Rev. Dr. Paul Versluis Jr.

It is clear to see by the way he lived his life that Rev. Dr. Paul Versluis Jr. didn’t value the things of this world, but set his sights on the things of above. His life is a true reflection of what it means to be the hands and feet of the Lord he served. The world is a better place because he was here and the lives of those he touched will be forever changed.

Paul’s story begins during the Roaring Twenties in Walker, Michigan. Welcomed into the world by his loving parents, Paul and Nellie (Putt) Versluis, he was the fifth of nine children in his family. He was raised on the family farm where he was responsible for his fair share of chores, instilling within him a strong work ethic. The Versluis family was faithful members of Plymouth Brethren Church where Paul came to know Jesus Christ. He attended local schools including Union High School where he was a state champion wrestler.

After graduating from high school in 1942, Paul went on to Grand Rapids Junior College for one year before he entered the Navy. During his time in the service he was a pilot who served from October 26, 1943, until January 18, 1946.

Not to be forgotten during Paul’s early years was a certain young girl named Genella Mieras whom he had known since he was a young boy. They began dating and corresponded through letters for many years during which time they fell deeply in love. Paul and Genella were married on June 9, 1945, in the Naval Air Force Chapel in Corpus Christi, Texas, and settled into a tiny apartment on base. Together they were blessed with two children, Paul III and Maribeth.

When he was discharged, Paul and his family returned to Grand Rapids where he attended Grand Rapids Theological Seminary for five years, earning his degree in 1952. A short time later, Paul and Genella accepted positions as missionaries with Baptist Mid-Missions, serving in Alaska, India, and Hawaii over a period of 50 years. He was also the founder of Bibles International, Partnership Ministries, and Paul Versluis Partnership Ministries. Paul planted churches in Kailua, Hawaii, Hilton Head, South Carolina, and in both Alma and Hillsdale, Michigan. He established orphanages in India and Burma, and he founded Asia Theological Seminary and also inaugurated Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary Extension in Singapore.

Rev. Dr. Paul Versluis Jr. taught us to love others as Jesus loves us by serving God’s people worldwide. He modeled unconditional love and highly valued the lives of all people. Paul’s unmatched legacy will live on through the lives of the many people he touched.

Rev. Dr. Paul Versluis Jr. died on February 21, 2011. Paul’s family includes his wife, Genella Versluis; his children, Paul (Joy) Versluis III, Maribeth Versluis; his grandchildren, Anna (Ben) Versluis-Penner, Bethany (Peter) Fairfield, Sara Versluis, Rachel (Neil) Detweiller, Paul Versluis IV, Tasha Malia Torrey; great-grandchildren, Lucia, Grace, Elizabeth and James; sisters and brothers, Kathleen (Jack) Dykstra, Jean Boynton, Frank (Clara) Versluis, Don (Janie) Versluis; sister-in-law, Madge Versluis; many nieces, nephews and friends. Paul was preceded in death by his siblings, Robert, Jim, Ron and Marie. A service to celebrate Paul’s life will be held on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. at Berean Baptist Church, 1574 Coit Ave. NE. Burial in Rosedale Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet his family Friday from 7-9 p.m. at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes – Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, and at the church on Saturday from 1:00 p.m. until the service begins. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory or make a memorial donation to Paul Versluis Partnership Ministries.