I just finished reading Flight of the Fugitives, a book by Dave and Neta Jackson about the life of Gladys Aylward. This book is part of a 40-book series called the Trailblazer Books. I acutally read this book for school in second grade, and my sister had the whole collection growing up. The Trailblazer Books are based on true stories of missionaries and great people of faith. Each book highlights one individual and is mostly fact with some fiction thrown in. However, the beginning of the book gives an overview of what is true and what is just for the story. I am looking forward to reading more of the easy-read books and learning about those who have helped to spread the Gospel.
Gladys Aylward was born in England in 1902, but desired to serve the Lord in China. She went through training with an organization, but in the end was told she would be be able to go. She ended up working her own way for a one way ticket to China. She served with a woman who owned an inn that mule drivers would stop at and get meals. The women would tell them stories from the Bible in the evenings. Eventually, Gladys become the Official Foot Inspector for the Mandarin. She unbound girls' feet and helped them to be able to walk properly again. This brought in some extra income for her and allowed her to interact with many of the people of China. Gladys became a Chinese citizen and even adopted several children. Then a war broke out and her children along with 100 others had to be taken to a new area - several days' journey away. Gladys successfully got all the children to the place that would care for them. At 55 she opened up her own orphanage to continue to care for children. She continued to serve the Lord in China until her death at 68.
I think Gladys Aylward's story is an encouragement that when you know what the Lord has for you, He will provide a way if you don't give up. She could have easily given up on her dream to serve in China after being told she would not be able to go, but she knew that's where she was being called and continued to look for a way to get there. May we be able to know what the Lord has for us and work hard to get there.
Gladys Aylward was born in England in 1902, but desired to serve the Lord in China. She went through training with an organization, but in the end was told she would be be able to go. She ended up working her own way for a one way ticket to China. She served with a woman who owned an inn that mule drivers would stop at and get meals. The women would tell them stories from the Bible in the evenings. Eventually, Gladys become the Official Foot Inspector for the Mandarin. She unbound girls' feet and helped them to be able to walk properly again. This brought in some extra income for her and allowed her to interact with many of the people of China. Gladys became a Chinese citizen and even adopted several children. Then a war broke out and her children along with 100 others had to be taken to a new area - several days' journey away. Gladys successfully got all the children to the place that would care for them. At 55 she opened up her own orphanage to continue to care for children. She continued to serve the Lord in China until her death at 68.
I think Gladys Aylward's story is an encouragement that when you know what the Lord has for you, He will provide a way if you don't give up. She could have easily given up on her dream to serve in China after being told she would not be able to go, but she knew that's where she was being called and continued to look for a way to get there. May we be able to know what the Lord has for us and work hard to get there.
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