Legacy a Missionary's Life: In Letters from the Cook Islands

In the 1950s, a young English couple and their baby set sail for the remote Cook Islands, answering a call to serve as missionaries. Through a treasure trove of heartfelt letters and evocative photographs, you can follow as their story unfolds―a time of faith, resilience, and hard work in an unfamiliar land. Immersed in the rich culture and warmth of the Māori people, they embraced island life, facing both beauty and hardship. When their second child was born amid a life-threatening complication and scarce medical resources, their courage was tested like never before. Meanwhile, their firstborn flourished in the Cook Islands, growing into a confident, humorous child, fully embracing the rhythms of island life―barefoot adventures, chicken chasing, and cheeky exchanges in the local language. At its heart, Legacy is a story of family, faith, and the kindness of a welcoming community. It captures the simple joys of island life, the deep connections formed across cultures, and the courage that carried them through every challenge―a testament to the beauty of finding home in the most unexpected places. The letters are a legacy left to shine a light on what life was like for this young missionary family and the impact their experience would have on generations to follow.

Simeon Sturney ==============

Simeon Sturney is an experienced through-the-gate prison chaplain and a former managing chaplain at one of the largest Women’s prisons in Western Europe. He is the author of You, Me and the Butterfly, One Mile to Make a Difference and Gate Happy.