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San Diego facility hosts its first territorial event
by Maria Todaro –
On Saturday, September 15 The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in San Diego hosted the Western Territory’s annual Welcome of Cadets.
A full house of Salvationists, officers, family and friends gathered in the state-of-the-art Joan B. Kroc Theatre Chapel to welcome the Witnesses for Christ Session.
This is the first time the Kroc Center in San Diego has hosted a large-scale territorial event, and Sierra Del Mar Divisional Commander Lt. Colonel Doug O’Brien says it’s a perfect fit.
“For many years, the Sierra Del Mar Division has supported events in Los Angeles and Imperial Counties and it is a privilege for us to host this event in San Diego at The Salvation Army’s premier center,” he said.
“When we were approached about hosting the Welcome, we said ‘yes’ without hesitation,” says Salvation Army Kroc Center Administrator Captain John Van Cleef.
“It’s exciting to expose our staff to the bigger Salvation Army of which they’re a part; and a privilege to celebrate an important Army event at our corps.”
During his message, Commissioner Robert Watson acknowledged the impact of holding the event in the Joan B. Kroc Theatre. “His power is moving in this place,” he said. “Wouldn’t it have been wonderful if Joan Kroc could have been here today? I think something special would have happened in her heart.”
Mary Holma, a member of The Salvation Army Kroc Center congregation, came to the event to support her corps and said it was a moving experience. “It is just wonderful to see the young ones that are coming up,” she said. “Just to hear them tell about Christ and how they feel. It’s amazing.”
For more information about The Salvation Army Kroc Center San Diego, visit www.kroccenter.org.