Joseph

Assets & Project Management Team

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When he was growing up, Joseph Tuinstra thought little about Africa “except in history class” and didn’t know a country named Swaziland existed. Today it is home for Joe and his family, three years running. “Some days I wake up and still can’t believe I’m here.”

As assets and operations manager on the Miracle Campus, Joe and his Swazi partner Mandla supervise the construction crew (new buildings are always being built), oversees all installations and upkeep on the Miracle Campus and TLC’s rented facilities, directs fleet purchases and maintenance, and more recently oversees the farming operation.

No surprise, then, that one of Joe’s favorite Bible verses is, “My God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19. 

Joe thanks donors from North America for their continued investment in The Luke Commission and the Swazi people. “Meanwhile, we are here squeezing the most efficiency out of their every dollar.”

As his children-- ages 13 to not-yet-born-- grow, Joe hopes they will be “more godly and not have to learn the hard lessons the way Amannda and I have had to learn them.”

He recognizes  that “TLC has a core group of dedicated individuals who do not quit” as a basis for stability and continuity. “We can never forget, though, that we have God’s favor upon us every day. That’s the foundation of TLC’s effectiveness.”

And how does Joe like working with and for his sister? Laughing, Joe responds: “We think alike which means we understand each other. When we don’t, we choose to disagree and talk it over.”  

Joe says Swaziland “feels closer to Bible times. Your character is challenged but strengthened. Growth is on fast-forward.”