Port Arthur’s Salvation Army has not one, but two new commanders, and both want to expand the organization’s role within the community.

Captains Terry and Ed Cheshire took the helm of the local Salvation Army on June 20 after receiving orders in May that they would be moving from Big Springs in West Texas to the Gulf Coast.

The couple works together doing the Lord’s work to assist those who live in each community they serve.

Port Arthur is the third post for the Cheshires. They started in Plainview in North Texas, then to Big Springs, and now the Port Arthur Salvation Army, at 3145 25th St.  

Each place has its own needs, but those needs are always known by God, Terrie Cheshire said.

“We believe our moves are God-ordained and each has a purpose,” she said.

In Port Arthur, the couple is just getting settled, but already sees a lot of work to be done — some years in the making.

“We were really surprised  at the amount of hurricane damage still here,” she said.

The new commanders want to structure the Boys and Girls Club a bit differently, and expand the the community’s perception of the organization.

“Salvation Army is more than the social services office, the bell ringing and the disaster canteen. I think we can be a bigger part of the community,” Ed Cheshire said.

The Salvation Army is open seven days a week. In addition to social services and the Boys and Girls Club, there are church services, youth activities, adult ministries just to name a few.

While his wife plans to stay in Port Arthur and do most of the day-to-day operations of the Salvation Army, Ed Cheshire said he is involved in overseas missions.

Toward the end of August he will represent the Port Arthur Salvation Army in Kenya during a mission trip.

“He wants to go,” Terrie Cheshire said. “I’m a stay-at-home person, and want to stay and do the Army work here. We both love serving. It is our life. It’s what God called us to do. It is a part of us, who we are.”

For more information on the Salvation Army and what it has to offer call 409-983-2229.

skoonce@panews.com