A Light to the Nations – The Life of Irene Gleeson

It is heartwarming to hear about how the lifetime work of Christian missionaries is celebrated by those among whom they ministered. This week saw the passing of an Australian missionary to Uganda Irene Gleeson. Her memorial in Uganda was attended by 10, 000 people including members of the Ugandan government. The ABC News (hardly given to singing the accolades of Christians) has a wonderful summary of her ministry to orphans in war torn Uganda. It is a truly wonderful story about “Mama Irene” and you can read it here and do watch the videos.

“The landscape she has transformed, the nation she has blessed, the thousands of children that she has given hope to who would have perished without her sacrifice of leaving her home in Australia, selling it and relocating to the war zone of Uganda.

“We have received thousands of mourners who have come to pay their last respects to Mama Irene. We have district officials, representatives of the Australian High Commission in Nairobi are here. It is a big day.

“The people are asking that this day be remembered every year, the day Mama Irene passed on, 21 July every year, we come together and remember it.

“Yes, we are in pain. We are hearing testimonies of children who have been built to their full potential by Mama Irene.

“But also we are not just going to mourn. Mama Irene say: ‘Never say, rest in peace, for me’. Because for her, she will be dancing and singing in heaven.

Reminds me of the words of 1 Peter 2:12: “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.”