Sergeants Les and Mary Ashby have spent a great portion of their lives working for the Lord through their ministry with the Salvation Army. The couple recently retired (June 30) and have moved to Tennessee, but, like many believers, they never really retire from working for the Lord.

For the Ashby's, it all started, she said, many years ago; for Les, 45 years ago; for Mary, 34 years ago, "...together in Orlando, Florida."

The couple stated they have been in N.C. for 15 years, starting at the ARC in Charlotte, then moving to Winston Salem. From there, said Les, the went to the Lexington/Thomasville area and lastly, to Shelby.

Les and Mary, who met in the Salvation Army, have been married for 24 years and have four children. Now that the couple are retired, they have turned the ministry in Shelby over to Sergeant's Joseph and Patti Rodgers.

The Ashby's now call Talbott, TN, home. Said Mary, "My hobbies are scrapbooking and DIY (do-it-yourself) crafting. Les hasn't figured out what his hobbies are. He has lots of time to figure that out. But spending time with family and friends are at the top of his list. He may even go fishing!"

As for staying active with and in the Salvation Army, Mary noted, "We are attending The Salvation Army Corps in Waynesville, NC, and plan to participate in the programs they have there."

The fondest memories the Ashby's have of doing God's work in the SA is, "...helping people with their spiritual and physical needs, and being a witness for the Lord as we were able to help the people in our communities. Seeing a tense face on a client's face soften as they realize there is hope in their time of need."

When asked what they would like to convey to those still in the Shelby ministry and in Cleveland County, they said, "We have loved our time in Shelby. God has been so faithful and true. The people in Shelby have been so generous to the Salvation Army in helping us provide basic needs for the people that came to us daily."

To all the folks in Shelby, the Ashby's said, "We would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all you do. We pray you continue to support the work of The Salvation Army in Shelby, (as) the need is still great. We will hold a piece of Shelby in our hearts always!"

Mary then quoted from the Old Testament's book of Numbers, chapter 6, verses 24-26 (NIV), "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace."