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Personal Stories

Rev. David Paye, Retiree, Liberia

The Reverend David Paye spent his career serving congregations in Liberia, despite the country's challenging and unstable political environment. His home was destroyed during the long civil war, and he has been unable to afford the necessary repairs.

"After the war, they were charging $12 a bag for cement. Now it's $7 a bag," says Rev. Paye. He was only able to rebuild his home "to window level."

Even though he is retired, Rev. Paye continues to work as a chaplain for the Liberia Annual Conference. For this appointment, he receives extra income—enough for bag of rice and cooking oil.

"One of my sons just finished high school and wanted to go to college, but I couldn't make it. The bishop helped me fund a few children, but he can't do everything," says Rev. Paye.

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

Rev. David Paye's story appears as the second of two stories on this video.