Many Encompass staff who have worked in Latin America are mourning the recent passing of Edson Silva (age 54)—former Charis Ministry Partner with Encompass. Edson is from Belem, Brazil and was sent by the Brazilian Mission Board to Chile in 2000 along with his wife, Ivanise, and their two children. There he formed part of a unique international church planting team along with an Argentine and an American. He and his family were instrumental in planting the first Charis church in Chile and served there until 2015.

Edson was a lifelong student of the Word of God and an effective communicator of biblical truth. He worked tirelessly to see people come to Christ and be discipled in their faith. More than that, he was beloved for his joyful attitude and his infectious enthusiasm for life. He loved his children and modeled before them what it meant to be a man of faith. To those who knew him best, he was wonderful to be around due to his great sense of humor and for never taking himself too seriously.

After returning to Brazil, Edson continued serving the Lord and was most recently the pastor of the Bacarena Grace Brethren Church. His commitment to shepherding his flock was evident by the way he persistently continued teaching the Word despite his deteriorating health in recent years. In fact, he led a Bible study less than a week before his passing. We thank God for the privilege of knowing this brother and counting him among our friends. 

Please pray for his wife, children, friends, and the entire country’s church as they grieve his loss and figure out life out without him. He will be sorely missed.

Pictured are Edson and Ivanise celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary last year.