Engineering Ministries International

I recently accepted a part-time position with Engineering Ministries International (EMI), a non-profit Christian development organization. Each year, EMI undertakes over 100 projects (hospitals, schools, etc.) in developing countries, striving to make their services accessible and affordable. I’ve been volunteering with EMI since 2016, I was a Representative for EMI while I lived in Chicago, and I am passionate about the work they do around the world.

I’m joining EMI’s Engagement Team (remote from Nashville). My primary role is to:

• Help enhance brand awareness

• Support financial growth for the organization through fundraising initiatives

• Foster donor and volunteer relationships

• Encourage people to give, go, and pray with EMI

My experience and knowledge as a civil engineer, combined with my volunteer experience, has uniquely prepared me for this role.

For the last two years I’ve been working as a stay-at-home mom. Throughout that time I’ve had several opportunities to return to the industry, but nothing has felt right… until now.

During the time I was applying for and interviewing with EMI, I got pregnant! We’re expecting a baby in June. God’s timing is always unique, but for the first time in years I feel excited about returning to the industry. I’m looking forward to supporting the development work EMI is doing, and helping them achieve their goals!

In order to begin this work, I need your support and prayers.

What does this mean?

• To keep our services affordable and to offset the expense of bringing another person on staff, EMI asks U.S. staffers to raise support for their salary.

• This is also an opportunity to invite more people into the work God is doing through EMI! (i.e. YOU!)

How does this work?

• I’m asking people to partner with me by giving monthly to EMI. EMI will set those funds aside to pay for the work I’ll be doing.

• EMI requires that I have my full monthly support team, in addition to 3 months support, before I can begin work. I’ll be working 20 hrs/week.

• This requires generous support and partnership with many individuals like yourself!

The Goal:

• I am prayerfully seeking to have full support by mid-June (when our new baby arrives). After 3 months of “maternity leave”, I can then begin work.

What partnering with me/EMI looks like:

• Pray for the work we’re doing together

• Invest $25 - $250 per month, or however God leads you (see Level of Giving chart in the FAQ section)

What I’ll commit to in return:

• Pray for you

• Send newsletter updates periodically

• Meet with you or call you once a year to personally give you a report on our team efforts

I really believe we’re not meant to do life and ministry alone. Throughout scripture we see God’s heart for growing and advancing His kingdom, and inviting people into His work of restoration. All are welcome. All people to all nations. This includes you! 

It is with humility and gratitude that I invite you to join me on this journey of partnership, service, and transformation. Your support, both in prayer and financial contribution, will enable us to bring hope and tangible change to communities in need around the world. Would you prayerfully consider partnering with the great things God will do through our ministry at EMI?

(My name “Howe, Becky” should be auto populated in the staff drop-down menu.)

Got questions? Below are some FAQs.

Will my monthly giving be tax deductible?

Yes! EMI is registered with the US government as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, allowing them to receive tax deductible donations.

How many supporters do you need and how much are you trying to raise?

I’m looking for about 40 people to partner with me by giving anywhere between $25-$250 a month. Below is a Level of Giving chart breaking this down. These values are just suggestions. There’s no right or wrong number. Anything in between is greatly appreciated. It’s all about where God is leading you in your giving!

Is raising support for a salary biblical?

Yes! There are many examples of early Christians working and living off support from people and churches. The best example is Jesus, who chose to live this way, accepting support for himself and his disciples during their years in ministry (Luke 8:2-3). Even Jesus, who could have turned 5 coins into 5,000 coins, chose to instead invite others into the work God was doing.

How did you find out about EMI?

I first discovered EMI in 2016. At the time I was six years into my career as a civil engineer and struggling to find purpose in my day-to-day tasks. I was working on high-profile projects in the City of Chicago, and failing to see how my work was bigger than my own personal interest. After my first project trip to Honduras, I came back with a new perspective on my career. I gained a new understanding that all work (no matter the industry) can and should be God-honoring. That first experience with EMI sparked a passion in me, and I became more involved since then.

Where are EMI’s offices and what kind of project work do they do?

EMI has 11 offices world-wide. Those offices are made up of both nationals and ex-pats (engineers, architects, construction workers, etc.).

EMI can provide a variety of services, including: feasibility studies, land survey, site assessment, concept design, visualization/computer modeling, detailed design, and construction - depending on a client’s needs. Their project portfolio typically includes hospitals, schools, community/ministry centers, and water supply projects. EMI also does disaster respsonse.

Their project portfolio can be found here: emiworld.org/portfolio

What is your history with EMI?

• 2016: Traveled to Siguatepeque, Honduras to help master plan a site for CAFFIN (Centro Asistencial de Formacion Familiar Integral) which included a medical center, education center, vocational training center, and a guard house. Construction is now complete.

• 2018: Traveled to San Juan Cotzal, Guatemala to help master plan a school campus for WIND with a pre-school, primary school, middle school and high school. Phase 1 for earthwork and utilities began in Spring 2019. Two of the two-story classroom buildings were completed Fall 2023. Construction is on-going.

• 2018 - 2021: Helped launch the Chicago EMI Network Chapter. Led and organized monthly meetings for design and construction professionals who are passionate about helping communities around the world, and who are committed to integrity in their industries.

• 2020: Took a 3-month sabbatical and traveled to Phnom Penh, Cambodia to volunteer at the EMI office. Returned home after two weeks due to the COVID pandemic, and volunteered remotely part-time from Chicago. Helped with QAQC of a water supply project for Samaritan's Purse in Moung Ruessei, Cambodia.

More in the blog posts below!

What is EMI’s Vision, Mission, and Core Values?

Vision: People restored by God and the world restored through design.

Mission: To develop people, design structures, and construct facilities which serve communities and the Church.

Core Values: EMI revolves around the person of Jesus and serves the global Church to glorify God through:

• Design: EMI works within the local context to design and construct culturally-appropriate facilities that are sustainable, affordable, and transformational.

• Discipleship: EMI develops people spiritually and professionally through intentional discipleship and mentoring.

• Diversity: EMI builds the Church by connecting people of diverse backgrounds, abilities and ethnicities to demonstrate our love for God, our love for the nations and the unity we share in Christ.

Learn more at emiworld.org

What have you been doing in recent years?

In 2022 I felt God call me to step away from the corporate engineering world and step into full-time work as a stay-at-home mom. This was actually really hard for me, but God made it uncomfortably clear that’s what I needed to do. For the last two years, God has challenged me and shaped me in unique ways through motherhood. It has been such a blessing! Throughout that time I’ve had several opportunities to return to the industry, but nothing felt right… until I started talking to EMI again. During the time I was applying for and interviewing with EMI, I got pregnant! We’re expecting another baby in June! This is why my goal is to be at 100% support by mid-June.

Do you think you’ll ever go back to doing Civil Engineering work?

Yes, God willing! I’m maintaining my engineering license and am very open to assisting EMI with reviewing engineering plans & calculations. This has been discussed and is an exciting possibility! However, in this season of life (with a toddler and a little one on the way), I don’t have the capacity to take on major project work. In the mean-time, I’m excited to support the project work EMI is doing by helping to raise funds, build brand awareness, and foster donor and volunteer relationships!

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