Who are you?

Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya. (Quote from the Princess Bride) No really My name is Smokey Gibson. I am the new high school guy. (By the time you read this I probably will not be new anymore) I have been working with students for the last thirteen years.

I am married to the amazing Jennifer Gibson who I met at First Baptist New Orleans. I was so smitten by her I had to ask her out. I ran out to the parking lot of the church to find her but she had already left. I got in my car and at the next red light she was in the car next to me. I rolled down my window and asked her for a date. She said yes and the rest is well you know . . . history! I have been married for over eight years and we have one daughter, Emma. She is the greatest treasure from God to Jen and I. We laugh a lot and she is a true daddy’s girl.

Where are you from?

I am from all over. My dad was in the army. Born in Alice Texas, I have lived in Michigan, Rhode Island, Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana. I graduated high school in Meridian so that would be my hometown.

How did you get to Hunter Street?

I got a call in August 08’ from Kerry Jones. He said that Hunter Street was looking for a High school minister. He asked me to pray about talking to the church. We did, God moved, and now we are here ready to help students in their journey with Christ.

On one of our first visits Jen and I looked at a house and turns out the lady was a Hunter Street member. She did not know us or what we were doing here. On the way out the door she said, “I hope you guys relocate to Hoover and I hope you will go to Hunter Street.” It was at that moment we knew God was truly doing something amazing for us.

How long have you been at Hunter Street?

Hmmm. Depends when you read this. I started December 2008.

How did you come to know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?

Although I grew up in church my whole life I never really understood the whole personal relationship thing. I grew up in a divorced family, lost my mom when I was 13, and nothing really modeled personal or long lasting. When I was I was 21 someone helped me understand what salvation really was and on July 20, 1992 I gave my life, my future, and all that I would ever be to Christ. I remember someone telling me that my past doesn’t define me, it shapes me. That’s how I have lived these years since then. When I was saved, I was called. Strangely enough, I lived in Birmingham for the first 2 ½ years as a Christian. God gave me a passion for the city and the people here. Now, sixteen years later he has brought me back to a place that I love to invest into people that I still haven’t even met yet!

What verse or passage in the Bible is the most meaningful to you?

Jeremiah 29:11(A reminder that God has great plans for His people); Psalm 139(A reminder that He has always known us); Book of Philippians (A model for the fellowship of the believers).1 Timothy (A blueprint for living)

Who are your heroes?

My wife Jennifer- She has committed her life to being with me. That blows my mind. She tolerates me, holds our family together, and loves me unconditionally.

Thomas Strong- my mentor. He has helped shape me for this journey. Throughout every leg he has walked with me and been my encourager and my Paul. He performed my wedding, was there when Emma was born, and served at the minister of charge at my ordination service.

Do you have any hobbies?

I love hanging with my family. I enjoy vacationing at this little place in Florida where a mouse lives. I also love to watch sports.

What’s your favorite sport?

Football. I can be found every fall watching the Crimson and white beat them all!! Because I am a glutton for punishment on Sundays I root for the Black and Gold. Go Saints!