While serving as a maid in London in the early part of the 20th century, Gladys Aylward had other dreams. Her goal was to be a missionary to China. Having been rejected by a Christian missionary organisation as ‘unqualified’, Gladys decided to go there on her own. At the age of 28, she used her life savings to purchase a one-way ticket to Yangcheng, a remote village in China. There she set up an inn for trade caravans where she shared Bible stories. Gladys served in other villages as well and became known as “Ai-weh-deh”, Chinese for “good, honourable one”.

The apostle Paul also spread the gospel to distant regions of the world. He lived as a servant, meeting the needs of others (2 Cor. 11:16-29). He wrote this about serving: “We do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake” (4:5).

Not all of us are called to endure hardship to spread the gospel in distant lands. But each of us is responsible as a servant of God to share Christ with the people we know. It’s an honour to help our neighbours, friends and relatives. Ask God for openings to serve and to talk about Jesus who gave Himself for us.

We serve God by sharing His Word with others.

Author

Dennis Fisher

Topics

Our Daily Bread