Francis Martínez is currently a financial officer at ASJ. She started working with us back in 2017 as an administrative assistant for the RESCATE program, which focused on prevention, care, and legal assistance for children who were victims of sexual abuse and their families.
Songs of Justice / Dance for Honduras
February 1, 2024
“It is so gratifying to see children laughing heartily after having suffered for so long.”
- Francis Martínez
Danza a mi país
“Dance for My Country”
Lyrics by Luis Enrique Ascoy, Daniel Poli, Martin Valverde
Translation by Sara Pineda
Excerpt from the song:
My people are brave and generous,
Poor but rich in dignity.
And neither suffering nor anger
have stopped us from dancing.
And so we dance, dance, dance despite our pain
With joy in our walk.
And so we dance, dance, dance because we hope
That the God of life will set us free.
When did your justice journey start?
My journey started with the Christian values I learned from my family at home. When I started working for ASJ in the RESCATE program, I saw how much suffering children in my country were experiencing, but I was also able to see the impact our actions can have in the fight for justice. Those experiences motivate me to continue working and remind me that when we have the will to fight for justice, we can achieve great things.
What does justice sound like to you?
Justice sounds like children’s laughter.
What is your hope for justice in your context?
God is never late. He will deliver us and set the right people in key positions. I believe Honduras will be a country where true justice can exist.
Earlier this month, The Banner published a story written by Our Shared Ministr y by Karina Guevara and Elmer Salinas . The authors showcase the work that ASJ-Honduras is doing to help and support students in Honduras. Karina and Elmer tell the story of Genesis Garcia, an 8-year-old, whose family struggles to find consistent jobs. "Genesis Garcia Baquedano is 8 years old and lives with her older brother, Anderson, and their parents in Honduras. Her parents work hard to support their family. Genesis’s father is a painter who struggles to find consistent work, and her mother is a street vendor who spends long hours away from home." According to Karina and Elmer, although Genesis is a good student, she was struggling with reading, writing, and math. This is where the ASJ-Hondurans' program, Strong Communities , comes to be a blessing. "Through God’s grace, Genesis and her family were able to join the Strong Communities program facilitated by World Renew’s local partner, Association for a More Just Society (ASJ, because the Spanish translation is Asociación para una Sociedad más Justa). Through the program, Genesis attended academic support sessions, where she impressed her tutors with her perseverance and enthusiasm. Now, Genesis’s teachers praise the program for the significant progress Genesis has been making at school." We are blessed to be able to help kids like Genesis and her family to be able to achieve their dreams and goals. You can read the full story HERE and learn more about the ASJ-Honduras Strong communities program HERE
Highlights from our 25th Anniversary Celebration in Grand Rapids, MI
MY EMPTY VILLAGE / HOW IMMIGRATION AFFECTS A COMMUNITY (by Sara Pineda)
Young Hondurans have stepped up for democracy (by Blanca Stephanie Elvir)
Reflecting on 25 years of seeking justice together (by Jo Ann Van Engen)
From the Executive Director
What does paused international aid mean for ASJ?
Something Worth Waiting For
Will you walk with us for a more just society?
The beauty of doing justice in community
