Gonza, Marjorie Joseth Inuca

Marjorie Joseth Inuca Gonza is an international Global Mission Fellow with the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries, engaged in a two-year term of service.

The Global Mission Fellows program takes young adults ages 20-30 out of their home environments and places them in new contexts for mission experience and service. The program has a strong emphasis on faith and justice. Global Mission Fellows become active parts of their new local communities. They connect the church in mission across cultural and geographical boundaries. They grow in personal and social holiness and become strong young leaders working to build just communities in a peaceful world.

Marjorie is a lay member of the Good Shepherd Church of Pijal, Otavalo, where she serves as a health tutor and provides health care for church members, including children and adolescents. She earned associate degree in nursing.

“Since my childhood,” she recalled, “I had the blessing of being surrounded by Christian people and knowing the word of God, but I did not know exactly my purpose or God’s plan for my life.” Then she joined a group of young people.

“We received Bible reading classes, accompanied by emotional therapy once a week,” Marjorie said. “We also served at church events and participated in activities with children and older adults. I really liked these activities and felt peace and joy. I knew that God had given me the gift of serving others.”

A group of foreign volunteers visited her local church. They were “dedicated to serving in different projects, whether building houses for low-income people or providing free medical check-ups to church members,” Marjorie learned. “What caught my attention the most was a woman who coordinated everything. When I saw her work, it immediately came to my mind that I wanted to do the same. Her name is Sarita, and she has been my role model.”

Marjorie strives for self-improvement. “I have become a more resilient woman,” she said. “I have learned to manage my emotions. I have dedicated myself to doing volunteer activities that allow me to discover new capabilities to assume new responsibilities and achieve my goals.”

As a Global Mission Fellow, Marjorie is enthusiastic about meeting, interacting with and learning from people of different cultures.

“Since my childhood,” she said, “I have had the opportunity to know the word of God. Since then, I have been very clear that I want to become a good leader and demonstrate that service is the best example of love toward one’s neighbor.”

As a nurse, Marjorie has acquired extensive experience in working with people in difficult situations. “The Global Mission Fellows program appears to be comprehensive and rigorous,” she said. “I am particularly drawn to its service-centered approach and commitment to social justice ministries.”

Striving toward her own personal, spiritual and professional development, Marjorie is most motivated by the opportunity to share God’s word and love with people who may not know God.

“Through this program,” she added, “I hope to gain a deeper understanding of the techniques and tools for working in community-support organizations, as well as the ability to apply this knowledge in my personal and professional life. Additionally, I would like to improve my skills in communicating with people and helping them discover their own needs and have them met.

“I want to be an exemplary model for the people with whom I work,” Marjorie continued. “I want to share my knowledge with others and to create a more helpful society, more aware of the needs of our neighbors. I want to use the gifts that God has given me, and I want each person to see the love of Christ through me.”