Glen accompanied me on his first BEE World trip. We journeyed together on a 747 to Bangkok and then on to Rangoon. I remember well sitting next to him and watching him reading his Greek New Testament like it was English. Later I learned of his love for languages and his hobby of collecting over 600 Greek grammars. He told me he had read every one of them.

We all remember him for his love of the biblical languages, but what I remember most was his love for and willingness to sacrifice for the Lord Jesus Christ. He was willing to hike over mountains in Nepal for several days in order to bring biblical training to thirsty Nepalese in remote villages. He was willing to spend several months at a time, away from home, and in less than idea living conditions to fulfill the vision God gave him to raise up biblical scholars for the house church movement. He and Joy were willing to leave their home country and move to Thailand to invest the rest of their lives in equipping the next generation of leaders for the churches in Asia. Glen set aside two weeks of his life to edit a book I was writing. I was amazed at his ability to catch my errors and his wisdom in the Scriptures. He was, indeed, mighty in the Word of God.

He radiated a joy in the Lord coupled with a sincere love for people. When a tragedy like this happens, we all ask, “Why. Why, Glen?” I know I did. I will miss him. I know Glen knows the answer now, and some day we will as well. I also know that Glen would want us to remember that life is a vapor. He lived Jim Elliot’s works, “Only one life, it will soon be past, only what’s done for Christ, will last.” If Glen were he today, he would say, “Amen.” He would want us to forget about him and think about how we are living for the King. When I think of my friend, and fellow servant, this passage comes to mind.

“For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:6–8, NIV84)

Glen has indeed fought the good fight, finished his course, and kept the faith. That would be his challenge to all of us -­ live with the end in view. His is now standing in the presence of the King he so faithfully served and is being honored for a live well lived. Joy, you and Glen have every reason to believe that at the Final Gathering, the King will say concerning how you have invested your lives, “Well done!”