Without maintenance, the work will eventually come to a standstill. As Maintenance Manager, I support the work of Timotheos in Malawi by ensuring that all buildings and grounds at the eight locations remain in the best possible condition.

In early 2024, my wife Janneke and I left for Malawi. I come from the rural area of Zaamslag, a village in beautiful Zeeuws-Vlaanderen. After completing the MTS Mechanical Engineering, I followed the HTS with a specialization in maintenance in Vlissingen. For my internship, I ended up in Brabant, which led me to move to Nederhemert and later to Sprang-Capelle. It was during this time that I met Janneke. After our marriage, we moved to Stroe in the Veluwe. For many years, I worked as a planner/work preparer at the Technical Service of the Nestle factory in Nunspeet.

Through Timotheos in the Netherlands, I was posted to Foundation to Build in Malawi. This foundation handles all construction and maintenance work for Timotheos in Malawi. My main focus is on organizing and coordinating the maintenance of all buildings and grounds. Timotheos has eight locations, with various buildings such as classrooms, dormitories, offices, kitchens, orphanages, playgrounds, water pumps, and much more. It is a challenge to ensure optimal housing and facilities with the available resources so that the children can receive good care and education.

I try to use my knowledge and experience to make a difference in Malawi. I find it rewarding to help the people there take a step forward. My hope is that the Lord will bless the work. “Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it.” (Psalm 127:1).