MANSFIELD — Salvation Army Capt. Michael Haynes knows it’s important to walk the walk.
“People need hope,” he said. “We try not just to talk about it but to live it.”
It’s a simple philosophy that captains Michael and Kevilyn Haynes hope will shape their ministry as they begin leading The Salvation Army Mansfield Corps, bringing with them personal stories of faith, redemption and service.
The couple will succeed Majors Robert and Karen Bender, who retired to Myrtle Beach last month.
The Haynes officially began serving the Mansfield community July 1 after spending eight years leading Salvation Army ministries in the Pittsburgh area. Their work included three years in the heart of Pittsburgh, where they witnessed lives transformed through faith and community outreach.
Now, the couple said they hope to build on the work already taking place in Mansfield while strengthening relationships throughout the community.
“We’re here to help people thrive,” Michael said. “God has given us an opportunity to serve, and we want to encourage people and walk alongside them.”
For Michael, serving in ministry is deeply personal. Before becoming a Salvation Army officer, he experienced difficult seasons in his life that ultimately led him to seek help through the Salvation Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Center in Akron. He said the experience became a turning point, renewing his faith and setting him on a path toward ministry.
“There was a calling on my life long before that,” Michael said. “When I recommitted my life to God, doors began to open.”
Kevilyn’s journey was also shaped by faith. After growing up in the Salvation Army, she stepped away for several years before returning as a single mother looking for a fresh start for herself and her children.
“I walked back through those same doors, but that’s when I met God all over again,” she said. “The Salvation Army became our family.”
After entering officer training, the two met, completed a long-distance courtship and later married. Today, they lead the Mansfield Salvation Army while raising their blended family and serving the community together.
The couple says serving together has become one of the greatest strengths of their ministry.
“People see that it’s possible,” Kevilyn said. “God can take brokenness and make something beautiful.”
Michael added that working together allows them to model unity, humility and hope for those they serve.
“People need hope,” he said. “We try not just to talk about it but to live it.”
While the Salvation Army is widely recognized for meeting physical needs through food assistance, disaster relief and seasonal programs, the captains hope residents also recognize its spiritual mission.
“I think one misconception is that we’re only about social services,” Michael said. “Helping people with food, clothing and shelter is important, but the gospel is at the center of everything we do.”
Locally, the organization offers a wide range of programs. The DeWald Community Center hosts a summer day camp and an after-school program focused on reading, math and enrichment activities. T, while the Salvation Army also provides a food pantry, weekly hot meals, utility and rental assistance, diaper distribution and a shoe program that helps provide work boots and school shoes for those in need.
Looking ahead, one of the couple’s biggest goals is growing the church and creating stronger connections with younger families.
“It’s not about numbers,” Michael said. “It’s about people having a place where their faith can grow.”
After only a short time in Mansfield, the couple says they’ve already noticed both the challenges and opportunities within the community.
“We want to help people move from surviving to thriving,” Kevilyn said. “Sometimes people learn to function in dysfunction. We want to help them find a healthier way forward.”
Beyond financial donations, the captains encourage residents to become involved by volunteering. Opportunities are available throughout the year, from assisting with youth programs and community meals to helping with Christmas toy distribution, Thanksgiving food boxes and the annual Red Kettle campaign.
“Time is one of the greatest gifts people can give,” Michael said.
The Salvation Army will host a community meet-and-greet from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 30, giving residents, community leaders and local organizations an opportunity to welcome the new captains and learn more about the organization’s work.
Reflecting on their years in ministry, both captains point to lives changed as their greatest reward. Kevilyn recalled watching teenagers grow into confident leaders who eventually led worship services. Michael remembered teaching young children to play brass instruments and seeing their pride as they performed together for the first time.
Those moments, they said, remind them why they serve.
“You can’t do anything lasting without God,” Michael said. “And through it all, we’ve learned to keep loving people and to be patient with the process.”
