The words bless and blessings roll easily off our tongues. But how many of us truly understand their rich meanings?
Gordon S. Jackson is a South-African born educator and author. He grew up in Cape Town and received his undergraduate education in South Africa. After working as a journalist in Johannesburg, he completed his doctorate at Indiana University. He then taught journalism at Whitworth University, in Spokane, WA, for 32 years before retiring in 2015. Join the Tell Your Story (TYS) team as we learn more about Izzy and her story.
What is your name and where are you from?
My name is Gordon S Jackson, I grew up in Cape Town, South Africa.
What do you do for a living?
I am now retired and spend much of my time writing. I previously taught journalism at Whitworth University, in Spokane WA for 32 years.
What are your hobbies and interests?
Travel, reading, involvement with a non-profit doing development work in Kenya, photographing unusual signs. (A recent addition is “Private Sign: Do Not Read.”)
What are two special or unique things about you that are probably not known by your co-workers and acquaintances?
- During university vacations in South Africa I worked as a guide, showing visitors aroundn an ostrich farm.
- In spring 2002 my family and I sailed around the world with the Semester at Sea program, on which I taught three courses while visiting 10 countries during a life-shaping venture for my wife, my children, and me.
Are there causes or issues that you truly care about?
As a Christian, I’m required by God to care deeply about social justice and issues like poverty.
What is your story as a person?
I grew up in Cape Town, South Africa, where I attended university and received my BA in Social Anthropology. Subsequent studies took me to Wheaton College, for an MA in Communication, after which I worked as a journalist on a news magazine in Johannesburg for three years. I then returned to the US for graduate work, and completed my PhD at Indiana University, in 1983, before starting my teaching career at Whitworth University.
What is the main story you want to share with the world through your book?
That we serve a God who is eager to bless, and is constantly doing so in ways we don’t even know about.
If you had an opportunity to share just ONE message with the WHOLE WORLD, what would it be?
As best you can, take a dispassionate look at the claims Jesus made for himself–and then respond honestly to what you discover.
What does family mean to you? Tell us about your family.
My wife is also South African. She too worked at Whitworth University, overseeing the international office (sending US students out, bringing international students in). We have two children, both in their 30s. Our daughter is a college professor, teaching in a school of education, and recently became the mom of identical twin girls. Our son is an actor and stand-up comedian.
