When Nellie Brobbel, a young mother of three, read VOM founder Richard Wurmbrand’s book Tortured for Christ, she was deeply moved by his accounts of steadfast faith amid suffering. Two years later, in 1969, she attended a rally for the persecuted Church where Richard spoke.
There, Richard noted how wonderful it would be if someone in Canada began working with the mission. Nellie wholeheartedly agreed—surely there was someone in attendance who could take on this important work. Then she immediately heard God’s voice: “Why not you?”
Nellie faithfully answered the Lord’s prompting. She started small—organizing rummage sales and speaking events for Richard—and before long her efforts proved fruitful. A VOM office in Canada officially opened in May 1971.
During the mission’s early years, Nellie’s husband, Klaas, looked after the mission’s bookkeeping alongside his regular job. Recognizing the need for a full-time director, he advised the board to seek a suitable person. The board, hoping Klaas would assume the role, urged him to pray and seek guidance from God.
Klaas received his answer at a New Year’s Eve service. While the pastor preached on the feeding of the 5,000, Klaas realized that Jesus was asking only for his one small talent. It was Christ alone who would multiply his efforts. The very next day, Klaas accepted the position as director of VOM Canada and served in this role until 2007.
The Lord has indeed been faithful in multiplying the efforts of VOM Canada’s early years. Klaas and Nellie's faithfulness has established a legacy of serving the persecuted Church and thousands more across Canada have joined them in remembering those in bonds, as bound with them (Hebrews 13:3).
