Meet Prophetess Lydia Shumake

Like the young prophet Samuel, who heard the voice of the Lord calling him in the quiet of the night, Prophetess Lydia Shumake first heard the Father’s voice between the ages of 8 and 9. This encounter would become the defining moment of a life dedicated to prayer, intercession, and walking in close intimacy with God.

Born and raised in Northwest Atlanta, Lydia grew up in a Christian home where prayer, Bible study, and testimonies were woven into daily life. As the third daughter of the late James and Helen Bivins, Sr., her prophetic anointing was recognized early, marking her as the third generation in her family to carry this gift. Her grandmother, Mary Lou Bivins-Harris, carried a presence reminiscent of Kathryn Kuhlman, and this legacy of faith became a foundation for Lydia’s calling.

Over the years, she balanced family, business, and ministry, always maintaining a relentless hunger for God’s presence. She invested countless hours in study, prayer, and training—leading women’s conferences, hosting prayer lock-ins, and teaching on intercession, spiritual warfare, and discerning the voice of God. She has owned and managed businesses, served her community through outreach programs, and built spaces for people to encounter the transforming power of prayer.

 When asked which biblical prophet she most identifies with, Lydia’s answer is immediate—Deborah. In Judges 4, Deborah’s unwavering conviction in God’s word empowered her to lead with courage. She prophesied victory to Barak, stood beside him in battle, and watched God’s word unfold exactly as promised. To Lydia, Deborah’s example is a reminder that intimacy with the Father produces the kind of confidence that makes you fearless, obedient, and steadfast—qualities she strives to live out in her own ministry. 

 Prophetess Lydia’s ministry reflects the biblical model of the Fivefold Ministry described in Ephesians 4:11–13: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers—gifts given to equip the saints, build unity, and bring the Church to maturity. Her prophetic gift is expressed not as a title for status, but as a calling to serve, edify, and equip others to hear God’s voice for themselves.