30th annual prayer breakfast is well attended

The National Day of Prayer in Tehachapi began with an early morning breakfast sponsored by the Kiwanis Club. President Jonathan Hall welcomed the many guests and introduced Don Bowman, organizer of the event, who gave the invocation.

After a delicious breakfast, prepared by Mill Street Kitchen, several young people from Heritage Oak School read scripture and offered prayers.

Marian Stephens introduced key note speaker, Marget Willer, who is director of the Salvation Army Service Center in Tehachapi. She recounted a very personal story from her childhood describing her family falling on hard times and being rescued by the Salvation Army. They offered help and hope for her and her three sisters, enabling the four girls to grow up, get an education, and become contributing members of society.

It is this background that motivated Willer to choose the Salvation Army as her employer. She went on to describe the services provided by the Salvation Army which include, not only distribution of food, but programs for low income seniors and children. The Salvation Army exists to help those who are struggling. Willer described the Tehachapi community as incredibly generous in giving gifts of food, money, and service to those in need.

At times, Willer became very emotional as she described families and individuals that are in need. She said it makes such a ifference in people's lives when someone cares enough to share resources and give hope to those who struggle. She urged the crowd to be compassionate and continue caring about all members of the community. She concluded by saying, "When we share with one another, there is always enough. Help brings hope. It makes such a difference in a person's life. The giver is blessed as well as the one who receives."

President Hall thanked Willer for her inspiring message; St. Malachy Church for the use of the facility; Kiwanis members and Key club members who helped set up and clean up.

Those who attended the breakfast left with a new appreciation for what Salvation Army does for this community.