Octogenarian Missionary
By: Aldous Irving Echegoyen

AC Gibson is an 82-year-old missionary now residing here in the Philippines. Born in Cisco, Texas on November 09, 1917. AC has a son, Kenneth Gibson, daughter-in-law Terry, and two grand-sons, Seth (22) and Mark (17). AC considers his son to be an excellent Bible teacher. Though far from his family, he still maintains contact with them quite frequently.

Life for AC seems to be a training and proving ground. When asked about his own life, he answered, "Tough", and what he means is a word most people hate to hear -- "difficult". What makes life tough and difficult? "Basically wanting to do righteousness", would be his comment. "Life is composed of problems, designed for each person to experience. When one doesn't have problems in his or her lifetime, a personal review is in order". His first mission experience developed when he went to Ecuador some 7 years ago. In Ecuador, he helped in the establishment of a church, a school building, a men's dormitory, and so forth. He also taught the Bible in English, and was always dealing with people.

AC does not agree with the concept of having a "call" for a vocation. He believes that "Every Christian is called on to do the will of God and to preach the gospel". When asked what God has probably planned for him, he answers, "I hope and pray that God will use me wherever and however He desires". He believes that he has been and is being guided to places where he can be of benefit, whether to everyone, or to just one person. That's enough to satisfy him, as long as it is God's will.

Age obviously does not affect AC's goals in life, especially in the ministry. You may not believe it, but this 82-year-old man can still carry 5 to 10 gallons of water. He still walks rough roads on the mountainside. He has no false teeth and every tooth is in its place - a dentist could say, near perfect. He still drives safely, too--more so than compared to other drivers I know. No kidding--I've seen it with my own two eyes. "It sure pays to be a Christian. God has blessed me for some purpose", he says. His ultimate goal is to TEACH TEACHERS, so that these teachers can teach both Christians and non-Christians who know something of the Bible but need further study.