Canadian Farewell

I said goodbye today to my mission colleagues from Canada Glenn and Linda Ingliss who are retiring after three terms of service over the last 30 years. It is hard to see them go. They have been faithful co-workers and good friends to many of us as they served with the Presbyterian Church of Canada in a wide variety of capacities in the Synod.



Glenn at the Synod Farewell



Their first term of service was in the 1980’s when Glenn was newly ordained, when they had one daughter who was just a toddler, and when Dr. Banda was President for Life and Malawi was under one party rule. Glenn was the associate pastor of St. Michael’s and All Angels and was the Synod schools’ chaplain. They left to return to Canada with two children and lots of mixed emotions. They returned in the 1990’s with three children as Glenn served as the Director of Church and Society at a pivotal time in the development of democracy in the Malawi and of the social witness in the church. Linda got involved with the children’s education but also with a group of handicapped folks in one of the poorest neighborhoods in the city. This has developed into a major interdenominational ministry in Ndirande Township and has become a major part of her life here. They returned to Canada when their youngest daughter needed to find her Canadian identity as a maturing teen. They returned in the 2007 to assist the Synod to rescue the struggling Development Commission (BSHDC), formerly the Project’s Office, which was facing some difficult times. Glenn was not certain about heading a development program. He was just a pastor, he protested. But he was a pastor with a heart for the marginalized in society and with keen administrative skills. He also had the confidence of the international partners and donors because of his breadth of experience in Malawi in over 20 years. Because of these combined gifts, he has been able to rebuild the ministry of the Development Commission and expand it into an integrated ministry that addresses issues of livelihood security, vulnerable children, governance, gender and health. He has trained and handed over the leadership to a capable Malawian woman who will continue the growth of the ministry. Linda has seen the building of a home for some of the handicapped adults in Ndirande that gives them safety and care even as the weekly program has grown in ministry. She has been involved in music leadership at an informal worship time each Sunday evening at St. Michael’s and has trained a number of young folks to continue in leading the service.

                                

But even more, they have ministered to individuals' lives in so many ways. That has been born out in the number of farewell events that have been held in the last month, from official functions by the Synod and BSHDC to informal dinners and teas to express thanks and good wishes. We hope in all of this they have felt our love and appreciation and know the hole they leave in our lives as they retire. I know how much I will miss their wisdom and counsel and their friendship. Their house has always been a gathering place for people, Malawian and expatriates. They always had a cup of tea, a biscuit and comfy conversation. We will miss them. I will miss them.