About Us

Grace Tazelaar

Grace Tazelaar

Grace serves as the NCF Missions Director in a volunteer role. Grace is a veteran missionary nurse who offers wisdom from years of experience serving God cross-culturally. Find resources, best practices, and what you need to know about missionary nursing at NCF Missions.

NCF Vision

As Missions Director I encourage nurses and nursing students to demonstrate God's love for the poor and underserved through nursing in the United States and abroad. This requires that they first have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ and then that they follow God’s direction in their lives to use their professional knowledge and skills as a ministry to others in their work settings, church, and community.  My passion is helping the Church to include the concept of health, defined as shalom, as integral to the gospel message and to include healthcare missions as part of their ministry. 

Personal

I am a retired single volunteer NCF staff member who has been given the gift of continuing to engage in work that gives me joy and fulfillment.  I have two nieces and one nephew who have blessed me with nine grand nieces and nephews. I live in Villa Park, IL on the West side of the Chicagoland area and am an active member of Faith Christian Reformed Church in Elmhurst, IL.  One of my favorite things to do is to go walking in the Morton Arboretum. 

Education

  • Diploma in nursing from West Suburban Hospital School of Nursing
  • Bachelor of Science in Biology from Wheaton College
  • Master of Science in Medical Surgical Nursing from Northern Illinois University

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Professional Experience

NCF Missions Director, 1999-2015
Volunteer, 2015 to present
  Adjunct Faculty, Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL, 2002 - 2005
  World Relief, Carol Stream, IL,1999 - 2002
Health Program Development Associate: US
  Luke Society, Inc., Vicksburg, MS,1991 - 1999
Community Health Programs Director/Domestic Ministry Coordinator
  Christian Reformed World Relief Committee, Grand Rapids, MI,1985 - 1991
Health Consultant to Uganda, East Africa
  West Suburban College of Nursing, Oak Park, IL,1982 - 1984
Assistant Professor of Nursing
  West Suburban Hospital School of Nursing, Oak Park, IL,1972 - 1982
Science Instructor, Nurse Educator
  Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL, 1971 - 1972
Part-time College Health Nurse
  West Suburban Hospital, Oak Park, IL, 1970 - 1972
Part-time staff nurse

Professional memberships
 
  • Christian Community Health Fellowship
  • Christian Connections for International Health
  • American Public Health Association
  • Nurses Christian Fellowship