Gail began working at Bethany in July 2004, after seeing the job posting at Fuller Seminary’s extension campus. During her interview, she enjoyed a “small world” experience as she learned that Bethany’s previous pastor, Rev. Bruce Murphy, currently serves as president of Northwestern College in Iowa—Gail’s alma mater. Even more “small world,” Gail had met Rev. Murphy at an alumni gathering in Japan shortly before moving to Seattle in August 2002.

Gail originally came to Seattle on a one-year (unpaid) study leave as a joint missionary through the Presbyterian Church (USA) and Reformed Church in America. Having grown up as a missionary kid in the Philippines-where her parents served as PC(USA) missionaries until their retirement in 1999-she chose Seattle because it was the only place she knew outside of her parent’s state, Iowa. In fact, Gail’s previous visits to Seattle opened another “small world” moment for her when she and Sylvia Oines learned they shared a mutual acquaintance in Bethany’s guest organist—Bob Davies.

In 2003, Gail resigned from her work in Japan to marry her husband, Karl Neils, whom she had originally met while attending a Fuller summer class in 1998. Karl currently serves as pastor of a Vineyard congregation in the U-District known as the “Brooklyn Avenue Vineyard.”

This summer, Gail returned to Iowa to be with her family at the passing of her mother. Upon returning to Seattle, She learned of yet another “small world” experience when Gary Talbert asked her where her parents lived. When she replied “Lenox”—her mother’s hometown—Gary informed her that he has relatives there, too. They do not yet know, however, if they may actually be related.

Gail enjoys her “small world” experiences. Someday, she and Karl (who lived in Zimbabwe for 3 years) hope to return overseas and enjoy more “small world” experiences together. In the meantime, Gail plans to complete an M.Div. this summer and looks forward to becoming more involved in ministry. In her time off, she enjoys reading, traveling in the U.S., hosting people, relaxing with her cats Shasta and Misty, working at Bethany and being involved at the Seattle Vineyard.