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Glenn Thomason
Paul and Timothy, writing to the Corinthians, stated that "Christ's love compels us, because... one died for all... and (God) gave us the ministry of reconciliation." (2 Corinthians 5:11-21) Glenn's life has changed considerably since he retired more than three years ago. He had previously earned degrees in Psychology, Divinity, Rehabilitation Counseling, and Educational Administration in college, seminary and universities in North Carolina and Virginia. He then served as a pastor, teacher and counselor in those states, primarily in public education settings. As retirement approached, Glenn aimed to have brief, but significant, mission experiences in third world settings and in the United States each year. He has sought and continues to seek opportunities to serve as a faithful mission interpreter, encouraging others to be supportive of mission and environmentally sustainable practices that enable all to live abundantly. Second Presbyterian Church in Richmond, Virginia planned most of Glenn's recent mission experiences. His trips have included Guatemala (2004, 2005, and 2008), Gautier, Mississippi for hurricane reconstruction (2006 and 2008), and South Africa and Malawi (2006). Upon his return from Malawi, Glenn wrote sixty pages about his experience in "A Journal of Hope and Joy: Malawi Mission Trip." He was also a recruiter and coordinator of volunteers from his church for the building of two Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity homes (2005 and 2007) and serves on the family services committee of that organization. In a belated anniversary trip to Costa Rica (2007), he focused on environmental issues, and in a trip to Egypt (2008), he focused on friendship, history, environmental and poverty issues, and Christian witness in a predominantly Islamic setting. Glenn continues to volunteer with Richmond City Public Schools, with his Kiwanis Club, in inmate rehabilitation, and with refugee and immigrant resettlement. In a climate of growing unemployment, he provides financial assistance, in addition to helping with skill development, job searches, advocacy for human rights, and instruction in the English language. |
