In Honor of Dr. Bettie “Nanay” Elwood
Webster’s Dictionary defines the word graduate as this: to pass from one stage of experience, proficiency, or prestige to a usually higher one. With this definition in mind, that is exactly what Dr. Bettie Elwood did on February 27, 2026. At 95 years old, she became a graduate of earth as she entered into her heavenly home and went into the arms of Jesus. There is no doubt when she arrived in Heaven, her Lord said, “Well done thy good and faithful servant.”
She and her husband, Rev. Douglas J. Elwood, dedicated their lives as Presbyterian missionaries to serve as professors at Silliman University in Dumaguete City, Philippines. Together, they raised four children, Brian, Colleen, Philip and Chris. At retirement, Bettie began teaching a Sunday School class for street children. Her heart was overwhelmed with compassion for these precious little ones. She observed their dirty hands and feet and mismatched flip-flops, shirts with missing buttons, ripped clothing, and unkept hair. She asked God what she could say to these poverty-stricken children who needed so much. She felt Jesus saying, “They need a mother.” She shared with Doug her overpowering desire to help. They traveled back to the U.S. to Etowah, Tennessee and shared her dreams with her sister and brother-in-law Peggy & Dean Houk and her brother Luther Carroll. Together, they prayed and in 1987 they answered God’s call to start the ministry of Little Children of the World and Little Children of the Philippines.
Starting with eight little street boys, the ministry grew with God’s provision. With the help of sponsors and donors, she was able to develop the HELPS model to provide a holistic approach to ensure the needs of the whole child and family were met. Under God’s mighty hand, the LCW/ LCP ministry will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2027 and now serves over 8,000 people. She was not only a dreamer and a visionary, but she also gave her life to change the lives of children in need. She was lovingly called Nanay and truly became a Mother Theresa of the Philippines.
Bettie’s life was marked by deep faith, tireless service to vulnerable children, and enduring commitment to her family, community, and global mission work. She will be remembered for her compassion, leadership, and unwavering dedication to others.
Bettie left a huge legacy behind for her family, staff, sponsors, and donors to continue helping the other children who are crying out for help and hope. Please answer their pleas in memory of this precious lady who gave her all and help LCW/LCP change the world one child at a time. Remember, tomorrow may be different because YOU were important in the life of a child today.
