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The third annual Sierra del Mar Divisional Family Day took place at the Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in San Diego. More than 550 Salvationists and friends gathered from corps and Adult Rehabilitation Centers within the division. The theme for the day was “Doing the Most Good” with guests, Colonels Don and Esther Sather. It was during the Sathers’ appointment as divisional leaders in Sierra del Mar that Joan Kroc first approached the Army with her extraordinary idea for a center in a needy area of her city.
The united meeting featured music from the Divisional Band, under the leadership of Bandmaster Ivor Bosanko, as well as the Sierra Chorus from the Summer Music School, led by Lt. Colonel Diane O’Brien, divisional director of women’s ministries and divisional secretary for program.
Victims of Hurricane Katrina were remembered and prayed for during kindred sessions, including the men’s rally, women’s rally, young adults and junior soldiers. Prayer quilts were taken by each group; as individuals prayed, they knotted a string on the quilt so that when those affected by the hurricane and flooding receive these symbols of comfort, there will be a tangible expression of the number of people who are praying for them.
A united World Services launch in the theater included more music and testimonies, San Diego Citadel timbrelists, led by Marieka Leslie, and then grace, because the next thing was lunch! A fellowship barbeque meal, with people scattered in groups throughout the gardens and courtyards, was enjoyed by all.
After that everyone was free to participate in the many activities available at the Kroc Center. Some did crafts, some spent money at Resource Connection and some climbed the rock wall. Others worked hard on the basketball court, enjoyed the coolness of the ice rink or just took to the water!
It was a great day of faith and fellowship!