Dear Sister is not the usual book that I review. It’s actually a compilation of letters written by Gisela Yohannan written to encourage women living in locations around the world that are hostile to Christianity. They cover seven years of letters from 1999-2005.

Gisela Yohannan’s husband is the Director of Gospel for Asia. Gisela ministers to thousands of Christian workers in many counties. Each letter in Dear Sister shares a little of what she is going through and then offers spiritual wisdom and insight for the other women who may be going through the same things. She closes with specific prayer requests related to the work of Christians in hostile countries.

Dear Sister reminds me of Letters to Karen by Charlie W. Shedd. His was a compilation of letters written to his daughter preparing her for her upcoming marriage. Because they’re personal letters they have a different feel than a traditional book. Reading Dear Sister is like eavesdropping on a conversation between strangers. It draws you in because you realize that what she is talking about is just as relevant to you the reader as it was to her initial recipients.

If you have a heart for missionaries, you will enjoy this close up look at some of the struggles they go through. You’ll be encouraged by Gisela’s messages of hope regardless of who you are.

Gospel for Asia is making this book available for free download, so you can check it out yourself. The great thing about this book is that each letter is independent, so if you just need a short encouraging word, you can read a chapter or two. Or you can get drawn in and continue reading the entire collection. The choice is yours.