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Greg's journey with EMI Canada is a testament to unwavering passion for God and for design.

His missions story began long before joining EMI, with his first mission experience working as a Mission Builder with YWAM during his undergraduate studies in 1986. Upon completing graduate school in architecture in 1991, Greg made the intentional decision to spend ten years in private practice, honing his professional skills before once again pursuing his call to mission.

In 2001, the moment came when God called Greg to EMI. He volunteered on his first EMI project trip joining a team travelling to Belize, to serve with New Life Ministries for the development of a high school master plan.

In 2002, Greg and his family attended an EMI conference which led to Greg volunteering on two additional projects, one of which he was accompanied by his wife Julie. Their commitment to EMI's mission led to a life changing decision in 2005. In response to God’s call, both Greg and Julie resigned from their jobs in Vancouver, BC, and moved their family to Calgary, AB, where Greg joined EMI Canada as the second full-time staff member. Today, he serves as EMI Canada's Executive Director.

Greg's devotion to EMI Canada is evident in everything he does. Looking around his office at the memorabilia collected over 20 years of project trips, it’s plain to see the depth of his commitment to EMI's mission to develop people, design structures, and construct facilities which serve communities and the Church.

His leadership has been transformative at EMI Canada. Greg has developed the domestic projects program offering, led the switch to a central funding model and continues to grow and expand EMI Canada's reach.

Greg’s passion for EMI and ministry is contagious. The excitement in his voice when he speaks about the organization is unmistakable. He is supportive, encouraging, and a good leader who is open to new ideas and always willing to help fellow staff members.

After a project trip to Guatemala in 2001, Steve and his wife Melinda sensed that God might be leading them into a big change for their family. 

Steve joined the Uganda office in 2005 as a staff architect leading projects around the country.  With his background in design-build, Steve found life outside the walls of the design office and became a pioneer developing and expanding EMI’s CM program - a ministry of EMI that has influenced hundreds of construction workers in Uganda and beyond in their professional and spiritual lives. 

After a stint on assignment in Kenya at Rift Valley Academy, the Hoyt family returned to the US in 2021 where Steve continued his work with EMI.  As a natural people person, Steve finds great joy meeting with EMI’s network to encourage them and to help them engage as donors, volunteers, and staff.  Steve’s quick wit and expertise in sarcasm keeps everyone around him on their toes!

When he’s not on the road or connecting with the network, Steve can often be found woodworking or spending time with his wife Melinda and their 4 children: Sophia, Madeline, Janet, and Hannah. 

Thank you, Steve for your ministry and love of seeing people built up both professionally and spiritually in the merciful love of Christ. Because, as Steve will tell you, that is what it’s truly all about.

Today we joyfully celebrate Julius Dennis Mugonde on reaching an incredible 10-year milestone with the EMI Uganda team!

Julius currently serves as our Construction Finance Administrator, and his journey is nothing short of inspiring. He began with us as a casual laborer on this very EMI Uganda office building, a role he was clearly overqualified for, yet he embraced it with humility and a willingness to learn from those in authority.

Over the years, Julius transitioned into the Facilities Department, where he once again served with excellence and humility. When the Workshop was seeking to hire its first administrator, Julius stood out among all candidates and he has continued to excel, whether in Construction Management (CM), the Workshop, or his current permanent role in CM.

Julius’ story is a powerful reminder that experience, and education are important but it’s character, humility, and vision that truly define a person. He’s a living example of how setting your sights higher, walking in obedience, and staying grounded in service can lead to impactful growth.

Nearly 50% of Julius’ time is spent on the road, moving between sites and suppliers checking on materials, overseeing deliveries, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. He does all this with passion, integrity, and a servant’s heart. Julius handles client funds as if they were his own, always striving for the best value and highest accountability.

Julius, we see you. We honor you. We thank God for the incredible gift you are to this organization. Your hard work, honesty, and faithfulness do not go unnoticed.

Congratulations on 10 years of excellence! May God bless you today and, in the years, to come.