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Personal Stories

Rosemary Chidzikwe, Surviving Spouse, Zimbabwe

Rosemary Chidzikwe, the surviving spouse of a Zimbabwean pastor, is in poor health and has only a small garden to sustain herself. Her husband, Josiah, a retired minister, died in 1990. The elderly widow does not receive a pension, after years of supporting her husband's ministry.

Chidzikwe is fortunate to have a home, which was paid for by a corn mill the family once owned. She says, "After [my husband] retired, we had some money from that grinding mealy mill, so that he was able to build the house."

However, her only income now comes from her garden.

"These days it seems to be very difficult. I have my sister here. She sometimes takes some green vegetables and [sells them]."

The Central Conference Pension Initiative was started to provide a retirement with dignity to pastors and surviving spouses like Rosemary Chidzikwe. To find out more about the initiative, explore www.ccpi-umc.org or write to ccpi@gbophb.org. Donations can be made online or by calling (847) 866-4230.

Watch Rosemary Chidzikwe's personal story Rosemary Chidzikwe's story appears as the second of three stories on this video.