From music teacher and organist to Spanish speaker and Guatemala trip organizer, Janis Martinez is a woman on the move!
How many paths did Janis Martinez travel until landing at Trinity as a volunteer with a major role in securing funds and supplies for our Guatemalan ministry partner, Tree 4 Hope? The answer is “many.”
When all the paths finally merged, the destination was perfect. “This is my spot,” she said. “I believe that God has directed every step.”
Let’s start Janis’ story with her education, and then we’ll add more.
In 1975, Janis earned a bachelor’s degree in music education. In 1980, she earned a master’s degree in organ performance and literature. In 2006, she received certification in English as a Second Language. In 2011-12, she completed courses in a master’s program to become TESOL-certified (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). In 2017, she received another bachelor’s degree, this one in Spanish, with certification in translation and interpretation.
Her career began as a music teacher, one who wanted to do something in church music, too. Over time, Janis alternated between teaching and church music. She often took on both roles jointly as a weekday teacher and a weekend church organist. She constantly pursued additional learning.
Along the way, she had two boys, now adults. Early on, she and the boys lived in St. Croix, where she taught. Subsequent jobs included music director at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, York; organist at Christ Lutheran Church, Reading; and K-5 music teacher for Central Dauphin School District.
During her St. Matthew days, and following an education trip to Mexico, she became determined to study Spanish. She had discovered that music—yes, music—was helping Mexican farmers better cope with government-created trade provisions that affected their livelihoods. Janis recognized that she must learn Spanish to help the farmers and others. Today she is fluent in speaking, writing, interpreting, and translating.
Raised as a Baptist, Janis eventually became a Lutheran. In 2000, she joined Trinity. She basked in simply enjoying church music after having spent so much time working in it. She also wanted to put her passion to use volunteering to help refugees, immigrants, and others in need. Tree 4 Hope was the answer.
Janis went on the first Trinity-to-Guatemala trip in 2019. Her praise is effusive for our dedicated Missions Team, who added Tree 4 Hope as a ministry partner, and for the many Trinity volunteers and multiple staff members who have come together to support it.
“It’s a privilege to witness such collaboration at Trinity,” said Janis. “This is how the church works. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen such a concrete example of the Holy Spirit and Christian love at work. It’s wonderful to see how people get involved.”
Your financial contributions to Trinity allow us to support Tree 4 Hope and other organizations around the world. Thank you!
