A few thoughts related to my own experience living in another country and apart from my Lutheran brothers and sisters:

“O LORD, you ... hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me.
Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?” (Psalm (139:5, 7).

“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3).

Indeed, if I never again heard another sermon,
I would still have the eternal testimony of Jesus’ own words (Matt. 24:35).

If I never again received absolution through a pastor,
I would still have the treasure of Christ’s own absolution (Eph. 1:7).

If I never again received a portion of the blesséd Bread and Wine on Sunday,
I would, by God's grace, rise daily knowing that I have eternal life because Christ’s body was broken for me and his blood was shed for me (1 Cor. 11:24-25, Lam. 3:22-23).

If I never again encountered a believer from my own church body,
I would have ample reason to rejoice --
• with the inhabitants of heaven over even one sinner who repents anywhere (Luke 15:7), and
• with all those who proclaim the excellencies of him who has called them out of darkness and into his marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9).

If every copy of the Bible were destroyed, it would continue to inspire,
for “the word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (Ro. 10:8).

If all opportunities for Christian fellowship vanished, I would still have
• my identity as one washed to be God’s instrument (1 Cor. 6:11, Titus 3:5),
• the Holy Spirit dwelling within me (1 Cor. 6:19, 12:3; 2 Tim. 1:14),
• the abiding presence of the Good Shepherd (Ps. 23, John 10:1-5), and
• a Heavenly Father to whom I can always cry, “Abba!” (Ro. 8:15).

If no spiritual light came by way of church leaders, family, friends, or strangers,
I would still be called to convey the light of Christ myself, joyfully for their sake (John 8:12, Matt. 5:14) and to God’s own glory (Matt. 5:16, John 15:8).

“I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth” (Psalm 34:1).