Scores of friends, family and well-wishers gathered at Christian Discipleship Ministries International (CDMI) on Sunday to celebrate the life of 104-year-old missionary, Elder Maria McSweeney.

Although her physical strength has diminished over the years, it is her mental wit and sound advice that allows Elder McSweeney to serve her true purpose in ministry.

Born on Crooked Island in 1910, she grew up working the land in the settlement of Colonel Hill and later moved to Nassau where her work in ministry flourished.

She started a prayer band at the Community Holiness Church on Bahama Avenue before joining Golden Gates Assembly in 1979 under the leadership of Bishop Ros Davis.

As a dedicated pre-school teacher, prayer leader, telephone operator and prayer band leader, Elder McSweeney began a life-long journey of giving service to God.

Reflecting on more than 100 years living in The Bahamas, the centenarian says her greatest joy is using her life as a teaching tool.

“I shared my life as well as I could. I didn’t keep it to myself,” she said during her birthday celebrations.

Throughout her life, Elder McSweeney recalls how her strength in the Lord helped her through many trials. Through it all, she said, “the only name I had to carry was Jesus.”

Admitting that she is concerned about the country and the way The Bahamas has changed, the church elder took the opportunity to share timely advice with parents and young members of CDMI. “Parents need God, a double portion of God (when) they deal with their children.”

She encourages young people to take care of themselves.

“Do not look at your neighbour. I believe if you take care of yourself you will be able to help somebody take care of themselves,” she said.

As the mother of four children, it gives her great pride to assist her youngest son, Pastor Arlington Rahming, in his ministry as the pastor of CDMI.

Pastor Rahming is also pleased to have his mother play an active role in his own spiritual journey and ministry.

“To have a mother who prays for you is a treasure that every child deserves. For me to have my mother’s prayer and support in ministry is nothing short of a gift from God to this ministry and everyone connected with it. Further, to have someone in your congregation at the age of 104 is not just historic, it is priceless,” he said.