From the earliest days as the Mission to the Kabyles, to today being part of the Pioneers global family, we remember the faithfulness of God and the many men and women that He has used powerfully to bring the gospel to the nations. As we press forward in ministry, we want to celebrate their lives. In this series we will tell their stories.
Artist and visionary
Isabella Lilias Trotter was a talented artist and founder of the Algiers Mission Band.
Born into a wealthy family in England, Lilias was heavily involved in ministry in London, working with prostitutes, volunteering with D. L. Moody’s campaign meetings, and serving as secretary of a local YWCA (Young Women’s Christian Association).
Whilst in Venice with her mother, she was introduced to the art critic John Ruskin, who recognised her artistic talent and began mentoring her. Ruskin told Trotter that if she would devote herself to her art “she would be the greatest living painter and do things that would be immortal.” Ruskin was left disappointed when Lilias decided that that this was not something she could do and still prioritise ministry.
In 1887, Edward Glenny of the NAM spoke at the YWCA conference. Lilias had been felt led to North Africa and was struck by his message. She responded to the call for workers and applied to the mission. However, Lilias had a weak heart from surgery (an issue that would cause her to have to take times of convalescence throughout her life), and was rejected on health grounds. Because she could support herself financially, the mission agreed to work in harmony with her, if she went herself.
Lilias travelled to Algeria in 1888 with two other women, Blanche Haworth and Katie Stuart. She would go on to found the Algiers Mission Band, which would grow to have stations across Algeria. They were heavily involved in the production and distribution of literature, collaborating with the Nile Mission Press. They were innovative evangelists, recognising the need for carefully contextualised methods and material. Lilias would write and illustrate much of the material.
Lilias died in Algeria in 1928. Her legacy has been rediscovered in recent years, with a film, play, and several books written about her life and ministry.
In 1964, the Algiers Mission Band merged with the North Africa Mission.
