Kidnapped: An Adventurous Night! Part 2

Posted: May 19, 2013 in Christianity, Family Happenings, Journey, Ministry, Missions, Reflections & Musings
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My Experience: Kidnapped in Mexico City
Dave and Dawn with our son, David Diaso Jr. He is a student at San Diego Christian College

Dave and Dawn with our son, David Diaso Jr. He is a student at San Diego Christian College

While we were serving as missionaries in Mexico City in the 90′s I was kidnapped. Many people have asked me to share more about how it all happened. My son, David Jr. wrote a story about my experience. The event affected our whole family, and I love the way David tells the story.

Since it’s not a short story I’m posting it in parts. This is the second of a three-part story. I received some great feedback from the first post. You can find part 1 here…

Kidnapped: Part 2

The cab driver opened the door for them and quickly jumped in the cab and sandwiched my father. Quickly the man on my dad’s left ordered him to keep his eyes closed. What is going to happen to me? Dad thought. Was this the end? Is today the day I meet the Lord? Just a few weeks before one of the missionaries who worked with my dad had been kidnapped and killed.

Dad felt one of the men stick a cold rusty blade against his side. The blade dug into his side as the cab bounced over the beaten streets of downtown Mexico City. The other man patted my father down. He grabbed his wallet, wedding ring, briefcase and then they saw the gold beaded necklace with a gold cross that dangled on my dad’s neck. The man quickly yanked it off my dad’s neck, leaving the beaded imprint on the back of his tan Italian skin.

“Que es su trabajo?” What is your job they yelled. “Soy un misionero.” I’m a missionary he proudly answered. They saw his small leather bound Bible his mother gave him. He carried that Bible everywhere. The men pulled the Bible out and demanded to my father “Juro, juro sobre esta Biblia que no nos mienta y no vas a decir nada a nadie acerca de nosotros.” Swear, swear on this bible you will not lie to us or tell anyone on us. Dad placed his left hand on the Bible and hesitantly lifted his right arm. Sweat was dripping down my father’s horrified face that was still covered by the cloth. His body was shaking uncontrollably and a chill rushed down his spine. His mind was racing, wondering what would happen to him, to our family.

“Prometo” I promise, dad timidly claimed.

* * *

Dawn and Dave with David Jr. just outside Mexico City at the pyramids

Dawn and Dave with David Jr. just outside Mexico City at the pyramids

Mom and I waited in the kitchen like we always did. My brother, Jon and my sister, Hannah were already fast asleep but I couldn’t sleep. When my dad left, I was the man of the house. At three feet nine inches with my zip up footie-pajamas, I was the protector of the house. Sure I was only 7 years old but someone had to take care of my mom and my little siblings.

“Mommy where’s dad?” I asked. It was late and dad should have been home 30 minutes ago. My mother started worrying, but I tried to stay my optimistic self.

Another hour went by and we knew something was definitely wrong. It was way past my bedtime but I couldn’t go to sleep. I always waited for my dad to come home and tuck me in. But today he wasn’t here, What was I going to do? I can’t handle losing my dad. I’m only seven years old. To be continued…

Thanks for the great feedback on part 1. I’d love to hear what you think of part 2. I will conclude the story in my next post.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Kidnapped: An Adventurous Night!

Posted: May 16, 2013 in Christianity, Family Happenings, Journey, Ministry, Reflections & Musings
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My Experience: Kidnapped in Mexico City
Dave and Dawn with our son, David Diaso Jr. He is a student at San Diego Christian College

Dave and Dawn with, David Diaso Jr. David Jr. is a student at San Diego Christian College

While we were serving as missionaries in Mexico City in the 90′s I was kidnapped. Many people have asked me to share more about how it all happened. My son, David Jr. wrote a story about my experience. The event affected our whole family, and I love the way David tells the story. Since it’s not a short story I’ll post it in parts.

Kidnapped: Part 1

My dad had a busier day than usual and had to stay at his office until it was dark. After hours upon hours of working on reports for the home office, making phone calls and planning for the coming weeks for his ministry he was finally able to leave work. Unlike most work days he had not driven to work this day. His car was in the shop getting fixed. He grabbed his big black over coat and shoved his vintage colorful blue Apple MacBook, paperwork, and Bible into his briefcase. Before he left the office he called our house and told us he was coming home, as he always did. I remember loving to wait by the phone every night for my dad to call. I would patiently sit on our old Victorian burgundy couch. When I heard the phone ring I would quickly run over to the phone. I handed the phone to my mom and she told my dad to hurry home because it was already 10:30 and it was getting dangerous.

English: A 2002 Volkswagen Beetle Mexico City ...

A 2002 Volkswagen Beetle Mexico City Green Taxi cab. This is what the taxi looked like. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

As my dad was walking out of the work complex and through the doors he double-checked his pockets to make sure he didn’t forget anything. My dad walked out of his office in downtown Mexico City, the biggest city in the world, and likely the most dangerous as well. Dad was never afraid of the danger of the city. He loved Mexico and their people. However, this night would change his perspective. It was a dark night and the only lights were coming from the front of the buildings and the headlights from the road. People were running all around him. As he neared the street dad tried to whistle down a cab. After a few cars passed he thought “I’m never going to get a cab.” After a few minutes of trying to wave down a cab an old green Volkswagen Beetle pulled up. My dad opened up the passenger door and moved his way past the empty passenger seat that had been taken out. “Finally I’m going home,” or so he thought.

The small green cab came screeching to a halt just a block from the office. The stoplight was green but the driver wasn’t moving forward. “Que paso?” What is going on, my dad asked. Two Mexican men were knocking on the cab’s window. Dad was thinking, “Well this is strange, maybe they think the cab is empty.”

David Jr. celebrating Mexican Independence day with Dawn and Dave in Mexico City

David Jr. celebrating Mexican Independence day with Dawn and Dave in Mexico City

Or maybe he got in the wrong cab at the wrong time. Maybe it was because he was white and they thought he was an American with a lot of money. Maybe the driver was an accomplice . . . whatever the situation was, the men were not looking for a ride. To be continued …

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

God is Winning in Tijuana!

Posted: May 13, 2013 in Bright Spots on the Border, Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Ministry Partners, Missions, Tijuana
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Daniel Nuñez with the pastors of Lo Mejor Del Trigo

Daniel Nuñez with the pastors of Lo Mejor Del Trigo

God’s Amazing Work in TJ

I see God doing an amazing work in Tijuana, and it’s fun to be a part of it. There’s so much bad news in the world it’s refreshing to receive good news.

The Lord has blessed me with some wonderful pastors to work with in Tijuana. Last week I was especially encouraged!

On Sunday I preached at the church we helped start. Such a great group of people! The church responded well to my message. They blessed Dawn and me, and we felt we were able to love on and minister to them. God is using pastor Rodrigo and his wife, Nancy to build the church.

Then on Monday Bill Yarbrough and I were able to be with Daniel Nuñez and all the pastors with Lo Mejor del Trigo (The Best of the Wheat). Bill spoke on Christ centered preaching, and they loved it. It’s wonderful to see the gospel influence the influencers of a church planting movement.

Coaching and Encouraging Pastors
Rodrigo & Nancy, Dawn & Dave, Martha & Abraham (from left to right) pastors, ministers, pastors wives

Rodrigo & Nancy Vallarta, Dawn & Dave, Martha & Abraham Velazquez (from left to right)

Later in the week I met with some of the pastors that I’m coaching and encouraging in their ministries. I had a great time with pastor Abraham Velazquez. He shared with me how he is preaching the gospel in his church, and how God is using it in people’s lives. Some of the things Bill and I have shared with him he is passing on. Wow, that thrilled my heart to hear!

I do believe God is winning in Tijuana!

Abraham has a wonderful family. Dawn and I love Abraham and his wife, Martha. They are quickly becoming some of our favorite people in Tijuana. The Lord is doing an amazing work in their family and through their ministry at the church.

Praise Jesus for His Good Work

I praise the Lord that he is using our efforts to bring positive change in Tijuana.

Thanks for standing with us on this journey of faith for Jesus!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

The Light of the Gospel Shines Brightly!

Posted: May 9, 2013 in Bright Spots on the Border, Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Ministry Partners, Missions, Prayer, Reflections & Musings, San Diego, Tijuana
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Bill Yarbrough teaching on Christ centered preaching with the pastors from Lo Mejor del Trigo

Bill Yarbrough teaching on Christ centered preaching with the pastors from Lo Mejor del Trigo (LMT)

It’s so encouraging to see the gospel make a difference in the lives of our friends on both sides of the border.

Christ-centered preaching

This week Bill Yarbrough went with me to the Lo Mejor del Trigo (The Best of the Wheat) pastors meeting. Bill gave a presentation on Christ-centered preaching. It warmed my heart to see the pastors smiling, laughing and enjoying learning about what for some of them would be a different emphasis in their preaching.

The pastors were laughing, because Bill has a good sense of humor, and he compared and contrasted what might be the opposite of Christ centered preaching. There is always the danger in preaching of placing burdens on people that they cannot bear. The problem is when we over emphasize our effort (moralism), and under emphasize Christ work for us on the cross and through his resurrection.

Moralism vs. the Gospel

Jesus spoke harshly to the scribes and the Pharisees for laying burdens on the people that they themselves could not bear. There is a danger when moralism is preached instead of the cross. I think most pastors, if they are honest, would admit that they have fallen into this trap before.

In Matthew 23:2-4 Jesus criticizes the religious leaders:

…For they preach, but do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and they lay them on the people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. —Matt. 23:3b-4 (ESV)

The Spirit gives life, but the law kills. The law isn’t a bad thing, but it isn’t life giving. It can only warn us what not to do, or what we should do. Only the gospel gives us the power to live the life that God wants us to live.

Paul encourages the Corinthians to live in the new covenant that Christ brought:

Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. —2 Corinthians 3:4-6 (ESV)

Bill Yarbrough teaching the pastors at LMT

Bill Yarbrough teaching the pastors at LMT

Most people in ministry serve, because they love Jesus, and they want to help others. Yet if we are honest, we all struggle with a bit of Pharisaism. This is true of pastors as well as those that are attending the church.

If the church doesn’t preach the gospel, then people will get weighed down by burdens they were never meant to carry. They will eventually leave the church, or live a lifeless Christianity. The gospel is life giving. That’s why Christ centered preaching is so important.

Gospel Renewal

Our prayer is that the gospel would so permeate the San Diego – Tijuana border that the border is renewed and revived. It’s a work that only God can do. The Lord works through his church – his people!

Pray with us that Christ will be preached in such a powerful way on the border that we will see many lives transformed. O, that the light of Christ would shine brightly! O, that Christ will be lifted up and glorified in a powerful way!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

God’s Work in Pipila, Tijuana

Posted: May 6, 2013 in Bright Spots on the Border, Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer, Tijuana
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Pastor Rodrigo Vallarta leading the church

Pastor Rodrigo Vallarta leading the church

Today (Sunday) Dawn and I had the privilege to spend some time with our friends at the Lo Mejor del Trigo (The Best of the Wheat) church in Pipila, in eastern Tijuana. You might remember that this is one of the churches we partnered with Harbor and Lo Mejor del Trigo to plant last Fall.

A Great Beginning

The church started last November, and it is off to a fantastic start!

Dawn and I enjoyed the opportunity to be with this young and growing church. Rodrigo and his wife, Nancy are doing a good job loving and leading the people. Rodrigo told me that the church is frequently going out  to share the gospel in the community.

I enjoyed the opportunity to minister to the church through preaching on grace today. The Gospel does change lives! They were very open to the message, and Dawn and I sensed the Lord moving among them.

The woman, who donated the land for the church was also visiting today. She has a great heart, and loves God’s church. It was the first time she was able to visit the church, since it was built. After the service she met with Rodrigo, Nancy, Dawn and me and she was very interested in the needs of the church.

The Church’s Needs

I’d like to share with you what we found out, so you can pray with us.

  1. The church doesn’t have its own electricity. They are having to run an extension cord from a neighbor’s house to the church.
  2. They don’t have any musical instruments.
  3. They need some better security. Someone has broken into the church through the windows.
  4. Nancy has some dental needs, and they don’t have the money to cover the medical costs.
  5. Rodrigo and Nancy don’t have a car, so it’s hard to make it to their many ministry activities and to cart around the music equipment they borrow.
  6. Rodrigo could use a computer to help with his sermons, studies and communication.
Dave and Dawn with Rodrigo, Nancy and Luz

Dave and Dawn with Rodrigo, Nancy and Luz

We are thrilled by all the Lord is doing at this young church, yet some of the needs do make us concerned. We wish we could do more. Jesus is making a difference through the gospel in the community of Pipila. Thank you Lord, for your continued ministry in the heart of men and women on the border.

Pray for these needs and this church. We hurt for Nancy, and her dental health. O Lord, please do provide a way!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

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A Great Opening Night!

Posted: May 2, 2013 in Bright Spots on the Border, Christianity, Church Planting, Journey, Ministry, Prayer, San Diego
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Our third ESL class - opening night

Our third ESL class – opening night

We kicked off our third ESL class on Wednesday night. The class got off to a good start.

A Person of Peace

There was a woman in the parking lot with her three children before the class. I told her about our free English class, and invited her to come. She came! Then she called two of her sisters and they joined the class as well.

The woman’s name is Anna. Anna said she is going to invite more friends next week. The Lord has blessed us with a people gatherer. She is a person of peace.

All the teachers at Fay Elementary School will be giving each student a flyer promoting the ESL class today, so we should have even more students next week.

Thank You Lord!

I thank the Lord for how he has opened the doors for us to expand our ESL outreach. We started 2013 with one class, and now we have three.

We still have a ways to go to develop our ESL program, but we’ve made some great progress. It’s gratifying to see the Lord bless. I’m so encouraged, and I feel like I’m just watching God work.

It’s fun to be on this journey with Jesus. I know a big reason for the success we’ve had is our wonderful prayer partners.

Prayer Needs

Continue to pray for our teachers, childcare workers and more students. Pray that we will be a blessing to the community, and that the Lord touches the hearts of those that come.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Sowing the Seed

Posted: April 29, 2013 in Christianity, Ministry, Missions, Prayer, Reflections & Musings
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Dave sharing the gospel in Mexico City with Isabel Cisneros

Dave sharing the gospel in Mexico City with Isabel Cisneros (circa 1987)

Jesus shared the parable of the sower and the seed. The seed that fell on fertile soil bore fruit.

Part of our work is sowing the seed. Sometimes the seed falls on infertile soil. Yet, it’s so wonderful when the seed does produce. We rejoice with the angels when there is a new birth.

Fruit From the Summer of 1987

This week a friend of mine from Mexico City told me they met a woman who I shared the gospel with in the summer of 1987. This woman came to Christ through our seed sowing, and she is now a leader in the church.

In the summer of 1987 I was doing an internship while I was in seminary. God used that summer internship to confirm my call to serve in Mexico. I was going out with a small team almost every day in an impoverished area east of Mexico City. We were visiting people, sharing the gospel and praying for the sick.

God used that summer to grow me. I’m grateful that he also used it make a difference in people’s lives. It warms my heart to hear how someone we shared the gospel with those many years ago is continuing to be a faithful member and leader of the church.

God Makes it Grow
Sowing, 1495

Sowing, 1495 (Photo credit: Marcel Douwe Dekker)

I realize that I only played a small part. Our team planted the seed, but others watered and God caused the increase.

Paul says in relationship to his sowing of the gospel,

I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. (1 Corinthians 3:6,7 ESV)

This is a reminder to me that we must continue to be faithful to sow the seed of the Word of God. We may not always be around to see the fruit, but some of the seed will fall on good soil. God uses different people in his kingdom to produce fruit. He ultimately is the one who has to make it grow.

Thank you Lord, that you do work through us. Sometimes our efforts are feeble, but you still work through them.

Thanks to our faithful friends for standing with us, as we sow the seed. Continue to pray with us that God will cause much growth as we serve him on the border.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Goodbye to Our Faithful, Little Friend

Posted: April 24, 2013 in Christianity, Family Happenings, Ministry, Prayer, Reflections & Musings
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Princess celebrating Christmas with us

Princess celebrating Christmas with us

On Sunday evening we received a phone call that our little dog, Princess passed away. Dawn and I have been traveling, so Princess was with some friends. We felt doubly bad that we weren’t there when she passed away, and that this fell on our friends.

I wasn’t sure whether I should post this or not. My blog is mainly to highlight our ministry on the border. Then I thought, well, I notice that people are very interested in our family, and Princess was like part of the family. For those of you that aren’t dog lovers, please accept my apologies!

Princess was about 14 years old, and she was experiencing more aches and pains. It’s good that she doesn’t have to suffer any longer.

She was a very loving little toy poodle. She enjoyed cuddling with us.

One of the things that I will miss about her is that in the morning when I read the news and had my devotions she sat with me. It was a good way to start off my day. She also was a good companion when I watched TV. Our little Princess fit the bill for the saying, “man’s best friend.”

Daisy and Princess - (Daisy is on top of the couch, and Princess is in the background)

Daisy and Princess – (Daisy is on top of the couch, and Princess is in the background)

In God’s grace he’s provided another toy poodle, Daisy. Daisy came into our family in January. She loves to do all the things Princess did, but she has more energy. Every time I head out the door she assumes it is to take her for a ride in the car, or for a walk.

Well, Dawn and I just said good-bye to two of our children, Jonathan and Hannah last night. It never gets easy.

We are about ready to board a plane and head off to Orlando to mobilize workers for our ministry on the border. Please join us in prayer that it will be a fruitful and productive trip.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

The Value of Friends and Family!

Posted: April 23, 2013 in Christianity, Family Happenings, Ministry, Prayer, Reflections & Musings
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English: View of Pikes Peak from the Universit...

English: View of Pikes Peak from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, sometime before 2008. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Dawn and I have been in Colorado Springs for the last week. We came out for some ministry meetings, and the opportunity to connect with friends and family.

When we left Mexico City at the end of 1999 we moved to Colorado Springs. We thought our family would only be in the Springs for a year or so. I remember Dawn saying to me, “It’s cold there, and we don’t know anybody.” I replied, “We’ll only be there for about a year, we can handle it.”

Well, we actually lived in Colorado Springs for 12 years, just slightly more than a year, right? :) I guess, that’s one reason we are having a hard time getting our kids to leave Colorado. It really did become home for us.

The Lord called us to the Mexican border and we left Colorado last August. Mexico has bookended our time in Colorado.

Hannah and Dave enjoying some father - daughter time

Hannah and Dave enjoying some father – daughter time

While we lived in the Springs the Lord gave us many wonderful friends. We are grateful for them. They pray for us and encourage us along the way.

Dawn and I will be leaving on Wednesday morning, and it will be very hard to say good-bye. It always is! It makes it even harder when we have to say to good-bye to two of our children, Jonathan and Hannah.

I thank the Lord that he has given us such a fruitful visit, and for the blessing of friends who love and support us in our ministry.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

God’s Faithfulness to Our Family

Posted: April 19, 2013 in Christianity, Family Happenings, Journey, Ministry, Missions, Prayer, Reflections & Musings
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Our Three Kids: Jonathan, Hannah & David Jr.

Our Three Kids: Jonathan, Hannah & David Jr.

I must admit one of the principle things I worry about is my children. My kids, David Jr., Jonathan and Hannah, are now grown. Dawn and I just became empty nesters when we left Colorado last August.

I am learning to trust God in deeper ways through this time. God is indeed faithful!

One of the Hardest Things I’ve Ever Done
The beauty of Colorado Springs (taken by Terry Bradley)

The beauty of Colorado Springs (taken by Terry Bradley)

I can still remember the day we drove off from Colorado Springs, and said good-bye to Jon and Hannah. It was a bittersweet day. Sweet because we attained a dream we had worked for in moving and ministering on the San Diego – Tijuana border. Bitter because Dawn and I had to say good-bye to two of our children.

When the Lord first called us to serve on the border I felt that he confirmed in my heart that he would not tear apart our family. I’ve clung to that promise as Dawn and I have been on this journey.

Jesus’ Healing Words

This morning I was reading in Luke 12. Jesus speaks words of comfort to my soul in this passage found in verses 22 and following.

And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?

—Luke 12:22-26 (ESV)

The impression I get from Jesus’ words is that these basic things we worry about are very simple for God. Your Father loves you, he is good and he promises to take care of you so why do you worry?

Why do I Worry?

I realize one of the reasons I worry is my faith often wavers. I forget that God is good. I forget that God promises to take care of me and my family.

The other reason I worry is that I make an idols out of my children or other things. The problem with idols is that they never satisfy. They can never fill our hearts. Only our Heavenly Father can meet our deepest needs.

Thank you Lord, for being so loving and so patient with me.

Hannah & Jon having some fun

Hannah & Jon having some fun

One of the reason that I’m reminded of all this today is that Dawn and I are in Colorado Springs. We are spending some time with Jon and Hannah. I still would love to have them closer to us, but I’m grateful that our loving Father is taking such good care of them. I’m thankful for Village Seven Presbyterian Church. A church where they have friends, and they can grow and learn.

Thank you Lord, that you are faithful even though I doubt. You are faithful even when I am not.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

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