July-August 1999
My Heroes Led the Way
by Luis Palau
One of my heroes is someone I've never met. Perhaps you've heard of Gladys Aylward. Her story has been told in a popular biography, a film starring Ingrid Bergman and a BBC "This Is Your Life" feature.
If you'd met Gladys in her younger days, you would have wondered what all the fuss was about. Born into a working-class family, Gladys did poorly in school and began working as a maid at the age of 14. She would have remained a maid but for her overwhelming passion to leave her beloved London and travel to China.
Against Odds
The odds couldn't have been more against Gladys. In fact, the organization to which she applied was less than enthusiastic about sending this single, unlearned maid to the Orient.
That didn't hinder Gladys. She set out by train across Europe and Asia. That she made it to China was a miracle. On one occasion, Gladys found herself on a deserted train, stranded in Siberia -- less than a mile from where Russian and Chinese soldiers were at war!
Once in China, Gladys underwent some harrowing experiences. She demonstrated courage and physical endurance where many a man would have wilted.
Through it all, Gladys persevered. But why? Why did she leave the comforts of London and the safety of her job to endure prejudice and persecution in a foreign country?
Because in her mid-20s, Gladys Aylward had found the ultimate reason for living -- Jesus Christ -- and longed to tell every soul in China the Good News she had received.
The Way to Happiness
Another person of hero-stature in my eyes is Edward Charles Rogers. This oil company executive left his home in England to travel to Argentina more than 60 years ago.
Fame and fortune weren't his motives. Neither were exciting travel opportunities or lavish living conditions. At that time, Argentina was little more than a third-world country. The entire world was reeling under the economic depression that had recently hit. And Hitler's rumblings were growing louder and louder.
Still, Rogers came, and like Gladys, remained despite the hardships he endured. He cultivated friendships with my parents and many others in my small town. He helped build the little chapel where we worshiped God which is still being used to this day. And he showed my mom and dad the way to true happiness -- through trusting Jesus Christ as Savior.
Again I ask, why did he leave everything dear to him to travel halfway around the world from England to Argentina?
Priceless Treasure
Like Gladys Aylward, Rogers had discovered the joy of trusting in Jesus Christ as Savior and knew he had to share this priceless treasure with those who had not yet discovered Jesus.
They knew the Gospel message -- that Jesus Christ came to earth as a baby, died on a Roman cross and rose from the dead to return to heaven as King of kings and Lord of lords -- is good news for Chinese, for Argentineans, for Americans, for all races and nations. It's a message of hope, a message of forgiveness and peace and life and joy.
And it's a message that can change our lives for good...if we call on Jesus and ask him to forgive our sins.
Never-ending Party
Like my two heroes, I have tried to make sharing the gospel message my main purpose in life. It's because of that Good News that I travel to city after city, country after country, leaving wife and family and grandkids behind. It's why I have ignored death threats and bomb threats and put my life in jeopardy. And it's why I'm writing this article.
With all my heart, I want you to know Jesus Christ. I want you to experience the true peace and joy and freedom only he can bring. All you have to do is open the door of your heart to him.
"But how?" you may be asking.
Jesus said it best: "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20).
In other words, Jesus is inviting you and me to a party that never ends!
Meet Jesus
To meet Jesus Christ and to know him is better than falling in love, better than anything in the world. He is the Creator, and he loves you. He wants to come into your life and to take despair and turn it into joy.
Have you heard Jesus speaking to you in your own heart? Have you asked the Lord Jesus to save you -- to forgive your sins, cleanse your heart, adopt you into God's family, give you the sure hope of heaven and fill your heart with joy unspeakable? If not, why not stop right now, where you are, and in the quietness of your heart talk to God? You can place your trust in him this very minute.
You may wish to use the following prayer of commitment:
"Lord, I come humbly before you and ask you to forgive my sins. Thank you that Jesus died on the cross to cleanse my heart. Thank you that he rose again to give me eternal life. Thank you that now I can enjoy each day of walking with you, and thank you for the promise of heaven. I love you and will live for you all the days of my life. Amen."
© 1999 Luis Palau
If you have prayed this prayer and committed your life to Jesus Christ, or if you would like further information on knowing Christ, write to us at The Plain Truth, Pasadena, CA 91129 or call 1-800-309-4466 and request Palau's free booklet, What Is a Real Christian? (K128). We look forward to hearing from you.
Luis Palau is an international evangelist who has preached the gospel to more than 12 million people in 64 countries.