The Vision of GEM: Balancing Mary and Martha in Ministry

By James Goll

At God Encounters Ministries (GEM), our mission is deeply rooted in the story of Mary and Martha as told in Luke 10:38-42. This powerful narrative illustrates two essential facets of ministry: the devoted heart of Mary, who sits at Jesus’ feet, and the active hands of Martha, who welcomes Him into her home. Both sisters express their love for Jesus differently—Mary through quiet devotion and Martha through practical service. GEM’s mission brings these two elements together, recognizing that they are equally necessary for fulfilling the work God has called us to do.

The Mary and Martha Model: A Foundational Vision

When Jesus visits the home of Mary and Martha, Martha immediately begins serving, taking on the role of a host and making preparations for their guest. Mary, however, chooses to sit at Jesus’ feet, listening to His words. Martha, feeling burdened by the work, asks Jesus to send Mary to help. But Jesus responds by saying that Mary has chosen the “better part” and that it would not be taken from her.

This interaction between Jesus, Mary, and Martha highlights the duality in ministry that I believe we are called to embody. If Martha had not welcomed Jesus into her home, Mary would not have had the opportunity to sit at His feet. In the same way, ministries today need both devotion and service to thrive and effectively share the Father’s heart.

GEM’s Mission in Four Key Areas

To live out this vision, GEM operates in four primary areas that reflect both the Mary and Martha aspects of ministry. Each area is crafted to meet both spiritual and practical needs, bringing God’s love to people in a holistic way.

  1. Bible Distribution

One of GEM’s core missions is Bible distribution, ensuring that the Word of God reaches communities with limited access to it. We partner with individuals like Leon Hoover to supply solar-powered and hard-copy Bibles globally. In some areas, Bibles are a rare and precious resource, and through this outreach, we aim to provide spiritual nourishment that can transform lives. This mission speaks to Martha’s heart of service—meeting a tangible need and empowering people to encounter God personally through Scripture.

  1. Crisis Relief

GEM also serves as a beacon of hope in times of crisis, providing emergency relief and assistance to those affected by natural disasters or humanitarian issues. In partnership with leaders like Mark Roy and Leon Hoover, we respond quickly to bring supplies and support to those in need. This ministry reflects the servanthood and hospitality of Martha, extending God’s love and compassion to those experiencing hardship.

Our crisis relief efforts are not only about meeting immediate needs but also about embodying the love of Christ in practical ways. By providing food, shelter, and support, GEM strives to be a physical manifestation of God’s presence, offering both care and comfort to those in difficult situations.

  1. First Nations Support

For years, GEM has also actively supported First Nations communities, offering dignity, encouragement, and tangible aid. Although our direct involvement may vary over time, we remain committed to helping First Nations leaders and ministries. Our work in this area includes providing resources, engaging in prayer, and offering assistance for initiatives that uplift Indigenous communities.

In serving First Nations, we embody both Mary and Martha’s roles: we listen, honor, and uphold these communities while also taking practical steps to support and empower them. This underscores our commitment to reflect God’s love and respect for all cultures.

  1. Treasures from GEM

One of GEM’s unique ministries is “Treasures from GEM,” a program that shares books, prayer guides, and other spiritual resources with prison ministries, houses of prayer, and rescue organizations. Through this initiative, we distribute materials like Tell Your Heart to Sing Again, Strike the Mark, and Bibles to places where they are most needed.

One of our cherished partners in this ministry is Katie Souza, who leads a powerful prison ministry. We have provided hundreds of Bibles and books to her outreach programs, reaching women and men in prisons nationwide. These materials are not just resources—they are treasures that offer hope, encouragement, and guidance. This ministry reflects Mary’s devotion, as it fosters a deeper connection with God through prayer, reflection, and the study of His Word.

The Power of Convergence: Bringing Mary and Martha Together

At GEM, the convergence of Mary and Martha’s roles is the foundation of everything we do. We believe that the power of ministry lies in both service and devotion. Martha’s hands-on approach reaches those in practical need, while Mary’s heart draws us closer to the Father through prayer and worship. GEM’s Global Prayer Storm, noonday prayer meetings, and teachings on prayer create a space for “Marys” to engage deeply with God. Meanwhile, our outreach and support initiatives allow the “Marthas” to serve and spread the gospel through action.

As we serve in these ways, we recognize that God has called each of us to a unique role. Some may be called to lead through prayer, offering a soothing aroma unto the Lord, while others are led to serve actively, bringing the gospel to the streets and helping those in need. Together, these roles create a complete picture of ministry, where service and worship work hand in hand to glorify God.

A Call to Partner with GEM

We invite you to join us in this mission. Whether through prayer, financial support, or hands-on service, there are many ways to participate in GEM’s vision. Our ministry is sustained by the generosity and dedication of individuals who believe in the power of both devotion and service. Together, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

If you feel led to partner with GEM, you can direct your support to any of our specific ministry areas—Bible outreach, crisis relief, First Nations support, or Treasures from GEM. Your involvement allows us to keep extending God’s reach to those in need.

James Goll