In Memoriam: Rev. Gerald Nyenhuis

During his lifetime, Gerald Nyenhuis had many vocations and completed many degrees in various disciplines from universities in the U.S., Spain, and Mexico. A Christian school teacher, CRC missionary in Mexico, pastor, and professor, he wrote 11 books and numerous articles in Spanish language journals. Nyenhuis died on November 1 in Mexico City. He was 87.

After graduating from high school in 1945, Nyenhuis joined the U.S. Navy and served three years in San Diego, Calif., completing training as a flight engineer. Upon discharge, he studied at Calvin College, then taught at Christian schools in Michigan and New York. He pursued further studies in literature, philosophy, theology, and psychology. He also facilitated the organization of what was then Pompton Plains (N.J.) Christian Reformed Church.

While he studied for the ministry at Calvin Theological Seminary, Nyenhuis pastored the newly formed congregation of Sparta (Mich.) Christian Reformed Church. After graduation in 1962 and ordination by Wyoming Park (Mich.) CRC, Nyenhuis left for Mexico to work for Christian Reformed World Missions.

Nyenhuis’s family said his desire was to live a life based on the five principles, sometimes called the Five Solas, that emerged from the Protestant Reformation. He passionately defended the authority of Scripture. By faith alone he followed God’s call to move to Mexico, where he served for more than 53 years. His comfort was that he rested in the grace of God alone. His teaching and preaching always centered on Christ alone, and he dedicated himself to living for the glory of God.

Nyenhuis retired in 1994 but continued teaching at Iberoamericana University in Mexico City and leading Berith Presbyterian Church until his death.

Nyenhuis was predeceased in 1971 by his first wife, Arlene. He is survived by his spouse, Francisca; and by his children Larry and Betty Nyenhuis, Sandy and Miguel Espinosa, Bruce and Judy Nyenhuis, Bobbie and Jim White, Kathy Viveros, Faith Elaine and Fernando Hernandez, Cipa (Frank) Bulk, and Silviana and Dusnier Segades; as well as 14 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.