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TAKING A BREAK from music are (l-r) top: Oscar Soto, Robinson Soto (bottom) Kevin Larsson, Alex Yanez, Lalo Aguilera and Carlos Donoso. |
Southern California Divisional Music Director Kevin Larsson and wife Jacqui, assistant divisional music director, recently returned from a nine-day territorial music camp in Chile, South America West Territory.
The Larssons were special guests at the camp, which was organized by Oscar Soto; also providing leadership was Major Flores, territorial youth secretary.
“This was something of a homecoming for me,” said Larsson. “I lived there from 1980-1984 when my dad [General John Larsson] was chief secretary, and I learned to play my first brass instrument there at that camp.”
It was a time of fellowship, as old friends reunited after 20 years. “My friends were all still there,” Larsson said.
And it was a time of music and praise. Jacqui coached the camp timbrel brigade and the staff timbrel brigade, and Kevin led the staff band and the vocal school.
“The experience was incredible—the musicians have excellent standards,” Larsson stated. “The people in Chile are enthusiastic about their music; it’s a very important part of their ministry,” he continued.
The challenge for the Chilean musicians is financial—many can’t afford instruments and the territory doesn’t have enough to provide to all who want them. Others who play can’t afford to travel to the camp, as the territory is large. In Chile, there’s a great interest in music; many want to participate in this vibrant ministry.
It was especially meaningful for Larsson to witness the cycle of Salvation Army leadership and the importance of camp ministry. “The camp leaders all grew up in this camp—now they’re the ones running it!”
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