Third EMI Training Conference
Racine, WI
November 20-21, 2009
by: Donna Douglass

“I’ve read that book!” the young man in the seat next to us stated as we settled in for a short airplane trip. Even as he spoke he saw the other book my husband held. “I’ve read that one, too,” he added. Little did he know he’d just opened the door to a conversation about Jesus: both were Christian books.

It turned out he was a teenager on the brink of manhood who had been raised in the church – and was questioning everything the church and his dad had ever told him…because “religion” just didn’t seem to “work” for his parents and their generation. Now with his whole life stretching before him, he was wading waist-deep in myriad questions. He was a classic “post-modern” or “Gen-X-er.”

Having just completed an EMI (Endurance Ministry Institute) presenters training seminar, my husband was ready. I prayed silently as I watched the farm fields drift beneath the wings and listened to the two men discuss eternal truths and temporal experiences. And I marveled at how the training received at an EMI extends so far beyond the bounds of just endurance sports!

One participant wrote about the Racine EMI, “This seminar put it all together in basic terms. Very useful and helpful in terms of sharing the Gospel with athletes or anyone. Thank you!” Another said it was “great to really begin to voice this out loud.” Still another said he “got a lot out of the witnessing style test…it will change the way I approach evangelism!”

Not only did it provide invaluable training, but it was entertaining as well: “Really enjoyed the videos and skits.” Coincidentally* a participant of the previous EMI had recently written to share that “on a ride, a friend unloaded issues in her life that were just like the skits you did at EMI.”

God continues to use the EMI seminars He designed over the past few years to equip His people to do His work. For more information on when/where the next EMI will be, email Kevin Olsen or keep an eye on FCA-E’s website, on the FCA-E National Yahoo Group or on www.donnadouglass.com/EMI.htm.

If you’re interested in bringing EMI to your huddle or region, see www.donnadouglass.com/EMI_files/host.htm or email Kevin Olsen.

Thank you again to Toby and Wendy for doing all the logistics to make the Racine EMI possible!

*Coincidence: a small miracle where God chooses to remain anonymous.