The Elim Decree of Succession: A New Season for Elim Communities

On November 8, 2023, during the Elim Missions International Conference (EMIC 2023), Elim Communities witnessed a sacred and historic moment: the public proclamation of the Elim Decree of Succession by Founding Elder Bro Willy Nakar.

With deep gratitude to God, Bro Willy declared that, in accordance with the vision of his late wife, Sis Luli Nakar, the leadership of Elim Communities has been transferred and conferred upon their three daughters:

Maria Dolores "Didi" Nakar Maranon,

Maria Inez "Dondi" Nakar Catan, and

Precious "PY" Nakar de Guzman.

Together, they will serve as Elim Vision Directors, continuing the roles of Presiding Elders and Keepers of the Vision. They are joined in leadership by Dr Moses Jarvis Russel Catan, who now holds the title Elim Director for Scripture and Evangelization.

“They have served with us from the beginning… with humility, obedience, and faithfulness,” Bro Willy said, before anointing them with holy oil and presenting them with a box containing the charisms, vision, and mission of Elim—symbolizing the formal transfer of leadership.

Sis Lory Lina, host of the ceremony, affirmed the moment as a fulfillment of Sis Luli’s vision—one that began with a divine call to “go and spread the Good News,” and a family walking in obedience.

In her response, Sis Didi declared:

“The role of the founder is to begin; the role of the next generation is to continue… We pledge to be true to our founders’ vision for Elim Communities, which is to go and spread the Good News.”

She affirmed their collective commitment, alongside Dondi, PY, and Moses, to serve the community wholeheartedly for as long as the Lord allows.

Fr Steve Tynan, Elim’s Spiritual Director and one of the decree’s signatories, shared a video message underscoring the sacred nature of this transition:

“The founder's role is to identify and explain the charisms of the community… The Next Generation has a responsibility to be faithful to the charisms, to be faithful to the charisms not the structures. They are free to alter the structures in order that the community remains faithful to the charisms.”

As the ceremony concluded, the Next Generation Leaders, alongside Bro Willy, extended an anointing to the community for the upcoming year.

The Elim Decree of Succession, first signed on April 21, 2023, marks not just a transfer of leadership but the continuation of a mission born of obedience and faith. With trust in the Holy Spirit, the community welcomes its Next Generation Leaders with honor and hope.

All Glory to God!