Coastal Missions Society
Conclusion
For the sake of brevity, few stories have been told; only a few of the hundreds of people who made this huge history happen are mentioned.
God puts His purposes in people's hearts to do different things to accomplish His plan. As for using boats for gospel advancement on the coast, He has moved hearts to carry on into a new era.
Debbie tells a story. It started many years ago. The crew had learned of a family living in a secluded place. Coastal Messenger went in and anchored, and the workboat was launched. The crew went ashore. The home was a most humble habitation. A little girl sat shyly in a back corner watching with big curious eyes as conversations took place.
Debbie had brought crayons, and with a colouring book, she diverted the girl's shyness.
No matter how inaccessible the various locations where coastal people live, all have a place they call "town." The Post Office was a faraway place in the case of this child. Debbie sent a letter in good faith that it would reach her. It did, and the girl wrote back.
Coastal Messenger returned the following year. All that was left of the crayons were their worn ends. Debbie gave her a new box. This was repeated over several years. Then, on one of those visits, the girl had a gift for Debbie—several little candles made from the melted wax crayon ends.
The girl moved to town in her early teens. Her world grew. She went to art school, and in time, met a special man and married. Debbie and Anne were able to attend the wedding. For a gift, Debbie gave her those precious candles.
The "girl" is now in her thirties, and they still write back and forth. One recent card from her contains words of gratitude in phrases such as, "the influence you've had…life wouldn't be the same without you."