Gladys Aylward

We just finished reading a biography of Gladys Aylward, an English missionary to China who lived from the early 1900's until 1970. I am amazed at how she sacrificed her life completely for the sake of sharing the Gospel. She is an unexpected portrait of Jesus for me. Her life was in danger many times, and her work seemed so anonymous, so ordinary. She immersed herself in the Chinese culture with no formal education, and did whatever the moment needed in order to get the message of Jesus to those who lived around her. Her obedience in the face of danger is unbelievable. She risked everything for God. What a woman!

I'm glad my children get to hear about missionaries who leave the comfort of their own life and follow a calling from God to bring the "good news" to those who need to hear it. As a mom I imagine that I will be a bit afraid if any one of my own would venture off on an adventure to a distant or dangerous place. Do you know the words to "Trust and obey?" I believe in the third verse it says, "what He says we will do, where he sends we will go, never fear only trust and obey". ...if I could be so brave to pray for my children to have that kind of faith...