As Valentine’s Day unfolds around the world, we have the blessing of having three of our retired Officer couples give us glimpses into their enduring love stories. In a world where relationships frequently face trials and often crumble, their unwavering commitment and love for one another serves as an inspiration and encouragement to us all. Founded in their shared deep commitment to God and devotion to one another, they have created a beautiful narrative of shared laughter, overcoming challenges and cherishing each moment together. Each couple generously opens their hearts, offering us insights into the sweet and sacred secrets that have sustained their love.
Majors Thomas & Dominica Sesedi
Major Dominica: Once upon a time, on a Saturday morning, fate decided to play matchmaker. There I was, walking to the shop, minding my own business, when two gentlemen hopped out of a taxi about 100 meters from me. One of them walked straight towards me and said, “Hey, beautiful lady, you’ve captured my heart and I think I have found the mother of my children.” That’s how it started, and the rest is a blur of laughter, love and too many cups of tea.
Major Thomas: It was love at first sight for me; I remember it like it was yesterday. She was wearing white shorts, white push-ins and a yellow & white top. Our love story began to unfold, each chapter filled with lessons of growth, understanding and unwavering support.
Growing old together is not easy. But we’ve managed to keep the fire burning with a healthy dose of humour and a lot of biltong snacks. You know what they say, laughter is the best medicine, and we’ve been overdosing on it for 49 years straight. Love is about learning to know and understand each other. The love of a man and the respect of a woman are the greatest foundation of love, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:21). Our journey wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. There have been more than a few squabbles over small and major issues. But we’ve learned that a little patience and a lot of forgiveness can go a long way. The Scripture found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 has always been our motivation: Love is patient, love is kind. And our favourite love song is by Bebe Winans – “It all comes down to Love.” As they say, love is blind, so stay blind, so that you will be able to focus on your relationship. Let’s not forget the golden rule of marriage: communication. With that, we’ve become experts at talking each other’s ears off. Through it all, we’ve had God to thank for keeping us in line and reminding us to count our blessings.
Commissioners William & Thalitha Langa
We first thank God for the milestone we have reached with Commissioner Thalita as we celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary in September 2023. It is not easy, and what is important is partnership in the relationship. Through enduring love, two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labour. If one falls, the other can reach out and help, and we have always learned that marriage is a lifetime journey (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). What has kept our marriage strong is unity; sharing together in sickness and in facing any challenge. We communicate openly with each other, knowing that two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not easily broken. Marriage is a loving relationship in the fullest sense, encompassing love between man and woman as well as loving our family; above all, it is agape love, coming from God. Love is good and key to a lasting marriage (1 Corinthians 13:4-8). We have made a covenant with God to serve, to comfort, to honour, to respect and to cooperate in our relationship. Love is selfless, universal and involves self-sacrifice. May God’s blessings be upon you this Valentine’s Day.
Lieut Colonels Peck & Joan Koopman
Lieut Colonel Peck: I came to South Africa in August 1957. I got saved at Benoni Corps in June 1958. In September 1959 I entered The Salvation Army Training College in Johannesburg.
Lieut Colonel Joan: I landed at Johannesburg station and there was a Candidate with the Corps Officer from Benoni Corps to greet me. And who should it be but Candidate Peck Koopman, who was joining the same session as I, The Greathearts!
Lieut Colonel Peck: We were commissioned in June 1960. Joan was appointed to Durban Greyville and I to Athlone Corps in the Western Cape. It was the farthest way that we could have been separated. But the Postman brought a letter from Joan each Wednesday. We did our courting by mail!!
Lieut Colonel Joan: I was allowed to leave my appointment 2 weeks before our marriage. We got married in Salt River Corps Hall. Because I came from Salt River the Corps gave us a wonderful reception after the ceremony.
Lieut Colonel Peck: Because I was stationed at Athlone Corps they gave us another reception that evening. On Sunday morning, quite late, we got on our scooter to our honeymoon destination in Somerset West.
We worked well together. And God blessed us with three wonderful daughters. We served as Officers for 43 years. Wonderful years.
Lieut Colonel Joan: There were many times of hardship throughout our marriage, but through it all God blessed us till today, as we continue to serve in our local corps.
Lieut Colonel Peck: Now we face a whole new marriage period, as we pass the age of mid-eighties this year. But having loved God and one another these many years, we are more than conquerors. Not because we are in love, but because God is good ALL THE TIME.
Lieut Colonel Joan: “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV
These tender tales of enduring love from our beloved Retired Officers gently remind us of the beautiful gift of God’s love evidenced in marriage. As we navigate and nurture our relationships, may we seek to emulate their honesty, unwavering commitment and devotion, allowing the love we share to be a reflection of the boundless love of our Heavenly Father to the world. Happy Valentine’s Day!