Heaven in Sight

In this video autobiography and concert, blind Christian pianist and composer Peter Jackson of Wales shares his story of faith and determination while also intermittently playing favorite hymns—as well as jazz and classical pieces—before a live audience in Fraserburgh, Scotland. We learn that Jackson lost his vision as a result of contracting measles, and since his parents felt ill-equipped to raise a sightless child, he was removed from home at the age of 2 and cared for by a social service agency. Struggling with sadness and feeling unloved, Jackson found salvation upon hearing his first piano notes—and a song about Jesus—when he was 4. Not only was the sound of the instrument revelatory, but also the message about a God who loved all boys and girls, including him. Talking about his education—which initially included prayers and learning to read and write Braille in equal measure—Jackson says that he felt a personal connection not just to God but also to teachers who were kind and lived their faith. Eventually, music lessons were added to his educational regimen, and during his teenage years he was playing parties and clubs, inspired by such greats as Fats Waller. Jackson also went through the normal rebellion of most teenagers, even moving away from God; but then returned to his religious roots with a fervor that led him to make ministry a full-time pursuit. Offering an inspiring account of an unusual spiritual journey, this is recommended. Aud: P. (C. Block)