Bible Worker Report: Hayley Phillips — "Here Am I; Send Me" (Nov 2026)Through a long, cold Victorian winter and spring, Hayley has kept going into Melbourne each week to share the precious truths of the three angels' messages from her book table at Flinders Street Station. In her November letter below, Hayley tells of an 85-year-old helper who joined her in the cold, a schoolgirl who wept for joy over the Conflict of the Ages set, and how God turned even opposition into a blessing. She also has an invitation for anyone willing to step out in faith. Hayley writes - Hi Everyone, In Victoria we have had a very long cold winter which has continued well into spring. I have been going into Melbourne each week rain hail or shine, all rugged up even with hot water bottles, hat, gloves and scarves and I believe when we step out in faith God is always there leading the way. A couple of months ago I received a phone call from a lady I had never met before, who was looking to do something for God and didn't know exactly what to do. So it was suggested she get in touch with me. This lovely lady had never handed out books before and was willing to give it a go. In the next few weeks, she came into the city with me. We arranged to meet up on the train. We had only just met and moments later we had offered some books to a lady and her daughter who was in a wheelchair. The lady knew of Seventh-day Adventists, and first said no to the books we offered her but then asked if her daughter could have some books. This lady was happy to pass on her details as she likes to come to any concerts and meals at our churches but not really interested in reading books or coming to church as such. I handed her daughter a children's book about the Mutiny on the Bounty and Steps to Christ. Whilst the mother may not have taken the books it is amazing how God works through the children or young people as they are willing to accept the books and learn new things. This was a good start to our day! Something I hadn't told you is the lovely lady who came with me this day was 85 years old and was coming in to stand on the street in the cold all day. I did suggest to her to bring a stool or a small seat as it can get tiring but something not too big as we are not allowed to have seats as such outside Flinders Street Station. Well, it was wonderful to have some help and the company that day, as the books always go out a lot faster when we are able to reach more people. I would like to encourage anyone who is reading this newsletter to step out in faith and do something to spread the message. I know we all have different gifts and talents and we may feel uncomfortable doing something that we would never imagine. Whether it's handing out books in the city or whatever your calling may be, but God can use us whatever our limitations may be, whether you're young or old, able or physically challenged, God will enable and heal the heart, mind and body, and will establish our faith as we share the truths for this time, especially as we step forward in faith. If there is anyone else that would like to give it a go and come into the city to hand out books, please let Steps to Life know, as the city is a big place where we could reach so many more people. Over the last few weeks, I have had the absolute pleasure of giving out lots of books to every age and walk of life. I have been interviewed by Channel 9 and have had a young man skate past my table and throw books off my table, which doesn't usually happen. What is the verse that says we need to be always ready to speak? 1 Peter 3:15 "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear." When some of my books were sent flying that was not at me; the man did that to God, I was not hurt, just inconvenienced and two ladies came straight away and picked up the books for me, which makes my faith in humanity stronger. When bad things happen around us or get some opposition we know we are doing God's work, we always need to remember that Satan is the one who is not happy and is trying to stop us, so we must be doing something right and that God is there fighting the spiritual battles for us and around us. There are some that take a book and might return them and say it's not for them and others come back and say what else can they have and come back time and time again. There are so many people that come to my book table that are on their way to the airport and going back to their own countries that are so overwhelmed when they realise what the books are and say they have no access to any religious books and start to cry and are so thankful for what they have received and believe that God has sent them there. There is a young schoolgirl who came and asked about the books only in the last couple of weeks. I was explaining to her about the Conflict of the Ages set and when I offered them to her, she was so amazed and was crying for joy. These experiences make any of our inconvenience whether pain, cold or books thrown on the footpath worthwhile. God is full of so many blessings like this for each and every one of us. I found this quote in Ministry of Healing pg 98 that is inspiring. Christ commits to His followers an individual work—a work that cannot be done by proxy. Ministry to the sick and the poor, the giving of the gospel to the lost, is not to be left to committees or organized charities. Individual responsibility, individual effort, personal sacrifice, is the requirement of the gospel. Isaiah 6:8 "Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me."
Christian regards, Hayley Phillips Steps to Life Bible Worker If you would like to help with the cost of books and Hayley's wages, a donation would be very much appreciated, thank you. Please visit our website www.steps.org.au or phone 0411 481 930. |
