Along with her husband Brian, Jean was involved in theological education with the Presbyterian Church of East Africa for eight years. Their two children grew up in Kenya, where daily life was interspersed with experiences of spontaneous joy, tragic need, Kenyan wildlife and the beauty of the Ngong Hills. Published writing during this period was mostly for church publications and courses for Theological Education by Extension.  

On her return to Ireland, Jean worked for the Youth Department of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. For 15 years she was Northern Ireland Representative for Care for the Family, a charity which seeks to strengthen family life and help those who have experienced family difficulties. In the Queen's Birthday honours list of June 2012, she was awarded an MBE for services to the community. In recent years Jean has focused her attention on writing and speaking.

When Jean's husband Brian retired as minister of Railway St Presbyterian Church, they moved to live in Donaghadee on the Ards peninsula, where they enjoy wonderful walks and views across the Irish Sea. They regularly cross that sea to visit their children and grandchildren in Scotland and England.

Jean Gibson has always been inspired by the stories of great people of God in the past who have overcome enormous obstacles, proving God in unusual circumstances and growing stronger and more dynamic in their faith. She is committed to telling the stories of those who are experiencing God in their lives today, demonstrating His power in the 21st century. Jean would be very happy to come to your church to speak about her writing and experiences.