Mary Gibson
I was born in Latrobe, Pennsylvania outside of Pittsburgh. I studied Physical Therapy at the University of Maryland. After working a year in Ohio, I ended up at Blythdale Children’s Hospital in Westchester County, New York. In the Physical Therapy department of the hospital, I was surrounded by 6 therapists who were members or attended the Woodcliff Lake Apostolic Christian Church. I finally got invited to church and never stopped attending. I was baptized a year later, after God did a tremendous transformation of my heart and mind. It was from there that I started seeking the Lord as to what my
calling in the Kingdom of God would be.
I wanted to hear from Him. One night at Mid-West Camp, I did hear very clearly from the Lord. Our conversation went like this: Lord: “Yes, Mary I do want you to be a Missionary.” Mary: “Where?” Lord: “Brazil.” Mary: “Which Mission?” Lord: “With Ken and Hope (who were at CLM at the time).” He gave me a life-time calling. I arrived at CLM on April 1, 1981. I ministered with Ken and Hope (Pflederer) for 3 1/2 years and with Tim and Fran Brower for 13 years. I was then the Director for 15 years. I continued ministering at CLM, after Kevin and Elaine King came to assume the Directorship.
In 2002, I adopted five children and got a grandson, as a bonus. The journey of creating a family has been full of trials and difficulties. In the end, I know I have obeyed the Lord and have been called to prayer for each one of them. Presently, I live in the house that God provided for us in Colonia Vitoria
(about 3 km from CLM) with my grandson, Nicolas, and Juraci, a special needs person from CLM.
The Woodcliff Lake Church has faithfully supported me during my 39 years on the mission field, as well as, various other churches and individuals. God has provided for my every need in all of these years. I have been blessed beyond words. I continually have contact with many of the CLM Plus adults and their families, constantly being blessed to observe the fruits of the ministry of CLM.