Outgoing CEO of EMI
There is an appointed time for everything.
And there is a time for every event under heaven.
- Ecclesiastes 3:1
The time has come for me to step down as the CEO of EMI. My wife, Tamra, and I are confident in the Lord's blessing over the past 15 years of service. We are equally confident that He has ordained this time as a time to step away from this amazing ministry. Serving at EMI has been a life defining privilege. But now is the time for my family to look at new horizons for delivering His Kingdom purposes in the lives of the poorest of the poor.
Tamra and I believe the Lord has us on a new road to help establish a unique Christian University in Rwanda. The parties involved have asked me to be the President & CEO of Muhabura University: I have accepted the offer. The University will have a core curriculum based on servant leadership as modeled by Jesus. And two primary faculties of study: Business and Technical Sciences (very heavy emphasis on construction).
Clearly, the role of University President is a full time job. I love EMI and want to see only God's continued blessing on this ministry. Therefore, out of respect for the mission and vision of EMI, Tamra and I believe it best that we take a step away from EMI. I will continue on the Board of Trustees and will continue to serve EMI in any and every capacity that I am able. Once our Colorado home sells we will move our family to Little Rock, Arkansas which is the base for the University leadership.
The role of CEO will go to one of EMI's founding staff members and board member for the past eight years, James Hall. I believe James' understanding of EMI from the inside out, as a former staff member and current board member, his 12 years of experience as a CEO of another Christian non-profit, his overseas living experience, and his heart and experience as a pastor and engineer make him perfect for the job. God has clearly prepared James to be the next CEO. Join me in welcoming James Hall back to EMI.
I am confident of God's blessing on James Hall as the new CEO of EMI.
Thank you for allowing me to serve at EMI,
Glen Woodruff
CEO, Muhabura University
www.bridge2rwanda.com
A Note From James Hall
EMI's New CEO
I first joined EMI in 1988 as the first full time staff to join the founder Michael Orsillo. Those "early days" were like any frontier - filled with lots of challenges and learning. It was an EMI project that took me to Central Asia where my ministry focus has been for the past 12 years. I am now honored to rejoin all of you who faithfully serve our Lord through EMI worldwide.
My background is both electrical engineering and pastoral ministry. I have long valued this mix and believe this present season in missions is one that offers great opportunity for doing ministry through professional skills. In Central Asia I led an organization with personnel from 20 different nationalities and 13 different mission organizations. I value working within the unity and diversity of the Body of Christ.
My wife, Nancy, and I have two grown children. Our son, Brooks, is married to Jennifer and they have two children. Our daughter, Betsy, just finished her undergraduate work and will soon begin work on a PhD in physics/optics.
As I rejoin EMI, I remain committed to what EMI has done well for 25 years and hope to better undergird it for the future. God has wonderfully blossomed EMI in recent years under Glen's leadership. I stand amazed at all He has done in and through the whole EMI family. In many ways we are better positioned than ever to be of service to the mission world. At the same time, we are all aware of the present challenges of today's world. The challenges of doing mission may be greater than ever yet the needs remains just as real. In addition, our Lord's call to the "least of these" also remains just as real. I am confident that as we faithfully serve together we will see Him do amazing things. Thank you for your part in the ministry of EMI. I look forward to getting to know many of you personally and serving with you in His Kingdom.
Because of Him,
James Hall
CEO, EMI
A Note From Barry Farah
Chairman of the EMI Board of Trustees
I am quite grateful for all that Glen has done for EMI. I believe he was the right man to serve as CEO during his tenure and I am delighted that he will continue to serve on the board. I am also quite certain that James is the right man to serve as CEO now. It seems obvious to me that God has led us and provided for us to make this a very gentle transition. As a personal note, I continue to be very comfortable supporting EMI because its mission is excellent and it's stewardship model is fantastic. This ministry allocated 92.9% of all dollars to program services in 2007. That means it only spends about 7 cents of each dollar on general and administrative and fund raising expenses. According to our auditors that is among the most efficient non-profits in the country. I think we can all thank God that EMI's professional services are offered to the Christian community in directly meaningful ways, which genuinely help to transform lives. I thank God for Glen and all he has done for EMI and I thank God for James and all I believe that he will continue to do for EMI. Please join me in welcoming James to the post of CEO of EMI by continuing your faithful support, prayer and service.
In His Service,
Barry Farah
Chairman of the Board
