Lydia
Auxiliary
"To open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light" — Acts 26:18a
History of Lydia Auxiliary
Lydia Auxiliary started as the Young People's Group in 1946 under the leadership of Mrs. Rebecca Taiwo (1946–1947), subsequently led by Miss Bykota Ebun Omikunle (1948–1949) and Miss Ibidun John (1951). The group was established to minister to the needs of young unmarried ladies, stimulate interest in missions, and encourage Christian living.
In 1952, the Young People's Group metamorphosed into the Lydia Circle, organised under the leadership of Miss Mary Ellen Yancey (1952–1955), separating young ladies from younger girls to better minister to women aged 17 and above who had never married. The Guidebook committee later recommended renaming it the Lydia Auxiliary — a name adopted and retained to this day.
Named after Lydia of Thyatira (Acts 16:14) — a businesswoman whose heart the Lord opened — the Lydia Auxiliary today is the young women's arm of the Women Missionary Union in the Nigerian Baptist Convention, building virtuous, mission-minded daughters of God.
Lydia Watchword
"To open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God…"
— Acts 26:18a
The Lydia Auxiliary hymn is "Hark the Voice of Jesus Calling" — a call to mission and devotion to Christ above all else.
Lydia Colours
Purple
Royalty — Lydias are daughters of the King of kings
White
Purity — Lydias live clean, upright, and virtuous lives
Lydia Uniform
The original Lydia uniform — introduced at the Jos Convention in 1985 — was a purple gown taped with white, worn with a white belt, cap, white socks and canvas.
In 2014, a new uniform was introduced: a white shirt on a purple skirt, with a beret, thin white belt, and customised socks worn with white canvas. A Lydia is expected to be neatly and modestly dressed as a peculiar treasure representing the Most High.
Lydia Awards
Lydia Awards offer challenging opportunities for excelling in missionary service. There are three levels: the Service Award, the Honour Award, and the Career Missionary Award. The Service Award must be completed before a Lydia can begin working on the Honour Award.
By the year 2000, 1,259 Lydias completed the Service Award nationwide, 545 received the Honour Award, and 256 qualified for the Career Missionary Award — a testament to the depth of dedication within the Lydia Auxiliary.
Lydia Steps
Members progress through 5 years of disciplined service and missionary growth, concluding with the Lydia Service Award.
First Year
Second Year
Third Year
Fourth Year
Fifth Year (Service Award)
The Four Lydia Ideals
Study
Study of the missionary message of the Bible
Prayer
Prayer for missions and missionaries worldwide
Service
Devoted personal service for the spiritually and physically needy
Giving
Regular giving to support worldwide missions work
Join Lydia Auxiliary
Register to become a member of the Lydia Auxiliary at Trinity Baptist Church, Ilora. Upload a photo in Lydia uniform and select your current step.