By STAFF WRITER, Guardian News Desk

The second Sunday in May, set aside to honor mothers is fast approaching, and Bahamians from all walks of life — including church pastors — are gearing up to show their mothers how much they appreciate them.

The Nassau Guardian took to the streets to find out what these men of God really think about the women that raised them.

"My mother Dorothy Knowles, who is really my foster mother, just passed about two to three months ago, and the thing I appreciated about her the most was that she was there for me. Now she was extremely stern, but she also demonstrated a level of love with that, and even though there was no father around she demanded that we do what was right. Then, to me, that was a little hard but as I grew, I have grown to appreciate the standards she set for me."

— Apostle Leon Wallace,

Voice of Deliverance Disciple Centre.

"To tell the truth my case is very unique in that I am a twin, [and] Solomon and I are both pastors. When we were born 56 years ago times were hard, and my mother, Alsada Humes, made sure we had what we needed. My dad was there as well, but mom, she was there always. She has been a source of inspiration. She has really worked hard in her life. She even did maid work just to make sure we could eat. She went overboard for us."

— Bishop John Humes,

National Overseer Church of God.

"My mother, Elder Agnes Thompson, has molded, shaped me and demonstrated a Christ-like character in my life. She corrected me when I needed it. She was my counselor. She's a caring mother and has really been there for me and made great sacrifices so that my life would be better. I would not be where I am now, even as a pastor, without her."

— Rev. Wesley L. Thompson,

Mt. Pleasant Green Baptist Church.

"It's only fitting to say that everyone should appreciate their mother, but for pastors we can appreciate our mothers more when we have to deal with all the problems that exist in family life and we then get to see what she did for us. My mother, Bernice Poitier, has done so much for me that I have no other choice than to appreciate her. She has made countless sacrifices for me, and I could never repay her for that."

— Bishop Philemon Wilson,

Faith Temple.

"My mother, Nola Musgrove, is dead, but nevertheless I appreciate her even more now. The reason for that is I believe the appreciation that children have for their mother comes later on in life — sometimes after death. Children grow up thinking their parents are millionaires but when I was growing up I knew we were poor so I appreciated what my mother did for me, especially now that I know the value of money. I also appreciate the fact that she almost single-handedly raised six children and that she also set the ground work for me to have a relationship with God."

— Bishop Simeon Hall,

New Covenant Baptist Church.