In Loving Memory: Our Friend Beto
In the early morning hours of May 2, 2007, our dear friend Beto, an invaluable part of our team in Panamá, suffered a massive heart attack. He died before paramedics arrived.
Beto had already made arrangements to drive the 2007 Mission Team and we were all looking forward to seeing him again. Our team, and our lives, will be less without Beto. He was a great friend and will be missed.
View a Beto Photo Gallery
The following are the thoughts and memories of some of those who knew and loved Beto:
Today we remember our dear friend and brother Beto.
I have been thinking of Beto for several days now, and I have had visions of him as I have gone about the everyday chores of my life. In these visions, I see Beto driving his bus. Not the new white bus, but the old yellow bus. The bus we called his “Magic Bus.”
Do you remember Beto’s old yellow bus? The roof leaked when it rained. Sometimes it belched a cloud of smoke when it went up the hill to Volcan. It drank as much oil as it drank diesel. Sometimes the windshield wipers did not work. Sometimes its tires became flat. But Beto always brought it safely to its destination.
Many people thought that the yellow bus was magic, but now I think that is not true. The magic was Beto, not the bus. Beto who would talk with anyone, even those who did not speak Spanish or share his faith. Beto who always was there to lend a helping hand to someone in need, or to offer a ride to someone with a heavy load. Beto who I think had at least one friend in every village in Chiriqui. Beto who always had a kind word for those he met on the road. Beto who with his magic brought forth the best in people and made them happy.
For these reasons, in my visions of Beto in his yellow bus, I also see that the bus is filled with angels, and I realize that Beto is carrying the angels in Heaven to meet God. That is how I will always remember my brother, Beto.
Jan Sassaman
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Our hearts ache with the sudden loss of our friend Beto. It seems inconceivable that someone so full of life could be gone. With his contagious smile and infinite patience, Beto was truly an integral part not only of our team but also our lives. We often spoke of him, and sometimes emailed with him throughout the rest of the year, and we were looking forward to introducing our new baby to his "Uncle Beto" at some point. We love him, and he will be sorely missed.
Jennie & Mike Faurote
Dear Friends in Panama,
I am deeply saddened to hear the news of Beto's death. He watched over me with such tender loving care when I was in Panama last summer. Whenever I was in over my head I would look around and there would stand Beto ready to give me support with everything from a foreign language to an oversized suitcase. He will be missed by all his friends in at least two countries.
With you in mourning,
Reverend Ruth Harper Stevens
Beto was such a friendly, generous, competent and wise person who kept us safe on the road each day. He always had a twinkle in his eyes that put you in a good mood. May God's angels be with his soul.
Paul Truilzi
It doesn't seem possible that Beto's heart, which was so all-encompassing, should have given out on him. I will always remember his patience and good humor as he dealt with us, the rickety old bus, the weather, the medical emergencies, and all that we asked of him. He even taught me to merengue!
Doris and Don Click
I am so sorry to hear about Beto. He was such a good spirit and proud man. He will be missed by all who knew him.
B.J. Tipton
Beto was a great friend and will be missed. The times that I went with the group I always looked forward to seeing Beto as he always made our trips enjoyable and complete. My regards to his family.
Bert Morhart
I am very sad.
Rev. John Varden
Beto will always be with us as he was always was one of us when we were in Chiriqui. He was always cheerful and quick with a smile. Through him we all saw Christ and now that he has been called home I pray he is continuing to smile on all of us left behind and is at peace with our Lord.
Brian Wright
I was sorry to learn of Beto’s passing last night. He is certainly a personality I think of when I remember my Panama experience. As I remember he was not a member of the communities we served so we didn't know his family. I know he will be missed by the returning mission team!
John Meeker
I'm so sorry to hear about this. It's a great loss.
Melanie Chernoff
Chaka and I are deeply saddened by this news. I hope that you will join me in this prayer for Beto today:
Let us pray to our Lord Jesus Christ who said, I am Resurrection and I am Life.
Lord, you consoled Martha and Mary in their distress; draw near to us who mourn for Beto (Gilberto Guillen), and dry the tears of those who weep.
Hear us, Lord.
You wept at the grave of Lazarus, your friend; comfort us in our sorrow.
Hear us, Lord.
You raised the dead to life; give to our brother, Beto, eternal life.
Hear us, Lord.
You promised paradise to those who repented; bring our brother Beto the joys of heaven.
Hear us, Lord.
Comfort us in our sorrows at the death of Beto; let our faith be our consolation, and eternal life our hope.
Father of all, we pray to you for Beto, and for all those whom we love but see no longer.
Grant to them eternal rest. Let light perpetual shine upon them. May Beto's soul and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
God's peace comfort be with you,
Rev. Justin Coleman (and Chaka)
Leave a comment
- Required fields are marked with *.
