More from Our Bible Worker, Hayley

Hayley writes –

A couple of weeks ago I had an amazing day full of joy and sadness.

The day was just different, I was in the central Melbourne CBD meeting people and handing out books. I was very blessed to be able to give several books to a family that was going back to China and also to a man who was going back to South Africa. I had others who asked, ‘Who is God?’ and ‘What is God?’. These were great opportunities to talk with people and give them books.

While we were at the table of books we set up, we had more opportunities to help people. We noticed a young lady was struggling to carry her bags, so Francis (Who I often witness with in Melbourne CBD.) helped her to carry her bags to where she was going. Another time while Francis was talking to a homeless man on the seat near where we set up, and whilst I was at the table with the books, I noticed on another seat nearby, a struggle between a man and a woman. I didn’t know what to do so I was praying again for guidance and keeping an eye on what was going on as I was concerned for the woman’s safety. The woman kept on trying to get up and leave but the man would grab her bag and wouldn’t let her leave. This went on for a while and then she eventually got away and went up the Melbourne Library steps behind our bookstand, then around the corner to sit in the garden.

I watched the man who was trying to see where she went and then he got up to follow her. I didn’t know what to do but was still concerned for the woman’s safety. So, I told Francis that I had to go to check on the lady’s safety. My aim was to give her some more time, so I went straight up to the man and offered him a book, which he declined. He then went the long way around looking for the woman. This enabled me to go directly to the lady and ask her if she was alright before he got to where she was.

She said she was okay, but I could see she was a bit shaken. While I was talking to her, I could see the man heading in our direction, so I said to her ‘May I offer you a book because that is what I do and if you need help I am at the book table and will help if I can’. She accepted the book and I was able to tell her that there was a card inside which had a phone number on it if she needed help. The man eventually came along and sat with her again and I don’t know what will come of this but please pray that this woman will be okay and will find real happiness through Jesus.

Francis and I had many deep discussions with people during this CBD visit. Just before lunch I was handing out books to the people on the lawns and up the top outside the library. I offered a book to Melinda, who would have been 40-50 years old, and I noticed she was crying so I asked if I could sit next to her and if it was alright to give her a hug, which she was happy for me to do. I found out her name was Melinda and I asked her what was wrong. She said she wanted to go into the library to see a film, but they wouldn’t allow her to go inside because she didn’t have any shoes. So, I asked her if I could get her some shoes. She said that would be very kind and I said would she like to come with me to choose the shoes.

She wasn’t that responsive, so I asked what size shoe she took, and if there was any particular shoe she would like runners, sandal, etc or colour. Her response was that she didn’t care, anything would be great. I asked her to wait for me to come back as it would take me a little while to go and get the shoes. I told Francis what was happening and went to get her some shoes.

Big W wasn’t far away, so I headed there for the shoes. She said she was a size 7 and I had noticed she had quite a wide foot. I got her some sandals like Birkinstock that had buckles that could be adjusted and some shoes like Sketches that were stretchy that would probably fit and bought them and then took them back to her. This poor woman was in a daze but put the shoes on very quickly. I spent a bit of time with her speaking about God and praying with her and left her with Steps to Christ and The Great Controversy. I didn’t see her go into the library, but it has worried me ever since. Was she okay and what else could I have done for her?

Please pray for Melinda to first of all find the love of God and the help she needs.

There are so many people that need help, some people have physical needs, some more spiritual needs and some just need a hug. I have found most people will allow you to pray with them and prayer is often received with an emotional response. God’s love breaks down barriers and enables us to reach people where they are. Praise God for His wonderful goodness.

May God bless you.

Hayley Phillips.

Please pray for Hayley and Francis as they regularly engage with people in the busy and multicultural CBD of Melbourne. It’s a place where people come to daily from the office buildings all around that area, where tourists to Melbourne come through viewing the sights and where people struggling with life’s problems retreat to.

If you would like to support the expenses associated with Hayley’s book table in the centre of Melbourne please contact Cherryl at Steps to Life by phone on 0411 481 930 or by email at admin@steps.org.au.