Marla H. Corts Mission School 2022 - Flipbook - Page 4
Eddie however, would overcome these obstacles and many more in the coming years to attain an education. He would
perform chores diligently for the family in whose household he lived, many times having to complete them before he would
be able to leave for school in the afternoon. These included things such as preparing bath water and breakfast for eight
people, washing and ironing, going to the market for goods, cutting wood, and taking care of the babies that were in the
house. The school he attended was a good distance from the house and his grades suffered because of the amount of
responsibility he had, and the distance in which he had to walk to make it to school daily.
There was also the emotional trauma of not being with his family. He missed his mother, father, and siblings. His
parents would visit him from time to time, but road conditions made it difficult for them to visit as often as they would like.
In 1975 Eddie resolved to reunite with his family; so when given the opportunity, he would return to his village for a visit. By
living frugally, Eddie was able to save enough funds to purchase travel back home. He also purchased gifts for everyone and
joyfully returned to his village. When it was time to return to school, he did not want to go, but his father, who was still
committed to seeing his children educated, demanded his return.
The Testimony
This commitment paid off. Once Eddie completed the 9th grade, he went on to
attend high school through a three-year scholarship he received from the Liberian
government’s Ministry of Education which enabled him to enroll in a private
school. He chose the Monrovia College & Industrial Training School, which was
operated by the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The scholarship covered
80% of his tuition so he worked for those three years to cover the remaining 20%.
It was during this time that Eddie met Charlesetta Leona Yarzieh. She invited him
to her church, Providence Baptist Church (PBC). It was here that Eddie met and
eventually began to work for Mr. Thomas Rainsbury Sr., who oversaw the Road
Eddie (middle front row), high school class of 1982
Construction Department of the Ministry of Public Works in Monrovia. Eddie
worked there during one of his summer vacations. Mr. Rainsbury was a deacon of excellent character and skill and a Sunday
School teacher at PBC. He had a son, Thomas Rainsbury Jr. whose influence caused Eddie to draw closer to Christ. Eddie was
also greatly impacted by Charlesetta. Her unshakable love for the Lord led him into an even deeper relationship with Jesus
Christ. He was baptized in December of 1980. Just two months later, Eddie had an encounter with Christ at a Sunday School
convention in February of 1981. The lyrics of “At Calvary” by William R. Newell, pierced his heart and he totally surrendered
his life to Christ. Eddie completed his high school career in 1982 and went on to attend college. With a scholarship from PBC,
he enrolled and attended college at the Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary (Paynesville, Liberia). He graduated in 1986
with a Bachelor of Theology, married Charlesetta Leona Yarzieh on October 10, 1987, and furthered his education at Beeson
School of Divinity at Samford University (Birmingham, Alabama), receiving a Master of Divinity.
The Vision
Eddie saw the miracle God performed in his life through education and wanted to see it performed in the lives of others. His
faith and determination have been lived out and there is cause for celebration as 2021 marked the 20-year anniversary of
the Marla H. Corts Mission School, founded by Eddie Gibson International Ministries (EGIM). This school was established to
educate children, but more importantly to provide spiritual instruction, spreading the “Good News” that only through Jesus
Christ can one find a relationship with God. EGIM-Liberia currently partners with Brewster Road Community Church and the
Christian community of Birmingham, AL to promote discipleship through classroom education.
A large majority of young people who move from rural African villages do not find success in the city. Eddie saw the need to
strengthen village communities and allow children to stay at home with families while receiving their early childhood
education. Both of his parents contributed to his ability to stay the course, even when he wanted to give up. He understood the
need for visible, constant parental support which can only occur if the children are allowed to remain with their families
while attending school. Through Marla H. Corts Mission School (MHCMS), this is now being realized in five (5) villages.
