The woman and the book

Hier is een vloeiende, natuurlijke en warm verhalende Engelse vertaling van jouw tekst. Ik heb de historische sfeer, de eerbied en de literaire toon zorgvuldig behouden:

In From the Past for Today, we share old stories that can still touch us now. This time, we draw inspiration from Gladys Aylward, whose life is described in The Small Woman (“De vrouw met het Boek”). Her story is a beautiful example of how God desires to speak with anyone.

Gladys grew up in Edmonton (London) in a Christian family. In 1930 she began missionary training, and in October 1932 she set off for China—completely on her own. The journey was not without danger. Upon arrival she was pelted with stones. Not long after, the Chinese embraced her and gave her the name Ai‑Weh‑Toh: “the one who loves us.”

At one point she visits a Chinese inn:

“In the tangible silence that hangs in the kitchen, the eyes of the men remain fixed on the Book. They keep listening, hungry for more. Gladys says, ‘Oh, the people of Yang Cheng and all the people of these North‑Chinese mountains must know that the God of Moses is still alive today. Even now, on this very day, now and always!’

She is convinced that He lives. He speaks through His Word, and He has spoken to her personally—yes, to her, Ai‑Weh‑Toh, the one who now sits visibly before them.”

God had spoken to her while she was still in her own country. He had told her to leave England and go live among the people of China. Through His Word He had said to her: “Go from your country and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.” As she tells how this call came to her, she becomes newly aware of the awe‑inspiring weight of that calling. She feels again the willingness to obey, the longing to be sent; the terrifying journey through Russia in which she felt God’s protection and guidance so closely. Her eyes shine with the glow of reliving it; as she speaks of the fears and trials, the listeners hold their breath.

As they listen, the truth of God’s message from His Word sinks deeper into the souls of these Chinese mountain dwellers. It seems that on this evening, the existence of the living God and His presence through His Word is truly felt. And the testimony of the woman with the Book—and her words—are believed.

A silence follows. Heads bow forward. Lost in thought over what they have heard, the people remain seated in quiet stillness.

Illustrations: Ben Horsthuis