There are many things about the EMI Uganda office that make it such a dynamic place, and one of those is the Workshop! The Workshop team works to design and fabricate metal and wood products to support the construction team. Products include windows, doors, cabinetry and furniture as well as structural components and other millwork. The philosophy that drives the workshop is to invest first and foremost in developing local craftsmen, after which the by-products—the windows, doors, trusses, and furniture—will naturally improve.
Jonah works with Lawrence Mubiru in the workshop in Kajjansi.
Photo: Jenni Keiter
Worship time in the workshop during one of the EMI Uganda “Staff Days” in January. Due to COVID-19, these meetings took place outside the main office building.
Photo: Adam Gordon
In Exodus, the Lord speaks to Moses about the construction of the tabernacle (or tent of meeting). In this passage he calls out specific men saying,
“I have filled them with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, to work in every craft… And I have given to all able men ability, that they may make all that I have commanded you…” Exodus 31: 3-6
This is such an encouraging passage when we think about it in the context of the Workshop Team. It explains that as we design and create, we are a bringing joy to the Lord through our craft. Not only is God pleased by good craftsmanship, He has specifically chosen these men to do this work. We can see the Spirit of God reflected in this team’s friendship, as well as in the excellence of their product!
Henry Buyinza, Sosan Grace, Julius Kigongo and rest of workshop crew.
Photo: Benjamin Rukundo
Arensen Updates
Hannah has been self-appointed as the “communications director” of our household, and has been connecting with our friends and family as we continue to grow our prayer and financial partner teams. Meanwhile, Bruce has been hard at work behind the scenes, taking care of the ongoing logistics that come with an international move! We have moved up to Corning, New York, to spend time with Hannah’s parents while we raise support. That being said, Virginia keeps calling our name, as Bruce has been required to return for some unanticipated doctor’s appointments. Praise God, we received a diagnosis of polycythemia vera, which is an easily managed condition both here and in Uganda (we are super thankful for that)! Bruce will become an expert at blood donations, something hospitals always welcome. As challenging as all this traveling can be, we are enjoying the long car trips together and are so grateful that our car gets good gas mileage!
Sitting in Wegmans after getting the Covid-19 vaccine! We were so grateful to have access to the vaccine and are excited for more opportunities to see people in person.
Flashback to our time at the Uganda office in December where we were put right to work! It was not only welcoming, but very affirming to be handed some exciting work from the team. We are itching to get back! Here we are in the office library on our laptops: Bruce is working on analysis of wood burning stoves while Hannah is polishing off inventory and analysis after a project site visit.
Projects We're Excited About
“Excitement filled the air as we gathered under the canopy of trees near the site for the first Assisted Living home. Our oldest Gems took part in the groundbreaking as together we prayed over the place they will soon call home! Thank you sweet friends for giving and making this possible! We couldn’t have come this far without you!” – The Gem Foundation
Photo: The Gem Foundation
Many of you have already heard us talk about the incredible work The Gem Foundation is doing. We are excited to announce that through their partnership with EMI, they were able to break ground on their very first Assisted Living home! This is where their older Gems will be able to live and thrive into adulthood. We are so excited to continue working on this project and helping this ministry to expand and grow!
Can’t get enough of this ministry? Neither can we. Check them out at https:// thegemfoundation.com, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram!
Want to get more involved? Click here to Sponsor a Child.
Pray With Us
We are so grateful for your prayers and support! Please join us in prayer for the following:
- Bruce is working with his doctor to get his medical condition more under control prior to our move. Please be praying that this happens smoothly and quickly
- Continue to pray for wisdom as we seek to minister and love on family, friends and partners during a time of social distancing
- For our Uganda Team members, that they would find opportunities to get vaccinated soon
Praises!
- We are fully vaccinated! Thank you so much for your prayers regarding this. We are grateful to have more opportunities to see people in person, especially as the weather is warming up!
- We are so grateful for all of the individuals and churches that have partnered with us through giving. We already have over 50% of our monthly support raised!
Stay Connected
Each year, EMI’s people complete over 100 development projects which serve the poor and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. To keep these design services affordable for Christian ministries, professionals like the Arensen’s on EMI’s staff are responsible for raising their own salaries. We are so grateful for God’s provision through the generosity of donors. Would you prayerfully consider partnering with the great things God is doing through the Arensen’s ministry at EMI?