Written by Shirley Mcnabb
Let us thank God for the life and service of Marian Glen who went to be with her Lord on February 26, 2024, aged 93.
Marian was born in England and became a teacher. After attending Ridgeway Bible College she went to Kenya and taught at the Alliance Girls’ School in Kikuyu (near Nairobi), to which she had been appointed in 1960. Her connections with Africa were strong. Her father was a Bishop in North Africa and then when he retired to South Africa he became presiding bishop of the Church of England in South Africa. It was during Marian’s time in Kenya that she met Bob Glen who was working with the NZ Church Missionary Society in Tarime, Tanzania near the Kenyan border. He was encouraged to take regular leaves in Nairobi and there they were introduced by a mutual friend and got to know each other on picnics and social gatherings. Courtship was followed by marriage in Nairobi in April, 1965.
The same year Bob took up the role as principal of St Philip’s Theological College in Kongwa, central Tanzania. Marian’s role was to assist with pastoral support for the wives and families of students, teach English and General Knowledge and encourage a wider understanding of the world at large. Their three daughters were also born during their years at Kongwa.
After their return to New Zealand in 1973 Marian continued to support Bob in his work which included lecturing at the Bible College of New Zealand and then once more serving with NZCMS, this time in Singapore for about 2 years. In both places, Marian encouraged student wives and families and led small study groups.
Always an active supporter of missions, Marian was a member of St. Michael’s and All Angels, Henderson.
We praise God for Marian, her love and friendship and her service for her Lord. May her family and friends know God’s comfort at this time.
She was a lovely lady. Met her during my time at BCNZ when Bob was one of my lecturers.
Glad to see this tribute. From contact in the late 1980s, she and Bob were a real team: totally Anglican, heart in Africa and CMS. just as depicted in the photo.