Remembering “Nanay” Eli
Some of my fondest memories of my mother, Elidina Mora Liwanag, are about her cooking, her hospitality, her gentle way of stepping in when our father needed to discipline us, and most of all, her deep trust in God and faithful Christian life. I saw for myself how she loved all ten of us as if each were her only child. She made countless sacrifices, working with our father to provide for our big family. Whether in small things or big ones, everything she did showed her love, compassion, and deep care for us. To me, she showed the tenderness of God’s love, which reminds me of the words of Scripture: “Can a woman forget her nursing child…? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you” (Isaiah 49:15).
My mother was a woman of prayer. She had a close relationship with God and kept it strong through daily devotion. Her faith shaped our family’s morning and evening worship, our involvement in church, and the way we welcomed pastors and church workers who visited us. I always looked forward to guests from out of town because it meant good food, a warm home, and joyful service. My parents always gave their best, and “Nanay” made sure we children shared in the blessing and joy of Christian hospitality.
Looking back, their impact on our lives may have contributed to eight of us siblings becoming denominational workers, serving as pastors, teachers, administrators, and auditors. This shows how real our parents’ faith was. They didn’t just teach us about the Bible—they lived it out before us. Nanay Eli planted seeds of trust in God, commitment to His ways, and obedience to His Word. Her quiet example helped those seeds grow in our hearts, shape our lives, and define our callings. I miss my beloved Nanay Eli very much.
To all mothers in our church family and to every woman who has shown a mother’s care, we thank you and praise the Lord for you. You are one of God’s greatest gifts, showing His love to a world that needs it. We honor your important role in building our families, our community, our church, and the world.
-Pastor Lim
