Meet the Retired Officers – Majors Beth and David Twivey

2 hours ago

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Retired officers play an integral role in the mission and ministry of The Salvation Army for many years after their active officership has ended. Most continue to be involved in meaningful ways in their local corps and community, drawing on experience gained over decades of service. Salvos Online today features retired Majors Beth and David Twivey.

Major David Twivey retired from active officership in 2020 and Major Beth Twivey in 2024.

1. Which corps do you both currently attend, and how are you involved?

We attend Caloundra Corps and love it. We participate in meetings as we can, volunteer at the House 4 Hope when able, and help with collecting at Red Shield Appeal and Christmas time.

2. When did you both attend training college, and what was your sessional name? Did you like that name (why or why not)?

David: I was part of the 1987-89 Messengers of Joy session. I liked the name – one of my favourite verses at the time was “… the joy of the Lord is my strength.”

Beth: I was part of the 1986-88 Messengers of Peace session. If we take the definition of peace as the absence of noise, then we were ineptly named, lol. (Of course, I was one of the quieter ones.) But when we take the definition as being messengers of the Prince of Peace, then how honoured! Still resounds with me.

3. Looking back on your years as active officers, was there a particularly memorable appointment, and why?

For both of us, for different reasons, going into Recovery Services appointments was a great joy. Moonyah (in Brisbane) was the first in 1999.

4. Is there a specific Bible verse or passage, or even a song, that has anchored your spiritual lives over the years, and if so, why?

David: Philippians 4:6 (v5-8) – When in a fix, Philippians 4:6.

Beth: 2 Peter 1:3-5 – He has given us ALL WE NEED ... for life and godliness. I have referred to this in so many different seasons – times of despair, pain, sickness – don’t rely on my own strength but on what He’s given me.

There is a song that was sung at our wedding that we still quote to each other:

O may all who come behind us find us faithful

May the fire of our devotion light our way

May the footsteps that we leave

Lead them to believe

And the lives we live inspire them to obey.

Oh, may all who come behind us find us faithful.

5. If you were speaking to a young Salvationist who asked whether you would recommend officership, what would you say?

Both: Yes, yes, yes – we would absolutely recommend this faith journey we have taken. An adventure for sure – what opportunities it gives to exercise spiritual gifts, our faith and our creativity.