BCM International Update by Rianne Tijman
When God brought Anne Punt and Annie Verboom together, He had a plan in mind.
These two women, both with a love for the Lord and a heart to serve Him, met in 1949 in the Netherlands. They started their first Bible club in Amsterdam in 1950. The word spread quickly, and many more children attended the clubs.
In 1953, Anne and Annie bought a houseboat – the first to ever dock at Herengracht. For many years, this boat became the Bible club boat for hundreds of children. Because children grow, they went on to start a Bible club for teens. And when parents became jealous because their children knew more of the Bible than they did, Anne and Annie also started a Bible club for adults.
The two tireless ladies added open air campaigns in several places and began dreaming about starting camps. When a Frisian farmer offered them his meadows and barns, camps became a reality in 1953 and continued there for 15 summers, hosting children from all over the country.
In 1968, God provided Anne and Annie funds to buy thier own campground in Krachtighuizen, a township of Putten. After the most necessary renovations were completed, camps started in 1969. Renovations continued for several years.
People of all age groups found their way to Krachtighuizen, and after several years, the campground had become too small. In the summer of 1975, the waiting list was so long, Anne and Annie decided to have camps in two places. While they hosted the camps in Krachtighuizen, Kees and Nellie Brussel hosted camps in Doorn.
With a growing team and no way to extend the campground, they started praying for a larger location. In 1982, they found a place with great potential in Putten. The local mayor and aldermen – as well as many neighbors – were not happy with the disco that was hosted in the building. As a result, the mayor intervened on behalf of Anne and Annie. They renovated the property the first year. Since 1983, hundreds of campers have visited this campground annually. Named “De Herikon,” which stands for “DE HERe Is KONing,” the camp name means “The Lord is King.”
Over the last 75 years, participants of Bible clubs and camps grew, and so did the number of volunteers and BCM missionaries. Some faithful servants were Beth Curry (1959), Joop and Reneé van der Wal (1962), Len Poot (1963), Kees and Nellie Brussel (1968), Elly van der Kooi (1976), Carolien Verlek(-Kaan) (1982), Mary den Boer (1965; 1987 in the Netherlands) and Mark and Gina Brussel (1995).
Today, children’s workers are being trained throughout the country, the material of Footsteps of Faith was published in 2013, and Tiny Steps of Faith has been renewed and published in 2023. That’s all in addition to year-round camps and retreats for children, teens, adults, and families.
Many early missionaries have gone home into glory, but their legacy of serving Christ continues. God has proven Himself faithful to the work of De Herikon and to the workers in His Kingdom.
Under the current leadership of Wim and Mariska Potman, De Herikon has made large steps when it comes to operational management, IT, and finances. Continual plans are being made for camps and retreats, materials for Biblical education, and training for children’s workers and parents. Plans are also in the works for renovation and expansion.
“That God wants us to follow Him and carry out His plans, has made me realize that working in dependence – under the leading of God’s Holy Spirit – brings continual changes. Seeing God at work in the lives of people is working in the frontline. You stand in the front of the battle, but are also the first one to see the victories!” said Wim Potman, director of BCM the Netherlands.
In 1975, a book was being published about the start of this wonderful work of the Lord to honor 25 years of the Bible Club Movement in the Netherlands. It was titled, “God did not Promise Cheese.” This ministry started in the hearts of two wonderful servants of God: Anne and Annie.
To celebrate the 75th anniversary in 2025, an addition to this book was written. It celebrates 75 years of God’s faithfulness – years in which He has given so much more than He promised, more than what was needed.
On May 24, 2025, about 300 people came together to celebrate the 75th anniversary. It was wonderful to see both young and old: families with small children, teenagers, young adults and seniors of the ‘first hour’ from Amsterdam.
In October, BCM the Netherlands will be hosting the biennial European Conference. Throughout the year, we will remind ourselves and our supporters of God’s everlasting faithfulness throughout the generations.
The English version of the book “God did not Promise Cheese” will be ready, Lord-willing, in October 2025. You can now pre-order the book! Send an email to: jubileum@deherikon.nl.
