Q&A
Q&A with Missionary Jana Inglehart
Inglehart serves as communications specialist for the LCMS Latin America and the Caribbean region.
When you see a photo or read an article about LCMS missionaries and mission projects in Latin America, it’s likely that Jana Inglehart had something to do with it. Inglehart is an LCMS missionary and communications specialist based in the Dominican Republic (DR). Since coming on board in 2016, she has worked behind the scenes to take photos, write articles and support the communication needs of the LCMS Latin America and the Caribbean region. Inglehart has done a lot of different things during her life, including serving as a homeschooling mom, as director and teacher at a Lutheran preschool on the Winnebago reservation in Nebraska, and as the public relations director for Orphan Grain Train. She recently took a few minutes to discuss what she loves about serving in her current role.
What led you to become a missionary?
A: When the last of my three children moved out, I needed to do something different. [With the children’s support,] I applied to become a missionary. [Regional Director Rev.] Ted Krey called me and said he needed a communications specialist. I did not know how to take photos, so that was a learning experience. At that time, Concordia the Reformer Seminary was just being built in the DR, so I helped out where I was needed. Since then, my role has shifted substantially. … I just got back from Mexico, where I covered the FORO and the graduation of six deaconesses. When the deaconess program began, we did not expect such great interest. We now have 99 graduates, with 68 more students in the 2025 cohort.
What do you love about your role?
A: The diversity of the work. If I get tired of editing photos, I can work on a video or write a story or post an update on the region’s Facebook page. … I also like being able to create things — like a video or a presentation — that will help our missionaries tell their story.
How does your work support the proclamation of the Gospel?
A: One of the biggest things is it supports the missionaries in their work. When the Spanish hymnal was published, I created an information sheet to promote its use. When the daily devotions in Spanish were introduced, I was tasked with creating the e-book covers, a webpage and flyers for churches to advertise them. I also provide online materials that are used across the region to get God’s Word to people.
Tell me about one of your favorite moments.
A: In June of 2018, Mount Fuego in Guatemala erupted. Nobody else was available to go with [LCMS Disaster Response Director Rev. Dr.] Ross Johnson to take pictures. It was heartbreaking to see the people who had lost family members, their homes, all their belongings. I was able to be there with them and help give out relief supplies and storybooks to the children. There were thousands of displaced people staying in public schools. We were able to encourage them, pray with them, share Bibles and give them a hug.
What advice do you have for someone interested in serving?
A: Look into it, no matter what age you are. I was hesitant to apply because I was almost 60. But I was still healthy, and I didn’t have ties that would keep me from going. Some of our longest-serving missionaries are older. … If you don’t see [a position that suits your skill set] on the LCMS opportunities site, contact and ask. I didn’t have all the skills I needed in the beginning, but the Lord equips us for the things He has in mind for us. And He continues to equip me, because the role is always changing.
Learn More
- Learn more about Jana Inglehart
- Find opportunities to serve around the world with LCMS International Mission
Megan K. Mertz
Managing editor of Lutherans Engage the World and chief copy editor for LCMS Communications.
