Merry Christmas, Ministry Wives: Finding Joy in the Far Places

Dear Sisters in Ministry,

Merry Christmas to you, wherever you may be serving! For some, this season might look like bustling church events, multiple Christmas Eve services, and finding time to care for your own family in the midst of it all. But for others, it may feel vastly different—serving in a place far from home, where Christmas is not widely celebrated, and the traditions we often take for granted are unfamiliar or even absent.

When my husband and I served in Japan, where many people still didn’t know the real meaning of Christmas, the season carried a unique beauty. We didn’t have a church on every corner like here in the United States, but we had something deeply meaningful—a powerful sense of togetherness among the believers. We would gather to celebrate, inviting friends who didn’t yet believe, sharing the love of Christ through warm meals, music, and fellowship.

This simplicity and intentionality offered a perspective that has stayed with me. In those moments, Christmas wasn’t about the hustle or perfection; it was about the love of Jesus made evident in how we shared life with one another.

If you’re serving far from home, take heart: your ministry, though it may feel small or isolated, is part of something eternal. Your efforts—whether it’s a conversation over tea, an invitation to a meal, or a quiet moment of prayer—reflect the heart of the Christmas story. Jesus came not with fanfare but in humility, born in a manger to bring light to the world. John 1:14 says: "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." 

This truth shines wherever we are, whether surrounded by carols and twinkling lights or serving in a place where the gospel is still largely unknown.

Serving in a different culture opens doors to experience Christmas in ways that are deeply meaningful. When believers come together in places where faith is rare, the celebration carries a sweetness and depth that can’t always be explained. You’re not just marking the day; you’re proclaiming hope to a world that desperately needs it.

During these years, we’ve also learned from people who inspire us with their resilience and gratitude. One Christmas, our family received a letter from Mwende, a girl we sponsored in Africa. She was 17 when we began sponsoring her, choosing her because older children are often overlooked. Over time, we saw her grow into a strong young woman, caring for her mother and younger brother.

That first Christmas, she used our gift money to buy a goat for her family. She sent us a picture, explaining how the goat helped provide food for them. Her gratitude and resourcefulness left a lasting impression on us, especially on our son. It was a powerful reminder of the beauty of giving and how God uses even the smallest gifts to make a profound difference. This year, as Mwende graduates from the program, it’s bittersweet to see her move forward, but we’re so grateful to have been part of her journey.

If you’re missing family or longing for the familiarity of home, remember this: Emmanuel, God with us, is not bound by location. He is with you in every moment, strengthening you as you serve. Lean into the community of believers around you, however small it may be. The bonds formed in these seasons can be uniquely rich, shaped by the shared experience of being far from home yet close in purpose.

Ministry wives in far places, your role is invaluable. You are bringing the love of Christ to hearts that might otherwise never hear the good news. Let that truth fill you with joy and gratitude this season.

So as you serve, celebrate, and reflect, may you be encouraged by the beautiful privilege of being part of God’s story, no matter where He has placed you. You are making an eternal difference, and that is a gift beyond measure.

With love and prayers,
A fellow ministry wife