Gladys Aylward: The Adventure of a Lifetime

I enjoy every single YWAM missionary biography I read. This book is no exception. I have always enjoyed the story of the woman who went by herself to a country that was fighting a war! Her diligence and untiring work serving the people of China is encouragement for all.
My only note is that there was a lot more violence and romantic content than I had anticipated (see below).

Notable Quotes:
“If I must die, let me not be afraid of death, but let there be a meaning, O God, in my dying.”

Things to be aware of in “Gladys Aylward: The Adventure of a Lifetime:”

Violence:
-Many executions is witnessed (sensitive readers may not appreciate it)
-Fingers are blown off by bombs
-A woman and her children’s house is boarded and then set on show more fire.
-There is a prison riot involving blood, machetes, and other violence (details are given that sensitive readers may not appreciate)
I wouldn't consider myself a sensitive reader, but some of the violence was very gruesome. It is all true and I do believe it is important to include it, but just keep that in mind when recommending this book to younger/sensitive readers.

Romantic Content:
-A male character is alone in a room with Gladys and says, “You forget you are a woman alone in a strange country. I can do what I like.”
-Women’s clothes are ripped off multiple times.

Spiritual Content:
Obviously, this is a Christian biography so there is a lot of great spiritual content!

Additional Notes:
-There is detailed explanation of China’s foot-binding law. (Sensitive readers may not appreciate it)
-Gladys preaches show less

Without formal education or a missionary organization to back her, Gladys raised her own finances for the overland trip that would bring her to the country and people that God had etched so deeply on her heart... China!

What follows is an amazing adventure of faith and determination. Gladys Aylward, a housemaid from England, dared to trust God in the face of dire and seemingly hopeless circumstances. Her life is one of the truly great missionary stories of our era.

Inspiring biography of Gladys Aylward, a young housemaid who felt called to missionary service in China. The film 'Inn of the Sixth Happiness' was based on her life, and I'd seen that but never read a more accurate account of how she got to China, and what she did.

Written for younger teenagers, this is a good book with an inspiring account of a very courageous and resourceful young woman. Little seemed to daunt her, yet she remained humble and always cared for individuals, particularly children.

I read this book aloud to my daughters. This is the second book that we have read in this series. Last year, we read George Müller: The Guardian of Bristol's Orphans.

Gladys is an inspiring woman. She felt called to go to China to spread the word of God, even though she had no formal education in ministry or the means to get there. Although she continually experienced road-blocks during her journey to China, and even once she arrived there, her determination never wavered and she persevered.

We really enjoy this series! The stories are so interesting, and they read more like works of fiction than biographies. My elder daughter loves them, and she wants to read more of them.

Just started this series. Gladys Aylward was a woman from England who went to war torn China in the early 20th century as a missionary when she was only 20 years old. The book (and whole series I think) is geared for young teens but I enjoy books for any age, really. Chock full of adventures, inspiring feats and trials beyond my imagination.

Her Life (1902 - 1970) is one of the truly great missionary stories of our era. Easy to read.