Gladys traveled to China by train and boat. In China, she helped an older missionary operate an inn where they shared Bible stories with merchants and drivers who passed through the area.
Then, a local leader appointed Gladys as a foot inspector to help end the torturous custom of foot binding. As Gladys unbound the girls' feet, she shared the story of Jesus' love with them.
After eight years of serving in China, Gladys' village came under attack by Japanese soldiers. Villagers had left their children in her care. Though Gladys was wounded in an attack, more than 100 children were depending on her to lead them out of danger. In the middle of the night, the ragged group began a three-week, 100-mile trek across the mountains.
Gladys led the children to safety, encouraging them to persevere in the face of danger, hunger, and exhaustion by singing songs and telling stories of God's faithfulness to His children.
Gladys Aylward is an example to all Christians of what it means to lead a humble life. From working as a housemaid, to raising money for her Chinese mission, to making the arduous trek through China to keep the children safe, Gladys spent her life counting others more significant than herself. It often comes naturally to serve ourselves and our own desires, but may we be people who desire to serve others in humility. |
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