Tribute: Lt-Colonel Faye Rive

For many years the names of Lance and Faye Rive appeared on the New Zealand missionary prayer list. Service at various educational institutes in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), regional leadership in Fiji, as well as appointments in New Zealand culminated in top leadership roles in Nigeria in the early 1990s. 

It was in Nigeria, however, that they were involved in an horrific car accident that left them both with fractured necks and Lance a tetraplegic. Days of devastation gave way to weeks of intensive care and months of rehabilitation. 

In Faye’s words, the accident marked the beginning of the rest of their lives. She described it as ‘a brand new world’ and together they faced the great challenge of making a new normal out of life. In the process they discovered that God can redeem even the most calamitous of situations. Key to the new normal for Lance was a voice-activated computer that not only kept him in touch with life but also opened up a world-wide ministry of encouragement. 

The new normal for Faye revolved around being Lance’s hands, feet and advocate for his needs, arranger of rosters of caregivers, and filling in the gaps when a physiotherapy student or a young graduate carer was suddenly not available. For fourteen years Faye poured herself out for Lance so that his quality of life could be the best possible. 

When she did have gaps in her days Faye did clerical work at the then divisional headquarters as well as serving as a chaplain for some years at a neighbouring rest home. Lance and Faye both maintained an active interest in missionaries and through their work as supervisors and spiritual directors offered their gifts of prayerful listening and genuine wisdom to others. 

Faye’s resilience and courage were evident throughout her officership, along with her ability to work cross-culturally and her passion for education. In letters to friends, she wrote: ‘We are grateful to God for his love to us and the sense we have of his presence throughout all of this.’ And, ‘We are experiencing the abundance of God’s grace, He gives and gives and gives again.’ 

In February 2004 Lance and Faye were jointly admitted to the Order of the Founder, the Army’s highest form of recognition for outstanding service. The citation read in part, ‘Throughout their thirty-six years of officership, Lt Colonels Lance and Faye Rive have rendered sacrificial service of far-reaching influence … With determination and courage, Lt Colonels Lance and Faye Rive have pursued a remarkable spiritual ministry, at home and through the internet, which has been a world-wide inspiration.’ 

Lance was promoted to Glory on 24 June 2006. Faye continued to serve in active ministry into her retirement. She was promoted to Glory from Auckland on 27 August 2025 and farewelled in a beautiful service at Auckland City Corps. In the presence of her children and grandchildren and many friends, tributes were paid to Faye’s courage, determination and her far-reaching influence.