Beyond Imagination
The Enduring Legacy of David Vander Ploeg
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” – Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)
David Vander Ploeg was among a small group of attorneys and businessmen whose expertise and vision launched Barnabas Foundation in April 1976. He served as the Foundation’s second executive director from 1993 to 2000, and he remained a passionate advocate for the organization well beyond his official “retirement” from that position.
From the beginning, Dave played a pivotal role in defining the objectives and principles that continue to guide Barnabas Foundation today. In a March 19, 1976 article for The Banner magazine – published one month prior to official incorporation – Dave described his vision for what the Foundation would become.
“Assistance and advice will be available to Christian organizations for the development and administration of existing or newly established planned-giving programs,” he wrote. “Barnabas Foundation also will have available a network of estate planners to advise and assist donors and their legal or financial advisors.”
What Dave described then continues to be an essential part of Barnabas Foundation’s work.
As visionary as he was, even Dave couldn’t have predicted how the Lord would continue to bless and expand upon the founders’ original dreams.
In a September 21, 2000 speech for Barnabas Foundation’s 25th anniversary, the late co-founder Bill Weidenaar reflected on Dave’s initial reaction to a third co-founder’s estimate.
Bill recalled, “Case [Hoogendoorn] said, ‘You better be careful, because if we do this thing right, Barnabas Foundation someday could be handling $15 million.’ David and I reacted with slack-jawed stunned belief.”
Today, Barnabas Foundation’s impact is measured in billions, not millions, of dollars dedicated to Kingdom ministry around the world.
Those who worked closest to Dave remember him as gracious, dedicated, easygoing but brilliant and pure of heart. He was passionate about generosity being an expression of good stewardship.
“Dave was a mentor, a dear friend and foundational in my professional development as a leader,” says James Bakke, current executive director, who was hired under Dave’s leadership. “I will be ever indebted to him for the impact he made on my life.”
“He was always very generous and caring to me, quick to appreciate the work I did for him,” says Lynell Dykstra, current associate director of member relations, who served as Dave’s administrative assistant from 1994 through 2000. “I thoroughly enjoyed working with him, and I’m grateful for his continued friendship over the years.”
