A Founder’s Reflections
At 94 years old, Dr. Bettie Elwood, also known as Nanay, is the last living founder of Little Children of the World. Her co-founders Dr. Doug Elwood, Dean Houk, Peggy Houk, and Luther Carroll have all passed away in recent years, but their legacy lives on through the program they helped create.
Bettie fondly remembers her experiences in the Philippines and the early days of the ministry. During their visit, Carmenia and her daughter Carmela, who was sponsored by the Elwood Family from preschool through college, were able to visit with Nanay. Carmela now has her Master’s degree and is a teacher here in the US. It was a beautiful reunion of old friends where they reflected on the impact of the ministry that was started 38 years ago with just a few little boys sleeping on the streets that has now grown to sponsor over 925 children and the HELPS programs and reaches over 6000 people through various aspects of the ministry.
In amazement of the current scope of the ministry, Bettie said, “I’m just so glad we could get it started.” Her humility and vision continue to shine through. Without the founders’ willingness to answer God’s call, how different would the world be? How many people would still be waiting for an opportunity to escape from the grips of poverty?
Carmenia reminded Nanay that she saw something in her before she even had an education. Nanay once told Carmenia, “If you have the heart, you can serve. God will equip you.” Since then, Carmenia finished her college education through the college program and since then has been the Executive Director of the entire Philippine program for 27 years! Even today, Carmenia holds onto these prolific words when she is overwhelmed or needs a boost.
The story of LCW’s foundation and how it continues to flourish is a reminder that God will work through you if you just allow Him. All 5 founders were retired from their primary careers when they started the journey of starting LCW, Carmenia was a beneficiary before she took on her working role at LCP, and God continues to use ordinary people to do His work. Whatever God is calling you to do, you are equipped for it in Jesus’ name! We only need to say ‘yes!’
