Core Values

 

Mission Statement: to empower the poor and oppressed that they may be able to know, worship, and serve God without hindrance; and to motivate and involve others worldwide to invest their gifts and lives in this same mission.

God Centered

As a Christian organization, ELI cares deeply about the spiritual condition of all people and works closely with evangelical leaders and churches in both the USA and the countries we serve.  Our ultimate goal is to bring people into a closer relationship with God so that they might know him. Our mission statement affirms that we want to “empowering the poor to remove the barriers that hinder spiritual transformation, health, education, and economic progress.” In response to this desire, we commit focus on prayer, seeking God’s leading through the Holy Spirit, and our programs are structured to help people recognize their importance in the eyes of God and to equip them to deeper levels of worship and service.

Incarnational Ministry

As Jesus came into the world as one of us to live among the people, we wish to enter every culture we are called to serve among in such a way that our personal culture, life style, and material possessions in no way hinder or distract ourselves or the receiver from the message of God's love and transforming power.  Our mission guides us to live with the poor and oppressed so that we can better understand the issues they face. It is ELI’s aim that the ideas and technologies we demonstrate be appropriate to the culture, environment and available resources of the local people so they can be passed on from one person to another.

Empowerment

The projects and programs of ELI, in contrast to handouts, may not provide quick and easy solutions, but the results are lasting and transferable. This method of ministry requires patience and perseverance in times of decision and development. Our holistic work includes addressing projects that address the spiritual, physical, and economic sufferings faced by the people.  We believe in the high value of empowering individuals and utilizing a variety of educational methods with an emphasis on ideas that can be demonstrated and transferred to others.

National Leadership

ELI is a dynamic team made up of full-time nationals and Americans working side by side.  We believe that no one knows the needs of their community better than the  people and leaders of those communities.  ELI seeks to work together with leaders who practice selflessness rather than control.  We seek to develop and empower our leaders, as we do each person who is affected by our ministry.

Challenge/Change the Worldview of the American Church

Being an organization founded in America , each of our staff members has a desire to see the church in the west transformed through partnership with churches around the world.  As stated in our mission, we strive “to motivate and involve others worldwide to invest their gifts and lives in this same mission.”

The evidence of this change will be seen in their deeper faith in Christ, greater love for people, increased giving of their resources for holistic ministry among the poor, and personal drive to spread the news of Gods empowerment with others.