Who or what influenced you most – that has made a difference in your life, or that was a major turning point?
… several key ones. Mom and dad. Dad was in the Navy, based in Newfoundland during the war. He was involved in coding. Even many years later he refused to tell me details, saying “I took an oath”. Running for School Board in Regina, 1 of 27 candidates for 7 spots. I felt the sorrow of loss, the full range of emotions! Giving my life to the Christ was a defining moment. Being successful in politics, the importance of public policy. There will ALWAYS be an agenda. Surviving severe illness at 29 (Crohn’s Disease) realizing my life was not my own. Dr. Ken Sauer, a high school teacher who influenced me on the importance of social policy.
I asked Gord how he sees the church and community services over the next 90 days
… continued growth. Evangelical churches like ours are holding their own, and we are growing.
Over the next 5 years?
… our traditional demographic is shrinking. A growing portion of the populations call themselves non-affiliates. Families are searching for influences. Immigration is an important part of that growth. We want to be helpful, to do what Jesus Christ calls us to do – to share the good news.
I asked Gord what qualities distinguish preferred colleagues, collaborators and suppliers.
… integrity. Quality of product, cost. We have an obligation to be careful in how we spend donated funds.
I asked what distinguishes him, why his employers have chosen him over others, what has accounted for his success?
… because they see, in my life, someone who is a person of integrity, someone with a record of service and effective leadership.
What do you lose sleep over, what do you worry about?
… Jesus said, don’t worry! I don’t worry about my life. But I’ll tell you what I care about. I care about justice and compassion issues. I care about my friend who is in hospital with cancer. I care about government debt. I care about our civic government, about our level of taxation. I care about flood-impacted families. I’m very concerned about Syria.
Work life balance?
… it requires a lot of discipline. I work out in my home gym, Joy and I travel, I watch a lot of sports (Rider pride!), walking
Best thing you did this summer?
… our church has been doing a lot of work helping flood victims, particularly in High River. And, on vacation in Victoria, we attended a fabulous concert in the harbourfront, Symphony, bagpipes, fireworks
What are you reading?
… Calico Joe, a John Grisham novel, Witness to Power by David Gergen, The New Digital Age by Schmidt and Cohen, and a biography of John A. MacDonald, and lots of spiritual publications
His ride?
… a 3 yr. old Prius during the week, my Yamaha FTR 1300 on weekend bike/road trips