then, these three things: much love, much forgiveness, and full restoration.

Let me try to describe the scene. The father has kissed the son, and he bids him sit down; then he comes in front of him, and looks at him, and feels so happy that he says, “I must give you another kiss,” then he walks away a minute; but he is back again before long, saying to himself, “Oh, I must give him another kiss!” He gives him another, for he is so happy. His heart beats fast; he feels very joyful; the old man would like the music to strike up; he wants to be at the dancing; but meanwhile he satisfies himself by a repeated look at his long-lost child. Oh, I believe that God looks at the sinner, and looks at him again, and keeps on looking at him, all the while delighting in the very sight of him, when he is truly repentant, and comes back to his Father’s house.”

Isn’t it wonderful to be loved by our amazing Father? Isn’t it an amazing love?

In His Grip, Dave

P.S. Please be in prayer for me this week as I meet with many of our ministry partners on the border.

DiasoLifeontheBorder.org

Idols and Jesus in Venice

Posted: May 19, 2012 in Christianity, Church Planting, Journey, Ministry, Missions, Prayer, Reflections & Musings
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Santa Monica Beach

Santa Monica Beach

I left early this morning for Los Angeles. I don’t necessarily like to fly out so early, but the ticket was much cheaper that way, so I did it. Since I arrived in LA at 8 AM, and I didn’t need to be in Bakersfield until this evening I took advantage of it and spent some time at Santa Monica Beach.

I love the beach. When I see the vastness of the ocean it reminds me of how big and awesome our God is!

I was struck by something else as I walked from Santa Monica Beach to Venice Beach. All the people! All the needy people! There is a mixture of those who are exercising, relaxing, bumming and making a living. I encountered some odd and interesting characters. One guy had a big flag with a marijuana plant on it. I took a picture of him. I thought, “this is California at it’s finest,” or at least I thought it was funny. The guy didn’t like me taking a picture so he gave me a not so nice gesture.

In every culture there are small ‘g’ gods. Things people make an idol out of. I did see some literal idols, and paintings of spiritual beings. These are indeed spiritual people. For some their idol is their body, or maybe their health. It’s sad, but we all struggle with making idols out of even good things. Someone has said that our hearts are idol factories!

Tomorrow I will be preaching on Matthew 9:35-38 at Covenant Presbyterian in Bakersfield, California. Verses 35 and 36 say,

“And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When Jesus saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”

The guy in Venice promoting his cause

The guy in Venice promoting his cause

While I was at the beach I took a break and went over my sermon notes, and the last part of this passage really hit me. As Jesus was among the people he saw their crying need. He saw they were harassed and helpless. Not only were they a needy people, but they didn’t have anyone to care for them. They were like helpless, hapless sheep without a shepherd.

I thought, “wow! That’s a pretty good description of what I’m seeing here. Many people in need.” If we want to have the compassion Jesus had, we just need to open our eyes. Look at those around you. I’m sure you will find many who are distressed.

Jesus felt deeply for the people. He proclaimed the good news of the gospel of the kingdom. This makes me ask, is the gospel we are proclaiming good news? Gospel means good news, but do those we share it with feel like it’s good news? Are we distorting the good news? I sure do hope and pray that as I’m sharing the gospel, that it is truly good news to those that receive it.

Then Jesus asks his disciples to pray for workers to be thrust out into the harvest field. The needs are so great, and the workers are so few!

This is one more reason we need your prayers. One more reason we need workers. O Lord, hear our prayer and send workers to labor with us on the border, and beyond!

What is your response to the questions I am asking here?

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeontheBorder.org

Healing in Juarez!

Posted: May 18, 2012 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer, San Diego, Team Members, Tijuana
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Iglesia Promesa de Vida in Juarez - Promise of Life Church

Iglesia Promesa de Vida in Juarez – Promise of Life Church

I just returned from my time in Juarez, Mexico. Our BEAMM team met there for two days. Larry Trotter, MTW‘s new Mexico director joined us. It was a great experience to meet with all my co-workers. We have a combination of Mexicans and Americans working on our team.

It’s so good to learn how God is working along the border! The border is a tough place. It’s been in the news mucho. And unfortunately, most of the news is bad. Yet, in reality the border is becoming much safer. The situation in Juarez, Tijuana and other border cities has improved dramatically! Praise God and we pray that it will continue to get better. I do believe God’s doing a healing work in Juarez.

One of our workers, Juan Antonio Garcia shared how their church, “Promesa de Vida” (Promise of Life) is growing in Juarez. They just started a second service. The Lord has opened a door to minister to the community through serving lunches to children two times a week. They’ve also just launched a new church plant, “Frontera y Gracia” (Border and Peace). The new church is located right near the border.

Juan Arjona and Dave in Juarez

Juan Arjona and Dave in Juarez

Juan Arjona, who is ministering in Escondido, California shared about his church plant and community outreach. Juan’s church has faced some struggles financially, but the Lord is providing. There are 20,000 people who live in one square mile around where his church, “Misión Nueva Vida,” (New Life Mission) meets. Most of these homes are run by single mothers. There is a high unemployment rate, and 75% of the income of those with work goes to rent. Misión Nueva Vida distributes five tons of food to 200 people every Saturday. They are being a light in a dark place. They are bringing hope to the hopeless.

It’s not easy to work on the border, but it’s so uplifting to see God’s hand at work. Sure we’d love to see even more, and we do pray that greater things are yet to come. Join us in prayer for God’s guiding hand!

In His Grip, Dave

P.S. (I) Dave leave Saturday morning for Los Angeles. I will preach at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Bakersfield on Sunday, then be in ministry meetings all week in San Diego next week. Pray for a fruitful trip!

DiasoLifeontheBorder.org

Is There Hope for Juarez, Mexico?

Posted: May 15, 2012 in Christianity, Church Planting, Family Happenings, Ministry, Ministry Partners, Missions, Prayer, Team Members
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Mexico Border Crossing

Mexico Border Crossing

After a busy and fun-filled weekend celebrating my daughter, Hannah’s graduation I find myself in El Paso, Texas ready to go into Juarez, Mexico. My dad flew back to Fresno, California about the same time I got on my plane for my journey to El Paso.

Tuesday morning we will kick off two days of meetings for most of our BEAMM workers. Border Evangelism and Mercy Ministries (BEAMM) spans along the 2,000 mile US/Mexico border. We have people working in such cities as: McAllen, TX; Reynosa, Mexico; Laredo, TX; Nuevo Laredo, Mexico; El Paso, TX; Juarez, Mexico; Nogales, AZ; Nogales, Mexico; San Diego, CA; Tijuana, Mexico. The BEAMM ministry began over 20 years ago in Juarez, and it’s grown over the years.

Our prayer is that God would so ignite the border that we would see a church planting movement started that will transform the border, socially, culturally and spiritually. Please join us in this prayer. We realize that only God can change a person’s heart. Only God can bring true and lasting transformation.

We are meeting in Juarez, Mexico. A city with a bad rap. A city in need of the gospel. This bad rap has been earned over the last few years with all the violence and crime. Yet things have gotten better, and we do have teammates that are regularly ministering in Juarez. I don’t mean to minimize the great needs of the city, but it is not a city without hope.

“But 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 your welfare.”  — Jeremiah 29:7

Ray and Dave at Border Crossing

Ray and Dave at Border Crossing

God calls us to seek the welfare of the city. I pray that not only will the Lord bless our meetings as we discuss vision, and how the Lord is leading us to minister on the border, but that we will bless the city. Stand with us in this prayer.

Do pray for our safety, as well as unity. “O, Lord, give us your eyes to see. Give us your ears to hear. What are you calling us to do? What are the specific needs that you are calling us to meet? Fill us with boldness and the power of your Spirit.

What do you think, is there hope for Juarez?

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeontheBorder.org

A Graduation Celebration: Hannah Elizabeth Diaso!

Posted: May 13, 2012 in Christianity, Family Happenings, Journey, Ministry, Reflections & Musings
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Hannah and friends singing during her graduation ceremony

Hannah and friends singing during her graduation ceremony

Yesterday our daughter, Hannah Elizabeth Diaso graduated from high school. It was a wonderful time and a joyous celebration!

Hannah’s grandparents, Chivis from Mexico City, as well as some dear friends enjoyed the ceremony with us. I thanked my dad for coming out from Fresno, California. He said, “I couldn’t miss my granddaughter’s graduation.” Thank the Lord for loving and faithful family and friends.

The kids, young adults that Hannah graduated with are all very creative. They worked with some of the parents to plan out a touching, meaningful and fun program. One of my friends who has younger girls said it was like a whole year of Sunday School. His girls look up to the graduates and they saw their faith and love for Christ shine through in living color.

Dawn and I gave a short charge to Hannah. Dawn received many positive comments about how articulate she was. She shared some very heart warming blessings with our daughter and all who came.

Here’s an excerpt from Dawn’s speech,

Proverbs 31 states, “You are a young woman of noble character. Your worth is far more than rubies!” The character of the Proverbs 31 woman very much describes you: You are faithful, generous, creative, caring, gracious, virtuous, a woman of moral strength of character. You are diligent and disciplined. You are elegant and beautiful. You are respectful and respected. You are clothed with strength and dignity. You speak with wisdom and faithful instruction.

I applaud you Hannah for having as your main goal to glorify God in your thoughts, attitudes and actions. Bringing glory to God through loving and serving others is more important to you than the achievements that bring you praise from man.

In closing, as you continue to seek God’s leading in your life, remember the wise words of Frederick Buechner, “The place where God calls you is the place where your deep happiness and the world’s deep hunger meet.”

The Graduates leading us in Worship - Hosanna!

The Graduates leading us in Worship – Hosanna!

I broke down a little as I shared. I was afraid that was going to happen. Jeff Siebert, a friend who has three girls warned me a couple of years ago, “wait till your daughter graduates.” I remember thinking he did a great job getting through his speech when he shared about his love for his daughter, Mackenzi. He got emotional during the speech, but he made it through. As a side note, I think MacKenzi just graduated from college at Patrick Henry College yesterday.

Well, I must admit it was hard to get through my speech, and maintain my composure.

My little daughter graduated. She’s grown up before my eyes. It’s hard to believe. She’s the last of our three children to graduate from high school. It’s the end of an era. The end of the homeschooling chapter in our lives. Wow! I can’t believe it. At times I didn’t think we’d make it through, but in God’s grace we did.

Congratulations Hannah!

Thank you, Jesus for the wonderful godly young woman Hannah has become. Thank you for the community of friends and family that stood with us, supported us, prayed for us and helped us along the way!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeontheBorder.org

A Big Surprise in a Box

Posted: May 11, 2012 in Christianity, Church Planting, Family Happenings, Ministry, Ministry Partners, Missions, Prayer, Team Members
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Chivis popping out of the box to greet Hannah

Chivis popping out of the box to greet Hannah

Wednesday night my daughter, Hannah received a surprise in a box on our front porch. It was a large box, and when Hannah came out to see what was in the box out popped “Chivis,” her friend from Mexico City.

Chivis lived with us last school year for six months. You can catch up some on that adventure here…

We are excited to host her again for three weeks! While she’s here apart from continuing her school work, she will enjoy some good time with our family.

One special event we have coming up is Hannah’s graduation tomorrow on Saturday, May 12th. Thank you, Jesus that Chivis can join us and celebrate with us!

The Silva family are dear friends of ours from Mexico City. We are praying that they will be able to join us on the border in ministry. Mario and Silvia are wonderfully gifted servants. We loved ministering with them in Mexico, and it would be a dream come true to have them work alongside us on the border.

One of the things that has held up their move is our move. They are waiting for us to sell our house, and get settled in before they make the transition. In the meantime we are praying with them, and seeking the Lord’s perfect timing. It’s not always easy to wait, but as I mentioned in an earlier post if God truly rules over all we don’t have anything to worry about.

Mario is such a great friend, and blessing to me. Recently he sent me some promises from the Bible to lift me up. Here they are. I hope they are a shot in the arm for you as well!

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.” —Isaiah 26:3,4 ESV

“Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his commandments! His offspring will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness forever. Light dawns in the darkness for the upright; he is gracious, merciful, and righteous. It is well with the man who deals generously and lends; who conducts his affairs with justice. For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered forever. He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord. His heart is steady; he will not be afraid, until he looks in triumph on his adversaries.” —Psalm 112:1-8 ESV

Aren’t those rich promises. Thank you Lord for such wonderful promises. Thank you for such wonderful love. Praise the Lord with us!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeontheBorder.org

Why Did God Choose Astrologers?

Posted: May 9, 2012 in Christianity, Ministry, Ministry Partners, Prayer, Reflections & Musings, San Diego, Tijuana
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Pastor Robert A. Bjerkaas

Pastor Robert A. Bjerkaas

In Matthew 2 it speaks of the Magi, who came to worship the king. The Magi were astrologers. They followed the stars. Why would God choose astrologers to come worship the king, and overlook the religious leaders of the day? The Pharisees, the Priests and Levites were not chosen.

Bob Bjerkaas, pastor at Church in the Canyon preached on Matthew 2:1-12 this past Sunday. He brought up this point about the Magi, and it got me thinking. Here’s some of my take aways. For one thing, the Magi seem like an odd choice. They were the pagan astrologers of their day.

The Lord is using Matthew to make a point that the gospel is offered to all. Isn’t that amazing?! The Magi were overjoyed to worship Christ the king while the Pharisees, Priests and Levites didn’t seem to care about Christ’s birth. It reminds me of the older brother’s response when the prodigal repented and came home. The father threw a party, but the older brother pouted.

This makes me ask, do I become blasé and apathetic about Christ? Am I still excited about all that Christ has done for me? I’m grateful that God in His grace holds me close, but I shouldn’t take this relationship for granted. It is a relationship where I should desire to grow stronger in my love for Him. Like any relationship it requires time and attention.

Dave sharing in Sunday School at Church in the Canyon

Dave sharing in Sunday School at Church in the Canyon

God is near to them that seek Him. Christ healed the paralytic who was lowered by his friends through the roof. The blind beggar, Bartimaeus called out unashamedly on the roadside and Jesus healed him. “O Lord, that I would be humble and love you in this way. Continue your wonderful work of grace in my heart.”

Here’s some great promises for those who seek him.

“Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart”

— Psalm 119:2

“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them.”

— Psalm 145:18, 19

“Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near”

— Isaiah 55:6

This is a reminder to me and you to seek the Lord, and to call upon him. To recognize we are blind and hopeless without Him!

What do you think? Why did God choose these Magi astrologers?

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeontheBorder.org

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