Railson & Heidi Gil

Christian missionaries in Pará, northern Brazil.

Railson, native to Pará, is called to developing projects which exemplify the Kingdom in practical ways, specifically through communications development and digital integration (that is, making computer technology available to disadvantaged classes). Heidi is a pediatric nutritionist and English teacher from Oregon, USA. She enjoys putting the Gospel into practice as she counsels nutritionally needy families. Our gifts bring us into contact with people of all levels, which often leads to house visits and impromptu gatherings around the Bible. We love it when God surprises our unsuspecting visitors with the tangible sense of His presence! Here you will find our current and past newsletters as well as photos of our family and region. Have fun exploring our site!

• Good Stuff Happening!

  Filed under Business, Family, Health, Ministry
  Mar 3

  Where would we be without the Lord? And where would we be without you all? It’s good to be part of this fantastic Body with a very smart Head.

  We mentioned in our first update of the year that we are expecting NEW things for 2010. Well, several new things are already happening. Let’s praise the Lord together.

  Have you ever heard of “suddenlies”? Like when the Lord intervenes in a surprising way? Graham Cooke describes it this way,

  “In a ‘suddenly,’ God invades our lives in such a way that it excites us on one level and frightens us on another. We become a walking paradox: everything has changed, yet everything is the same.”

  Well, it’s barely March and we have already experienced four “suddenlies.”

  1. Coming out of 2009 we were distraught at our financial situation. It was very obvious that we had to continue to look for work here since our donor support was extremely low. I was frustrated with having to give English classes at night, when all I really want to do (and am prepared academically to do) is work in nutrition. So, I outright asked the Lord to get me out of English classes. Then, suddenly, the secretary of health of Porto de Moz (a day’s travel away) offered me my old position. The blessing is that they will pay me almost twice what they did before, and I’ll only have to work 1 week per month! And get this: one thing that impressed the health department is the voluntary involvement of an American doctor (who is with the Xingu Mission in Porto). The secretary told me that he prays over his patients in the exam room (she stuck out her hand emphatically to imply the laying on of hands) in such a way that people feel loved on and cared for. Obviously, the health system in Porto is desperate for qualified professionals and open to an invasion from heaven, so I’m on it! Plus, I’ll be able to help out at our old church while I’m there (YAY!), so it’ll be like going on a missions trip once a month. Both Railson and I really sense the Lord’s anointing over this opportunity. I’ll begin (again) on the 21st-27th of this month, so pray for me.
  2. Combining perfectly with my commitment in Porto, Railson, too has been called on to provide Internet technology there for the city offices. It was no small miracle that he won the bid, considering that we have been flat broke since the beginning of the year. His business has very little financial movement on record, but the mayor believes in him and his team. Please pray, however, that we will not lose this contract due to delays in getting the official paperwork delivered. The work is important because the proceeds will feed plans for the Foundation, as well as help pay off some of our debts. The implantation should begin this month, once the paperwork has been approved by the city of Porto de Moz.
  3. A third “suddenly” was when the local mining company called on Railson for much the same reason as Porto de Moz. They need a wireless network implanted ASAP in two communities. Again, Railson’s business won the bid by a sheer miracle. So, if both projects go as planned (and we need your prayers for this!) there will be enough resource to feed importation, which will, in turn, feed the Foundation eventually (or at least that’s what we think!).
  4. The fourth “suddenly” was when the same mining business invited me to supervise the foodservice kitchen for a few hours each morning. I thought they wouldn’t accept the fact that I’ll be absent for a week each month (in Porto), but it was not a problem for them. The salary will be a full month’s salary, plus family benefits & transportation. It’s not a lot of money, but at least it’s stable, and will help even out the fluctuations we experience with donor support. I’ll probably begin next week. (Pray that my lack of official registration as a Brazilian nutritionist will not be a hinderance!)

  We thought you might like to know about these happenings since you have long heard our bemoanings about finances and the need for provision. We believe this is the Lord’s way of providing, so we are happy for it. Railson’s projects are usually completed in 30-60 days, and my work is part-time because we always want to be available for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Plus, I won’t have to work nights after June (when the semester ends), so will be able to be more involved with the local Paz church plant. (Churches here generally have more activities at night when it’s cooler.)

  Speaking of the church plant, we are expecting to have a team of bikers come down from Macapa (7 hours away over a dirt/mud “highway”) to help with building renovations. Yes, the church has finally found a new location!! No old stigmas remain. But for now we are meeting in one of the member’s homes, which has been a total blessing. On Sunday, the presence of the Lord was so sweet and powerful…

  Wish you were here,
  the Gils