Marla H. Corts Mission School 2022 - Flipbook - Page 12
Ms. Shirley A. Rhand, a retired educator from the Shelby County School System in
Alabama, recalls the times she has visited MHCMS and shares the impact those visits
have had on her:
“Living in America, we are very privileged. We have access to items such as alcohol and
aspirin, while people in the village of Dordeneewein do not. I remember a mother
bringing one of her children to me that was suffering from a rash. I had some Benadryl
and treated the child with it. I instructed the child’s mother to bring him to me for the
next few days so the treatment could continue. Eventually the rash went away. It caused me to realize just how
blessed we are in the United States. These villagers die from illnesses that can be taken care of by very inexpensive
medicines.
I have seen how I can introduce the people to ways they can do things better. I have been inspired to compel others to
consider giving what they can to those in Liberia. The people crave learning. They feel if you can read or write, you can
have a better life. They are also very grateful and appreciative to all those that have sewn into their community’s
future.”
Ms. Enrica Harris is a native of Monrovia, Liberia, West Africa and retired businesswoman
in Memphis, TN. She left Monrovia when she was a teenager and moved to the United
States. Enrica’s parents were educated and well established. Enrica first met Eddie Gibson
while she was living In Birmingham, AL:
Carrying a 6’ cinder block
“I was very excited about the work that EGIM was doing and eager to go on a Mission Trip.
When I was able to visit MHCMS with Pastor Gibson for the first time, I was amazed at the
school’s progress and the establishment itself. The buildings on campus, the school
curriculum, and the excellent conduct of the students made a lasting impression.”
Ms. Harris shared how teachers had come from the United States to train teachers in Dordeneewein and surrounding
villages stating, “Nurses held workshops and passed out toothbrushes and toothpaste. The people were very grateful.”
As a native Liberian, Mrs. Charlesetta Gibson understands the ongoing socio-economic/spiritual
struggle of the Liberian people. When asked how EGIM has impacted the Liberian community,
her response was, “EGIM has brought light to various parts of Liberia, not just Dordeneewein, but
lots of villages. So many young people have benefitted from MHCMS and Dellana West O’Brien.”
Dellana West O’Brien is another school that was started by EGIM.
I asked her how MHCMS has impacted the village of Dordeneewein and her response was
similar, but more detailed. “MHCMS has brought light to the people. They have been taught about
Jesus, but they also are experiencing many of the benefits of modern technology that other
villages have yet to experience. Dordeneewein has toilet bowls, solar lights and other amenities that would normally
only be found in cities like Monrovia, not a village in the middle of the jungle.”
Mrs. Gibson shared that when looking at the struggles that missionaries have faced, including her husband, it can be
discouraging. “The road system in Liberia can be treacherous. It is very difficult, traveling in the jungle, especially
during the rainy season. When I focus on those obstacles, I am surprised that MHCMS has continued on. But when I
remember that the Lord gave this vision to Pastor Gibson and that He is overseeing it all, I am not surprised that the
school has continued. The Lord has blessed this work and His hand is on it.
When asked what her contribution has been to the work, she responded, “I am in constant prayer. My husband’s
missionary work has changed my prayer life. I submit myself to the Lord and let Him have full control. I pray that in
everything the ministry does, it will lead people to God. I also am an encourager. Mission work is hard work and it can
be very discouraging. Part of my purpose is to offset the discouragement that tries to set in my husband as he deals
with the obstacles presented.
