Gladys Aylward

Gladys Aylward

Nineteen thirty was not the year for a little English woman to be traveling to China.  Working hard to make a living, Gladys Aylward had only one goal.  She wanted everyone in  China to know the love of God.  While struggling to provide for regular necessities, another struggle came.  The Emperor wanted Gladys to go into a jailhouse full of murderers and use God's power to make them stop.  Gladys took the task and though men with knifes and axes were coming toward her, they all froze because they saw God in her eyes.  After that, the Emperor was very kind and let Gladys live peacefully in China.  After that, she visited monthly to the jailhouse.

Gladys Aylward lived from 1902-1970, doing God's will.  She lived in England and China for most of her life following God wherever He led her.  God always provided a way for her to live.  Through struggles of sickness and pain, she courageously pulled through and gave all the glory to God.

Gladys Aylward is my hero because she was a missionary and wanted people to know Jesus.  When I was four years old, God told me that I was supposed to be a missionary to China too.  I also read a book about her and that inspired me to be a missionary even more.  She has inspired me with all of her love, passion, and sacrifices she made for China.  I wish she was still alive so I could meet this amazing woman of God.  Gladys will always be my inspiration and encourage me to move on.