Born August 14, 1933
Died November 23, 2024
By Dr. John Hill
Lydia van der Plas was the devoted wife of the Reverend Willem van der Plas, and together they answered God’s call as missionaries under the Original Free Will Baptist Board of Foreign Missions. Their journey of faith led them first to the Philippines, where they shared the Gospel with love and dedication. After the fall of the “Iron Curtain,” Lydia and Willem embraced a new challenge: pioneering mission work in Bulgaria. They faithfully ministered there until Willem’s passing, after which Lydia moved to Holland.
In her later years, Lydia faced the trials of Alzheimer’s disease, yet her heart and spirit remained a beacon of grace. Her sweet disposition and unshakable kindness touched all who met her. Harold Jones, former executive director, spoke fondly of Lydia’s extraordinary hospitality—her ability to make every guest feel cherished, no matter the circumstances.
An accomplished musician, Lydia used her gift of music as a powerful tool for evangelism. Recognizing that many Europeans, like herself, cherish classical music, she often hosted gatherings in her home, blending fellowship, food, and music. These evenings would crescendo into meaningful conversations about faith, seamlessly weaving the beauty of music with the hope of the Gospel.
Even as Alzheimer’s dimmed her memory, Lydia’s love for music remained untarnished. Caregivers would guide her to the piano, and as her fingers touched the keys, melodies flowed effortlessly. Though the disease sought to take much from her, it could not steal her gift or her joy in sharing it.
Lydia will always be remembered for her gentle spirit, her warm hospitality, and her unwavering dedication to the Lord. Her legacy is one of love, faith, and music—a life lived beautifully in service to God and others.
Here are a few words from her son, Dirk:
Lydia van der Plas was born in April 1933 and died in November 2024. She grew up in Nazi-occupied Holland during World War Two. She raised four children on four different continents. She loved nature, her family, her husband Willem, music, and God. She was loving, strong-willed, creative, unconventional, and the best mom I could have. I am thankful for my siblings and family, who supported her through a very cruel illness and advocated for a peaceful, dignified passing. I am thankful for her Free Will Baptist family, who adopted us in 1980 with Libby Hott in Arapahoe and many, many more after that. Thank you all for sharing your love with her and with us.
Memorial gifts may be made to OFWBI (Foreign Missions), PO Box 39, Ayden NC 28513 or give online at https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E362619&id=1
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