LIGHT FROM LUCAS
Lucas was born with a very rare brain disorder, Partial Pachygyria Lissencephaly, resulting in life-long physical and mental disabilities requiring 24-hour care. Yet Lucas’ life displayed the glory and mighty works of God, clearly seen in the love, nurture, and support of many – and in return, Lucas blessed and impacted many, many lives.
The FAMiLY Leader lost a dear member of our extended family in 2021. Lucas Vander Plaats, third son of Bob and Darla Vander Plaats, met his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, cheek to cheek and face to face, where every tear and disability were wiped away, on November 22, 2021. He was 28 years old.
Lucas was born with a very rare brain disorder, Partial Pachygyria Lissencephaly, resulting in life-long physical and mental disabilities requiring 24-hour care. Yet Lucas’ life displayed the glory and mighty works of God, clearly seen in the love, nurture, and support of many – and in return, Lucas blessed and impacted many, many lives.
We praise God for the gift of Lucas’ life and the gift of eternal life. We are picturing him running, jumping, talking, singing, and maybe even dunking as he enters into his Savior’s courts with praise!
Photos and video tribute to Lucas
Moments from Lucas' touching funeral celebration
Bob’s 2007 book, “Light from Lucas: Lessons in Faith from a Fragile Life,” first shared with the world the heart-wrenching story of Lucas’ early days, transparently told, shining an insightful light on the nature of suffering, the character of God, and the value of every life.
Since the book’s first publication, Bob has continued to share Lucas’ story and testify to God’s glory, revealed through Lucas’ life and those who care for “the least of these.”
