Our Board
As a foundation, we cannot do without a board that is wholeheartedly committed to the mission of Tree of Life. We therefore are very grateful for these people who support us with advice, guidance, and action!
Who is who? From left to right: front row – Willem, Berthine, Bianca, Wim. Back row – Sybren, Sander, and Christian.
Below, they would love to introduce themselves to you!
Sander Joziasse
I am married and a father of three sons. In 2005, I first encountered development work when I visited Uganda for a short trip. There, I experienced the difference in opportunities and chances that we have in the Western world, compared to many others. And conversely, the difference in gratitude and joy that people can have despite various circumstances.
Chairman since 2016
Willem de Leeuw
What particularly attracts me to Tree of Life is the way the gospel is shared and combined with improving the living conditions of people in developing countries through the training of farmers.
It is wonderful to see that we can make a difference and to hear that there are farmers who have been able to multiply their harvests. At the same time, they are being trained in financial management, family relationships, and, above all, living from a faith in Jesus Christ. With my financial background, it is a blessing to contribute to this in my role as treasurer and I hope to continue building up these projects for many years to come.
Treasurer
Sybren Stelpstra
The mission of Christ to proclaim His salvation in this world is of great importance to me. From my own country’s situation, I have long concluded that preaching alone often has the opposite effect. You can spread the message, but it always requires practical action. According to Matthew 5:16, let your light shine, and by seeing good deeds, people will give glory to our Father in heaven.
At Tree of Life, this is clearly evident, where the self-sufficiency of the people being helped is paramount. The combination of working out of faith and providing help focused on self-reliance were the reasons for me to serve Tree of Life with my management experience.
Secretary
Bianca Prins – van Mourik
I am grateful that I am able to be part of the Tree of Life mission. Through the Word of God, I am moved to sow His love into the hearts of people, and I have seen what God has already done through the foundation: helping people from poverty to a hopeful, self-sustaining future.
As Jesus says in Acts 20:35, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” With joy and thankfulness in my heart, I can share this with others since I became involved with the work of the foundation. Over the past years, my husband, daughters, and I have become very closely involved with the project in Malawi.
Board Member
Wim Poort
After selling our business, the past 15 years I have been trying to dedicate myself more to others. I am a board member of various foundations to spread the gospel through word and deed.
Africa, particularly Malawi, has captured my heart, and I have been an ambassador for Tree of Life for many years. It is a challenge to strive for food security there and to actually help the people with it.
Since the beginning in 2019, I have been involved in the project in Malawi, and I have been there a few times now. It is wonderful to work together with people from different sectors of our society for the benefit of the population there. We are fortunate by the help of our Lord and Savior!
Board Member
