Mary Ann Aldersey was a petite woman born into an affluent London family in 1797. She was the youngest of 4 children. From an early age, she was determined to help the plight of uneducated Chinese women. She studied Chinese and looked for any opportunity to go to China. After prolonged delays, Mary Ann Aldersey was finally able to enter Ningpo, China, becoming the first female missionary to China. Mary Ann dealt with delays, setbacks, opposition, frustration, and persecution. Mary Ann Aldersey opened the first school for Chinese girls in Ningpo. She also made a Chinese embossed copy of the Gospel of Luke for the blind. Her story is not only remarkable because of all she overcame, but also because of her own failures, imperfections, and authenticity.

The Witch of Ningpo by J. Reason (Edinburgh House Press)