Our Mission

Greetings from Birmingham! As most of you know, I've been working here with a landscape architecture firm since graduating from the University of Georgia. I can hardly believe that two and half years have passed since I walked through the Arch with my cap and gown! When I graduated, the current economic recession was just beginning to make trouble for the profession, and employment opportunities were thin. Nevertheless, God was faithful and gracious in putting me exactly where He wanted me. He has blessed me with a wonderful job, a place to live, and an awesome community of believers.

Despite all the rich blessings I have experienced in Birmingham, I believe God is leading me in a slightly different direction now. In January I will be going to Costa Rica with Engineering Ministries International (EMI) to serve as a landscape architect intern. EMI is a non-profit, Christian organization that gives architects, engineers, and other design professionals an opportunity to serve impoverished people around the world. I am excited about this internship because I will be using all my education and talents to show the love of Christ in a practical way. Many of you are probably wondering how landscape architecture is a relevant profession on the mission field and if I will merely be making pretty yards for people. As I told my friends in college, landscape architecture is much more than colorful drawings and "curb appeal"! EMI provides other mission partners with design work for schools, hospitals, orphanages, bridges, and other vital, basic facilities. As an intern, my role will include assisting architects and engineers in plan production, drafting, and various office tasks. Though we will be visiting project sites initially, much of my time will be spent in the office. Also, while working in Costa Rica, I will be living with a host family. I am very excited about the chance to experience a different culture through my relationship with that family!

I truly believe this is where the Lord is calling me, both through His Word and Holy Spirit. In saying that, I must also add that this is not my mission alone. I ask for your prayers while I am in Costa Rica, and for my time of preparation beforehand. Please pray for the people who will be served in Costa Rica through our efforts. Specifically, pray that the gospel will be spread, and that God will soften the hearts of those that do not know His redeeming love. Also, because EMI is a non-profit organization, I must raise my own support. I ask that you would prayerfully consider supporting me financially. I must raise a total of $8,900 to cover my living and travel expenses for the six months I will be spending in Costa Rica. Please consider this in prayer, however, knowing that the Lord moves us all in different ways. Each of you are such an encouragement to me already as you have constantly prayed for me and faithfully reminded me of my own need for Christ. Thank you for your faithfulness and support!

If you would like to give through the online option, http://www.emiworld.org/ , be sure to put "Andrew Martin -2853" in the "Designation" line of the online form.

Grace and Peace,

Andrew