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Parable of the Lifesaving Station
Vol. 1, No. 5 — May 1999
Page
14
[The Knight Arnold News, Vol. 23, No. 38, September 23, 1997, p. 2.] On a dangerous seacoast where shipwrecks were frequent, a crude little lifesaving station was built.  The building was just a hut, and there was only one boat, but the few devoted crewmen kept a constant watch and vigil over the sea.  With no thought for themselves, they went out day or night, tirelessly searching for any who might need help.  Many lives were saved by their devoted efforts.  After a while, the station became famous.  Some of those who were saved, as well as others in the surrounding area, wanted to become a part of the work.  They gave time and money for its support.  New boats were bought, additional crews were trained, and the lifesaving station grew.  Some of the members of the lifesaving station became unhappy that the building was so crude and so poorly equipped.  They felt that a larger, nicer place would be more appropriate as the first refuge of those saved from the sea.  So they replaced the emergency cots with hospital beds and put better furniture in the enlarged building.  Soon the lifesaving station became a popular gathering place for its members to discuss the work and to visit with each other.  They continued to remodel and decorate until the station more and more took on the look and character of a club.  Fewer members were interested in going out on lifesaving missions, so they hired professional crews to do their