Chris at the age of 19 received his calling to ministry and missions at the same time, knowing one day he would be involved in ministry in the continent of Africa. Chris attended The Ohio State University studying Pre-Med and also Carl F. Smith Bible Institute. Penny attended Phillips College and earned a Associates Degree in Hospital Administration, and received her calling to missions while studying at Jackson College of Ministries. In 1998 Chris met Penny in Cameroon, West Africa while both were serving as AIMers. They taught in the Bible school, assisted with crusades and traveled as an evangelist in the country.

Chris and Penny married in 2000 and assisted Gary Keller in Lancaster, Ohio from 2000-2009 serving as Youth Pastor, College age leader, Outreach Director, ACTS instructor, and Assistant Pastor, always with the knowledge they would go back to their first love, Africa one day.

They spent two years in Malawi, Africa under the AIM program, yet served as UPCI representatives for the nation. Chris and Penny also have two wonderful children, Caleb and Jacie.

In October 2012 they received their missionary appointment to Malawi. Over the last 12 years the nation of Malawi has seen 39,327 beautiful souls receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, over 200 new churches built, 400 students graduate from Apostolic Bible College, the UPC of Malawi campus is now completely water independent, a Pastors wives training seminar has been instituted, and in August of 2024, the UPC of Malawi will celebrate 45 years of Apostolic ministry across the nation.

Their son, Caleb, is now working at Lifeway Pentecostal Church in Dayton, Ohio under Pastor Ken Dillingham.  Their daughter, Jacie, is now 16 and has grown into such an incredible young lady of God. This is a true blessing!

In 2023, the Gibbs were appointed as Regional Evangelists and will be conducting evangelism seminars around the continent of Africa.