Engineering Ministries International

Engineering Ministries International (EMI) is a Christian non-profit made up of architects, engineers, surveyors, and construction managers. Each year, EMI undertakes over 100 projects in developing countries (hospitals, schools, water systems, and more).

I first discovered EMI in 2016. I was 6 years into my career as a civil engineer, newly licensed, 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. By Googling "What is the meaning of work?" and "civil engineering", I came across EMI's website.

After my first project trip to Honduras in 2016, 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 over several years.

I went on my second project trip to Guatemala in 2018.
When I returned, I helped start-up the Chicago EMI Network Chapter, which I led for nearly three years.
Then, in 2020 I took a 3-month sabbatical from my job to volunteer out of the EMI Cambodia office. Due to the pandemic, I returned to Chicago after just 2.5 weeks and continued to volunteer remotely.

My involvement with EMI has had a huge impact on my career, my life, and my walk with Jesus - which is why joining staff was such an easy decision.

I’m working part-time with EMI’s Engagement Team (remote from Nashville). My primary role is to help enhance brand awareness, support financial growth for the organization through fundraising, foster donor/volunteer relationships, and encourage people to give, go, & pray with EMI.

My main priority in 2025 will be engaging with our volunteers - recruiting new people & following up with past volunteers (especially upon returning from a project trip). As someone who started as an EMI volunteer, I’m excited to connect with these folks and build relationships with them that goes beyond the trip experience!

To keep design services affordable and to invite more people into the work God is doing through EMI, I'm raising support for my salary. I would be honored and grateful to have you join my team! Would you prayerfully consider partnering with me/EMI?

become a partner

(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.

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.

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

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), 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!