Jana Alayra

BIO

Jana Alayra is an artist with whom many can identify. She is a wife, mother, and friend, busy with the daily routine of tending to the lives of her three daughters and producer husband, Ron.

Together, Ron and Jana also answer the call to a unique ministry of leading worship, both to adults and children. Whether leading a small group with her guitar, or singing for a thousand children and their families, Jana’s enthusiasm and love for Christ are evident, sincere and inspiring. When people leave one of Jana’s concerts or testimonials, they often say that not only were they entertained and encouraged, but they felt they made a new friend.

Jana shares openly about the pain and sorrows in her life, as well as Christ’s victory through it all. Her humor and hope are truly encouraging. Hers is a unique ministry of sorrow, celebration, and faith. To know her story and to watch her lead people in praise is a true testimony of God’s power and faithfulness.

Killing time living in the Midwest, Jana found a guitar in her mother’s closet and taught herself to play.  She became a Christian in high school through Young Life, and was involved with the youth ministry at Willow Creek Church in Illinois. While attending San Diego State University, she began leading worship for college students. Working later as the children’s director at a Christian conference center, Jana met popular Christian children’s artist Mary Rice Hopkins, and served as her musical partner for 6 years. Simultaneously, she led worship for a college ministry in Orange County, CA, and began recording collections of her original adult praise music in 1989. Her projects today include: “Free Indeed” (1989), “Here in Your Hands” (1992) – both produced by Denny Bouchard; and “There Will Come A Day” (1995) – produced by John Andrew Schreiner. “No Place Like Home”, was produced by Jana’s husband, Ron Alayra.

Jana has an inspiring and natural connection with children, and a knack for writing catchy but biblically sound songs for them.  Ron is a gifted producer dedicated to giving the songs fresh originality as well as depth and quality musically. Jana and Ron have recorded three collections of her original children’s praise music-”Jump into the Light (1995) and “Dig Down Deep” (1997) and “Believin’ On” (2002). The songs on these two collections are being used in churches and groups all across the country and internationally.  Ron and Jana also created two live concert video/DVDs featuring the band and some of the favorite songs from their CDs sung before hundreds of kids and families at their home church, Saddleback Church in Mission Viejo, CA. Ron, Jana, and the band have been busy keeping up with requests from around the nation.

Jana is a mother of four young children (one of whom died in a car accident in May of 1996). An instant connection is made with the young moms as she shares her sense of humor, her heart, and deep faith in Christ. MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) groups nationwide have invited Jana to come and share her music and testimony. She was the worship leader for the MOPS, Int’l regional conferences, and their National Convention in 2000 & 2001. She is a frequent guest speaker/singer at women’s conferences, retreats, and banquets, and conventions. Few walk away from her presentation without being deeply touched.

Jana’s music can be heard on various Christian radio stations across the country and is now available in Christian bookstores as well. All facets of their ministry continue to grow and expand.

Jana, her husband Ron, and their three girls live in Irvine, California.