Working in Latin America with
Engineering Ministries International
May '23 Update
We're working with a Christian NGO based in Nicaragua called Engineering Ministries International (EMI). EMI works with many local charities in helping them to develop their sites and building facilities. The sort of projects that EMI delivers include schools, hospitals, churches and even, on one occasion, a fish farm training centre powered on chicken waste!
We moved to Central America from the UK in April 2021 and have enjoyed being involved in some inspiring projects with EMI, including the design of a new ministry campus called Arbol de Vida. Arbol de Vida is a tremendously exciting project that will provide the location and facilities to equip and prepare the next generation of Christian leaders in Guanacaste, northern Costa Rica, as well as a refuge centre for victims of human trafficking and abuse.
How did we get here?
We've been praying about the possibility of joining staff at EMI since we visited the Latin America office (then in Costa Rica) back in 2012 before working together on a project in Honduras. The project team photo below was taken on that trip - showing us both looking a little younger!
Six years later during Spring Harvest 2018 we felt God calling us to step out in faith and look more closely at what working for EMI might look like.
Rob carried out another project, this time in Managua, in March 2019 and then as a family we enjoyed a holiday to Nicaragua a few months later to get to know the country.
We formally applied in early 2020 and following a few months of interviews we were offered a position to join the EMI Nicaragua office. We moved to Costa Rica in late April 2021 where we carried out 8 months of Spanish school before moving to Managua in Nicaragua in February 2022.
Details on EMI projects both past and present, including those where we have been involved as volunteers, can be found here.
About EMI
EMI is a non-profit Christian development organisation made up of architects, engineers, surveyors and project managers. EMI uses its skills to serve people worldwide through the design of hospitals, schools, water systems and many other facilities. An important part of EMI’s work is employing and training local design professionals in their offices abroad. For more details check out their website here
Support Raising
As with all overseas EMI staff we don't receive a salary from EMI but instead raise the funds to provide all that we need for our time over here.
This ministry update document explains some more about what we’ve been doing, the vision, mission and impact and about why we’re currently in the process of seeking to raise additional funds. If you or your church or organisation would like to find out more please email us at quails.emi@gmail.com
If you would like to donate to the work that God is doing through EMI in Latin America then please click on the donate button below, providing the reference 'Quail Family'
Things to pray for:
Give thanks for:
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Trouble-free travels and quality time spent with family and friends in the UK.
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The privilege of being able to share about the work of EMI during our Home Assignment.
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The additional financial support we have received.
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A smooth transition back to Nicaragua.
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A solution that means we are able to continue to rent out our London flat for the foreseeable future.
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Our colleague David being back in the office after breaking his femur.
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The safe arrival of baby Gabriel - the first child of our Office Director Phil and his wife Olivia.
Things to pray for:
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The Ileana School project trip at the end of March/early April.
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Our health - as we seek advice and treatment.
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Our ongoing fundraising efforts - we're 80% of the way towards our 2023 targets.
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Safety on the roads as we drive around.
Why are we doing this?
Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty-- he is the King of glory. – Psalm 24 v 10
Psalm 24 has been a recurring passage for our family for a long time including a memorable sermon in a Nicaraguan church, all the way back in 2012! And it also speaks into the moment we find ourselves in now as we recognise God as our King and invite Him to lead us. We feel that He has been calling us into this ministry and whilst it is a big move for our family, and at times a little daunting, we are putting our trust in Him as we embark on this exciting opportunity. There is more about the significance Psalm 24 has for us here.