Glenn Penner mourned by persecuted Christians worldwide
Thousands of persecuted Christians around the globe are mourning the loss of Voice of the Martyrs Canada's (VOM) former leader Glenn Penner. His seven-year battle with chronic lymphocytic leukemia ended January 26 when the 48-year-old passed away leaving behind his wife, Denita, and their three children—Joel, Becky and David.
"When he came to understand that he wasn't going to win this battle, Glenn set his face towards the end as determined as he lived his life—with focus," Denita wrote on Glenn's blog the day after he died. "As you can imagine, it's profoundly sad for me, our kids and families. We continue to covet your prayers."
Doctors diagnosed Penner with leukemia in 2002, five years after Penner joined VOM Canada. In an interview with 100 Huntley Street in October, Penner said his work with the persecuted church prepared him for his fight with cancer. "You realize suffering is a normal part of what it means to be a Christian," he explained.
"We don't talk about that much in the church. We do everything we can to live comfortably, but that's not what it means to follow Christ."
Penner's blog revealed his struggle with not wanting to die. "I have things that I want to do," he wrote. "I'm not ready to call it quits."
Yet he didn't believe in questioning God. "The temptation is to ask God, 'How could you do this to me?' and to run away when you should be running to Him," he said. "I'm not saying that you can't wrestle with God, but understand, God still loves us. He's in control of our lives. He knows the big picture."
Penner wrote In the Shadow of the Cross, a textbook addressing the Bible's perspective on persecution.
During his life Penner traveled to more than 30 countries to encourage persecuted Christians. "If they can trust [God], then so can I," he told 100 Huntley Street.
Penner resigned from his position as CEO in January, 2010. Corey Odden assumed Penner's role.
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