August 2007

International Taste of EMI

: Join us at the Oscar Event Center

Sept. 27, 2007 6:30 - 9:00

Arlene Schaefer, Chairperson for Taste of EMI, & Karen Carter, Staff Liaison

We're really excited to be able to show you some of the scope of EMI's impact around the world at such an international location as Jungle Jim's Oscar Event Center. Those of you from the Cincinnati area know that Jungle Jim's International Market will offer us a smorgasbord of tastes and spices that are sure to tickle the pallet of even the most savvy connoisseur of the world's cuisine. You are welcome to join in the festive atmosphere by wearing garb from your favorite country, or just come as you are! You'll experience 'a taste' of the joy of thriving relationships that EMI brings around the globe.

For those of you who really need a getaway, come and bid on Silent Auction vacation prizes like:
* A week's stay in a luxurious beach home on Hilton Head Island, SC.
* Four days and three nights at a beautiful resort in Gatlinburg, TN.
* A restful weekend on seven acres along the peaceful banks of the Ohio River.

Or you can bid on one of the many other goodies that we will be gradually revealing up until that date! Funds and spirits will be raised as we come together for a time of thanksgiving to God, fellowship with our friends, and support for the national and global work of EMI. If you are interested in attending, sponsoring or hosting a table, or volunteering to help, please contact Karen Carter at 513-742-1100.

If you can't make it but would like to support EMI with your gift, click here.

EMI's board, staff and team members are going to great lengths to make this year's event the best ever! We are jazzed about seeing YOU there!

Impacting Africa

: EMI director Dave Ping with SOS participants Abraham and Catalina

Pam Ping, Global Training Manager

"THIS TEACHING WILL TOTALLY CHANGE MY COUNTRY!"
from Abraham Teklemariam at EMI's July INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF SERVICE

Abraham is from Ethiopia. His wife Catalina and four children travel around the USA planting churches and evangelizing through their Ten Second Prayer ministry. They relocate where the Lord leads. This year they are in Chicago. Embracing God's Grace workshop and the experience of Breaking Free prayer gave him hope and a vision for freeing his nation from the bondage of shame-based thinking. He literally jumped up out of his chair with excitement to learn God's truth in dealing with culturally based shame in his life.

Jonas and Eleonore are from The Congo. Four years ago they came to be missionaries to Americans. He is pastoring a very small congregation in Cincinnati that cannot afford to pay him a salary, so he works in a factory. She is completing a masters degree in victim/offender reconciliation and has a vision for working with children who have broken the law. Confronting Conflict gave them hope for a way to bring healing to Congo people damaged by 40 years of war.

: Dave with SOS participants Jonas and Eleonore

On July 20 EMI had the privilege of graduating our 15th SOS student since its first session in 2005. What began as a way to meet a special request for comprehensive EMI training from two missionaries in the Ukraine and a couple from India grew into a vision for EMI's International School of Service. Donations underwrite the costs of training and meals, and volunteers provide housing. SOS offers seven days of training in eight EMI courses, ending in personal prayer and ministry. They receive training materials at no cost so they can return home and train others. It is a humbling and powerful privilege to come along side faithful servants of our Lord overseas!

The Lord told us a few years ago that He was creating a hunger for EMI's training abroad and to be prepared to open our doors to them. Our graduates have come from Cameroon, India, Kenya, and Ukraine and have included American missionaries to China, Nigeria, South Africa, Germany, and Taiwan. Current applicants for future SOS sessions include pastors from Amsterdam, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, and United Arab Emirates.

I have seen church leaders weep with joy to find this training that will help them overcome generations of distrust and wounds due not only to the ravages of war, but also to cultural norms that are filled with shame and bondage. The Lord wants to set His people free. We are privileged to be a part of His freedom plan.

EMI seeks to hold three Schools annually in conjunction with our LIFE Seminar weekends. Our next session would be held in October, pending donations to underwrite costs and housing. We have six applicants waiting for notification of acceptance.

YOU CAN HELP!

Our October session is on hold, pending donations to help underwrite the costs of training and meals, which is about $2,000 per person.

Accepting an application also depends on available housing. If you have a guest room you can offer for a week, you will be a blessing. We also need volunteers to help with airport pickup and lunch or dinner hosts. Upcoming SOS dates are the following: October 19-26, 2007; and March 7-14, July 18-25, and October 17-24 in 2008.

If you'd like to partner with EMI to help us minister and equip through SOS, contact Pam Ping at 513-742-1100.

Click here for more information on supporting EMI's ministry to internationals.

Privileges of Membership

Dave Ping, Executive Director

(This is a reprint of the letter many of you recently received via post mail)

Membership has its privileges. That's what you've been told by your local credit card company. By joining them, you're invited to share the reward of frequent flyer miles, discounts on merchandise, and the prestige of being a part of their vastly expanding network.

Today we'd like for you to consider joining a NEW club whose privilege is the development of thriving Christian relationships, whose network extends across the country and around the world, and whose rewards are both priceless and eternal.

Equipping Ministries International is a charity. Your contributions enable us to impact families, churches, and individuals from every race, economic level, and social strata. Every thriving ministry relies on the support of generous individuals who have a passion for its vision and mission.

Sometimes it's hard to find words to describe what EMI does. Most folks, when asked, reply, ?It changed my life!? We are committed to go on changing lives. Will you join us? We can't promise you a new iPhone or a trip to Vegas, but the Lord through EMI has delivered better marriages, happier families, healthier churches, missionaries who are changing their cultures, and new followers of Christ being won over by practical love.

If you value any of these privileges, please become a member of EMI's new 300, 600, or 1200 Clubs. You can join today by committing $25 per month ($300 a year), $50 per month ($600 a year), or $100 per month ($1,200 a year) to help us build up the Body of Christ. Unlike earthly credit cards or clubs, the rewards of membership are out of this world!

Click here to make your commitment.

Spotlight

Intensive Teacher Training
September 21-22, 2007
Cincinnati, OH

The Intensive Teacher Training workshop will sharpen your presentation skills and increase your confidence as an upfront teacher and trainer. Use the skills in your Sunday school class, small group or to become an EMI certified trainer.

Click here for more info.

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Monthly Special:

Did you know that many of EMI's courses are available in Spanish? Our Spanish team have been faithfully translating student notebooks, teacher's manuals, and facilitator notebooks into Spanish and using them in South America over the past decade. They are available to help you develop a healthy Spanish ministry and community.

August Special:

10% off any Spanish material purchase.

Call 513-742-1100 or 1-800-EMI-GROW (364-4769) for more info and to order. Be sure to mention this special promotional discount when you call.

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