Blog

We are continuing our series on getting to know your church leaders a little bit better. Read along to learn more about Ashley Marquez, who just joined our Deacon Council. 

Where were you born, and do you still consider that home, or somewhere else?

I was born in Raton, NM but moved to Rio Rancho when I was very young. I consider Tijeras as my home now.

What did you want to be when you grew up – and is that still a dream?

I wanted to be a psychologist. That is definitely not still a dream of mine. God had other plans!

What or who was your earliest spiritual influence?

My friend, Amy Grebe who I met at Calvary when I was visiting there. Shortly after I became saved and moved in with her. God definitely brought her into my life, being a new Christian who needed a mature believer to encourage me in the faith.

How and when did Christ call you to Himself?

I had been questioning my purpose in life and the Lord used someone at my work to share the gospel with me. Although I was skeptical, I decided I would go to church. God gave me eyes to see and ears to hear from His Word. He awoke me from my dead state and called me to Himself in 2003 and my life completely changed after that.

What is a scripture you often read or share with others?

John 14:6 always comes to mind. It was the first verse ever shared with me so I love sharing it as well. I am always encouraged by Hebrews 4:16, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

What is a special answered prayer you’ve received from the Lord?

I made some dating mistakes as a Christian, and I prayed that I would marry the next person that I dated. That is when He brought Gabe into my life.

What is a blessing and what is a challenge you see will come from serving as a deacon?

A blessing will be to serve along my brothers and sisters on behalf of the body and be used by God as He sees fit. A challenge will be feeling inadequate for the job but I am encouraged that He will enable me through His Spirit to do what He calls me to do!

What are your hobbies and how did you get into them?

I enjoy hiking, camping, baking, making sourdough, and going to the gym. My husband was a big influence in my love for the outdoors.

What is your favorite family tradition?

Every year right after Thanksgiving, we take a drive to cut down a Christmas tree for the kids and spend the day in the mountains. They get to decorate it however they like when we get it home.

How do you enjoy spending a day off?

Taking my time in the morning drinking my coffee and reading the Bible, then going to the gym and afterwards having lunch with my husband and kids or catching up with a friend.

What is the perfect meal?

Street tacos with all the fixings. And chocolate cake!

Who or what never fails to make you laugh?

My husband 😀

We asked Gabe: 

What is your favorite trait of Ashley's?

Ashley is such a hospitable person, and always goes out of her way to make people feel comfortable and welcomed. I love that it makes her happy to make others feel loved and cared for.

What does Ashley do that can always make you smile?

We have a great relationship because we can go from having a very deep conversation one minute to laughing until our jaws hurt the next. I love her sense of humor. Her humility and light hearted nature to even laugh at herself ant times is contagious.