Gladys Aylward (1902-1970)

She always knew that she would be a missionary, but when Gladys applied to the China Inland Mission
she was denied. They didn’t think someone so young could learn the language, and she had little
education to back her up. Gladys wasn’t one to give up, and after working as a housemaid, she spent her
life savings on a train ticket to China. Her trip was full of setbacks, but in 1932, Gladys arrived in
Yangcheng and began to work with an older missionary, Jennie in setting up the Inn of the Eighth
Happiness. Gladys worked for the Chinese government as a “foot inspector”, enforcing the new laws
against female foot binding. She became a beloved Chinese citizen, affectionately called “Ai-Weh-Deh”.
She took in many orphans and unwanted girls. When the region was invaded by the Japanese during
WWII, Gladys took around 100 orphans over the mountains to safety. Unable to return to China after
the communist regime was in place after the war, Alyward settled in Taiwan where she spent her
remaining days running her orphanage and sharing Jesus with her many friends and the children for
whom she cared.

Mary Slessor (1848-1915)

Growing up in the slums of Aberdeen, Scotland, with an alcoholic father and little hope of changing your
circumstances doesn’t seem like a promising start for anyone. But for Mary Slessor, her childhood
taught her a tenacity and a strength that would serve her well in her years spent living in Nigeria. Mary
grew up hearing her devout mother read the mission paper every month. In her heart grew a desire to
share Jesus with others. She was 27 when David Livingston passed away, and she decided that she
would go and continue his work to reach all of Africa. Mary’s work began in Calabar, and she lived and
worked in places where no European had ever been. She faced life-threatening illness and hardship, but
“Mighty Mary” did not once consider giving up. She lived with Okoyong and Efik people for 15 years,
learning their languages and helping them settle disputes; working tirelessly to educate and overcome
superstitions, such as twin-killing and women’s rights. She earned their love and respect and as a result
was able to spread the gospel to areas no other missionary could.

Amy Carmichael (1867-1951)

Perhaps not many people thought that Amy Carmichael had much of a chance at being a missionary.
Suffering from neuralgia, Amy was often weak and in pain so great that she was confined to her bed for
weeks at a time. But Amy knew that God had called her to mission work. And with the encouragement
of a few, she did go. In India, she found her life calling, and spent her remaining 55 years there without
ever going home. Her life was dedicated to ending child prostitution and giving a home and a future to
India’s many orphans. Amy was also a prolific author, and her many books have encouraged and
inspired many throughout the years.