Melanie remarked, “I always just get my mom or sister to keep mine.”

Dana said, “Unfortunately all our family lives in other states. Babysitters are not easy for us to come by, especially with four active boys!”

“I hadn’t thought about that,” confessed Lydia. She thought a minute then added, “I guess being in the ministry requires a lot of sacrifice.”

“It’s tough at times,” agreed Dana. “I miss my family terribly. But God has always supplied surrogate grandparents wherever we’ve ministered. I’m sure in time we’ll find people here who will love and care for our active crew as well.”

Each of us who choose to submit to Christ’s lordship in our lives must often sacrifice time, money, dreams, possessions, or relationships in order to obey Him. Still, those who heed the call to full-time ministry often sacrifice even more.

The woman who supports her husband in church ministry, evangelism, or missions often finds herself far from family and friends. She also sacrifices time with her husband so he can minister to others. She often sits alone in church, finds it difficult to make deep and trustworthy friendships, and forgoes her own career plans to follow her husband wherever God leads. While most ministry wives consider the blessings to far outweigh the sacrifices, they still deserve our understanding, support, and prayers. Take time to show a ministry wife that you also notice and appreciate the sacrifices she makes.