Jim and Julianna Gieser
Jim and Julianna grew up in Wheaton, Illinois, and Durham, North Carolina, in families shaped by international missions. Jim’s grandparents served as medical missionaries in China, Julianna’s in India, and her parents later served in Ethiopia and with international students at Duke University.
After graduating from Wheaton College in 2001, they taught missionary children in Germany and later lived in South Africa while Jim completed his master’s degree. His subsequent work experience and doctorate in higher education kept the family engaged in international education as they raised four children.
The Giesers joined the YMCA Christian Study Centre at the University of Cape Town in 2019. As Africa’s leading university, the university trains some of the continent’s future leaders and culture-shapers.
The YMCA’s traditional triangle reflects the Centre’s commitment to Christ-centered, whole-person formation—mind, body, and spirit. The Centre helps students integrate Christ, campus, and culture so they can live out the gospel in every area of life and leadership, from the realm of academics to future careers.
This happens through Bible studies, faith-and-learning seminars, community meals, waffle parties, hospitality spaces, a coffee shop, and monthly prayer with Christian faculty. The Centre becomes a home away from home for many.
Jim leads spiritual formation for students and staff, oversees residence life, builds partnerships with faculty and churches, and supports fundraising. Julianna helps make their home a welcoming place for students, friends, and neighbors while caring for their four children.
TO DONATE BY CHECK
TO JIM AND JULIANNA’S SUPPORT:
Make checks payable to The Antioch Partners, write “Preference for Gieser Support” on memo line and mail to:
11612 Memorial Dr
Houston, TX 77024
