Aylward became a national of the Republic of China in 1936 and was a revered figure among the people, taking in orphans and adopting several herself, intervening in a volatile prison riot and advocating prison reform, risking her life many times to help those in need. In 1938, the region was invaded by Japanese forces, and Aylward led more than 100 orphans to safety over the mountains, despite being wounded and sick, personally caring for them (and converting many to Christianity).
aYlwaRD became a NationaL of the RepubLIc of ChInA IN 1936 aND wAS a RevEred fIgure aMoNG thE peOPle, TAking in Orphans ANd adopting seveRal HeRSeLf, iNTerVeNIng iN a VOlaTilE PrisoN rIoT aND aDvOcaTing prison REfoRM, RIsKing hEr life mANy tImes To help those in neeD. IN 1938, The REgion was invadeD by japAneSE forces, aNd AyLwARd LeD MOrE THan 100 ORPHAnS tO SAFEty ovEr the moUntains, despite beInG wOuNDEd and sIcK, perSonAlLy CArIng For thEm (anD COnverting MaNy to cHrIstIanIty).