The Heart of a Lioness - Irene Gleeson

Heart of a Lioness assures you that it’s never too late to find your mission and purpose in life. The challenging and inspiring story of Irene Gleeson's amazing ministry to Uganda's orphan's retold with the help of sympathetic freelance writer, Nicole Partridge.

Irene's journey of obedience, sacrifice and unwavering faith is a deeply moving narrative filled with drama, humour and deeply personal insights. You are invited to share the frustrations of running a ministry as an older single white woman, and experience the miracle of God's provision.

Heart of a Lioness is the story of Irene Gleeson. by 35 her first marriage had fallen apart, her family home had been sold and her children were on a path of self-destruction.

Disillusioned and anxious, financially destitute and and depressed, Irene even considered suicide as she turned to the seedier side just to find some kind of affection in her lonely, downward spiral.

Then, in November 1982, an unexpected encounter while standing at the back of a small beachside church in Australia, found her with a new sense of purpose and a hitherto unknown sense of peace.

Feeling the presence of God, Irene asked this of her saviour: "Jesus, you've done this for me, what can I do for you?" In that moment she felt that God embraced her, her prayers were answered and she was finally free.

What followed was a commitment by Irene and her second husband to sponsoring children from around the world and embarking on short-term missions' trips. But it was a visit to Ethiopia in 1988 to meet their sponsored children that would be the turning point.

In February 1992, Irene and her husband sold up everything, waved goodbye to family and friends and shipped their modest aluminium caravan 12,000 kms from the warm, white sands of Australia to the red, dust of Uganda.

In a small isolated community on the Sudan border, the couple began their work of rescuing and rehabilitating child soldiers and orphans. Irene taught the children to sing and then to read and write, also providing food, education and medical care.

While the work continued to grow and flourish, her marriage unfortunately didn't, and before long, Irene found herself alone again. Yet she forged ahead despite the hardships, isolation, swelteringly hot days, repeated bouts of malaria and attacks by rebels.

On 21 July 2013 'Mama Irene' passed away surrounded by her family in Sydney, Australia. Although there was much sadness with this news, Irene left a wonderful legacy,helping many thousands of children to receive food,education, healthcare, vocational training and spiritual nourishment.

Heart of Lioness is the story of how one woman, hand in hand with Jesus, created a global organisation that has left an indelible imprint on the hearts and lives of 20,000 war affected Ugandans, and how any life given to God at any time of life can be used by him for great things that will live and flourish beyond the life given in love to his service.