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Personal Stories

Saratu Daniel, Surviving Spouse, Nigeria

Saratu Daniel was widowed in 2004. When her husband was alive, she worked with him to encourage parishioners and preach the Gospel.

Since she lost her husband, Daniel has counseled other widows to be patient and very prayerful. She says "Read the Bible day and night. [If you] try to distance yourself from the word of God, you will be in trouble...Stay very close to word of God. [You] must serve God and to fear God."

Daniel is grateful for the support she has received as a result of the Central Conference Pension Initiative. She takes very seriously her Christian responsibility to help others. She says, "If somebody can help you from afar, then you can help somebody who is closer to you. Because the Bible has stated in the Book of Matthew, ‘When I was hungry, you fed me, when I was thirsty, you give me drink.’"

The Central Conference Pension Initiative was started to provide a retirement with dignity to pastors and surviving spouses like Saratu Daniel. 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 Saratu Daniel's personal story