DUTCH WARRIORS FOR CHRIST: Military Network Expands Gospel Reach Across Armed Forces
The Nederlandse Christenmilitairen Ontmoetingskring (NCOK), a Christian support network for personnel in the Dutch Armed Forces, is expanding its ministry to reach more military members across the Netherlands' 79,323 defense personnel.
Founded in 1929 and translated as the Dutch Christian Military Encounter Circle, NCOK is a voluntary organization with the vision of making Jesus visible within the Armed Forces. The network serves Christian soldiers, sailors, airmen, and civilian colleagues within the Ministry of Defence.
The organization's long term goal is deeply relational, aiming to see Christian military personnel stationed at every barracks, air base, or ship actively supporting one another across the Dutch defense establishment.
"We're Christian military personnel ourselves, and we see the value of reaching out to one another," said a member of the NCOK core team identified as Bosma. "Spread throughout the organization, yet together we may serve Him and spread His light in the Armed Forces."
The NCOK core team is focused on expanding their ministry and is asking members to help brainstorm new ways to connect. The network is posing key questions about its future: Should the focus be primarily on worshipping God together? Should they address difficult topics soldiers and staff may be struggling with? Should they organize active gatherings such as weekend retreats?
"As NCOK, we're a community, and as a core team, we're curious about what we can do for you," Bosma stated, signaling a renewed commitment to expanding the gospel presence within the Dutch military.
The expansion comes as the Netherlands plans to dramatically increase its armed forces from 70,000 to 100,000 personnel by 2030, with provisions for further growth to 200,000.
THE CRUSADER'S OPINION
This is what Christian soldiers look like in action.
Nearly a century after its founding, NCOK remains focused on its original mission: making Jesus visible in the armed forces.
While secular militaries increasingly push diversity initiatives and progressive ideology, Dutch Christian service members are building networks of faith that transcend rank and branch.
Every barracks needs believers who will pray, encourage, and hold each other accountable.
Every ship needs men who fear God more than they fear the enemy.
Military service strips away pretense and reveals what men truly believe when their lives are on the line.
The Dutch understand something critical: spiritual readiness is just as vital as tactical readiness.
As the Netherlands doubles its military size, the need for Christian witness only grows.
May God raise up bold believers in every NATO force who refuse to hide their faith.
TAKE ACTION
Support military ministry worldwide: • Military Christian Fellowship International: https://www.mcfi.org/donate | [email protected] • Officers' Christian Fellowship (US/International): https://www.ocfusa.org/give | 800.424.1984 • Soldiers For Faith International: https://soldiersforfaith.org/donate
Connect with military ministry: • If you serve in any NATO military, find local Christian fellowship groups on your base or ship • Start a Bible study with fellow service members • Contact NCOK directly to learn from their model: reach out through Dutch military chaplaincy services
