Meet Bas: From Engineer to Missionary

Picture this: I was born and raised in a small, renovated chicken coop in the Netherlands back in 1977. Yep, you read that right!

Growing up in a Christian family with a Dutch Reformed background, I had a sense of faith, but it was more about head knowledge than heart experience. For nearly 25 years, I considered myself a Christian by name, but I lacked a living relationship with God.

I pursued a Bachelor’s in Land, Water & Environmental Management and a Master’s in Environmental Science, and then worked as an engineer. Despite my academic and professional achievements, something was missing.

In 2003, I joined a Discipleship Training School (DTS) with Youth With A Mission (YWAM) in Amsterdam, and my life took a transformative turn.

Where my path took a transformative turn with YWAM in 2003

A Life Transformed: The Call to Mission

During my time with YWAM, I discovered the depths of God's grace and love. I learned that God's grace isn't just a concept—it's a person, Jesus Christ, whose finished work impacts every aspect of our lives.

My passion became helping others awaken to these truths, and I transitioned to full-time missionary work, serving in various roles including International Training School Executive and Assistant Director.

Through YWAM, I led DTS programs, discipled young people, and trained international students in leadership.

I vividly remember a mission trip to Nigeria where we built schools and spread the message of God's love. These experiences enriched my understanding of different cultures and strengthened my commitment to spreading God's love globally.

On the ground in Nigeria, spreading God's love and enriching lives through education.

As part of my missionary work, I've led countless mission trips with young people, which is how I've visited 47 countries.

This journey also led me to find my calling: helping others discover their identity in Christ, embrace their spiritual inheritance, and live in peace, confidence, and connection with God and others.

It was during this transformative period that I met my wonderful wife, Michelle, from Kansas City, USA. Together, we live in Amsterdam with our two children, Lennon and Anouk.

Family adventures—our joy in Amsterdam.

The Birth of MBB

The idea for the Miracle Breakthrough Blueprint (MBB) was born out of my personal experiences and the desire to create a Christ-centered, transformative program.

Over the past 20+ years, I've seen countless lives changed through the simple Gospel: Jesus + nothing = everything.

This foundational truth inspired the creation of MBB, designed to help people release negative thoughts, feelings, and beliefs, and embrace their true identity in Christ.

Exclusive insights and practical steps for transformation, available only to our program participants.

The Grace Gaze Manifesto

At Grace Gaze, we believe in living out the profound truths of God's love and grace. This manifesto is a declaration of our commitment to embracing and sharing these truths. It encapsulates our vision, values, and the heart behind everything we do at Grace Gaze.

The Grace Gaze Manifesto:

Grace Gaze 

The Manifesto

I am a Grace Gazer.

I stand in the light of truth, where grace outshines the shadows of doubt. I am not a whisper in the darkness; I am a beacon of light. In the boundless ocean of God's grace, I see friends in every face; every soul is a testament to Christ's inclusive love.

I refuse to be caged by the status quo, for I am called to soar on the wings of grace. I will not settle for the echoes of empty religion; in Christ alone, my soul finds all it longs for – the living waters of life.

The systems of this world and the doctrines of man do not define me; I blossom in the garden of God’s love, shaped by sacred whispers. I throw off the chains of fear and anxiety, and in Christ alone, I am draped in a cloak of peace, armored with unshakeable joy. I am not swayed by the storms of tradition and the waves of popular opinion; rooted deeply in Christ, my harbor of unshakeable truth. In my walk with Christ, each step is a conversation, a journey of faith, love, and discovery, complete in Him. Deep within, I seek a heart revolution, where Christ's grace alone molds and renews me.

I am a builder of bridges, not a dweller in walls; my hands will lift others into the realm of Christ's all-sufficient grace I inhabit. I do not walk alone; in the great family of Grace Gazers, we find our everything in Christ. I will share the love I have received freely, serving not for applause, but because the love of Christ drives me to action. Laying down my burdens, I find rest in Christ alone, where true peace blooms and the weary find rest.

I am not just a fleeting moment; in Christ's movement, I am a transformative force. I don't just dream of change; through Christ, I am an architect of transformation.

For I am a Grace Gazer, and through my gaze upon grace, in Christ alone, I transform my tomorrow.

A Day in the Life of Bas

So, what does a typical day look like for me?

I start my mornings with a cold shower or a jump in the canal in front of our house to invigorate my body and mind.

This routine not only wakes me up but also prepares me for deep, heartfelt fellowship with God, which is the foundation of my day.

Starting the day with a refreshing cold dip in the canal, connecting body and spirit.

I then focus on creating content for my YouTube channel, writing for Grace Gaze Academy, and developing new teaching materials and books.

I dedicate myself to enriching people's lives through meaningful content and personal interactions. I also coach and mentor individuals, helping them grow in their faith and personal development.

In my free time, I enjoy swimming, spending quality time with my family, and indulging in strong Dutch coffee and cheese.

Despite my busy schedule, I always make time for date nights with Michelle and enjoy weekends filled with reading and connecting with others.

Cherishing family moments in the heart of Paris.

Fun Facts About Bas

• I can juggle with three balls.
• I am a fervent cheese eater.
• I used to stutter and struggled with shyness.
• I love printed socks—no plain ones for me.
• I have visited 47 countries and still have a few on my bucket list.

Discover more quirky and fun facts about me here. 

The Vision of Grace Gaze

In addition to MBB, I founded Grace Gaze, an academy that unravels spiritual truths and replaces confusion, guilt, and fear with joyous freedom.

At Grace Gaze, we don't push you to become something—you already are complete in Christ. Our mission is to guide you towards a liberating understanding of God's boundless love and grace.

Grace Gaze Academy hosts a variety of courses, tools, and resources, including the Miracle Breakthrough Blueprint. While MBB is my main focus, Grace Gaze Academy offers a holistic approach to spiritual growth, helping you embrace the fullness of your identity in Christ.

Discover the transformative power of understanding your true identity in Christ.

Why Listen to Me? 

My journey from an engineer to a missionary and founder of MBB is a testament to the transformative power of God's grace. Over the years, I have helped countless individuals discover their true identity in Christ and experience profound freedom through His finished work.

My teachings are not just theoretical but come from a wealth of personal experience and biblical truth. Through my ministry, I have seen people overcome deep-seated fears, anxieties, depression, negative beliefs, and physical ailments, transforming their lives into ones filled with joy, purpose, and fulfillment.

This passion for seeing lives transformed drives everything I do.

Explore eternal security and the depths of God's grace through our teachings.

Real Stories, Real Results

Let me share a few testimonials from people who have experienced the transformative power of MBB:

• H. Richter, Germany: "I've heard "Let go let God" my entire life but always felt like I was failing at it. I carried so much anxiety and fear feeling like I was letting my faith down. The Miracle Breakthrough Blueprint finally gave me the tools to actually let go. It's been a blessing."

• R. Sanders, Texas: "The Miracle Breakthrough Blueprint helped me get out of my head and into action. Instead of just reading about God's promises I began to experience them. I now feel God's love and presence more often and it has brought a profound peace and joy into my life. This shift has been nothing short of transformative."

• J. Parker, California: "I knew about God's love but never truly felt it. This program changed that. I began to experience His presence regularly turning head knowledge into deep heart-felt knowing. It's no longer just theory; I live in the freedom of His love more each day!"

Ready to Transform Your Life? 

Are you ready to experience profound peace, purpose, and transformation through Christ? The Miracle Breakthrough Blueprint can help you achieve these goals and more.

Join our community and start your journey towards a life filled with joy, fulfillment, and divine love. By joining now, you'll gain access to exclusive content, personalized coaching, and a supportive network of like-minded individuals. Take the first step towards your breakthrough now!

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me and the Miracle Breakthrough Blueprint. I look forward to walking this transformative journey with you.

With joy and grace,

— Bas Rijksen

Breakthrough Guide