When Captain Jessica Martinez learned of her upcoming appointment in Uruguay, she was a bitsurprised but felt at peace. “I am praying and letting the Lord use me to do His will,” Captain Jessica said. “I know His plan is always best.”
The captain has been appointed as divisional secretary for the Uruguay Division in the South America East Territory. She will have additional responsibilities for program and as assistant for women’s ministries. It is anticipated she’ll assume these responsibilities in March 2025, dependent upon visas.
The Uruguay Division is composed of five corps and two outposts, along with three corps-based thrift stores. There is a large senior residence program, a children’s after-school program and a residence for female college students.
Captain Jessica actually grew up in South America in the country of Peru. She attended the San Martin de Porras Corps in Lima with her mother and siblings, became a soldier and then a local officer. She also worked in the finance department at the Peru Divisional Headquarters. “The Salvation Army has filled my life with so many blessings and opportunities,” she said.
In 2012, she moved to the United States and began working in the youth department at the Wisconsin/Upper Michigan Division (WUM). The next year she entered the College for Officer Training in Chicago and was commissioned in 2015 as part of the “Heralds of Grace” session. She then held corps appointments in Minneapolis, Minn., and East Chicago, Ind.
In 2022, Captain Jessica served as divisional secretary for the North & Central Illinois (NCI) Division. Most recently, the captain, who became a United States citizen in May 2024, served as divisional secretary for Hispanic ministries for the NCI Division. In this capacity she was a liaison between divisional headquarters, Hispanic officers and the Hispanic Heritage Council; advocated for Hispanic officers; organized Hispanic-related events (such as the Hispanic Camp); translated documents into Spanish, offered translation for officers councils and other divisional events and much more. Currently, 48 percent of the NCI division is involved with Hispanic ministries, including 27 officers, envoys and corps administrators of Hispanic heritage.
Though the captain will miss the Central Territory, she says that she is looking forward to fulfilling her purpose in her new assignment in Uruguay. “I am looking forward to making friends, enjoying the culture and above all, being a blessing in the appointment God has given me,” she said. “I trust this is God’s plan for my life.”
