Remembering Uncle Bob

Bob Mayo went to be with the Lord on December 18, 2017. He served faithfully at Gospel for Asia for the past 21 years, and his passing leaves a hole in many of our hearts. Known to many around GFA as “Uncle Bob,” he was marked by his gentleness, his humility and by how much he loved others.

Robert Mayo | April 16, 1947 – December 18, 2017

He is preceded in death by his dear wife, Alice, who passed away just before Christmas five years ago.

Throughout the years, Bob served in many aspects of Gospel for Asia’s ministry. He led the Missions Department and the Fulfillment Department at different times. He also served in Admissions in School of Discipleship, and taught several classes in the discipleship program. Most recently, he was a Ministry Partnerships representative. His hands have touched countless missionary profiles, linking them with sponsors around the world; he managed people and packages with both love and excellence; and he called, wrote letters to, prayed for and encouraged hundreds of donors and sponsors.

Bob impacted hundreds of Gospel for Asia staff over the years, too.

Susanna, a Gospel for Asia staff member, shared her fondest memory of Uncle Bob: “Dear Uncle Bob, one of the most recent and fondest memories I have of you is when, a few months ago, after Tuesday prayer ended, my baby girl spotted you across the room and made a dash in your direction. She was determined. She very clearly needed a big bear hug from Uncle Bob. She was all smiles when you picked her up, and she happily stayed in your arms til we had to head home. I’m so thankful someone snapped a picture capturing this moment. You will be missed by many, because you loved many. Most of all, you showed us how to simply love the Lord. But we will see you again. And then we’ll never have to say goodbye.”

Jose and his family were next-door neighbors with Bob when they lived on Gospel for Asia’s campus. Bob fondly referred to Jose’s three young daughters as “his prairie pixies” and always enjoyed when they would stop by, play or share a meal.

“When we were next-door neighbors, my daughters, his ‘Prairie Pixies,’ would love to wait for Uncle Bob to arrive and take him dinner in exchange for a hug,” Jose said. “He learned to live to encourage others; even the middle of the busyness of life, Uncle Bob always had time for you.”

Danny Yohannan, vice president of Gospel for Asia, shared, “All of us have different memories and thoughts about Bob from over the years. The many years he was a part of our family and community means so much. My brother-in-law was recently sharing that often times when we pray, the Lord answers not in the way that we think would be best, but in the way that He knows is best. As many of us know, Bob had to say goodbye to his wife Alice many years ago. Although our hearts are sad right now, we can rejoice that Bob is now together with the Lord and with Alice, rejoicing in full health. Today, we can praise the Lord for our brother Bob who gave his life so that so many, whom he will now meet in eternity, could come to know Christ because of the part he played.”

Bob also led several vision tours to the mission field over the years.

Joy, one of his trip teammates, shared, “Several years ago, I had the privilege of visiting Asia in a staff group led by Bob, and I also worked with him some over the years, though not in the same department. I so appreciated his smile, his example of loving others and pouring into their lives, his love and faithful service for the Lord, and his openness and willingness to share what he’d learned in His walk with God.”

Alley, former Gospel for Asia staff member, shared in a Facebook post, “Gonna miss ya, Unca [sic] Bob Mayo… You made my time with GFA full of hugs and friendship. Thankful that we will meet again and that you are finally reunited with Alice and our Lord.”


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