U.S. serviceman finds new avenue of
service at San Antonio Southside: Ryan Thorson, who grew up as a
Salvationist in the Central Territory, has found a home at San Antonio
Southside Corps.
By Major Frank Duracher
Southern Spirit staff
Ryan
Thorson, a sergeant in the U.S. Army stationed at Lackland Air Force Base, has
found an avenue of service at the San Antonio Southside Corps, a ministry
almost exclusively serving the Hispanic population in the southern part of
Bexar County.
Thorson, son of Salvation Army officers in the
USA Central Territory, set out to find a church home soon after he and his wife
arrived in San Antonio a few years ago.
"When the
military assigned us here we wanted to attend a Salvation Army corps, but I
didn't have a car. The soldiers here at Southside were very eager to pick
us up, and made us feel right at home," Thorson said. "They put us to
work right away, and we love the family atmosphere."
What impressed Thorson even more was the fact that the corps
family embraced him, even though he speaks hardly a word of Spanish.
Thorson is the YPSM and teaches the adult Sunday cchool class. He
is the boys' Adventure Corps leader, and his wife works with the girls in
the Sunbeam and Girl Guard programs.
"We feel useful
here at Southside. This is where God wants us to be right now, and I know the
people here love us," he said.
A-OK families celebrate
a weekend in the Son
at Camp Heart O' Hills
More than 350 persons attended family camp in the
Arkansas-Oklahoma Division on Labor Day weekend at Camp Heart O' Hills.
With the theme of "Living in the Son," Lt. Colonels Robert and Patsy
Tritton, former divisional leaders, were the special guests.
The weekend's program, themed "Living in the
Son," began with a night of family fun with Laurette Willis'
"Nutty 40's Radio Show." Lt. Colonel Patsy Tritton closed the
program with evening vespers.
Saturday brought
"SonTreasure Island" activities for children, and Major Andrew Kelly
led an examination of John 14 and 15 in a Bible study for the adults.
Saturday afternoon was devoted to family activities. A huge
sand pit was built for the families to enjoy building sand castles and playing
in the sand. The pool was a big crowd pleaser as well, along with cotton candy,
watermelon and funnel cakes.
Major Johnny Poff cooked for
two days so that campers could enjoy some of his outstanding barbecue.
Saturday evening, Laurette Willis presented "Ruth"
for all of the adults and brought the remarkable story from the Bible to
life.
After the evening meeting, families gathered for
s'mores and more barbecue as they sang along with Captains Carlyle and
Charlotte Gargis and friends as they played guitars and even the "washtub
bass."
Sunday morning brought the families together in
a time of worship with Lt. Colonel Robert Tritton bringing the message of the
morning, "Life in the Son." Following his powerful challenge, the
mercy seat was lined with seekers.
Major Amy Kelly