Gladys Aylward

NAME: Gladys Aylward

WHAT FAMOUS FOR:

Gladys Aylward is famous for her courageous missionary work in China, particularly her efforts to rescue orphaned children during the tumultuous years of the Chinese Civil War and World War II.

BIRTH: Gladys Aylward was born on February 24, 1902, in Edmonton, London, England.

FAMILY BACKGROUND: She was born into a working-class family, the daughter of Thomas John Aylward, a postman and Rosina Florence.

CHILDHOOD: Aylward's childhood was marked by poverty and hardship, but she demonstrated a strong sense of determination and compassion from a young age.

EDUCATION: She received a basic education but left school at the age of 14 to work as a domestic servant.

CAREER RECORD: Aylward's career was defined by her missionary work in China, where she served as a Christian evangelist and humanitarian.

Worked various jobs in England before feeling called to missionary work in China.

Arrived in China in 1932 and established a small inn in Yangcheng.

Fought against the practice of foot binding and rescued young girls.

Became a warden for a children's home and later opened her own orphanage.

Led hundreds of orphans on a perilous escape from Japanese forces during World War II.

Continued her humanitarian work in China and Taiwan after the war.

APPEARANCE: She was of average height with a plain, unassuming appearance that belied her inner strength and resilience.

Gladys Aylward in China

FASHION: Aylward dressed modestly and practically, often wearing simple clothing suitable for her missionary work in rural China.

CHARACTER: She was known for her unwavering faith, compassion, and determination in the face of adversity.

SENSE OF HUMOUR: Aylward had a dry sense of humor and a quick wit, which she often used to diffuse tense situations or bring joy to others.

RELATIONSHIPS: Although unmarried, Aylward formed close bonds with the Chinese people she served, particularly the orphaned children under her care.

MONEY AND FAME: She lived a modest and frugal life, prioritizing her missionary work and the welfare of others over personal wealth or fame.

Aylward gained international recognition after the publication of her biography, The Small Woman.

FOOD AND DRINK: Aylward embraced the local cuisine of China, often eating simple meals of rice, vegetables, and tea with the people she served.

MUSIC AND ARTS: While not particularly interested in music and arts herself, Aylward used creative methods such as storytelling and drama to share her message of faith with the Chinese people.

LITERATURE: She read extensively, particularly Christian books. Aylward valued the Bible as her primary source of inspiration and guidance, often quoting scripture in her teachings and writings.

NATURE: Aylward appreciated the beauty of the natural world, finding solace and inspiration in the rugged landscapes of rural China, particularly its mountains..

HOBBIES AND SPORTS: Her main hobbies included reading, gardening, and spending time with the children under her care.

SCIENCE AND MATHS: Although not formally educated in science and math, Aylward had a practical understanding of these subjects gained through her experiences as a missionary.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY: Her life was guided by her Christian faith. She believed in the power of faith, love, compassion, and service to others.

Stuck in domestic service at a young age, Gladys Aylward dreamt of faraway lands and spreading the good word. She studied with great determination in order to be fitted for the role, only to be turned down by the China Inland Mission because her academic background was inadequate.

Gladys scraped together every penny, booked a one-way ticket to China (no refunds!), and ended up partnering with a formidable Scottish missionary named Mrs. Jeannie Lawson. Together, they opened The Inn of the Eight Happinesses in a remote outpost at Yangcheng – not exactly a catchy name, but hey, it had a roof and four walls, which was more than most folks in Yangcheng could boast.  There, she and Mrs. Lawson not only provided hospitality for travelers but would also share stories about Jesus.

Gladys became a crusader against the barbaric practice of foot binding, stomping around like a one-woman podiatry police force. She took in orphans faster than a bakery sells doughnuts on Saturday morning, even adopting a few herself.  There were prison riots she intervened in. She risked her life many times to help those in need.

By the time 1949 rolled around, China wasn't exactly the picture of tranquility. Communists were about as keen on missionaries as a fly in your soup, so Gladys, headed back to Blighty. After her mum passed away, she settled in Taiwan and guess what? Yep, you guessed it – another orphanage! The Gladys Aylward Orphanage, to be precise. There she stayed, spreading kindness and Christianity until the good Lord himself called her home.

SCANDAL: There were no scandals associated with Aylward's life; she was widely admired for her selflessness and dedication to humanitarian causes.

MILITARY RECORD: Aylward was not involved in military service but played a crucial role in evacuating orphaned children from war-torn regions during the Second Sino-Japanese War.

In 1938, the region Aylward was serving in was invaded by Japanese forces. Most folks would've hightailed it outta there faster than you can say "banzai," but Gladys? She wasn't about to abandon her orphans. So, she led more than 100 of them over treacherous mountain passes, all while nursing a war wound that would make lesser folks cry like a toddler separated from their blankie.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS: Despite facing numerous challenges and hardships, Aylward maintained good health and physical fitness well into her later years.

HOMES: She lived in various locations throughout China during her missionary work, often in simple accommodations provided by local communities. They included Yangcheng, Taiyuan, and Yanan, where she established orphanages. 

TRAVEL: Aylward traveled extensively throughout China, often on foot or by mule, as she carried out her missionary work in remote villages and regions.

DEATH: Gladys Aylward passed away on January 3, 1970, in Taipei, Taiwan, leaving behind a legacy of selfless service and compassion.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA: Gladys Aylward's story captured the hearts and imaginations of many. Here are some key appearances in media:

The book The Small Woman by Alan Burgess, published in 1957, detailed her extraordinary life. This biography became a bestseller and brought international recognition to Aylward's work.

The 1958 film The Inn of the Sixth Happiness starring Ingrid Bergman was based on Burgess's biography. The film further popularized Aylward's story and legacy.

In addition several documentaries have been produced about her life and humanitarian efforts.

ACHIEVEMENTS: Gladys Aylward's achievements transcended geographical boundaries:

Rescuing Orphans: During wartime, she led hundreds of orphans on a daring escape, saving them from potential harm. Her orphanages throughout China provided a safe haven for countless children.

Championing Social Change: Her unwavering opposition to the cruel practice of foot binding empowered women and girls. She fought for their rights and well-being.

Cross-Cultural Understanding: Aylward embraced Chinese culture, learned the language, and dressed modestly. This dedication fostered trust and respect, allowing her to connect deeply with the people she helped.

Symbol of Courage and Faith: Her unwavering belief in God and her remarkable courage in the face of adversity continue to inspire people worldwide.