Gladys Aylward Biography

Gladys Aylward (1902–1970) is remembered as one of the most courageous and selfless Christian missionaries of the 20th century. Her life was a testament to perseverance, faith, and the transformative power of God's calling. Aylward's mission in China, despite numerous obstacles, became an inspiring example of what it means to serve others without hesitation or fear. Her remarkable journey to the Chinese mainland, her work in the face of war and political unrest, and her lasting legacy provide a moving narrative of devotion to humanity.

Early Life and the Call to China

Gladys Aylward was born on February 24, 1902, in London, England, into a working-class family. As a child, she was not known for being particularly religious, but she always had a heart for helping others. Raised in a Christian household, Gladys attended church regularly, but it was not until she was in her twenties that she truly felt called to missionary work. At the age of 18, she worked as a governess and was employed in domestic service to help support her family. It was during this time that she became deeply interested in missionary work, particularly in China.

Her dream of going to China, however, was not easily realized. Gladys applied to the China Inland Mission, a well-established missionary organization, but she was rejected due to her lack of formal education and training. Many would have been discouraged by such a rejection, but Gladys did not let it deter her. Instead, she enrolled in a local missionary training school, where she learned the basics of the Chinese language and culture. Her determination to go to China was unwavering, and she continued to prepare herself for her calling.

After her rejection by the CIM, Gladys sought alternative routes to China. In 1930, she took a bold step by saving money for several years, until she could afford to travel to China on her own. With no formal support from any established missionary organization, she left England at the age of 28, armed only with her faith and a deep sense of purpose. Her decision was unconventional, as most missionaries in the early 20th century traveled with institutional backing, but Gladys’ steadfast belief in God’s calling to her was her guiding force.

Arrival in China and Early Ministry

Upon arriving in China, Gladys Aylward found herself in the northern province of Shansi, where she was taken in by a missionary named Jeannie Lawson. Lawson had been working in China for many years and had founded an inn for travelers along the "silk road." This inn became the base for Aylward's missionary work in the area. Gladys worked diligently to learn Mandarin and began establishing relationships with the local Chinese people.

She faced significant challenges early on. The language barrier was formidable, and the cultural differences were vast. However, Gladys quickly gained the respect and trust of the local community due to her hard work, kindness, and commitment to their well-being. She helped with various tasks, such as teaching children, running the inn, and serving as a translator. Her deep faith and unshakable belief in God's guidance were central to her work.

One of her key contributions was working with the Chinese government to help end the practice of foot binding. In 1935, she became an official “foot inspector” for the Chinese government, ensuring that the painful and harmful practice would no longer be performed. This was a significant step in her mission, as it involved both spiritual and social reform.

War, Adventure, and Courageous Actions

As the years went by, China was plunged into civil war and conflict. In 1937, the Japanese invasion of China escalated the instability in the country, and Gladys found herself caught in the middle of a violent and dangerous war zone. Despite the risks and the growing threats, Gladys remained steadfast in her mission to serve the people of China.

In 1938, disaster struck when Jeannie Lawson, her missionary mentor, passed away suddenly, leaving Gladys alone in the region. Despite the challenges, Gladys refused to abandon the work she had begun, and instead, she took on an even larger role in the inn and surrounding community. But her life was about to take a remarkable turn.

In 1938, when the Japanese army invaded, Gladys was faced with an unimaginable challenge: the evacuation of over 100 orphaned children from her care. The journey to safety was dangerous, as the Japanese forces closed in on the region. Gladys, with incredible courage, led the children through treacherous terrain to safety in the western part of China.

For days, Gladys and the children traveled on foot, often having to hide in caves to avoid the Japanese troops. There were no roads or paths to follow, and they were forced to take routes through the mountains, crossing rivers, and braving the wilderness. Gladys later recalled that she was often exhausted and on the verge of giving up, but her faith kept her going. She felt that God had called her to protect and care for these children, and she would not leave them behind.

The journey was arduous and fraught with danger, but Gladys and the children eventually made it to a safe area. Incredibly, all of the children under her care survived, and Gladys’ leadership and unwavering commitment to their well-being became an enduring testimony of her faith and resilience. Her actions during this time were later celebrated as one of the most courageous feats of missionary work in the face of wartime adversity.

Later Years and Return to England

After the war, Gladys continued her work in China. However, due to the ongoing political instability, she was forced to leave in 1949 when the Chinese Communist forces took control of the country. Although she had spent nearly 20 years in China, her mission was far from over.

Gladys returned to England, where she was celebrated as a hero. In her later years, she toured the United Kingdom and the United States, speaking about her experiences in China. Her story was widely published, and she became an inspiration to many young people who felt called to the mission field. She used her newfound fame to raise awareness about the needs of the Chinese people and to encourage others to follow in her footsteps.

Despite the attention she received, Gladys remained humble and focused on her mission. She never sought fame or recognition, but rather, she sought to serve others in whatever way she could. Her life was a living example of the power of faith in action.

Legacy and Impact

Gladys Aylward passed away on January 3, 1970, at the age of 67. Her legacy lives on, not only in the stories of her heroic actions but in the countless lives she touched through her work in China. Her story continues to inspire generations of missionaries and adventurers who seek to serve others and make a difference in the world.

One of the most notable aspects of Gladys Aylward’s legacy is her deep, unwavering faith in God. She was not an accomplished academic or an expert in any specific field, but her life demonstrated that God could use anyone, regardless of their background or training, to accomplish great things. She showed that the willingness to follow God’s calling, coupled with courage and determination, could overcome even the greatest obstacles.

Additionally, Gladys’ work with the orphaned children in China left a lasting impact on many individuals. Through her tireless efforts to protect them during the war and her work with local communities, she helped shape the lives of many people, especially in the areas of education and social reform.

Her autobiography, “The Small Woman,” written by Alan Burgess, further cemented her legacy and introduced her story to an international audience. The book was later adapted into a film in 1958, which helped spread her inspiring message of faith, courage, and service.

In conclusion, Gladys Aylward’s life was defined by her unwavering commitment to helping others, her deep trust in God’s guidance, and her remarkable courage in the face of danger. Through her work as a missionary in China, her rescue of orphaned children during wartime, and her lifelong devotion to spreading the love of Christ, Gladys became a shining example of selfless service. Her story continues to inspire countless people around the world, reminding us all of the power of faith, perseverance, and compassion.