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Personal Stories

Martha Matongo, Surviving Spouse, Zimbabwe

Martha Matongo is a widow who lives with her grandchildren in Zimbabwe. She spent much of her life supporting her husband's ministry while raising seven children.

For a time, pension funds paid Matongo's doctor bills, but the money never met all of her needs. "The money was not sufficient," says Matongo. "It was difficult, but we depended on God because God is the one who gave us this ministry."

Matongo helps support her family by gardening. "Sometimes we grow yams to sell, and we get something from that."

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

Martha Matongo's story appears as the third of three stories on this video.