Minn. Woman Shot While On Mission Trip In Nigeria
BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. (WCCO) – Getting shot at in Nigeria wasn't the type of story a Brooklyn Park couple thought they'd tell after returning from a church mission trip.
Dan and Tina Gibbs returned Friday from a two-week trip to Nigeria, where they visited a HIV and AIDS advocacy center. They were on the way to the airport when a gunman opened fire on their van.
"I remember someone saying 'Duck,' so that's when I kind of launched sideways," Tina Gibbs said.
What they initially thought was a military check-point was actually a group of bandits firing an AK-47.
"The missionary, said, 'Has anyone been hit?' and that's when I kind of assessed and thought, 'Oh, the burning on my leg...I could have been hit,'" Tina Gibbs said.
One of at least four bullets fired went through the side of Tina Gibbs' leg.
Locals assisted the couple before they could reach a nearby hospital. And while Tina Gibbs did suffer a hit, the wound is not enough to stop the couple from returning.
The Gibbs were back at Edinbrook Church Sunday morning. During the service, the pastor used their experience to teach a lesson: We will not fear.
The Gibbs say despite this incident, they plan to go back to Nigeria.
"We just met a lot of very nice people, and one of 'em that wasn't so nice," Dan Gibbs said.
Tina Gibbs said the experience confirmed to her that God was calling the Gibbs to Nigeria.
The couple said they believe the shooting was an isolated incident. They say they hope their experience doesn't deter others from traveling on mission trips.
