Missionaries: Glenna Phippen


Born in Ontario, Canada, to Church of God pastor Harold Stewart and wife Carol, Glenna Phippen’s interest in missions was first inspired by visiting missionaries in her childhood. Glenna completed high school and nurse’s training, receiving her diploma in nursing from Toronto General Hospital. She married and began her nursing career. The birth of her son motivated Glenna to once again seek the Lord’s help in molding and guiding this little life entrusted to her.

In 1983, God renewed her desire for missionary service through a life-changing work camp experience in Kenya. In preparation for the mission field, she pursued a bachelor of science degree in nursing at the University of Alberta, graduating in 1988. By this time, however, going to the mission field as the single mother of a teenager was not realistic. Her focus shifted to achieving financial stability and career recognition in nursing management.

Although God seemed far away, Glenna knew that he was still calling her to missions. She continued to serve in her church and participate in missions through work camps but resisted a full-time commitment.

At a camp meeting in 2002, she was convicted by a message on obedience and surrender to finally say with joy, “Yes, Lord! Wherever, whenever, whatever you ask of me, I will do.” Soon after, Glenna applied to Global Missions.

As a missionary to Uganda, she uses her nursing skills and experiences to, among other duties, provide quality patient care at five health clinics operated by the Church of God there. “My desire is to bring physical and spiritual help and healing to these people, by sharing Christ’s love and my experience as a nurse.”

Ministering in partnership with the Church of God, Uganda (E.A.), Glenna’s primary responsibility is the supervision of patient care in the area clinics of Nampunge, Kasubi, Kirongero, Busiro, and Mwanga, as well as any future sites. From a base in Kampala, she is also involved in medical outreach and public health education. Glenna’s extensive experience in nursing and health care management have been wonderful preparation for these health-care ministries.