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.
Thank you, Tessa. I remember Ray (and Jean) very warmly from our time at St Tim’s before we left for St John’s College at the beginning of 1987, and was excited many years later to learn of their visit to the Elliotts in Uganda. (We visited them in 1997 on study leave.) That visit, and a later one, showed their quiet growth in faith and mission during the years. I praise God for Ray’s life and service, and pray for the Comforter’s presence to be so close to Jean.
Hey there,
A friend of mine told me about you guys and I’d love to come along on Monday!
Cheers,
Caleb Croker
Hi Caleb, I’ve just seen your message. I apologise that this was missed. I assume you’re talking about the Seriously Interested in Mission group? The next one is August 11 and we’d love you to join. Can you email us at office@nzcms.org.nz (Rosie writing here)
Thank you Tessa
Thank you Archdeacon Fran. Mothers Union appreciated your input when we visited the Far North recently. Your wisdom and wise counsel made it a memorable weekend. God bless you in your new role.
Rev Fran, you and Rapiata are a gift to the Church. May the Lord bless you as you serve in this next season
With reference to the article ‘By invitation not invasion’. My husband and I were involved with CMS from the 1960s onward and this was always the attitude of CMS leadership. They deferred to the church leadership opinions whenever possible, wherever there was a local church. I’m not aware if this has change. It isn’t something new.
Hi Pauline,
I agree with you!! I don’t think this has changed, just good to re-iterate why and we send mission partners. This is Rosie writing — hope you’re doing well!
Yes Pauline it was the same for Alan and me. When we went to Singapore 1966–69 it was in response to a request from the Bishop oof Singapore and Malaya.