In this article, Major George Pavey shares how he and his wife, Major Irene, have found new ways to serve God in retirement, despite being far from a nearby Salvation Army Corps. Embracing opportunities in their local church and community, they have continued to live out their calling with dedication and faith. Their story is a powerful reminder that God’s work never stops, and there are always ways to serve, no matter the stage of life.
At the end of 2007, Irene and I retired to Sedgefield, a beautiful town on the Garden Route, but some distance from the nearest Salvation Army Corps in Port Elizabeth. Lt. Col. Peck Koopman regularly made the point that there is no such thing as retirement for those called into God’s service. Not having a Corps to attend, we began visiting various churches in Sedgefield. We felt fairly comfortable in a local Baptist church until we learned that they did not allow women to hold any leadership roles. As a result, we ended up in the United Church from the middle of 2008.
We immediately felt the need to get involved, so we started attending a Bible study group, and both of us joined the worship team. We had a full-time minister, and the church was managed by a church council. It wasn’t long before I was appointed to the church council with the portfolio of Christian Education, overseeing the twelve Bible study groups, allocating members to groups, arranging an Alpha course, holding retreats, and more. In 2013, I started a monthly men’s fellowship called Men for the Master. I still run this group, with an average attendance of 20 men, where we study and discuss various Bible topics and social concerns.
After serving on the council for six years, it was Irene’s turn. (Husband and wife were not allowed to serve on the council at the same time). Irene took on the Pastoral Care portfolio, which involved overseeing the pastoral care of the congregation, including visiting all new members. After leaving the council, Irene took over the prayer chain, which is an effective WhatsApp group.
In November 2021, the minister at that time was removed by her denomination due to the inability to pay her after the ravages of Covid-19, and we were left without a minister. With Christmas approaching, I accepted the responsibility for the Christmas programme, which included a carol service and the regular Advent services. With no immediate replacement in sight, we elected a Board of Management, and as chairman, I took on the responsibility for the running of the church. We sourced a number of preachers, and I only had to preach once a month, always in my Salvation Army uniform. Without a minister, the pastoral care and additional services, such as memorials, fell on our shoulders, including being the padre at the Armistice Day service in the town.
We have continued to worship without a full-time minister, and without this financial obligation, we have built up our finances to the point where we are now seeking to fill the position. We have a membership of around 120, with an average attendance of 85 at our Sunday services.
In December 2024, a minister was approved and appointed to start on 1st February 2025. Finally, retirement loomed! However, on 9th January, the appointed minister suffered a massive stroke, from which there is little chance of recovery this year. We are back to square one, with the realization that there is no “Discharge from this War.”
Irene is restricted in her service due to macular degeneration, which has seriously impaired her eyesight. In 2017, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. These are small problems we face, and we live daily with the words of Song 944 on our hearts: “Just where He needs me, My Lord has placed me. Just where He needs me, there would I be!” And verse 3: “What can I do to justify my living? What can I be to make this life worthwhile?”
Every day, we thank God for the opportunities He has given us to fulfill our calling, and also for His guidance and protection thus far, and in the years to come.