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Jason Chandler was appointed to join EMI staff in February 2012 and moved to Colorado Springs to serve as EMI USA's WASH Manager in 2013.  For years, Jason served as the office's only civil engineer and he likely spent more time providing technical guidance to master plan water and wastewater system designs than working toward his vision to pioneer EMI's role as a leader in large, complex WASH implementation programs.

All that changed in 2020 when EMI was given the opportunity to take a leadership role in the $20 million rural Alaska WASH program - the largest grant EMI has ever been given.  Through this program, along with the major DRR shelter improvement program in Haiti and continued support of master plan projects, Jason has led EMI USA through an incredible expansion of civil engineering and WASH staff growth.  He's also worked with EMI staff around the world to update the Civil Design Guide and hold periodic civil/WASH team collaboration calls.  It is an understatement to say that we are incredibly thankful for Jason's passionate pursuit of EMI's growth in the WASH sector.

In addition to Jason's technical skill, tenacity, and leadership in civil and WASH, he also has some other great passions and abilities.  He roasts delicious coffee, is an amazing worship leader, and loves all things outdoors including hunting and fishing.

We are incredibly thankful for Jason and his wife, Sarah.  They serve at EMI and in their community with joy and great intentionality.  They are also raising four really cool children named James, Will, Josh and Lyla. It is a real joy to celebrate Jason's 10 year anniversary at EMI.  We are honored by his pursuit of his faith and calling to serve God and His Kingdom through EMI.

Hope Aparo joined EMI as a staff member in 2012, serving in the EMI Uganda office. She began working with the Construction Management Department where she was an Administrator on various projects. Several years later she switched departments and began working in Human Resources. Hope is now the HR Manager for the EMI Uganda office, and over the years has helped to lead them in developing new policies and procedures. She has been a vital member of staff as the EMI Uganda office has continued to grow and has been instrumental in helping the office to be more intentional about crossing cultures.

In addition to serving EMI Uganda as the HR Manager, Hope has been instrumental in the success of important programmes such as the EMI Internship Programme, and more recently, the EMI Fellowship Programme. She continues to serve as the Intern Coordinator, making sure that the interns have a well-rounded experience both professionally and spiritually. She served as the Fellowship Coordinator when it began at EMI Uganda, ensuring that the programme had a successful start. Hope has been an influential member of staff as she has served on the EMI Uganda Leadership Team for several years.

Thank you for your faithful service and dedication to EMI, Hope!

John Sauder first joined EMI as a multi-term intern in the India office overseeing construction projects.  He then returned as staff in 2003 to help start EMI’s fifth international office in Kampala, Uganda.  He and his wife, Paula, were recently married and spent a year working tirelessly and generously to establish a solid foundation for the new office.  John served as the staff architect, intern coordinator and project leader for one of EMI’s largest projects – the masterplan of a 3,000 acre campus outside of Jinja, Uganda.  Paula worked with the local staff, discipled interns and participated in project trips.  John and Paula transitioned back to the USA at the end of that year, but committed to returning at some point in the future. 

In 2007, the Sauder family returned to Uganda with their child Zane to oversee the construction of the project in Jinja.  They soon welcomed another child, Zachary, and the Sauder family was a very welcome addition to the fledgling construction management program. In June 2010, John became the Uganda office director and led the office to design and construct a new facility to house the office and the construction workshop, which had flourished under John’s leadership. John now is the Global Director of Programmes, serving the entire organization with his insight, wisdom and incredible spreadsheets!   

John is a quiet, deep thinker, and dedicated to his family and serving others.  John is a licensed architect and Paula is a credentialed school teacher and has served in the local international school and homeschooled her children.  The Sauders designed and built their own home in rural Uganda where they will be further able to connect with and share the love of Christ with their neighbors.  Thank you to the Sauder Family for dedicating 15 years and counting to the ministry work of EMI around the world!