Who was Gladys Aylward and what did she do?

Early Life and Background

Gladys May Aylward was born on February 24, 1902, in Edmonton, North London, England. She grew up in a working-class family and served as a housemaid in her early years. Despite not receiving extensive formal education, she was known for her diligence, determination, and an abiding conviction that she was called to serve others in a place far beyond her homeland.

Sense of Calling

In her early twenties, she developed a profound burden to serve as a missionary in China. Although initially rejected by the China Inland Mission because of her limited education, she did not waver in her intention. Stories of faithful service (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:58: “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable…”), combined with her fervent prayer life, propelled her onward. She determined to go to China using her own funds and creative means, convinced that if God called her, He would make a way.

Journey to China

Her trip across Russia and into China was fraught with difficulty. Arriving in 1932, she joined veteran missionary Jeannie Lawson in Yangcheng, Shanxi Province. Together, they opened what became known as the “Inn of the Eight Happinesses” (also retold as the “Inn of the Sixth Happiness” in later accounts), welcoming travelers, providing them with hospitality, and sharing biblical truths in the process (cf. Matthew 25:35: “For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat…”).

Ministry Among the Chinese People

Aylward immersed herself in the local culture, learned the language, and earned the affectionate Chinese name 艾偉德 (Ai-weh-deh, meaning “Virtuous One”). She became widely respected, even by local officials, for her compassionate desire to help the needy. She put James 1:27 into action: “Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress…” Aylward’s commitment included rescuing abandoned children and establishing an orphanage where she cared for them, teaching about the eternal hope found in Scripture and nurturing them as a mother would her own.

Role During Times of Conflict

In the late 1930s, hostilities erupted between China and Japan, endangering lives across the region. Demonstrating extraordinary resolve, Aylward led more than 90 orphaned children to safety over perilous mountain terrain. Historical records and local accounts confirm her courageous leadership on that journey, which required walking for multiple days under the threat of enemy forces. She entrusted every step to God’s protection (cf. Psalm 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.”).

Later Work and Legacy

Aylward remained in China for some years before eventually relocating to Taiwan after the Communist takeover. There, she continued her work of caring for orphans and teaching children. Renowned around the world, her influence prompted articles, films, and books, most notably “The Small Woman” by Alan Burgess and subsequent adaptations.

Though she encountered challenges and sometimes had to navigate cultural misunderstandings, her devotion to sharing biblical truth never diminished. Her life testified to the power of faith and the call to missionary service, encapsulating God’s heart for the vulnerable. She died on January 3, 1970, in Taiwan, leaving behind a legacy of courage, compassion, and the ongoing work she inspired across continents.

Spiritual and Missional Impact

Aylward’s story exemplifies how one individual, though lacking formal credentials, can accomplish extraordinary things through reliance on God and fidelity to Scripture. She demonstrated Christ’s commission to make disciples of all nations (cf. Matthew 28:19) and highlighted caring for orphans, aligning with the biblical mandate to protect and nurture those in need.

Her story has been used as an example in numerous Christian training materials and missionary conferences. Anecdotal accounts testify that her persistence affirmed the scriptural truth of God’s sovereignty and provision. In many ways, her ministry serves as a modern narrative illustrating passages such as Galatians 6:9: “Let us not grow weary in well doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Continued Relevance

Gladys Aylward’s life stands as a timeless encouragement for believers who sense a calling that surpasses their personal limitations. Modern leaders in missionary work frequently reference her example of overcoming adversity—both financial and institutional—to obey what she understood as God’s commission. As with many notable servants of the faith, her refusal to be deterred by practical obstacles resonates with Jesus’ assurance in John 20:21: “As the Father has sent Me, so also I am sending you.”

This steadfast commitment, grounded in biblical conviction, endures as a model for all who seek to make a meaningful difference in places of hardship. Through her story, one observes the manifestation of God’s faithfulness, reminding believers that He uses those who rely on His guidance, trust in His commission, and prove willing to sacrifice for His kingdom’s sake.