“Forgive me, Mr. Ruskin, but I cannot give myself to painting the way you desire and continue to keep God at the center of my life.” Lilias Trotter looked imploringly into her tutor’s eyes.
After three years of instruction from John Ruskin, the well-known artist, author, and art critic, twenty-five-year-old Lilias had prayerfully made the difficult choice. She would forego the opportunity to become “the greatest living painter in England” (as Ruskin predicted she would be) [1], and devote more time to her mission work.
(Self-portrait of John Ruskin)
“Ah, my dear Lilias, he sighed. “I was afraid our efforts would come to this. Goodness knows how many times I’ve complained that you needed to spend more time with your brushes and less time with the women of ill-repute around Victoria Station. However, I do admire your dedication, and regretfully wish you well.”
From this crossroads, a new path began to open before Lilias Trotter.
For a while she continued her work with women at the lowest rung of society, bringing them to the newly-established YWCA for training in various employable skills and introducing them to Jesus.
But in 1887 Lilias found her heart drawn to Algeria, after hearing a plea for more missionaries to the region. She applied to the North African Mission board but was denied because of her frail health.
(Algiers, Algeria circa 1880)
Undeterred, Lilias and two friends chose to go on their own. A generous endowment from her wealthy father (upon his death in 1865) provided the financial support necessary.
The three women settled in the French Quarter of Algiers and immediately began learning the Arabic language and Muslim culture. Because of the male-dominated society, they chose to engage women and children.
(watercolor sketches from Lilias’ journals)
Lilias put her artistic abilities to work creating leaflets. The charming illustrations drew attention to the spiritual truths she wrote. Her inspiration came from the hours she spent in Bible study, meditation, and prayer.
But inroads into Algerian society didn’t come easily. Nearly everyone was suspicious of them. They were women after all, European and Christian. Opposition came from the French authorities as well as Muslim leaders. Lilias wrote in one of her journals that she and her friends felt like they were knocking their heads against stone walls [2].
In addition, the Muslim women were difficult to reach since they were seldom allowed in public. But after several years one woman accepted Jesus into her life. Sometime later another woman and then another expressed their faith, until they could count their little band of believers on two hands.
Lilias also traveled into Morocco on the west and Tunisia on the west, into the far regions of the Sahara Desert where no European woman had been before. There too she sought out the isolated Arab women as well as the Sufi mystics who resided in the desert.
Lilias shared her pamphlets and booklets that included depictions of Arab life, always praying that her writings and drawings would help these Muslims understand who Jesus is and why he came.
Of course, persecution came to those who chose Jesus. Two of the new Arab Christians were slowly poisoned to death, others were drugged, and still more were punished in additional ways.
After twenty years of struggle, the missionaries still had little to show for their effort. And yet Lilias wrote:
I am full of hope that when God delays in fulfilling our little thoughts, it is to leave Himself room to work out His great ones. And, more and more as time goes on, I feel that the longer He waits the more we can expect, . . . and the greater will be the band of those who will come forth free from their prison walls. When one gets hold of that vision, one can throw back in the devil’s face his taunts over the seemingly wasted years that lie behind us.
Lilias Trotter
Perhaps even more productive than her conversations with people was the impact of her writings. Lilias’ appealing parables, “creatively illustrated in Eastern style” were widely circulated [3].
She felt confident that the Arabs would more seriously consider written material in the privacy of their homes, than in public conversation where opposition was likely. With her knowledge of the culture, language, and arguments of challengers, she was perfectly-suited for the task of producing these materials.
Lilias returned to Europe a number of times because of her health, each time in dire need of rest as well as relief from Africa’s oppressive heat. But Lilias often used these trips to garner interest and support for the organization she founded: the Algerian Mission Band.
A number of people responded, joining Lilias in her work. However she never asked for financial backing. “God’s wealth is boundless,” she said [4].
For forty years Lilias Trotter lived out her passion for the Algerian people. Before her death in 1928, she’d established twelve mission stations. And instead of three workers, a team of thirty had joined them, bringing the joy-filled, abundant life of Christ to the Muslims of Algeria [5].
[1] https://ililiastrotter.wordpress.com/about/
[2] https://ishshahsstory.com/2016/08/10/celebrating-lilias-trotter-of-algeria/
[3] https://www.imb.org/2019/06/12/missionaries-you-should-know-lilias-trotter/
[4] https://thiseternalmoment.com/the-life-and-legacy-of-lilias-trotter/
[5] https://pioneers.org/2021/03/15/the-legacy-of-lilias-trotter
Other sources:
https://liliastrotter.com/about/
Photos of Lilias Trotter and her paintings as well as John Ruskin’s self-portrait, courtesy of Lilias Trotter Legacy at http://www.liliastrotter.com and their Facebook page. Street scene of Algiers: http://www.commons.wikimedia.org.
From the Inside Out 
Thanks Nancy. That was very interesting. I had heard of Lilias Trotter from Elisabeth Elliott; but have to admit that I didn’t read much about her. It amazes me, how these Christian women are so brave and march ahead, even when it is almost impossible. (another that comes to mind is Gladys Alward). Thank you again and God bless you.
I agree, the perseverance and courage of these heroines is most impressive, providing strong encouragement for us to follow their examples. How interesting you should mention Gladys Alward, Shelley. I’ve written about her too! https://nancyaruegg.com/2019/01/24/the-eagle-that-soars/ )
What a courageous, and inspirational, soldier for Christ Lilias was! It’s difficult enough in the 21st century to reach out to Muslims, especially if you are a woman. God was certainly with this wonderful lady when she ventured into their world in the 19th century.
Thank you, Nancy, for sharing her story here with us.
Blessings!
You’re welcome, Martha. Lilias’ ministry wasn’t easy by any means, but surely God-ordained just the same!
I love Lilias’ attitude after twenty years of missionary work, with not much to show for it. She felt it left more room for God to work for His glory. Great story about a very brave and capable lady.
I too was greatly encouraged by that journal entry, David. A wonderful perspective to keep in mind!
This is so inspiring Nancy! I marvel at her bravery and selflessness…thanks for sharing her amazing story!
Lilias Trotter was indeed a marvelous woman. I found her story incredibly inspiring; I’m so glad you did too, my friend!
I am toasting noble Lilias—knowing she’d resist the adjective. (And likely, the toast as well.) What an inspiration, such depth of love and sacrifice. Thank you for retelling part of her story. I am grateful to glimpse her from afar.
You are most welcome, Laurie. Lilias Trotter was noble indeed, a worthy role model of faith, hope, perseverance, and determination. I too am grateful for being introduced to her recently in my reading.
What a faithful servant. She should inspire us all to persevere and finish well. Thanks for sharing her story, Nancy.
You’re welcome, Annie. I’m so glad you found inspiration through her story!
Beautiful, Nancy. What a testimony!
Thank you, Sheila. I don’t remember coming across her name until just recently. And now that I know a bit of her story, I can’t help but wonder why Lilias Trotter is not more widely known. What struck me most, I think, was that she did not let slow progress deter her–a lesson to take to heart!
Nancy, thank you for sharing the story of one of God’s faithful servants. Her life is inspirational! Her dedication is amazing!
I agree, Pam. Lilias Trotter was an amazing woman. She demonstrated so many positive character traits, no doubt a result of the time she spent cultivating her relationship with Christ.
Inspiring. Ty, Nancy.
How are you?
Hello Diane! I’m so glad you found Lilias’ story to be inspiring. / Steve and I are well, thank you, still enjoying retirement and proximity to our older son and his family. How about you two?
Hello Nancy,
So nice to hear from you and that Steve, especially, is doing well. God is good.
We are both enjoying retirement. What a blessing to become more involved in serving through our church and being blessed by the learning that we experience there.
We are feeling very humbled and grateful. I’ve had some health issues (RA, OA, and a bowel resection last year) but that’s ok. It draws me closer to the Lord and His promises. As you know, He is always faithful.
Do you ever have time to watch the TBN show “Better Together”? I highly recommend it. I just finished watching an episode a few hours ago.
Love to you and your family,
Diane
Delightful to hear the good things God is doing in your lives, Diane, including drawing you close to Him through challenge. Thank you for the recommendation of “Better Together.” We’ll have to check it out!
This might sound ignorant but I soooo enjoy these historic accounts of history over the ones we’re taught in school. I know history for school is important but how cool would it be if more “in depth”Christian history was taught…these accounts (like what you’ve shared) are so motivating and encouraging to me.
You do NOT sound ignorant, Alicia! I dare say many of us haven’t heard of some of these heroes of faith that I include in these occasional posts. Most of these people were new to me when I began the research for each, often introduced to me through my reading. I’ll come across a brief paragraph, become curious, and in the subsequent research realize, “This is a person more people need to know about!” I’ve thought about putting some of these posts together in a book; your comments have encouraged me to think about it (and pray) even more! I’m so glad you find these stories motivating and encouraging, Alicia!
Oh that’s a great idea to create a book over these people!! If you feel the Lord’s leading than I 100% encourage it!!
Have you heard of The One Year Christian History book? That’s one you might be interested in reading if you haven’t, or maybe you’ve cited from it before, (I’m not great about reading site sources but I do appreciate when people site their findings and the photos they’ve used!!)😉
No, I’m not familiar with the One Year Christian History book, but it sounds right up my alley. Thank you for the recommendation, Alicia!
You’re welcome!!
Thanks for sharing her story, Nancy. I heard some of it before but you tell it more completely and with joy and grace!
Aw, thank you, Jean! I pray the added details increased the inspiration to be gained from Lilias’ story.
Nancy,
Love this story and her art made the most impact because the Lord was in it.
Thank you,
Gary
I think you’re right, Gary. Her art most certainly was Spirit-inspired!
Sure.
Oh this is wonderful Nancy! What a moving example of one who took her God given talent and used it not for personal profit or worldly fame but for Kingdom gain. I love how you wove her drawings into the post.
Thank you, Beth. I too was struck by Lilias’ strength of faith and character that led her to choose serving God in anonymity rather than paint in the limelight of accolades, fame, and fortune. / I’m so grateful to the Lilias Trotter legacy at http://www.liliastrotter.com, who allowed me to use any of their images of Lilias’ work. That gave me the ability to select those that best fit this narrative.
Thank you for sharing this moving story…How beautiful that this woman was able to use all of her gifts to the glory of God. She wasted nothing that she was given. She shared her faith and her talents, weaving threads of love in all she did.
Well-said, Linda! In three sentences you artfully summed up Lilias’ life!
I love how you share these true stories of believers who fully trusted God and made hard decisions to follow and serve Him. Lilias used her God-given abilities for eternity. What an example she is! Thank you for these stories, Nancy.
You are so welcome, Patty. I love doing the research and writing the stories of these lesser-known heroes. It warms my heart when others find encouragement and inspiration from their lives as I do!
Lilias was an amazing woman. Her determination to spread the love of God was unbelievable. A faithful servant.
Thanks for sharing her story
You welcome, Laura. Lilias was a faithful servant indeed–in very challenging circumstances. Determination had to be one of her defining qualities, along with her strong faith!
What a life! In spite of seemingly insurmountable odds, Lilias persevered in her calling. Her quotation about throwing back in the devil’s face his taunts reveals her faith in the power, authority, and sovereignty of God. I am moved and encouraged.
Isn’t that a great quote? I too am inspired by Lilias’ undying passion and undiminished faith, even though progress was slow.
This is amazing! I’m especially drawn to what Lilias said: “I am full of hope that when God delays in fulfilling our little thoughts, it is to leave Himself room to work out His great ones.” Thanks so much for sharing this. We too often get caught up in our plans and don’t leave room enough for His!
I’m so glad you found Lilias’ story worthwhile. That quote spoke to my heart too, Dayle. Lilias’ cheerful hope and strong faith provide a wonderful example when discouragement seeps in. God may very well be preparing the way for something wondrous!
Thanks for sharing this. What a wonderful example and encouragement to us.
Agreed: Lilias Trotter provides a wonderful example for us. I certainly enjoyed researching about such an inspiring woman! Thank you for stopping by, Barb!
Wow, what a beautiful life of service. Humbled in the face of her joyful dedication to God. Thank you for sharing!
You’re welcome, Mary. I just recently came upon her story in my reading and wondered, “How have I not heard of this dedicated saint-of-a-woman before?” It was a joy to research her life!
Nancy, thanks so much for sharing Lilias journey of faithful mission work. She brings a fresh Christian perspective to my thoughts. Blessings.
You’re welcome, BSB. I’m delighted you found fresh Christian perspective from Lilias’ story!