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Personal Stories

Rev. Kenneth Shamu, Retiree, Zimbabwe

The Reverend Kenneth Shamu now sits with the congregation at his church, but for 30 years, he served as its pastor. His first appointment began in 1966; he served nearly a dozen churches before retiring in 1995. Since his retirement, Rev. Shamu has received a pension, but the payments are unreliable. Some months he receives nothing at all, so he gardens to supplement his income.

"I grow my vegetables. Some I do sell. Then I've got money for bread for that day," says Rev. Shamu. "I'm trying to survive, to be independent...although I'm not meeting the ends."

When he is sick, Rev. Shamu often cannot afford to see a doctor. When it is possible, he purchases medicine to treat his symptoms. "Sometimes I just stay at home, and if I get some money, I'll buy some pills," he says. "That's doing it on my own."

Rev. Shamu understands the Church faces challenges, but he wishes the parishioners would value the pastors more.

"The retirees, they seem to be neglected...If we say we want to raise money to build, that can be raised. But if they say let's raise money to pay the pastors, that's difficult," says Rev. Shamu.

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