Michael and Esther Gray founded Grace Extended Ministries International in 2009 to help bring the global church together into a deeper understanding of the Great Command and the Great Commission through knowing God intimately. We believe that intimacy with God can only be obtained through an ongoing relationship with the Father through prayer. As such, listening prayer serves as the foundation of this ministry.
As we grow deeper in our love for God, we acknowledge His cry in our hearts to reach out to all peoples. Michael and Esther worked with churches and leaders worldwide, with particular emphasis in East Africa and Eastern Europe, to train and equip others to spread the Gospel message of Jesus through a greater heartfelt understanding of love for our Savior and the powerful movement of His Holy Spirit. That work continues today, reaching more people in more countries than ever.
Mark Hoth stepped into the role of Executive and International Director for Grace Extended Ministries after Michael went to the Lord early in early 2024. For decades before joining GEM, Mark studied and taught Biblical methods to reach those following “another Gospel” (Galatians 1: 6-7). This ministry required deep and thorough study of the Bible. God used this in preparing him for the call to GEM, even though Mark knew none of that at the time. Michael invited Mark to join the GEM board, and later mentored him to take the leadership position within GEM. God often moves in ways mysterious to us (Isaiah 55: 8-9), and this is demonstrated in Mark’s journey. Mark and Jackie raised four children, now grown and married, and have two grandchildren (so far).
Esther Grew up in a Christian family with Missions-minded parents who served in South America for a short time. A former teacher, both in the U.S. and overseas, Esther has been led to teach and disciple both children and women, including six years at a missionary children’s school in Kenya. Esther has several years of full-time missions experience and is devoted to prayer, teaching, and to reaching the world for Christ. She continues working with the GEM ministry and team. “Mama Esther” is beloved by all she has ministered with in East Africa. Michael and Esther raised two grown married children who share similar passions for worldwide ministry.
Peter Carlson is the Co-founder and Director of Pray Oregon. He also leads or participates in several prayer ministries from local to international. He is a passionate and gifted intercessor. Peter served as senior pastor of a church for four years and was on the leadership team for three Houses of Prayer since 2009. He has been the Prayer Director and Secretary of the board for Grace Extended Ministries International since our founding. He sends our weekly prayer updates to hundreds of our prayer partners for the many nations where GEM has a presence. Peter and his wife LaCheri have two grown children.
Our Vision and Mission
Vision: To equip nationals around the world in prayer, grace focused evangelism, reconciliation, and discipleship, and to proclaim the Gospel message of Jesus Christ.
Mission: To equip and disciple pastors and Christians abroad and in the U.S. in prayer, grace evangelism, reconciliation, and continuing discipleship so that they may broaden their prayer and evangelistic efforts to reach non- believers with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
