Gladys Aylward: No Mountain Too High (Trail Blazers)

Description

On her own, as a single female, she carried her passport and other documents, along with the only money and belongings that she had, in a small briefcase with a teapot and a saucepan tied to the handle. Many looked on Gladys Aylward’s expedition to mainland China as foolhardy and dangerous. It was. After having purchased her one–way ticket to China, she left the United Kingdom with a single–minded determination to do what God had commanded her. She knew she was meant to go to China – even if no mission was prepared to support her. Unconventional is the only way to describe this journey to the country that would eventually become her home. A theme that would continue throughout her mission work in China where she thwarted authorities, became involved in the Chinese resistance and rescued over 100 children from the invading Japanese army. The Trailblazer’s series collects great stories from Christians of the past and delivers them to the young people of today. This gripping and astonishing story from Myrno Grant will challenge young readers to trust God as Gladys Aylward did. A well–known and long–standing series: Over 50 titles Great for ages 9 to 14 Published in 14 languages Half a million books sold Also available in box sets when one book is not enough! 7 themed box sets, each with 5 books Each biography follows the trailblazer’s journey to faith, and on to the work that God had planned for them. With lots of dialogue, these engaging stories show how God uses normal individuals to bring about his purpose. Each book features: Thinking Further Topics for each chapter to help readers think about how what they’ve read applies to their life today Timeline of important events in the lifetime of each book’s subject Review: Come on Dad, read another chapter--Please! - I recommend NO MOUNTAIN TOO HIGH, as a youth biography of Gladys Alward. This book takes the reader on an exciting a walk thru the life experiences of Gladys Alward,a British-born woman who felt God calling her to missionary work. Trusting the Lord, her travels take her across Russia to her destination --China-- where she lives, ministers and eventually dies. The author does well in illustrating the difficulties she faced, and the faith that kept her loving. Upon arrival in China they threw mud at her and called her "foreign devil"; yet she loves them and serves humbly and is assigned the Chinese name Ai-weh-deh which means "righteous one." Upon finishing the final chapter last night I proclaimed aloud: "What an awesome woman!" I believe that you will do the same. Surely Gladys Alward was a unique woman, uniquely called, uniquely used... but throughout the book I was challenged by the thought, "Look what God does through those who simply serve him. What about me?" I read this book aloud to my children (ages 9-13). Every chapter has enough dialog, action, spiritual insight, and often unresolve that each night they pled, "Come on Dad, can't we read another chapter--just one more?" Young readers will find this a compelling easy-reader. I'd also recommend it for Church library and/ or summer reading club--so give it away when you're done with it--or better yet, buy two copies and bless someone. If you're reading this aloud to children, you'll want to take advantage of the "Thinking Further" pages at the end of the book which assist adults in asking thoughtful follow-up questions after each chapter. I wish I had books like this placed in my hands as a young Christian. Review: Great read-aloud! - We homeschool and I chose this book as we are trying to learn more about missionaries. I read it aloud so even our younger children could hear the story. Once we had finished the first chapter, they were hooked! Each day, I heard "When can we read more 'Gladys'?" They do love when I read out loud to them, but this story really was special. Gladys has a sense of humor and exuded a strong will when necessary. I liked changing my voice a bit to "become" her to reflect this and the children often found her quite funny. In searching for more on this remarkable lady, I found the movie starring Ingrid Bergman (on desertcart Prime). I highly recommend this as a pairing- but read the book first! Hollywood does change a few details, but we knew the full inside story already- so it was enjoyable, and very "wholesome". My husband watched along with us- he had not heard the book, or her story before but became quite interested as he watched and began asking the kids questions for more details. Overall, a great experience for us, learning more about a strong follower of Christ. We are now reading the CorrieTen Boom book (an amazing Christian woman in her own right!) and so far, we are equally as impressed with the writing (plan to review when we're finished).