If you spend yourselves on behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.
History
Livingstone was established in 1999 in order to engage youngsters with the Biblical command to love and serve each other and to develop a compassionate and involved lifestyle. Since the start, 8000+ youngsters participated in mission teams and volunteer jobs, serving 150+ projects in 40+ countries. Many lives and communities all over the world changed for the better.
Vision
Our inspiration comes from Christion faith. We are touched by the vision that all people can live in harmony as brothers and sisters. We believe that positive changes start when people really meet each other, human to human, heart to heart. We warmly welcome all, who want to join our adventure of loving and serving each other worldwide.
Mission
We organise mission trips and volunteer jobs with an emphasis on an encounter. Our youngsters and local people work closely together in equal cooperation. They experience the richness of each other’s culture, and together they are able to make a significant impact on the projects they work on.
Mission teams
We recruit, prepare and send mission teams of 8 to 24 people, ageing up from 15 years. They serve for 1 to 3 weeks, doing social and practical work and – most importantly – share their experiences with local staff. Their team leaders are mature in leadership and Christian lifestyle.
Volunteers on vacancy
We also recruit, prepare and send volunteers on specific vacancies with our partner organisations. Volunteers, ageing from 18 years, are put to assist the local staff, using their skills and qualities. They work from 2 to 12 months for 4 or 5 days a week, depending on the local needs.
Base of cooperation
Mission teams and volunteers always work under the authority of our local partners. They assist local staff and work together as brothers and sisters. They stay at local standards, at their own costs. Besides the social and practical work, sharing of experiences and ideas is key.
Management
Hanneke and Marleen both started working with Livingstone in mid-July 2022. From a shared passion and experience, they are jointly building the future of the organization.
Hanneke van den Biggelaar – General Manager & Relations Manager Africa+
Hanneke brings extensive experience in organizing and leading mission trips. With her background in international mission work, she knows what it takes to develop trips and projects with care and lasting impact.
“Together, we believe that through connection and involvement, we can make the world a little more beautiful.”
hanneke@lst.nl
Marleen Kragt – Director Europe & Relations Manager Europe
Marleen is responsible for Europe and relationships. Thanks to her broad network in the Netherlands and Eastern Europe, she connects people and churches to the work of Livingstone. Through her close involvement with youth groups that have been traveling for many years, she understands the practice firsthand.
“It is my passion to let young people and children see and experience more of God’s love.”
marleen@lst.nl
Our office team
Our office team consists of a communications officer and a fundraiser (volunteer role). Together they take care of communication, visibility, and support for projects and partners.
In addition, we make external use of an IT specialist and an administration office for technical and financial support. This allows us to work in a flexible and professional way.
Our volunteers
Livingstone is largely carried by volunteers. They assist in recruiting and preparing teams, support activities, and help raise awareness of Livingstone and its projects at schools and churches in the Netherlands. Their commitment is invaluable to everything we do.
Our board
The board is the supervisory and ultimately responsible body of Livingstone. The board safeguards the mission, vision, and financial health of the organization and contributes to strategic direction. The management team is responsible for the daily operations and implementation of policy.
