Gladys Aylward

Key Takeaways

1. A Call to China: Gladys Aylward's Unwavering Faith and Determination

"Christians never retreat."

Divine calling. Gladys Aylward, a young British woman with limited education, felt an undeniable call to serve as a missionary in China. Despite rejection from missionary societies due to her lack of qualifications, she remained resolute in her belief that God wanted her in China.

Unconventional journey. Determined to fulfill her calling, Gladys saved money from her job as a parlormaid to fund her journey. She took the treacherous overland route through Europe and Russia, facing numerous challenges and dangers along the way. Her unwavering faith and determination carried her through, demonstrating that with God's guidance, even the most unlikely individuals can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

2. Overcoming Obstacles: From Parlormaid to Missionary

"I don't know, but I am sure God does not want me to be a parlormaid again. He wants me to do something for Him."

Humble beginnings. Gladys Aylward's journey from a parlormaid to a missionary in China exemplifies the power of faith and perseverance. Despite her limited education and lack of formal missionary training, she never lost sight of her calling.

Resourcefulness and adaptability. Upon arriving in China, Gladys faced numerous challenges, including language barriers and cultural differences. She demonstrated remarkable resourcefulness by:

• Learning the local dialect through immersion
• Adapting to Chinese customs and dress
• Finding creative ways to support herself and her ministry

Her ability to overcome these obstacles through faith and determination set the stage for her future impact in China.

3. Cultural Immersion: Adapting to Life in Rural China

"I now lived exactly like a Chinese woman. I wore Chinese clothes, ate their food, spoke their dialect, and even found myself beginning to think as they did."

Full immersion. Gladys Aylward's commitment to cultural adaptation was extraordinary. She went beyond superficial changes, embracing the Chinese way of life in every aspect:

• Adopted Chinese dress and hairstyles
• Learned to eat with chopsticks and enjoy local cuisine
• Mastered the local dialect and idioms

Building trust. Her genuine embrace of Chinese culture earned her the respect and trust of the local people. This deep cultural integration allowed Gladys to:

• Connect with people on a personal level
• Understand their needs and concerns
• Effectively communicate the gospel in culturally relevant ways

Her approach demonstrates the importance of cultural sensitivity and adaptability in cross-cultural ministry.

4. The Inn of Eight Happinesses: A Platform for Evangelism

"Soon our inn became known from Hopeh to Honan. Muleteers were the newsmen of North China and they made it known that the inn of the foreign ladies was clean, the food was good, and at night they had long stories told free of charge."

Strategic evangelism. The Inn of Eight Happinesses became a powerful platform for Gladys Aylward's ministry. By providing a clean, welcoming environment for travelers, she created opportunities for:

• Building relationships with diverse groups of people
• Sharing the gospel through storytelling and conversation
• Demonstrating Christian love and hospitality in practical ways

Multiplying impact. The inn's reputation spread through word of mouth, attracting more travelers and expanding Gladys's sphere of influence. This approach allowed her to:

• Reach people from various regions and backgrounds
• Create a positive association between Christianity and hospitality
• Establish a sustainable model for long-term ministry in the area

5. Government Appointment: Using Secular Authority for Spiritual Purpose

"If I wanted to go to China, God would take me there; but I would have to be willing to move and to give up what little comfort and security I had."

Divine orchestration. Gladys Aylward's appointment as a government foot inspector demonstrates how God can use unexpected circumstances for His purposes. This position allowed her to:

• Travel freely throughout the region
• Gain access to homes and families
• Address the cruel practice of foot binding while sharing the gospel

Dual mission. As a foot inspector, Gladys skillfully balanced her official duties with her spiritual calling:

• Inspected feet and enforced new laws against foot binding
• Used her travels as opportunities for evangelism and prayer
• Gained credibility and respect among local officials and villagers

This unique position enabled her to have a far-reaching impact, both socially and spiritually, throughout the region.

6. War and Persecution: Unwavering Faith in the Face of Adversity

"I had passed through the fire, but He had strengthened me."

Resilience under pressure. As war and persecution intensified in China, Gladys Aylward's faith was severely tested. She faced:

• Bombings and military occupation
• Threats to her life and ministry
• Displacement and loss of property

Unwavering commitment. Despite these challenges, Gladys remained steadfast in her calling:

• Continued to care for orphans and refugees
• Provided medical assistance to the wounded
• Maintained her witness for Christ, even among enemy soldiers

Her resilience in the face of adversity demonstrated the power of faith and inspired both Chinese Christians and fellow missionaries.

7. The Children's Exodus: A Perilous Journey to Safety

"If I wanted to go to China, God would take me there; but I would have to be willing to move and to give up what little comfort and security I had."

Heroic leadership. When the Japanese invasion threatened the safety of her adopted children, Gladys Aylward led over 100 orphans on a perilous journey to safety. This exodus demonstrated:

• Her unwavering commitment to those in her care
• The power of faith in overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds
• God's provision and protection in extreme circumstances

Perseverance through hardship. The journey was fraught with challenges:

• Treacherous mountain terrain
• Lack of food and supplies
• Constant threat of enemy attack

Despite these obstacles, Gladys's faith and determination inspired the children to press on, ultimately reaching safety after a grueling trek.

8. Prison Ministry: Transforming Lives Behind Bars

"I intend to alter your prison!"

Unconventional outreach. Gladys Aylward's prison ministry in Sian demonstrates the transformative power of the gospel in even the most unlikely places. Her approach included:

• Regular preaching and teaching to prisoners
• One-on-one counseling and prayer
• Advocating for improved conditions and treatment of inmates

Miraculous transformation. Through persistent prayer and faithful witness, Gladys saw remarkable changes in the prison:

• Hardened criminals experiencing genuine conversion
• A shift in the overall atmosphere and behavior of inmates
• Even the prison governor acknowledging the power of the gospel

This ministry highlights the potential for spiritual renewal and social transformation through dedicated outreach to marginalized populations.

9. The Power of Prayer: Revival in the Methodist Church

"Prepare this place for Me, for I intend to bless."

Spiritual preparation. Gladys Aylward's experience of revival in the Methodist Church underscores the importance of prayer and spiritual preparation. Her approach involved:

• Dedicating 40 days to cleaning and praying over the church building
• Enlisting others to join in the effort
• Trusting in God's promise of blessing

Tangible results. The revival that followed demonstrated the power of persistent prayer:

• Hundreds of conversions, including many university students
• A renewed sense of spiritual vitality in the church and community
• Strengthened faith among believers in preparation for future trials

This example illustrates how dedicated prayer and obedience can pave the way for significant spiritual breakthroughs.

10. Martyrdom and Persecution: The Ultimate Test of Faith

"Sir, when I went for my three months' indoctrination I thought Jesus Christ was real. I thought the Bible was true. Now I know Jesus Christ is real, I know this Book is true!"

Unwavering commitment. The story of the 200 Christian students who faced martyrdom demonstrates the depth of faith cultivated through Gladys Aylward's ministry. These young believers:

• Endured intense persecution and indoctrination
• Maintained their faith through prayer and mutual support
• Chose martyrdom rather than denying their faith

Lasting impact. The students' courageous stand serves as a powerful testimony:

• Inspiring other believers to remain faithful under pressure
• Demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel
• Challenging complacent Christians to examine their own commitment

Their sacrifice highlights the reality of persecution faced by many Christians globally and the importance of standing firm in one's faith, even in the face of death.

Last updated: January 24, 2025

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