RIP Colin FA McLennan MBE. A hero and mentor of mine.
I was in two minds about whether or not to post this next blog. Even as I write these words I am still in a heated debate with myself…..
A few days ago I received an email notifying me that a good friend had died as a result of a heart attack, he was 72. It made me feel sad, very sad. Why? The man in question, Colin McLennan, had a profound influence on my life over almost twenty years. Colin was an advocate of the physically disabled par-excellance. In his life he managed to start two separate agencies, in Indonesia and Cambodia, whose sole aim is to do anything that will eventually enable a disabled person to lead an independent, productive life. I have visited both centres and, quite honestly, tens-of-thousands of physically disabled young children live with hope because of his efforts and bull headed drive. To put it simply Colin was just bloody amazing!
I first met Colin in 1988 when, as a Social Work student, I spent time at the centre he founded in Yogyakarta Indonesia. I last saw Colin exactly twelve months ago and again in Yogyakarta when I joined him in doing whatever I could after the earthquake. Colin possessed a stubborn, determined quality that ensured money was always found and projects completed.
Colin was friend and I shall miss him a great deal. On a personal level he challenged me enormously. Was I using my time effectively? Could I / should I be doing more? After one of our ‘chats’ I would find myself on edge for days if not weeks - all the time challenging God to help me find a way forward. In those turbulent years after ordination I was often tempted to join him Phnom Penh.
Of one thing I have no doubt, when he gets to heaven no disabled person will ever again have their prayers unanswered!
I would like to have so many visitors like you.How can you do that?