(Photo courtesy of VCM)
International (MNN) ― The Board of Directors of The Voice of the Martyrs-Canada has appointed Corey Odden to the position of Chief Executive Officer. Odden comes to VOMC after serving most recently as vice president for the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability, following 10 years as Chief Financial Officer for The Voice of the Martyrs in the United States. During his time with VOM, Odden traveled extensively in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East in service to the persecuted church.
"I cannot thank God enough for bringing to us Corey Odden, who is, in my humble opinion, uniquely qualified to step into the C.E.O.'s office," said Rev. Peter Jardine, chairman of the Board of Directors. "We remain in God's hands, secure in the knowledge that He is guiding us, sustaining us and loving us through this difficult but rewarding work."
Odden assumed the responsibilities of CEO from Rev. Glenn Penner on January 4, 2010. Penner has been battling Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia since 2002 and will continue serving VOMC in a more specialized role suitable for his health limitations. He has been with VOMC since 1997. Since then, Penner has not only ministered to persecuted believers around the world but authored an extensive work on the theology of persecution and discipleship.
"Glenn Penner took the mission to a level of excellence, which leaves me both thankful to be part of it and humbled by the extent of it," Jardine said. "I am profoundly thankful that Glenn will continue to be involved, spending time on his great work on the theology of persecution and remaining as an invaluable resource to the leadership."
The Voice of the Martyrs Inc., a registered non-profit charitable organization founded in Canada in 1971 by Klaas and Nellie Brobbel, has been ministering to persecuted Christians worldwide for nearly 40 years in more than 50 countries. The Voice of the Martyrs, which has multiple missions around the world, was founded by Richard Wurmbrand, a Romanian pastor who was imprisoned and tortured for 14 years for professing his faith in Christ. Odden is looking forward to the opportunity to serve the organization as CEO.
"I am deeply grateful for the testimony of my friends, the late Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand, and their son, Mihai, who stirred the hearts of Klaas and Nellie Brobbel to establish VOM's mission in Canada nearly 40 years ago," he said. "In addition, Glenn Penner has assembled a highly qualified and dedicated team. It is an honour to serve alongside the staff and volunteers as we raise the voice of such Christians who would otherwise be forgotten."
Pray for VOM-Canada in this time of transition, as it serves the persecuted church for the sake of the Gospel.
