The Small Woman

In 1930, a young woman named Gladys Aylward, who felt the call to be a missionary, boarded a train in England for China. She carried her clothes and food in two suitcases. Due to the Sino-Soviet Conflict, her journey was blocked in Russia, forcing her to sleep out in the Siberian cold. After facing extreme danger, she was smuggled to Japan, where she made her way to China.

She learned Chinese and started an inn with an older missionary woman in a small (north-central) town called Yangcheng. She began feeding, housing, and telling Bible stories to mule caravaners. At first, the townspeople distrusted her, but over time, she gained respect.

Many unusual opportunities arose. The town’s Mandarin (the philosopher-leader) asked her to work for him as the local foot inspector. So she traveled from village to village, unbinding the feet of girls and young women. Later, a prison riot erupted. The frightened town leadership asked her to establish peace. Extremely frightened, she walked into the prison and witnessed horrors: a man with an axe was chasing and hacking fellow prisoners. The man approached her; terrified, she demanded that he hand over the axe.

Gladys experienced many difficulties and adventures. She traveled all around the area, establishing Christian communities. Her most significant test came during World War II when the Japanese invaded northern China, bombing and pillaging towns and villages. When Yangcheng was bombed, she became the leader and head nurse, living in nearby mountains and caves, and caring for refugees. However, as danger increased, it became clear she had to leave, with the village prisoners and nearly 100 orphans who considered Gladys their mother.

Her southwestern journey to the province of Sian achieved legendary status and is the book’s climax.

The author of Gladys Aylward’s biography, Alan Burgess, said she “is one of the most remarkable women of our generation.” Her heroic life and accomplishments began with a prayer that God would use her.

The book was published in 1957, and a movie debuted the following year. I highly recommend reading the book before watching it. Gladys Aylward thrived despite significant hardships; her willingness to serve an area of great need led to an adventurous and extraordinary life.