Gladys Aylward

Picture of Gladys Aylward (http://bereanbibleheritage.org/extraordinary/artwork/aylward_gladys.jpg)

Gladys Aylward’s life was one of faith, courage, and determination. In fact, she has many admirable attributes that make her my hero. She was born in 1902 and lived a truly incredible life until she died in 1970. After hearing a preacher speak of dedicating one’s life to the service of God, eighteen-year-old Aylward knew God’s plan for her was to become a missionary in China. This small yet determined woman stopped at nothing to achieve her goal. After failing to pass the examinations at the China Inland Mission Center, Aylward heard of seventy-three-year old missionary Jeannie Lawson who needed a younger woman to carry on her work in Shansi, China. Aylward could not afford the ship’s fare to Shansi, so she arrived at Mrs. Lawson’s house by mule with her Bible in hand. The two women then opened their doors as an inn. Soon, customers came for good food, warm beds, and more stories about a man named Jesus.

The two women had a strong bond and Miss Aylward learned much from Mrs. Lawson, but sadly Mrs. Lawson suffered a severe fall and died. Although on her own, Aylward continued to help and witness to others. After breaking up a riot in a prison, the people gave Aylward a new name: Ai-Weh-Deh, which means "the virtuous one". Aylward came upon a woman begging with a child beside her. When Aylward realized this child was an orphan she paid ninepence for her, took her home as her own, and thus called her Ninepence. Soon, over 200 orphans occupied Aylward’s inn. However, when a war broke out Aylward knew she must get all of her children to safety. Aylward and the children walked for twelve days through rivers and over mountains until they reached Sian where Aylward collapsed with typhus fever. Aylward recovered and continued to do great things, including starting a church that she worked in until she died many years later.

Aylward in front of the Gladys Aylward school (http://www.lawrenceseastwood.co.uk/walkerstreet/reunion_Gladys_Aylward.htm)

Gladys Aylward is a hero to me because of her great faith in God, determination, and courage in all circumstances. She persevered and never gave up until she got to China. She fearlessly walked into a riot in a prison and broke it up. In the midst of a war, she thought of others before herself and trusted God to take care of them. After nearly dying, Aylward started a church and preached there until she died. But Alyward’s legacy did not die there. A school was founded in 1963 named the Gladys Aylward school in her honor. Additionally, a movie was made in 1958 about her life called the Inn of the Sixth Happiness. Although Gladys died, her heroic story lives on to witness to people throughout the world.