Sam Beltran

Obituary

Samuel Dolores Beltran

March 27, 1942 - December 24, 2024

Samuel Dolores Beltran passed away peacefully on December 24, 2024, in Salinas, California, at the age of 82. Born on March 27, 1942, in Fabens, Texas, Samuel lived a life of love, service, and faith.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Porfiria Saucedo and Ysabel Beltran; his siblings Vern and Juana; his son John; and his grandson Devin. Samuel is lovingly remembered by his siblings Tomasa and Jeronimo (Leonor); his children Julia, Sam, Janie, Monica, Gus, and Robert; and his grandchildren Michael ("AMAZING Christy"), Sonia (David), Jaime Jr., Abel, Salina, Sophia, Jasmine, Sammy, Desiree, Stephan, and Richard. He also leaves behind cherished great-grandchildren who brought him joy and comfort in his final days. His extended family includes many beloved nephews, nieces, and cousins who will miss him dearly.

A proud veteran of the United States Army, Samuel embodied the values of dedication and service throughout his life. He found fulfillment in gardening, woodworking, and tinkering—hobbies that reflected his resourceful nature and creative spirit.Samuel's memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him.

At this time Mikey is going to share with us the 23rd Psalm.

**Open floor for anyone to share**

Intro

A lot can be said about Sam. Sam was one of the nicest people I have known. I had the honor to be his pastor for the past 6 1/2 years.

Sam was a faithful man. He loved his family very much. He would often send in prayer requests for his sons, daughters, grandkids, nephews. Really anyone he cared about if they had a need, he would reach out to the church for prayer.

I know for a Fact that Sam cared deeply not only for his family, but for Jesus. When I went to visit him in Chico at Enloe, he told me he was ready to go home. He was fighting man, but he was tired and in a lot of pain. He knew where he was going for eternity. He knew that the moment he draws his last breath here, he would wake up in heaven with Jesus to the words, “well done my good and faithful servant.”

One of Sam’s desires was to see his family enter into not a religion, but a relationship with the same Jesus he had and getting into a good church.

I prayed about today and for those that would be here at this very moment. The way I could honor Sam, and I know he would want me to, is to share that simple Gospel message of hope and salvation.

I am Sure

There are a lot of things that I am not sure of in this life. I am not sure why Sam went through what he went through. As a pastor I get asked quite often, especially when it comes to things like today, and that is “Why?” Why did it happen? Why now?

I am sure many of you are asking that same question. I wish I could stand here today and tell you xyz is why. But I cannot. I am not sure the why. But I am sure of the who.

The Reality of Death

Hebrews 9:27 NLT

27 And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment,

I know of one guarantee in life and that is everyone in this room will eventually take their last breath. It is inevitable. It is a reality that each and everyone of us will face at some point.

To put it simple. Life is short. Life is unpredictable.

Just a couple weeks ago, I was in an earthquake. I remember getting an alert on my phone telling me to take cover there is going to be an earthquake.

My immediate response was, “This is Corning, nothing happens in Corning.” Just as soon as I said that all of a sudden my church began to sway back and forth like I was on the ocean. It was a little scary for me.

I know from that day forward, I will not ignore the alert to get to a safe place.

Friends and family of Sam, today I am that alert. Sam loved you all enough to ask the church to pray that you would come to know Jesus.

I know how some think, I have time to live. We don’t see the urgency. As I mentioned before, everyone is destined to take their last breath at some point.

James 4:14 NLT

14 How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.

Death is a certainty we all face. But it is not the end but a doorway to eternity. Sam, he knew this truth.

The Gift of Eternal Life

At some point in his life, the truth about eternity was shared with him.

John 3:16 NASB95

16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

Last night my wife and I took a walk down to the bay area by our hotel. We listened to waves that crashed up onto the shore. It sounded like thunder, but no storm was around. It was dark. It was kind of scary to be honest. We kept asking each other, “Do we want to continue?”

As we got down to the beach, I looked out onto the water and thought if anyone is out there in that water, no one would no. There is no lifeguard on duty and they would not be able to save themselves if they were drowning.

Life feels that way. Life feels overwhelming to the point we feel like we are drowning. We try to help ourselves. But the reality is, you cannot.

The good thing is there is a Life Guard on duty at all times. His name is Jesus. He is the one who saves us from sin (which simply means miss the mark - archery) and death.

Sam knew this. He knew Jesus was the doorway from this home to his permanent home where Jesus is.

2 Corinthians 5:8 NKJV

8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.

While death is inevitable, God offers the free gift of eternal life through His Son, Jesus Christ. His sacrifice on the cross defeated death for all who believe.

Jesus is the doorway. When you enter through that door while here, just as Sam did, you will not fear death. You will be just like your father, grandpa, great grandpa, your friend, because you are confident that to be absent from this body is to be present with the Lord.

The Decision to Believe

Sam loved every single one of you and his desire was that you knew Jesus. Not a religion, but know Jesus.

As humans we complicate things (try buying a house) and we have complicated the simple message of the Gospel.

The truth is, beginning a relationship with Jesus truly is simple.

Romans 10:9 NASB95

9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;

That’s it. Confess. Believe. It’s like receiving a gift. You have to accept the gift in order to enjoy the gift.

Salvation is the same - it must be received through faith.

Salvation is a personal decision. We honor the life of Sam by considering where we stand with God. Today is the day to trust in Jesus and secure the hope of eternal life.

Conclusion and Invitation

Life is short, we do not know the time of our departure from this world to the next. But there is hope in Jesus.

To honor Sam, I want to offer an opportunity to those that are here today to accept this gift, this hope.

If you would bow your heads. If you have never accepted Jesus as Savior or maybe you have at one point but would like to do so again, just lift up your hand.

“Lord Jesus, I confess that I am a sinner. I believe You died for my sins and rose again. I invite You into my life as my Lord and Savior. Thank You for saving me. Amen.”

My wife and I, and our church are praying for you all during this time. There will be moments where emotions will take over. That’s ok. Lean into Jesus. He will walk you through the coming days.

I will extend the same invitation that I did for Sam, our door is always open. We are just a call away.

I want to leave you with just one more word of comfort.

Revelation 21:4 NLT

4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”

Sam is experiencing joy like he has never before, and all his pain is completely gone.

Let us pray.