Carmela Lim

Carmela Lim was born on December 24th, 1945, the sixth child of Vincente and Carmela Acohido, on the island of Oahu, in the town of Wahiawa, Hawaii. Raised in a devout Catholic family, she grew up with a deep awareness of God's love and the guiding presence of Jesus Christ, a foundation that shaped her entire life. Hawaii's rich diversity also nurtured in her a profound respect for people of all faiths; she enjoyed visiting different churches with friends, discovering reverence, sincerity, and beauty in the many ways people seek God.

At just 17 years old, Carmela left Hawaii with her mother and moved to San Francisco, California, where she attended college. It was during her fourth year, in early 1968, that she encountered the Unification Church, a meeting that would define the direction of her life and her extraordinary commitment to the providence.

From 1971 to 1972, Carmela joined Farley Jones' mobile team, travelling across the United States with brothers and sisters, spreading hope, faith, and the message of God's love. Her sincerity, steadiness, and warm heart made her a source of strength to many she journeyed with.

In 1975, Carmela received her first overseas mission and was sent to Uruguay. Three years later, in 1978, she was assigned to Peru, where she eventually became a National Leader, serving with humility, courage, and a deep maternal heart. In 1980, she was matched to Victor Lim, and together they opened a school in Peru, a project rooted in their desire to uplift and educate the next generation. They were Blessed at Madison Square Garden in 1982, joining the historic Holy Marriage Blessing.

In 1984, Victor joined her in Peru, and they continued their mission work side by side. Their daughter, Unhae, was born during this period, bringing immense joy to their family. In January 1992, the family traveled to Hawaii and Malaysia to visit their relatives. Carmela remained in Hawaii for a time to lovingly care for her sister-in-law, Dagi, showing once again her lifelong readiness to serve and support.

From 1993, Carmela's mission expanded again — this time to Russia. She and her daughter spent the summer there before returning briefly to the UK. In December 1993, she and Unhae settled in a small flat in Chime, Kent, while Victor continued his mission in Moscow. In September 1994, the family moved to Khabarovsk, embracing the challenges and opportunities of a mission field far from home.

The following years were marked by constant dedication. Carmela travelled frequently between Hawaii, New York, Russia, Korea, and the UK, supporting her family, caring for her mother, preparing mission projects, and participating in providential events. In June 1995, she and Victor attended the 40-day Cheong Pyeong workshop, entrusting young Unhae to Victor's sister. Later that year, she returned to Peru for True Mother's tour, continuing her long and loving relationship with the members there.

From January 1997 to January 1998, Carmela and her daughter spent a year in Hawaii to care for her mother. During that year, she offered extraordinary devotion, helping to bless 185 couples on the island. In February 1998, they returned to New York, and shortly after travelled to England to be with Victor for 21 days. It was then decided that Carmela would begin a new mission in the Comoros Islands — a responsibility she accepted with the same quiet courage that had carried her across continents for decades.

From February 1998 onward, the Lim family settled in the United Kingdom, where Carmela continued to live a life of faith, service, and unshakeable love for God, True Parents, and her family.

Throughout her life, Carmela embodied gentleness, perseverance, and a deep capacity to love. She offered her heart wherever she was sent — from the islands of Hawaii to the mountains of South America, from the vastness of Russia to the mission fields of Africa. Her journey was one of unwavering faith, maternal devotion, and a sincere desire to uplift others. Those who knew her will remember her warmth, her steadiness, and the courage with which she walked a providential path spanning more than fifty years.

We give thanks for the life of Carmela Lim, a daughter, sister, wife, mother, missionary and faithful woman of God whose offering touched countless hearts across the world. Until soon before her passing she was still attending services and spending time with members in the River South community, a dear and warm presence. Her legacy lives on in her daughter Unhae, in all whom she served, and in the many seeds of love and faith she planted throughout her remarkable life.