print page

Personal Stories

Legina Mabunda, Surviving Spouse, Mozambique

Legina Mabunda's home is an unofficial center of the faith community in Maputo, Mozambique.

"I have lectures to give on Monday to the students that are taking Bible church...On Thursday, in the evening, we have the choir practice. Then, Friday, I teach the book about the children of Israel."

Her husband served as a pastor for 40 years; he died in 1989. The income she receives as a surviving spouse pays for food and clothing for Mabunda and two nieces who live with her.

However, it is not enough for health care.

"As you know, in old age, the whole body is painful," she says. "You need medical help in a big way, but, unfortunately, we don't [have it]."

Mabunda is encouraged by the increase she will receive in her pension as a result of the Central Conference Pension Initiative (CCPI). She says, "It's wonderful really. If you get $60 per year, and all of the sudden you're going to get [additional assistance, and receive it] monthly, isn't that heaven?"

The CCPI was started to provide a retirement with dignity to pastors and surviving spouses like Legina Mabunda. 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 Legina Mabunda's personal story