Serving as a Spouse in Ministry

Kristy Graham, host of On the Ground with Samaritan’s Purse, sat down with Joy Dagher while she visited international headquarters. Joy and her husband, Sami, who was featured in our last episode, have been a team for decades as they raised children and shared the Gospel in dangerous places.

Joy grew up in a home where she heard about God and went to church, but did not truly know Him. When Joy came to believe in Christ as Lord through reading the Bible, she realized that Jesus was the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Joy quickly learned that she could not have control over everything—she needed to let the Holy Spirit do the work.

“When Christ comes into your life, there is a foundation. Without Him, there is no focus. Each one is after himself, but in Christ, there is a oneness, a purpose.”—Joy Dagher

The Daghers’ work in ministry began simply by opening up their home. It was there in that space that they shared the love of Christ, poured into others, and met the tangible needs of their community. Joy knew in her heart that God called her and Sami to ministry, and it was her role to support this effort in any way she could. Sami would often come home with unexpected guests, putting Joy in the kitchen to prepare meals. Hospitality was a priority in their ministry.

“I felt God had called my husband to ministry. And it was my role, as I read the Scriptures, to support him in that role.”—Joy Dagher

Many years in Joy’s life required an extra level of faith, as the region where her family resided was experiencing war. Joy shared stories with Kristy about how the Lord protected them, and how they were able to find joy in the uncertainty. She always knew the Lord was with them in the fire.

“When the bombs are falling on you, what are you going to do? Tell me, are you going to be afraid? Are you going to run away?”—Joy Dagher“

Now, Joy is in a new season of ministry. Though she is unable to drive anymore, she has not stopped reaching others with the Gospel. Joy understands that she needs to be content with what the Lord has given her and make the most of the position He has put her in. Joy has two families nearby who she loves on, serves, and ministers to—a gift from God and an answer to prayer.

Please pray for Joy as she continues reaching out to those in her community. Pray for protection as Joy and Sami serve in hard places not open to the Gospel. If you’d like to keep up to date with more stories from on the ground, please visit SamaritansPurse.org.