The ECI Lydia Women’s Fellowship (LWF) was founded on 12 April 2004 by our beloved Father Bishop, The Most Rev. Dr. M. Ezra Sargunam, along with the late Bishop Amma Mrs. Mangalam Ezra. Since its beginning, LWF has been committed to empowering women spiritually, socially, and economically through prayer, discipleship, leadership development, and community outreach.

Under the leadership of The Rt. Rev. Mrs. Kathiroli Manickam, LWF has grown into a vibrant women’s movement that continues to impact countless lives across the Evangelical Church of India.

​

Our Mission

LWF exists to uplift, inspire, and equip women to become strong leaders in their families, churches, and communities. Through spiritual encouragement, skill development, and compassionate ministry, LWF seeks to help every woman discover and fulfill her God-given purpose.

The fellowship especially focuses on supporting women who are neglected, marginalized, economically challenged, or spiritually discouraged, helping them grow in faith, confidence, and leadership.

​

Empowering Women Through Skill Development

One of the major ministries of LWF is the Annai Mangalam Tailoring Institute, which provides vocational training for women to help them become financially independent and self-supporting.

Through these tailoring centers:

• Women receive practical vocational training

• Certificates are awarded upon completion

• Families are supported through sustainable income opportunities

• Women are encouraged to actively participate in church life and ministry

LWF continues to expand these programs across various dioceses to help more women experience dignity, confidence, and economic stability.

​

Our Vision & Goals

The vision of LWF is to build spiritually strong, confident, and empowered women who can serve both the Church and society effectively.

Key Vision Areas

Expansion of Women’s Ministry

LWF seeks to expand its ministry into more regions, including Punjab and Jammu, reaching women in need of spiritual and social support.

Tailoring Centers Across Dioceses

New tailoring schools are being planned across all 13 dioceses to equip women with vocational skills and provide opportunities for economic growth.

Young Lydias Initiative

The “Young Lydias” movement focuses on mentoring girls and young women between the ages of 13–23 years, preparing them to become future leaders of the Church.

Through conferences, fellowship gatherings, and spiritual mentoring, young women are encouraged to dedicate their lives to Christ and actively participate in ministry.

Spiritual Growth Programs

Programs such as:

• Samaritan Women

• WINGS (Women in Need of Guidance and Support)

are designed to provide spiritual care, encouragement, counseling, and fellowship for women from all walks of life.

Women in Church Planting

LWF encourages women to actively participate in evangelism, discipleship, and church planting as part of ECI’s Centenary Vision of planting One Lakh Churches by 2056.

​

Celebrating God’s Faithfulness

Young Lydias Conferences

By God’s grace, the Young Lydias movement has continued to grow successfully, especially within the Chennai Diocese, where thousands of young girls have participated in conferences and committed their lives to the Lord.

Growing Demand for Tailoring Schools

Many pastors across ECI churches have requested tailoring centers within their congregations as a means of supporting women and reaching communities through practical ministry.

These centers not only empower women economically but also create opportunities to share the Gospel with many hearing about Christ for the first time.

​

Partner With Us

The ministry of Lydia Women’s Fellowship continues through the prayers, support, and partnership of churches and believers who share this vision.

Pray

Pray for the women, families, tailoring centers, and ministry leaders serving through LWF.

Support

Your support helps establish tailoring schools, provide sewing machines, train women, and expand ministry outreach.

Encourage

Help spread the vision of LWF and encourage more women to participate in ministry and leadership.

​

Transforming Lives Through Christ

At Lydia Women’s Fellowship, we believe that empowered women can transform families, churches, and communities. Through prayer, compassion, leadership, and practical support, LWF continues to raise women who will serve God faithfully and impact society for His glory.

Together, let us build a generation of women who are spiritually strong, socially empowered, and passionately committed to God’s Kingdom.