Thursday, 5 July 2007

Dear Friends and Supporters of Heidi and Railson Gil,

We have enjoyed our relationship with Heidi and Railson for many years. We have seen God use them as part of the Xingu Mission in many people's lives both in Porto de Moz and in Almeirim. God has used them in various capacities, including pastoring, discipling, and leading small groups, women's groups, and children's ministries.

I have recently returned from visiting them in Monte Dourado and we all had a precious time together discussing our past as well as our respective futures. I was encouraged by the obvious sense of peace and godliness in their marriage relationship and in their family. It was also nice to see that in their new setting, Railson's call to leadership is still evident.

An important value for Heidi and Railson in recent years has been the development of a "tent-making" ministry. The growing of this business enterprise has made it necessary for them to move farther away from those in the mission and this has made regular interaction with them difficult.

Because of the combination of the tent-making ministry priority, the distance they live from the rest of the missionaries, and other reasons, the Gils have agreed with us that it would be best if we terminate our "business" relationship with them and have them receive missionary donations through a channel other than the Xingu Mission.

We look forward to a continued long-term relationship with Heidi and Railson and their family. We see God's call of leadership in their lives and we look forward to seeing how God will use them in His kingdom work during this next season in their journey with Him.

We feel a sense of loss as our relationship changes, but we think this decision will be best for both the mission and the Gils. We trust you will continue to support and pray for them.

Sincerely,

Rick Bergen