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Personal Stories

Rev. Willas Makunike, Retiree, Zimbabwe

The Reverend Willas Makunike retired from the Church at age 60, after 34 years of service in Zimbabwe. Although he and his wife try to sustain themselves by farming, water shortages make this difficult.

He still steps in when the church needs him, but he is often the one who needs help.

"We sometimes live by charity from the people. When I go to town for other things, if I pass through the district office when [funds are available] there, they give me [support]," says Rev. Makunike. However, the cost of travel prevents him from traveling to the office unless he has other business in the area.

Despite his need, Rev. Makunike does not like to ask for help. He says, "If they want to help—if they have something to help me—I will appreciate it. But if they have nothing to help me, there is nothing I can do."

The Central Conference Pension Initiative was started to provide a retirement with dignity to pastors like Rev. Makunike. 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 Rev. Willas Makunike's personal story

Rev. Willas Makunike's story appears as the first of three stories on this video.