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Mozambique Retired Pastor Support

A Difficult Decision
For clergy who serve in Mozambique retirement is a difficult decision.

Clergy serve despite dire local conditions facing frequent flooding and a history of issues left from the past. Over 130 years, clergy in Mozambique have overseen the construction of new schools, developed new congregations and helped guide investments that provide for better health care. 

Despite all the good they’ve done for their country and its people, these humble servants often will not have government-funded pensions, and may have no financial support in retirement without Church involvement. 

A Matter of Justice
In areas where living conditions are difficult, these faithful servants face serious hardship. Consider those who serve in Mozambique. One Missouri missioner recalls a retired pastor with 30 year-old shoes held together with twine, living off the assistance of friends and neighbors.

Others tell of health problems, difficulty purchasing medicine, trying to survive on almost no pension in the past, and dependency upon children for survival. Providing these faithful servants and others like them, with a measure of financial security in retirement is a matter of justice.

Funding for the Future 
The generosity of clergy, leaders and members of the UMC is essential to the Central Conference Pension Initiative’s success in Mozambique and across the central conferences.

We hope that you will consider making a financial commitment to assist these church leaders as they retire after many years of dedicated service.  For every $10,000 contributed, approximately one central conference retiree will be supported.  You can help! Click below to:

  1. Make a commitment online!
  2. Download the Retired Pastor brochure (PDF)
  3. Download and mail in, a Retired Pastor commitment card (PDF)

For more information contact:

The Mozambique Initiative
Phone 636-271-4455
E-mail: Mozambique Initiative

  • To learn about the impact in other countries, visit www.ccpi-umc.org.
  • Read the interview "From a small evangelist to a mature, devoted pastor" with retired pastor Rev. Nhantumbo.

Retired pastor Francisco Machava and Missouri pastor Kyle Hern

Retired pastor, Francisco Machava, pictured with Missouri pastor Kyle Hern. Rev. Machava, at about 80 years old, continues to serve the church and survive off of the goodness of peoples' hearts.
Photo by Carol Kreamer