Pastor Receives Highest Civilian Honor for 60 Blood Donations in Suriname

For years Steven Tulp has quietly rolled up his sleeve to donate blood in Suriname. This consistent act of compassion recently received national recognition when he was awarded the country’s highest civilian distinction—the Knight in the Yellow Star Honor—by the president of the Republic of Suriname. The award acknowledged his more than 60 blood donations over several decades.

Elinor King, coordinator of the Suriname Blood Bank, formally presented the medal on July 17, during a short ceremony in the capital city, Paramaribo. The news of his selection for the honor had been announced two weeks earlier, on July 3, while Tulp, a Seventh-day Adventist pastor, was attending the sixty-second General Conference Session in St. Louis, Missouri, United States.

Steven Tulp donates blood for the sixtieth time on March 20, marking a milestone in his decades-long commitment to helping save lives. [Photo: courtesy of Steven Tulp]

A Lifesaving Commitment Sparked by a Personal Crisis

“I appreciate the distinction,” Tulp shared humbly, “but what drives me is to help my fellow man in need of blood.”

His journey of service began at age 19, rooted in a deeply personal experience. “When my mom gave birth to my little brother, she urgently needed blood. That moment awakened something in me,” he recalled. “Since then, I’ve felt called to give.”

Despite a four-year interruption while studying abroad, Tulp resumed donating immediately upon returning to Suriname. Each donation, he said, is an act not only of kindness but also of faith.

“Some of that blood may have given people a second chance at life—just as my mother and brother received 25 years ago,” he reflected. “But above all, I want to point to the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, shed to give eternal life to anyone who accepts it.”

The special medal and certificate awarded to Steven Tulp by the president of the Republic of Suriname, honoring his outstanding contribution through blood donations. [Photo: courtesy of Steven Tulp]

Serving God and Country Through Compassion

A Seventh-day Adventist pastor for the past six years, Tulp currently serves as secretary-treasurer of the Suriname Mission. His dual role in ministry and community service reflects the Adventist Church’s commitment to wholistic healing, compassion, and outreach.

“Saved by His blood—that’s the message I carry,” he said. “And I want to encourage young people to get involved. Giving blood is a simple, powerful way to serve.”

Along with the honor, Tulp received a letter of commendation from former president of Suriname, Chan Santokhi. The commendation, signed by the director of the presidential cabinet, Adjaykoemar Moensi, included a personal message: “Congratulations on your recognition. Please continue to give blood faithfully.”

“It’s not just about saving lives here and now,” Tulp said. “It’s about pointing people to the One who saves forever.”

The original version of this story was posted on the Inter-American Division news site.