Mario Zandstra President CEO Family Legacy Pine Cove Christian Camp Real Estate Finanicial Finish Line Podcast
Finish Line Podcast Episode 76

Mario Zandstra , President and CEO of Family Legacy, on the Ripple Effect of Generosity

You want to steward God’s resources faithfully. But questions about generosity, calling, and impact are rarely simple.

In this conversation, you’ll hear from someone who has walked through these kinds of questions and learned along the way. Listen for the next step God may be inviting you to take.


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Meet your guide

Mario Zandstra is the President and CEO of Family Legacy. Mario’s journey from humble beginnings to his success in commercial real estate, and now to his current leadership in ministry demonstrates the power faith has had in his life. He discusses his personal journey, the connection between faith and business, transitioning from business to ministry, and the impact of his current ministry, Family Legacy, in Zambia.

Mario’s faith guided his career in commercial real estate, where he upheld integrity and honorable work. His colleagues weren’t surprised when he later transitioned to ministry, inspired by “Halftime: Moving from Success to Significance.” He first led Pine Cove, one of the largest Christian summer camp programs in the U.S. and achieved remarkable growth, with 30,000 children coming to Christ. He emphasizes the ripple effect of generosity and the profound impact several key experiences had on his faith and future.

Currently, he leads Family Legacy, which supports thousands of children in Zambia, empowering them through education and providing a safe haven through the Tree of Life residential facility. Over 20,000 students have been educated, entire communities have been transformed through Family Legacy’s continued work.

What you’ll gain

  • Mario’s personal journey and the transformative power of faith.
  • The impact of Mario’s faith on his career in commercial real estate and his commitment to integrity.
  • Transitioning from business to ministry and the unexpected opportunities that arose.
  • Stories of generosity and the ripple effect of giving.
  • The significance of expressing gratitude and acknowledging the influence of others.
  • Family Legacy’s founding, and the ministry today.
  • Empowering children in Zambia through education, trade certifications, and holistic support.

Inspired? Take your next step

Try the Game of Life Simulator

Step into a four-minute interactive experience and see what unfolds as you decide how to manage your resources.

Start the Game
Game of Life Simulator Mobile Screenshot
Game of Life Simulator Mobile Screenshot

Inspired? Learn how to partner with ministries well.

A compelling ministry story can inspire you to respond. But wise partnership often begins with better questions.

Applied Generosity Intervention Partnership Focus

What is the ministry really seeking to restore?

Learn to look beyond visible needs toward people, context, relationships, and flourishing.

Applied Generosity Intervention Partnership Fruitfulness

How do you recognize meaningful impact?

Consider how ministries learn, evaluate their work, and pursue lasting change.

Applied Generosity Intervention Partnership Faithfulness

What does genuine ministry partnership look like?

Explore how to foster trust, alignment, and shared mission in your giving.

In our Intervention Series on the Applied Generosity Podcast, we’ll help you become a more thoughtful, discerning, and faithful partner.

Start the Series

Quotes to Remember

  • “I think about where I am in life, and I can’t imagine anything better.”
  • “What’s stopping you from trusting Jesus?”
  • “I turned my life over to Christ. And that was the beginning of a crazy adventure.”
  • “Pull together a group of people that really know you well, and give them the right to ask you the tough questions.”
  • “We leveraged, we took the principles of business that God has allowed to be created over the course of time, and we apply those into the organization.”
  • “You just don’t know what happens in life.”
  • “Be careful what you’re willing to go meet about because you might end up running a ministry in Africa.”
  • “We believe in empowering, equipping, and encouraging kids to live up to their God-given potential.”

Links from the Show

Bible References from the Show

2 Corinthians 5:21 | Christ’s Sacrifice

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Psalm 139:14 | Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Philippians 4:6 | Don’t Be Anxious

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Use Our
Free Guide

Have you considered the ways you are uniquely called into generosity? We’re not all called into the same adventure.

Enter your information below and we’ll send you our free PDF guide to explore the specific adventure you were called into.

Generosity Profile Image

Use Our
Free Guide

Have you considered the ways you are uniquely called into generosity? We’re not all called into the same adventure.
Generosity Profile Image
Enter your information below and we’ll send you our free PDF guide to explore the specific adventure you were called into.
Generosity Profile Image

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