Basil & Vera de Klerk
My name is Basil my wife’s name is Vera and we are the DeKlerks. We have been attending CrossWinds Church in Dublin, California since 1991. Dublin is a town 45 minutes S.E. of San Francisco.
Along our spiritual journey, my wife and I have been involved in many leadership roles, within the Christian Community. Nevertheless our passion for serving and making a tangible difference in peoples lives, eventually led us to CrossWinds church, where as Small Group leaders we formed Care Ministries, which resulted in the Food Pantry, S.H.A.R.E., Crisis response, Adopt-A-Family, Meals-on-wheels and a Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner.
As serving became more of a passion, to help those around us, the Lord began tugging on our hearts to get involved in short-term missions, as well. So we went, with YWAM to an orphanage in Baja, Mexico. We were so awed, to see how God was working at the Baja Mission and orphanage, that God etched it into our hearts, not knowing that one day we would establish something similar in Belize, where over 50% of the population is under eighteen. We lea groups to the Baja orphanage before coming to Belize to start our ministry here.
Prior to all this, I had discovered the little known country of Belize. I became fascinated with Belize and began intensive research on this jewel of God’s creation. So when Tony Campolo and Target Earth came to CrossWinds, in 1998 and promoted their Eco-retreat in the Belize rainforest, it seemed as though God was beginning to weave a tapestry for our ministry here.
Then God has gave us a broader Vision, to buy a piece of property in Belize and establish a Mission and Retreat, where Church service teams can demonstrate Christ’s love, through hands-on work projects, at orphanages, churches and villages in Belize.
Basil
I was born August 20, 1944 and raised in Johannesburg South Africa, until I was thirteen. My Dad was a Pastor and missionary evangelist, for the Apostolic Faith Mission in South Africa and in the late 50’s we had ministered and evangelized in numerous countries, around the world.
All my life, it was always expected that I actively participate in all of Dad's service, whether they were Citywide Crusades, Tent Revivals or Church Revival meetings. From testimonies, reciting chapters of the Bible, operating projectors or singing medleys with the family, all was required as part of the package, for being the "preachers kid".
Later on in life when attending a local church, it was always assumed that I would be the logical candidate for every leadership role that needed to be filled. Many positions were a priveledge to serve. Now looking back, I can see how God was grooming me for His service.
Being a “preachers kid” I had no intentions of ever being in ministry, not to mention being called to the mission field. However, never say "no" to God, He has a way of changing your plans.
My passion has always been to serve the unloved, the hurting and those in need, in our church, community and the world around us. I belive that is the responsibility of the church to take care of the poor and needy, not the government.
The Bible tells us to share with those in need. One must believe what Christ said; "Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My bretheren you did it unto Me", Matt. 25:40. In Galatians 6:2, Christ commands us to care for one another, because mercy is not an option, for Christ followers, it’s a command. God's Word makes it very clear, that we serve Christ when we serve people in need.
So as God began to instill in me , the compassion for the needy, my passion for serving others in crisis grew. Once again God spoke to me through His Word. The Bible says, "You shall open you hand wide to your brother, to your poor and needy" Deut. 15:11. So it was revealed to me through scripture, that I needed to be a channel of blessing and let Christ's love flow through me, as he opens the doors for our ministry in Belize.
Prior to CrossWinds church, I also had the privilege to serve in various positions, starting with Youth Director, then Stewardship Director, Missions Director and Vice President & Treasurer and Trustee, for two non-denominational churches, one for 10 years and the other for 16 years.
In the secular field I was a Management Executive with 20 years experience in Corporate operations and Project Management as Vice President for Wells Fargo Bank. Special areas of emphasis included Bankcard operations, Personnel and Payroll operations, Business services and a number of data processing departments.
After 20 years in Corporate life, I founded my own company, Creative Expressions, in 1980, while still working for Wells Fargo. Providing me with almost 20 years of experience in running my own business, starting from the ground up. In 1995 I received “The Retailer of the Year” award, by the San Ramon Chamber of Commerce. In 1993 we developed our own proprietory Eco-Sportswear line & Wildlife T-Shirt line. The last 20 years provided me with the opportunity to work directly with large Corporations to promote their Corporate image.
Vera
I was born March 21, 1952, in Portland Oregon. I was raised in Fresno, California, where I went to the Church of Christ all of my childhood, with my neighbors. I accepted Christ as my Savior and was baptized at age 11. As an adult I became a member of the Lutheran Church, (Evangelical Synod). I moved to the Bay area at the age of 22 and resided in San Ramon, California for 27 years. I was actively involved in many church programs with my 3 sons, Ryan, Brent & Travis. Our sons are now grown and at this time remain in San Ramon, going to school and forming their futures.
I came to CrossWinds Church in 1991. I was on the drama team, involved as a Small Group leader and very active in the Women’s Connection, teaching various classes. I also have a passion for helping people in crisis, as Director of Care Ministries, along with my husband.
Upon leaving CrossWinds for Belize I was an Administrative Assistant to our Senior Executive Pastor, our teaching Pastor, as well as providing administrative support for all of our Councelling group and weddings.
In the secular world, I was owner of Golden Gate Greeters, a welcoming service, representing merchants in a portfolio to new homeowners. I was also a Manager of Ross Dress For Less, in charge of store operations, customer service and personnel. I was a Sales Representative with Volt Temporary Services, responsible for servicing existing accounts and prospecting for new clients.
As co-owner of Creative Expressions, I was a Marketing Executive responsible for Sales promotion of Corporate logo apparel and our own proprietary eco-sportswear line.
I served as Ambassador for the Pleasanton, Livermore and San Ramon Chamber of Commerce and was elected as Director on the San Ramon Board for 91-93. I was also honored as Ambassador and Business of the month.
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