A Parlor Maid Called to China
Gladys Aylward's story is a testament to the power of determination and faith. Born in 1902 in the bustling streets of North London, Gladys grew up in a working-class family. Her father, a postman, instilled in her the value of hard work, and by the age of fourteen, she was already working as a parlor maid. One evening, separated from her friends on a busy street, Gladys found herself at a revival meeting. There, at the age of eighteen, she experienced a profound transformation. As she listened to the preacher speak of dedicating one's life to God's service, she felt a stirring in her heart and decided to embrace Christianity.
Against All Odds to the Mission Field
Gladys sensed a calling to travel to China and share the Gospel, but she faced immediate hurdles. Rejected by the China Inland Mission due to her lack of formal education, Gladys refused to be deterred. She worked tirelessly, saving every penny to fund her journey. Her opportunity came when she learned of Jeannie Lawson, an elderly missionary in China who needed assistance.
On October 15, 1930, Gladys embarked on a perilous journey via the Trans-Siberian Railway. Despite the dangers of war and the harsh Siberian landscape, Gladys was resolute. At one point, she had to bribe guards with her last pound note to escape capture. It was her unwavering faith in God's provision that saw her through these trials.
In Yangcheng, Shanxi Province, Gladys worked alongside Jeannie Lawson at the Inn of Eight Happinesses, sharing stories of Jesus with travelers. Her commitment earned her the respect of the locals, who named her 'Ai-weh-deh,' or 'Virtuous One.' Gladys also served as a foot inspector, traveling through the district to enforce the ban on foot-binding while sharing the message of hope.
The invasion by Japanese forces in 1938 marked another chapter of her life. Gladys led over a hundred orphans on a grueling 12-day journey across the mountains to safety. When they reached the Yellow River without a way to cross, they prayed, and a Chinese officer miraculously appeared to help them.
Even after collapsing from exhaustion and illness, Gladys continued her mission work. She returned to England in 1947, sharing her stories and founding a charitable trust for orphans. Later, she established an orphanage in Taiwan, where she passed away in 1970. Gladys Aylward's life was a story of faith and courage, a testament to the belief that God can use anyone willing to serve.
