by Captain Janene Zielinski – 

A recent inspirational evening proved to be a time of great giving for the Sierra del Mar division. Led by Major Donald C. Bell, divisional commander, the meeting included prayer, music, an ingathering of World Services funds and a commitment of two people’s lives in service for the glory of Jesus Christ.

The evening program was preceded by a music councils featuring guest leaders B/M Ivor Bosanko and S/L Janette Bosanko. More than 180 delegates participated in workshops including timbrel, vocal and instrumental. As the workshops concluded, soldiers and friends from throughout the division joined delegates for the 1998 World Services Ingathering.

In prelude to the meeting, newly trained and veteran timbrel players were accompanied by the Music Councils Brass. An offertory euphonium solo by guest soloist Bandmaster Chris Mallett entranced the congregation and inspired the 44 junior instrumentalists.

Special guest Major Isa McDougald, overseas personnel director, helped bring to life the portraits of Western officers stationed overseas that graced the bottom edge of the printed program. The stories of Mexico disaster relief shared by Captain Laura Henry-John and the sharing of encounters with those in need in Russia by Major Don McDougald, territorial finance secretary, softened the hearts of the capacity crowd at the Riverside Corps. Each testimony was delicately interwoven between choruses of “I Have Not Much To Give Thee Lord,” sung by Major Diane O’Brien and Songster Leader David Patton, along with the Music Councils Chorus.

A representative from each corps, ARC and program came forward as monetary gifts for World Services were celebrated totaling $320,985 and each overseas officer was individually lifted up in prayer. In a special time of commitment Jerry and Vicki Esqueda, leaders of the San Diego City Heights Outpost, were installed as auxiliary captains, setting the stage for an altar call resulting in many seekers making commitments at the mercy seat.