Pressroom

Kathleen’s decade with EMI is a profound testament to her unwavering passion for God and the restorative power of environmental engineering. From the Canadian prairies to the heart of Southeast Asia, her commitment to providing clean water and dignified sanitation has become a cornerstone of EMI’s impact.

Kathleen’s professional journey with the ministry began in 2016 when she joined EMI Canada as a full-time staff member. Seeking to bring her technical expertise into the mission field, she and her husband, Colin, eventually transitioned from Canada to help pioneer the EMI Cambodia office in Phnom Penh. Throughout these significant life changes including international moves, language study, and the logistical hurdles of serving abroad, Colin’s steadfast support has been the bedrock of Kathleen’s ministry. His encouragement has allowed Kathleen to thrive in her calling, proving that ten years of impact is built on the strength of a supportive partnership.

Today, Kathleen leads the WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) efforts at EMI Cambodia with a primary focus on practical, sustainable solutions. She has become well-known for her work with local communities, specifically designing smaller-scale water treatment systems that provide immediate health benefits to families. Beyond community work, her technical precision is vital to key ministry partners. By developing specialized water treatment solutions directly on their properties, she ensures that schools, and community centers have the safe water necessary to carry out their own Gospel work

Kathleen is known for the technical excellence she brings to every project and the humble heart she brings to every community. As she celebrates this 10-year milestone, we reflect on her decade of "yes" to God’s calling. Kathleen, we are so grateful to you and Colin. We look forward to seeing how God continues to use your hands and your heart to design a world of hope. Congratulations on 10 years!

We’re excited to celebrate Lesley’s ten years with EMI and are deeply grateful for the countless ways she strengthens the people and mission of EMI.

After spending three years with a local church plant in Honduras, Lesley joined EMI Nicaragua in 2016, where she served as intern coordinator, event coordinator, and executive assistant to the director. In 2019, she transitioned to EMI Global as Intern Programme Manager, where she helped develop and implement new intern selection and application processes that improved the coordination and placement of interns across EMI. In 2020, she took over leadership of EMI’s new fellowship programme, expanding her role to HR Manager, Early Career Programmes. Since then, she has helped grow the fellowship into a rich and thriving development programme for early-career professionals.

Lesley has become a well-known resource for helping others navigate the inner workings of EMI – connecting the right people, fostering clear communication, and helping each person understand how their role contributes to the broader mission. Her extensive event coordination skills have supported directors conferences, leadership forums, and many other gatherings. Through all her service, Lesley demonstrates a deeper passion to do whatever is needed to support the success of those around her and to see EMI’s mission strengthened.

As her roles have changed, Lesley has remained committed to discipling and developing others, especially those early in their professional journeys. She invests personally in mentoring interns and fellows and is always available to her co-workers with a compassionate ear and a word of affirmation. Known for remembering the little details—someone’s favourite snack or personal quirk—she makes people feel seen and valued.

We are blessed to serve with you, Lesley.

This year we celebrate Hannah Peterson’s 10 years of faithful service with EMI! Since first joining EMI at the end of 2014, Hannah’s journey has been marked by flexibility, creativity, and a deep commitment to prayer and the global Church.

Hannah came to EMI after a decade in her engineering career with a desire to serve full-time. Because she and her husband Nathan were unable to relocate to an EMI office, Hannah initially joined as a dedicated volunteer before later transitioning to associate staff. While officially connected to the U.S. office for most of her time and more recently the Global office, Hannah’s ministry has spanned far beyond one location. Over the past seven years, she and Nathan have lived and served across Africa allowing Hannah to contribute to EMI projects and collaborations with teams from multiple offices.

During their time abroad, Hannah and Nathan have experienced significant transitions. Their original plan to serve in Cameroon shifted due to civil conflict that forced the evacuation of the hospital where they planned to work and lead to the closure of that opportunity. In response, they spent time serving at mission hospitals across Niger, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Madagascar before settling for two years in Niger at SIM Galmi Hospital. The last four years have been spent in Kenya serving AIC Kijabe Mission. Throughout these seasons, Hannah faithfully contributed to EMI through electrical engineering work, project consultation, training and mentoring.

Hannah has also played a key role in sustaining the EMI Global Prayer Calendar since its beginning, reflecting her deep passion for prayer and spiritual unity across the entire EMI community. Her leadership has extended beyond engineering into mentoring younger staff, leading worship at EMI conferences, contributing to the Electrical Engineering Design Guide, and serving as an owner’s representative on major projects.

Known for her peacemaking spirit and prayerful leadership, Hannah consistently encourages teams toward excellence while helping each person feel valued and included.

Thank you, Hannah, for your dedicated service to EMI. Congratulations on 10 years!