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The Southern California Division recently gathered for its 6th annual Thanksgiving Praise Celebration, which was held for the first time at the Luckman Theater Complex, before a capacity crowd of more than 1,100 people.
The evening was full of music, praise and testimony. Music and dance groups within the Southern California Division shared talent that lifted up the name of the Lord with those from different corps and programs.
“Tonight we experienced an exciting and celebratory evening of heartfelt praise, Thanksgiving and worship, which was totally to the glory of God!” said Steve Allen, divisional social services director.
Musical performances were presented by the Los Angeles Harbor Light Gospel Choir (Ms. Chontae Peters), the Los Angeles Day Care Center Children’s Choir (Ms. Ethel White), the Red Shield Youth and Community Center’s Drill/Dance Team (Ms. Sandy Calderon), The Haven Gospel Choir (Mr. Millard Williams), and the Pasadena Tabernacle Children’s Chorus led by Mrs. Barbara Allen.
The division’s general secretary, Captain Kenneth G. Hodder, and Steve Allen made special presentations. The Santa Fe Springs Transitional Living Center received the Divisional Social Services Program Award for Excellence, and was further congratulated for also winning the Territorial Social Services Award.
Winton Hill, program director at The Haven, was honored for his “endless efforts and uncompromising dedication as an employee of The Salvation Army.” Sara Varela of the Los Angeles Day Care Center received the Employee of the Year Award.
Hodder brought the Word of God during the evening celebration, reminding everyone that we were all invited to the Lord’s banquet. The program was a wonderful reminder of God’s love and a time to praise him together as a division.