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Measuring tape on the ground
February 2024
EMI UK at 15
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Adam Gordon on site

Remembering where we’ve been, looking ahead to where we’re going

core-values

EMI is a Christian non-profit made up of architects, engineers, surveyors, and construction managers who value Design, Discipleship, and Diversity.

“People restored by God and the world restored through design.”

Since 1982, our worldwide mission is to develop people, design structures, and construct facilities which serve communities and the Church—facilities like hospitals, schools, water systems, and more.

Together, we are designing a world of hope.

EMI News

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Andrew Jensen sketch Andrew Jensen

EMI Sénégal Director

At EMI Sénégal, we’ve had times of want and blessing, rough storms and pleasant ocean breezes.

Through difficult setbacks and new growth initiatives, the weekly devotions we share with the UK team have been a steady encouragement.

A time of praise and prayer across continents, a time to step outside the busyness together to ask our Creator for guidance.

As we trust our Lord to lead us in West Africa, we celebrate His faithfulness to EMI UK.

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Andrew Jensen signature

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Pray with EMI

We ask you to pray with us as we navigate the many changes and challenges of ministry at EMI across the world, and as we cast our cares upon the Lord. Pray with EMI through our monthly Prayer Calendar—sign up today!

Fellows Landed

The 2022 cohort successfully arrived at their second office placements in January! From the United States to South Africa, Cambodia to India, and Uganda to the USA, these complex expatriations are something to celebrate!

Are you on the map in the EMI Network?

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Andre at a project site

Profile

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Henry & Erika Watts
Henry Watts

EMI USA Director

  • Verse: Romans 12:1-3
  • Birthplace: Houston, Texas, USA
  • Joined EMI: 2004
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I was nervous when I arrived at EMI for my internship in January 1998. But inside, I found a small group of architects and engineers who truly loved Jesus and designing for missionaries.

That same passion was present at EMI in 2004 when Erika and I joined staff in Colorado Springs. What has changed in 20 years?

I have been changed by seeing the beauty and strength of the church in many parts of the world. EMI has also embraced change and growth, expanding from the one office of my internship days to eleven locations and over 200 staff members today.

What hasn’t changed is EMI’s passion to know God and help make Him known through serving the church around the world.

It has been such a joy to partner with front-line workers living into their calling of loving God and loving others.

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Jan Martinez
Jan Martinez

Staff Architect

  • Verse: Romanos 12:12
  • Birthplace: Masaya City, Nicaragua
  • Joined EMI: 2018
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Conocí a EMI a través de una amiga de la universidad en el año 2017. Ella me comentó que existía una organización cristiana de arquitectos e ingenieros que hacen diseños para iglesias acá en Nicaragua y en Latinoamérica. Apliqué como pasante y fui aceptado en junio de ese mismo año. Terminé mi pasantía en enero del 2018.

Tiempo después, surgió la oportunidad de un puesto de trabajo y me contrataron en mayo de ese mismo año. A lo largo de estos casi seis años puedo recalcar que una de las cualidades importantes de la oficina ha sido caminar en Fe, a pesar de las circunstancias y cambios inesperados, cada persona del equipo nos mantenemos unidos y animados en la Fe como una familia.


I learned about EMI through a friend from university in 2017. She told me that there was a Christian organization of architects and engineers who designed churches here in Nicaragua and in Latin America. I applied as an intern and was accepted in June of that same year and finished my internship in January 2018.

Later that same year, a job opportunity arose, and I was hired in May. Throughout these almost six years I can emphasize that one of the important qualities of the office has been walking in Faith, despite circumstances and unexpected changes, each person on the team remains united and encouraged in Faith as a family.

The EMI Fund

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Contributors

US Corporate Partner: SHM Architects

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SHM logo

Lead — Andrew Jensen is an an urban planner from the USA. A member of the Sénégal team since 2018, he now leads EMI's efforts to serve people and grow the staff team in West Africa. Andrew and his family live in Saly, Sénégal. 

EMI UK at 15 — Stephen Douglas is a retired architect from Belfast. He agreed to take on all that is EMI in the UK late in 2022 and has been working to connect UK professionals to EMI every chance he gets. He lives with his wife Ruth in Belfast, Northern Ireland. 

Projects Past, Present, Future — John Sauder is an architect from the USA who has spent the best part of the last 20 years with EMI in Uganda. As Global Programmes Director since 2020, John oversees evaluation efforts like the Africa Projects Evaluation Initiative (APEI) creating new insights (and acronyms) for EMI. John and his wife Paula live outside Jinja, Uganda.

Editor: Matthew J. Coffey, EMI Global

Web Design: Shalom Lazarus, EMI Global

Issue Cover: Adam Gordon, EMI Uganda

Watercolor Art: Ivy Ng-Coffey, EMI Global, Ivywild Studio

Inside EMI is a 100% in-house production. This magazine is from the people who are living and being EMI around the world.

Comments on this issue? Write to Editor@emiworld.org.