Celebrating Elim 45 Years

This year, we joyfully celebrate Elim’s 45th anniversary. It marks a significant milestone that reflects the global community’s enduring commitment to serve the Lord and proclaim the Good News in faith, hope, and love. The past decades are witness to Elim’s remarkable growth. What began as a vision from God has blossomed into a unified community spanning the globe, all carrying the same mission that was entrusted to Sis Luli. The vision she received—“Go and spread the Good News”—has shaped Elim’s identity and purpose, guiding its spiritual journey and inspiring generations of disciples ever since.

Message from Elim Founder, Bro Willy Nakar

As we mark this special occasion, the community is encouraged to look back at the journey that brought Elim to where it is today. In his 45th Anniversary Thanksgiving Mass message, Elim Founder Bro Willy Nakar expressed his utmost gratitude to the Lord and the many individuals who were instrumental in shaping Elim throughout the years.

            “We give thanks to the Lord as we celebrate 45 years of His faithfulness to our community. We remember with deep gratitude my co-founder, Sis. Luli Nakar, the Seed of Community, and the Directors of Elim—Didi Marañon, Dondi Catan, PY de Guzman and Dr. Moses Catan; Fr. Steve Tynan, our current Spiritual Director, and all our past spiritual directors; Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, our current Episcopal Adviser; the many servant-leaders whose love and sacrifices help build this community; and every servant who said “yes” to God’s call through the years.

Message from Elim Vision Directors

From this 45th anniversary, Elim moves forward with renewed purpose. The Elim Vision Directors—Didi Marañon, Dondi Catan, and PY de Guzman—affirmed that the community’s mission is far from over. Each one of us is called to continue spreading the Good News to those in need, fueled by the same spirit and faith that has expanded Elim’s reach far and wide. “With the same spirit of unity and faith that has carried us these 45 years, let us press on toward the goal, trusting that He who began a good work in us will be faithful to complete it.”

Blessing from Elim Spiritual Director

Echoing the Directors’ statement, Elim Spiritual Director, Fr. Steve Tynan, offered a heartfelt blessing to the community during this milestone year. His blessing serves as both a prayer and a call for action—to continue walking in the power of the Holy Spirit and to proclaim the Gospel not only in word but through a life empowered by grace.

            “We pray, Lord God, that You will continue to raise up good and holy leaders within the Elim communities, so that they can lead other people along Your ways of truth and right. We pray too that each and every member of the community, empowered by their baptism, will take hold of the gift of the Holy Spirit and live within the fullness of that gift. The Good News of Jesus Christ proclaimed without power is not Good News at all. And so, we are committed to living the fullness of the Gospel, as well as proclaiming it—that means proclaiming it and exercising its ministry with power.”

Give Thanks. Celebrate. Renew the Mission.

But even as we look back with gratitude and look ahead with purpose, it is equally important that the community takes time to rejoice and celebrate this 45th anniversary. During the 281st Online Elim Gathering, Elim Director for Scripture and Evangelization Dr. Moses Catan, invited the community to mark this milestone meaningfully and holistically by reflecting on three key actions: Give Thanks, Celebrate, and Renew the Mission.

●     Give Thanks. - Members are encouraged to express their gratitude in varied and personal ways, through words, writing, gestures, and prayer. This is also a call to cultivate a spirit of gratitude, acknowledging the people—both seen and unseen—whose presence and influence have shaped their journey in life and faith.

●     Celebrate. - Elim is a global spiritual family, and families celebrate together. The 45th anniversary is a time to come together in joy, with fellow community members and those outside. This celebration becomes an opportunity to share the love and blessings of God, and to give witness to His faithfulness in our lives.

●     Renew the Mission - Being part of Elim means being part of a mission that extends beyond ourselves. As we commemorate this milestone, members are called to reconnect with that mission—whether through daily prayer, acts of service, evangelization, or inviting others to encounter Christ through the Elim community.

As we give thanks for 45 years of God’s faithfulness, we are reminded that this celebration is about stepping forward with renewed hearts, strengthened faith, and a deepened commitment to the mission entrusted to the community. The call to “Go and spread the Good News” continues to echo through every generation of Elim, urging us to live boldly, serve joyfully, and proclaim the Gospel with faith, hope, and love.

Read the full 45th anniversary message of the Elim Vision Directors below: