Leaders in Faith Lydia Sanders

By Cheryl Johnston

Often, we find leaders in faith to be quiet, unassuming, and faithful members of our church congregations. Such is the case with Lydia Sanders, a loyal servant “willing to serve wherever needed” under the leadership of Pastor Antonio Wilkerson and his wife, First Lady Shirley Wilkerson, at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Plant City.

The now single mother of three is grandmother to four, greatgrandmother to one, and “mother of love” to many. She explains, “A co-worker at an inner-city school in Tampa offered one of the greatest compliments I’ve received when she said, ‘I’ve never seen a woman with so many children.’ A great number of my students called me ‘Ma,’ and I wore the name with honor.”

Lydia feels honored to serve her church on the Planning Committee, in Youth Ministries, as an Usher, and as a Choir member.

Share a little about your family.

“I was born into a family of Preachers, so my humble beginning and walk with Christ was destined. My grandfather was a Bishop, and my Dad and Uncles were ministers who preached/ are preaching the Word of God to God’s precious cargo: His people. When Mother Manic (grandma/mother of the church) played the base drum and sang, ‘I’m a Soldier in the Army of the Lord,’ the Holy Spirit permeated, and members took flight within their shouting (Aunt Sade, Sister Mercede). Mom ensured her seven children were dressed and on time as she commenced her servant duties.

What do you enjoy most about ministry?

“As Christians, we are servants, so I’m willing to serve where there’s a need. God has given me the gift of loving unconditionally and the discernment to help others. In the process, I share his word and my testimonies. I’m thankful He directed my path to my Mt. Olive Baptist Church.”

Do you have an unfulfilled vision or dream?

“As a servant of Christ, I’d like to be involved in organizing a 40 days/40 nights Revival within Plant City and nearby communities that would incorporate ALL denominations. And Lord, I thank you for this platform to share my vision, a willing vessel reaching for Your people.”

How would you advise those not yet established in their faith?

“Pastor Wilkerson shares this with our congregation: Include individuals in your circle that challenge your current level of faith to elevate your faith to the next level. In deeds and service, to reach one is to teach one.”

And to those already committed Christians?

“I would share Hosea 2:23, which reads: ‘I will establish My people in the land and make them prosper. I will show love to those who were called ‘Not-My-People.’ I will say, ‘You are My People, and they will answer, ‘You are our God.’ Next, we must learn to wait for the Lord to direct our path in life. Lastly, learn to cry out to the Lord. He’s waiting to hear from you as well as you are from Him.”

Share something special about Mt. Olive.

I enjoy our Pastor and First Lady, Antonio, and Shirley Wilkerson, who are faithful Servants of God. He preaches the Word, and she supports him by greeting members and visitors to the services, working in the nursery, and beyond. Our welcoming congregation is a loving group of people because, as our motto explains, we are ‘The Family Friendly Church.’

Located at 604 W. Ball Street, Mt. Olive Baptist Church hosts services on Sunday mornings, beginning with Adult Bible Study at 9:45, Worship and Children’s Church at 10:55 a.m. Prayer and Bible study begins at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening. The church also provides food pantry & USDA food distributions on Mondays at 12:30 p.m. and Tuesdays and third Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. Their mission is “To be a church of Christ-like commitment, Christlike compassion, and Christ-like character.” Visit online at mtoliveofpc.com or phone 813-754-3834 for additional information.