Lillian Trasher was an American missionary who dedicated fifty years of her life to serving vulnerable populations in Asyut, Egypt. Born in Florida in 1887, she moved to Africa in 1910 alongside her sister. After encountering an infant who was at risk of being abandoned, she established the country's first orphanage. Known affectionately as the "Nile Mother," she expanded her ministry to support widows and the blind, remaining in Egypt continuously until her death in 1961.
Missionary work
After arriving in Egypt, Trasher began her work by rescuing a malnourished infant. This event led her to found an orphanage, which grew significantly over the decades. Her ministry eventually included care for the blind and widows. Despite the challenges of the Nazi occupation during World War II, she remained in Egypt for five decades to serve those in need.
Legacy and veneration
By the time of her death, the institution she founded had grown to support approximately 1,200 children. The orphanage continues to operate today under the Assemblies of God of Egypt. She is remembered as a saint and is commemorated by the Episcopal Church on December 19, the day following her passing.