What do you think?
Rate this book
For the Joy: 21 Australian Missionary Mother Stories on Cross-Cultural Parenting and Life
From the desert to the mountains, from remote far-flung places to some of the most populated cities in the world, For the Joy brings together 21 unique perspectives on what it’s really like being a mother on the mission field.
Stories include:
- home-schooling while living in a bus
- giving birth in a foreign hospital
- navigating the toddler years as a ‘third culture mum’
- raising a child with special needs recovering from anxiety on the field
- the grief of losing your family to persecution
Honestly written, raw in emotion, sad and joyful in equal measure, this collection of stories offers insight into the complexities of parenting children while serving God far from home.
Stories include:
- home-schooling while living in a bus
- giving birth in a foreign hospital
- navigating the toddler years as a ‘third culture mum’
- raising a child with special needs recovering from anxiety on the field
- the grief of losing your family to persecution
Honestly written, raw in emotion, sad and joyful in equal measure, this collection of stories offers insight into the complexities of parenting children while serving God far from home.
189 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2018
3 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 9, 2022
Finally, a book of missionary moms who are actually mothering and writing about it!
I’ve been frustrated for a long time by the lack of good reading material by missionary moms who have embraced mothering alongside mission work. So often it seems like they just have 1 or 2 kids in order to do throw themselves into mission work on the field. Nothing wrong with that, but I know there are moms out there who have wholeheartedly embraced mothering AND missions, and this book does a wonderful job at depicting that! Most of these moms are homeschooling their kids, with the exception of a few in the older generation where they did send their kids off to boarding schools.
I literally sobbed when I read the story of Julie’s son dying, laughed out loud reading Red’s story, and scribbled ideas and notes in my journal from other stories. These aren’t perfect moms (or mums, as the book calls them since it’s written by all Australian women). These are ordinary women who have let God use them on the mission field in their ordinary work of mothering, and because of that have encountered amazing opportunities to share the gospel.
There were several typos and grammar mistakes, so consider yourself forewarned if that bothers you. Still 5 stars for me because of the content it contained.
I’ve been frustrated for a long time by the lack of good reading material by missionary moms who have embraced mothering alongside mission work. So often it seems like they just have 1 or 2 kids in order to do throw themselves into mission work on the field. Nothing wrong with that, but I know there are moms out there who have wholeheartedly embraced mothering AND missions, and this book does a wonderful job at depicting that! Most of these moms are homeschooling their kids, with the exception of a few in the older generation where they did send their kids off to boarding schools.
I literally sobbed when I read the story of Julie’s son dying, laughed out loud reading Red’s story, and scribbled ideas and notes in my journal from other stories. These aren’t perfect moms (or mums, as the book calls them since it’s written by all Australian women). These are ordinary women who have let God use them on the mission field in their ordinary work of mothering, and because of that have encountered amazing opportunities to share the gospel.
There were several typos and grammar mistakes, so consider yourself forewarned if that bothers you. Still 5 stars for me because of the content it contained.
August 7, 2025
Very inspiring! Here’s some comments on specific stories.
Adventures in Arnhem Land
So much that I relate to here in this reflective, raw story of choosing to live in and engage with a culture so different from her own.
Press close
This had me in tears. I could really identify with the image of a little lamb, pressing close during a time of danger.
Missional living as a mum
This was really cleverly framed. I also really connected with this story of mothering missionally and the way the author discovered she was not as tough as she thought she was.
When a seed falls
Somehow I skipped forward to this. I didn’t know Gladys Staines had contributed her story to this collection but the anthology is worth buying for this alone. Yes it is a hard story to read. What is incredible about it is how Gladys learned to be content with taking a back seat until events thrust her into the limelight. She saw it as an opportunity God had given her that she needed to grasp and so she did. What an amazing woman.
My journey through anxiety
Describes how hard the beginning of missionary life it is. Very raw. I related to it more than I wish I did.
The most ordinary job in the world
There is much wisdom in the way this woman did life as a mother in a missionary context.
The boarding life
I find this so sad. I appreciated her reflections at the end and her honesty.
Lost and found
A moving story of brokenness that resulted in a stronger relationship with God and thankfulness for the suffering.
Adventures in Arnhem Land
So much that I relate to here in this reflective, raw story of choosing to live in and engage with a culture so different from her own.
Press close
This had me in tears. I could really identify with the image of a little lamb, pressing close during a time of danger.
Missional living as a mum
This was really cleverly framed. I also really connected with this story of mothering missionally and the way the author discovered she was not as tough as she thought she was.
When a seed falls
Somehow I skipped forward to this. I didn’t know Gladys Staines had contributed her story to this collection but the anthology is worth buying for this alone. Yes it is a hard story to read. What is incredible about it is how Gladys learned to be content with taking a back seat until events thrust her into the limelight. She saw it as an opportunity God had given her that she needed to grasp and so she did. What an amazing woman.
My journey through anxiety
Describes how hard the beginning of missionary life it is. Very raw. I related to it more than I wish I did.
The most ordinary job in the world
There is much wisdom in the way this woman did life as a mother in a missionary context.
The boarding life
I find this so sad. I appreciated her reflections at the end and her honesty.
Lost and found
A moving story of brokenness that resulted in a stronger relationship with God and thankfulness for the suffering.
July 12, 2022
Feeling all the emotions. A beautifully compiled book of 21 different and unique stories of mothering in the mission field, the honest good and the bad. Incredibly encouraged by the conviction these women have in the love of God and salvation of Christ. Every Christian should read this, man or woman, mother or not!
May 9, 2022
These short stories of mothering while living cross-culturally is compelling, honest and relatable. Recommend.
September 18, 2025
This was a re-read for me! But definitely hits diff being a mum now. Each story spoke to my fears while deeply encouraging me to not be tied to these fears and to keep clinging to God’s care!
May 3, 2020
What a beautiful book this is! Filled with lots of short stories from different Australian mums on the mission field, it's easy to read and yet so heart-touching at the same time. These stories were inspirational, eye-opening and gave me a greater sense of compassion for Australian Christians living in different cultures. This book could be read by anyone, but I'd highly recommend for anyone interested in missions or interested in motherhood - it will certainly touch your heart!
May 29, 2021
I really enjoyed these stories from women serving the Lord overseas; how they coped with suffering, transition and family life. We experienced some of the same hardships during our years in Africa, and it’s an encouragement to hear them share.
December 14, 2021
Made me laugh and made my cry... a lot. Full of love
April 5, 2019
Being neither a mum or an overseas missionary, I was surprised by the impact that this book had on my heart. The stories are surprisingly relatable, raw in emotion and offers valuable insight into the joys and despairs of motherhood and ministry, far away from home. ‘For The Joy’ should be recommended reading for anyone considering full-time ministry or overseas mission work. It also serves as a remarkable encouragement to those who are in the thick of ministry, for it gives an honest – not glorified – account of what mission life is truly like. Such honesty points both the idealist and the weary to the power of God, and the only glory that matters. ‘For The Joy’ is also helpful reading for partners of missionaries, as the stories will bring colour and form to experiences that may seem foreign and far away.
For the full review visit: http://heiditai.com/2019/04/05/missio...
For the full review visit: http://heiditai.com/2019/04/05/missio...
January 18, 2019
Loved these stories! A little bit of laughter, plenty of tears. Lots of encouragement.
Thank you ladies for sharing your hearts.
Thank you ladies for sharing your hearts.
April 25, 2019
Truly an amazing book, about 21 missionary mothers/wives on the mission field. There was tears reading this, and joy. Truly inspiring.
Read
October 29, 2019This is a book I once set out to write, but ended up with something rather different. Was eager to see how the book turned out for someone who stayed on that path, gathering first-person narratives written by missionary moms (mums) illustrating the situations and struggles they face in living cross-culturally. This book gives us a front-row seat.
I like that it includes chapters from every part of the world. They are all Aussies, but doing various work in various places and serving under different agencies. A good number of them are back in Australia at this point and speak of these experiences after much reflection.
Less helpful is that most topics are only addressed from one point of view and through the eyes of one woman. So I think this would help women in missions know they are not alone, but it could have used more editorial framing or something. Some of the women were describing experiences pretty far back that are unlikely to relate to what missionaries face today. For example, one goes into great detail describing what boarding school was like for her and for her children decades ago. It's interesting to know what missionary life was like back in the day, but something more contemporary would have been more helpful.
A chapter focused on navigating transitions was quite good and could be helpful to many. And the book also looks at re-entry and furlough issues, which is good. There's even a chapter from Gladys Staines, an Australian woman whose husband and sons were martyred in events that made headlines worldwide.
Book would be of interest to supporters or moms/mums who want to know what it's like to be a mum in missions. Not much for men, member care providers, or single women. Emphasis on unique "mum" stuff (childbirth, raising littles, etc.) tend to overshadows the kinds of things other cross-cultural workers also face (depression, identity issues, transition). Reinforces my theory that mothers of young children - and maybe those who have ever been mothers of young children - are a whole different people group.
I was a bit disappointed; I didn't love this book. Will look around for reviews from others, e.g., actual mothers. I'd probably give it three stars, but I don't want to discourage the contributors so I'll just leave the ranking field blank. Maybe if I had different expectations or had read less on these topics I'd find it more ground-breaking or compelling. There are few if any books just like this, so it's worth reading on that grounds, though these days you can find these topics addressed on blogs and podcasts.
I like that it includes chapters from every part of the world. They are all Aussies, but doing various work in various places and serving under different agencies. A good number of them are back in Australia at this point and speak of these experiences after much reflection.
Less helpful is that most topics are only addressed from one point of view and through the eyes of one woman. So I think this would help women in missions know they are not alone, but it could have used more editorial framing or something. Some of the women were describing experiences pretty far back that are unlikely to relate to what missionaries face today. For example, one goes into great detail describing what boarding school was like for her and for her children decades ago. It's interesting to know what missionary life was like back in the day, but something more contemporary would have been more helpful.
A chapter focused on navigating transitions was quite good and could be helpful to many. And the book also looks at re-entry and furlough issues, which is good. There's even a chapter from Gladys Staines, an Australian woman whose husband and sons were martyred in events that made headlines worldwide.
Book would be of interest to supporters or moms/mums who want to know what it's like to be a mum in missions. Not much for men, member care providers, or single women. Emphasis on unique "mum" stuff (childbirth, raising littles, etc.) tend to overshadows the kinds of things other cross-cultural workers also face (depression, identity issues, transition). Reinforces my theory that mothers of young children - and maybe those who have ever been mothers of young children - are a whole different people group.
I was a bit disappointed; I didn't love this book. Will look around for reviews from others, e.g., actual mothers. I'd probably give it three stars, but I don't want to discourage the contributors so I'll just leave the ranking field blank. Maybe if I had different expectations or had read less on these topics I'd find it more ground-breaking or compelling. There are few if any books just like this, so it's worth reading on that grounds, though these days you can find these topics addressed on blogs and podcasts.
September 3, 2022
I didn’t realise that life on the mission field could be so isolating for mothers. Obviously I’d considered the different challenges that they would face: attempting to raise children in a different culture, whilst juggling language learning, investing time into relationships with locals, and often homeschooling.
I think it’s common to place more emphasis on the work of the husband, the guy doing the real hands on gospel work, and emphasise the struggles that come along with that. But the challenges of learning to be a mother, without easy communication and familiar friends are overlooked, a stressful and painful process.
It is beautiful to hear the daily challenges of motherhood in a foreign culture, raising third culture kids and battling for Christian influence in a secular world. But in each of these stories, I was struck by the wrestle of mission life - a complete reliance on Gods strength because there was no alternative.
This is the privilege and curse of Christian life in the western world; our ability to solve problems without considering the influence of the sovereign God.
It is an encouragement to see these women struggle with the highs and lows of mission, ultimately confident that there’s more to life than our present trials.
Would we all have the same perspective.
I think it’s common to place more emphasis on the work of the husband, the guy doing the real hands on gospel work, and emphasise the struggles that come along with that. But the challenges of learning to be a mother, without easy communication and familiar friends are overlooked, a stressful and painful process.
It is beautiful to hear the daily challenges of motherhood in a foreign culture, raising third culture kids and battling for Christian influence in a secular world. But in each of these stories, I was struck by the wrestle of mission life - a complete reliance on Gods strength because there was no alternative.
This is the privilege and curse of Christian life in the western world; our ability to solve problems without considering the influence of the sovereign God.
It is an encouragement to see these women struggle with the highs and lows of mission, ultimately confident that there’s more to life than our present trials.
Would we all have the same perspective.
May 22, 2020
3.8 stars
You could be fooled into thinking that this book only has application to missionary mothers. You'd be wrong. It is really a book about what it is like to be a woman following Jesus wherever he leads. Therefore it is applicable to any woman, their spouse, church folk and anyone who loves to read realistic stories of real people.
Although, the quality of writing is not consistent over the 21 stories, there is something for everyone. I suspect different stories will touch you are different times in your spiritual journey.
The format of the book suits reading one story a day or even less often or devouring it all at once.
Lessons for this journey called life. Keep the tissues handy and be inspired.
You could be fooled into thinking that this book only has application to missionary mothers. You'd be wrong. It is really a book about what it is like to be a woman following Jesus wherever he leads. Therefore it is applicable to any woman, their spouse, church folk and anyone who loves to read realistic stories of real people.
Although, the quality of writing is not consistent over the 21 stories, there is something for everyone. I suspect different stories will touch you are different times in your spiritual journey.
The format of the book suits reading one story a day or even less often or devouring it all at once.
Lessons for this journey called life. Keep the tissues handy and be inspired.
January 22, 2021
An insight into some of the many and varied lives of missionary women who were also mothers. Some did it really tough while others felt their family soared above the circumstances. All felt that they had grown to know them selves and God better through the time of service. Similar themes of being all the richer for having experienced a different culture for refreshing their own priorities back in Australia. Also reflections on the furlough experience and settling back into Australian life. I loved the celebrating closure idea of before leaving one place to spend time as a family revisiting favourite places, eating favourite foods and saying a proper farewell to those who had impacted their lives ... start early rather than later.
November 10, 2019
This is a raw and wonderful book. I was often in tears as I read. Thank you to all the brave women who gifted a little slice of their world to its pages. We need faithful witnesses such as these mothers. Their stories knit into us who God is, who we are, and all that is promised to God's beloved people.
C.S Lewis writes that when Christians unite in friendship our lived faith fills the other up with a unique vision of God. And this is what I received reading ‘For the Joy’, a cloud of witnesses who’s faith in struggle filled me brimful with the faithful love of Jesus Christ, a downpour I’ll now always have to draw upon.
C.S Lewis writes that when Christians unite in friendship our lived faith fills the other up with a unique vision of God. And this is what I received reading ‘For the Joy’, a cloud of witnesses who’s faith in struggle filled me brimful with the faithful love of Jesus Christ, a downpour I’ll now always have to draw upon.
June 15, 2020
I bought this book to read with the Velvet Ashes book club but didn't get around to reading it then. I like that this book just had a bunch of different people's experiences. All of the mothers wrote about the experiences and topics that were on their hearts and it was cool to hear that although their stories were sometimes very similar, they were also very different. It was amazing to read that even after experiencing some very hard times, they point us back to the importance of following God wherever He leads.
January 8, 2020
This book comes to me just at the right time. My family and I are prepared to return to my husbands “birth place” after we’ve been working as missionaries for the past 13 years. Like every single mum and wife in this book, it is a very difficult and yet rewarding journey. I’m both scared and excited to see how our new lives unfold as we move into a new era! May the Lord our God continues to give wisdom and knowledge to all the missionary parents out there!
May 4, 2020
I've had this book for a while but now was the right time to read it. Perfect length chapters giving glimpses into the life of missionary mums was a great way to give a little insight into the complexities, difficulties and blessings of their lives. I always feel it's such a privilege to have a sneak peak into why people do what they do and it challenges me to be more intentional with my own life and less judgmental of others as well.
December 27, 2020
This was both emotionally and theologically moving and powerful. I was struck by the difficulty of mothering, by the resourcefulness of these women and by their utter dependence on God even in bleak and uncertain times. I was stirred by the honesty, the confession of failure as well as the delight in opportunity. I was both sobered and encouraged as I consider a similar path for myself.
January 14, 2020
This was a good book of camaraderie as a fellow missionary mama. It was a quick read. If you're not a missionary mama and want to know more about our lives, this is worth grabbing for a little insight.
January 15, 2022
An amazing collection of stories from missionary mums about raising kids on the mission field and in different cultures. Each story highlights different challenges or struggles and ultimately shows how these women trust and depend on God.
Read
October 15, 2019Relatable, enjoyable, always encouraging to be affirmed in my struggles. E age 12 enjoying. Few difficult stories for younger kids.
August 26, 2021
This is a good book. It was good to hear the stories of missionaries who are mothers. Hopefully it will help people know better how to pray for the missionary mothers we know.
October 4, 2021
Stories about raising children on the mission field
May 22, 2020
I love the honesty of each of these Australian mothers, and that the book has a wide variety of stories from women of different ages, countries they serve in and perspectives. It shows how unique all our lives are, and we trust God to write our own story.
Read
February 18, 2019Encouraging stories of God working in and through the lives of these Christian missionary mothers.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews