Guillermo Villanueva

Born on August 25, 1938 in Monterrey Mexico to Emigdio Villanueva and Hortencia Rodriguez, Guillermo devoted his life to faith, service, his family, and the betterment of others. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of over 50 years, Elizabeth Villanueva; his parents; his brother, Luis Villanueva; and his sister, Hortencia Cantu.

A dedicated servant of God, Guillermo found his greatest joy in meditating on the Bible and sharing the Word with others. His compassion and wisdom touched the lives of many, especially those in crisis, whom he counseled with kindness and care. His heart for service led him to remarkable achievements that reflected his commitment to Christ.

Guillermo was a visionary leader who served in many more ways that can be listed here. He founded the evangelistic ministries, "Nuevas de Gran Gozo (Tidings of Great Joy)" in Mexico and "Guillermo Villanueva Ministries" in the United States. He also served as pastor of various churches who called upon him, including churches in Newark, New Jersey; Monterrey, Mexico; and McAllen,Texas. Most recently, he established a mission in Reynosa, Mexico that became a cornerstone of faith in the community. His ardor for evangelism always remained strong. He organized and preached in more than 1,100 crusades around the world and established a college for traveling evangelists. He served as vice-president of the National Convention of Mexico for the Luis Palau Evangelistic Team. One of Guillermo's proudest moments was when he served as official interpreter for Billy Graham’s crusades in Mexico and Latin America and his convention in Amsterdam. As the President of the Prayer Committee of CONEMEX, he established a permanent chain of prayer and National Day of Prayer in Mexico. In his later years, his focus shifted to more local endeavors that still had a profound impact globally. With collaboration, he founded a school for the deaf in Reynosa Mexico, and a Mexican Sign Language online-school that reaches hundreds of students in person and through Zoom. His impact extended far beyond borders through worldwide radio programs, global ministry support, and tireless evangelistic travel. He always said he would continue to preach until the Lord called him home. And true to his word, his last act was an attempt to go preach in his mission before his physical body no longer allowed him to; and at the hospital, even as his body was failing him, he asked to call a meeting with everyone on shift so he could talk to them about our wonderful Savior.

He is survived by his daughters, Susibeth Elisarraras (Francisco J) and Ivette Ray (Marty); his sister Lily Melton and brother Jorge Villanueva; his cherished grandchildren: Guillermo, Xavier, Alexander, Hannah, and Andrea; and his many nieces and nephews. Guillermo’s legacy lives on in the countless hearts that he touched and the family that will carry his ministries forward.

In Lieu of Flowers, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to Guillermo Villanueva Ministries: @GVillaMinistries