Our Elders
Elder
John Hamstra
Vice President - Class of 2027
Parish 4
Biography
I grew up on a farm near Rensselaer, Indiana and was taught about the Lord from an early age. I attended DeMotte Christian School and a Reformed church in the area.
After high school and college I served in agricultural mission work in Belize and Mexico. My wife, Donna, and I have twin daughters who are adults and both live in the area. I enjoy teaching at two prisons as a volunteer with Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary.
Reading, gardening and taking care of my backyard chickens are some of my favorite pastimes. I have been blessed by the preaching, teaching and fellowship of the saints at Immanuel, and I thank God for His sovereign grace in my life.
Elder
Howard Ridder Jr.
Class of 2027
Biography
I was born on the south side of Chicago and have been married to my high school sweetheart Brenda for 43 years now. We have four children and ten grandchildren who are such a blessing and joy to be with.
​
I was brought up in the Christian faith and attended Christian schools. When I was 18 years old, I was working full-time and trying to fit in when a supervisor said to me, "You sure don't act like somebody that went to Illiana Christian School." He was exactly right—my actions and speech were not Christ-like. That's something I have never forgotten. God got my attention and shook me, and I'm thankful He did and rescued me.
​
This church is my home and the people here are my family. God has blessed me to be part of this church and to serve Christ's church here as an Elder. I have a great passion to continue to learn and grow in the faith and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ and to share that Good News to all.
​
I recently retired after being in the garbage business for 46 years. We have been traveling a lot since my kids live all over the place, spending quality time with my grandchildren, fishing, woodworking, and most importantly having the opportunity to serve Christ and His church in ways I wasn't able to do when I was working full time.
Elder
Rob Buiter
Class of 2028
Parish 2
Biography
I grew up in a Christian home and attended Christian grade school and high school as I grew up. My wife, Wendy, and I have been married for 30 years and have 5 daughters and seven grandchildren. My walk with the Lord grew through the influence and examples of many teachers and youth leaders. Immanuel and my church family are where I have truly seen the grace and love of Christ made real in my life.
I have always been involved in the life of the church in many different ways. A few ways I’ve been involved has been through serving as a Deacon, security committee, being a youth group leader, and serving on the fellowship committee. As I serve as an elder, I pray that God will not only give me wisdom but that Christ would be evident throughout my term.
​
When I am not at work on the farm, I enjoy helping others and being with my family, especially my grandkids.
Elder
Rudy Tolkamp
Clerk - Class of 2027
Biography
Coming Soon
Elder
Derek Terpstra
Class of 2026
Parish 3
Biography
Coming Soon