Written by: Brad and Kendra Hansen
Article source: JOY! Magazine 

Engineering Ministries International (EMI), a faith-based NGO in Cape Town, began in 1982 after an American engineer saw an opportunity to use his design knowledge while on a missions trip in the Pacific. That experience birthed a ministry offering professional design services to churches and missions organisations serving across the globe, specifically in the developing world. EMI now has 10 offices worldwide, mobilising volunteer design professionals from all nations to support organisations looking to grow or improve their facilities. By stepping in to assist organisations with design, we get to see God use our unique skill set to advance His Kingdom, and free ministry leaders to focus on using their unique skills to serve the population to which God has called them. It is a true representation of the church body working together.

EMI consists of volunteer design professionals from all nations.

Using gifts to build the Kingdom
Our journey with EMI began in 2007, when we saw an advertisement seeking engineers to assist with design upgrades to a youth camp in Beirut, Lebanon. We joined the trip to provide mechanical and civil engineering input, and experienced the joy of using our gifts to build up the Kingdom. The ministry leader was floundering, uncertain how to move forward with several damaged buildings and a vision for growth. Our team brought clarity, assessment skills, design knowledge, and creativity to put skin on the bones of the vision and develop a workable path forward. It was our first realisation that God had implanted knowledge and abilities in us that He intended to use for His purposes – not just as a career to pay the bills. We all have a unique contribution to make to advance Kingdom work. Each piece of the puzzle is essential – without it, the full picture cannot be revealed. From that initial project, we began a process of continued engagement with EMI, which eventually led to joining as staff and helping to launch the EMI South Africa office in 2018.

What does EMI offer?
EMI’s projects range widely in type and scale. We offer everything from initial concept through construction oversight and commissioning. We can assist with master planning, facility assessments, architecture, WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) solutions, power reliability and generation solutions, agricultural evaluations, and more. Our conceptual planning studies are especially useful in communicating vision to a large audience, and can greatly assist in fundraising campaigns.

EMI offers professional design services to churches and missions across the globe, specifically in the developing world.

Covid-19 implications in our work
Like all organisations, EMI has experienced significant change in our work process from COVID-19. While we have had to press ‘pause’ on several international projects due to travel restrictions, we are well-positioned to assist ministries who need to make facility changes to address new pandemic protocols. While mission hospitals present the most urgent need, we know many organisations will need to rethink facility operations and layout in the months ahead. We are also implementing shorter, in-house design workshops to fast-track preliminary work for clients where travel is not currently realistic. If you or an organisation you know are in need of design assistance, you can fill out a preliminary application for services online at emiworld.org.za

How to get involved
There are a number of ways to get involved in the work that EMI does. If you are a design professional, consider joining us as a volunteer. Although we have currently suspended travel to project sites, we do still actively engage volunteer designers in our work! The skills that God has planted in you can make a big impact. Visit our website to see some of the projects in need of volunteers and to learn more about volunteering with us.

Prayer and participation
You can also PRAY. We are on mission, and we need your prayers. Our clients need your prayers. Visit emiworld.org/pray to view our prayer calendar and sign up for monthly prayer updates.

Then, very importantly, you can also GIVE. EMI staff and interns are missionaries, raising support to fund their role with our office. The generosity of people like yourselves enables us to do our work. You can support an individual (highly recommended), or the office in general. Learn more about our team on our website and please prayerfully consider contributing towards their service with EMI.

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Date published: 09/07/2020
Brad and Kendra Hansen are Architectural and Civil Engineers, respectively, and serve as Project Leaders with EMI SA. Email them on info.southafrica@emiworld.org to get in contact.

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