Tom Petterson comes from a family with a rich Christian heritage. His Great Grandfather, Colonel Sharpe, was known as the Firey Prophet in the Salvation Army. Tom  grew up in the Salvation Army and with his family moved to the Baptist Church at age 7 where he spent most of his teenage years. Whilst studying for his leaving certificate at age 16 he gave his life to Jesus.

Tom spent the next decades searching for a deeper relationship with God. He was baptised in the Holy Spirit at a Holy Spirit Teaching Seminar in Sydney in 1976 where his life was completely turned upside down. He married his long term sweetheart, Julie-Ann in 1977 and joined by God as a team, have been following Him wherever He has directed them. In 1981 they left the family business and Tom began the journey of discovering who he was in Jesus Christ. 

G.I.F.T Godly Insights For Today is a result of over 30 years of listening to the Holy Spirit.

He attended Vision Christian College and holds a Certificate in Biblical Studies with Honours February 1st 1998; Diploma in Ministry February 14th, 1999 and Diploma in Theology with Honours December 13th 2001.

Tom has been married to Julie-Ann for over 40 years and they now reside in Canberra with their son and daughter, their partners and grandchildren.