Kingdom Exploits: Gladys Aylward

Kingdom People are a people who do great exploits and a people on a mission for the King.

One lady in particular, Gladys Aylward, lived on mission doing great exploits for God in China. Born on the 24th of February 1902, in north London, Gladys’ family came from a humble background. There was nothing in her circumstances that marked her out for anything remarkable. However, her response to the call of God on her life for China is both inspiring and challenging. There are 3 things from her life that can encourage us to embrace the mantle of mission today.

1.                     Conviction and Calling

Gladys was deeply impacted when she learnt that millions of Chinese people had never heard the gospel of Jesus.  She decided they needed to hear about Jesus and so went about trying to convince people that they should go to China as a missionary. When everyone refused, Gladys made 2 promises to the Lord:

-           Dear Lord Jesus, if you will open the door and show me how I will go myself.

-           I will never again ask anyone to do something that I believe you are asking me the person Gladys Aylward to do.

Gladys chose to follow the conviction of the Holy Spirit that she was called and that if she was called God would open the door.

2.                     Costly obedience

Gladys applied to the China Inland Mission, but after a short probationary course, she was turned down because she struggled to learn Chinese. Instead of giving up, she kept working as a maid, saving every penny, until in October 1930 she spent her life savings on a train ticket and set out alone for China with a one way ticket. ‍

Hebrews 11:8-12 speaks into the faith that is required for costly obedience. Obedience is costly, but it comes with blessing (Hebrews 11:12, John 12:24-26).

3.       Costly love      

Gladys loved the Lord and loved people and gave her life to that end.

One of the most remarkable moments in Gladys Aylward's life came during the Japanese invasion of China in 1940. As war engulfed the province where she lived, she found herself responsible for around one hundred orphaned children. With no safe refuge left, she made the courageous decision to lead them on foot across the mountains to safety in Free China. Eventually, after incredible hardship and against all odds, every child reached safety.

It became one of the greatest testimonies of her faith.

Gladys wasn't extraordinary because she was gifted. She was extraordinary because she responded.

She didn't cross mountains because she loved adventure. She crossed mountains because she loved people and loved Jesus.

People who don't know Jesus matter to God. Our city matters. The unreached nations matter.

The greatest missionary was never Gladys Aylward. It was Jesus Christ. He left the glory of heaven, crossed the greatest distance imaginable, gave everything in costly obedience to the Father (Philippians 2:5-8) and laid down His life because of costly love. Gladys simply followed in His footsteps. The same Jesus who sent Gladys now sends us.

-           Taken from Hannah Worrall’s message.

Next steps:

-           Take a moment of silence and ask the Holy Spirit:  "Lord, what are You saying to me today? What is my next step to be?”

-           Pray:  "Lord, give me Your heart for people."

-           Read more about Gladys Aylward here: https://www.historyspage.com/post/the-life-of-gladys-aylward-missionary-to-china

Catch up with the service here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ent7PJJn3jc