Four years ago, Miles Bollam moved from Queensland to Tasmania, settling on a small acreage in Penguin. A retiree, he enjoys visiting local churches in Burnie, Ulverstone, Devonport and Wynyard, but admits that sharing his faith hasn’t always come easily.
“Since moving here, I’ve found it difficult to talk to people about God,” he said. “I don’t have the same friendship group I used to and I’m not one to door knock or talk to random people about God.”
That changed one day when Miles was reading the Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13. “It hit me that the seed needs to be sown,” he reflected, “And it made me think, what can I do to get God’s Word out there?”
Inspired by that thought, Miles decided to set up a small roadside stall along the main road from Penguin to Burnie. With a simple sign reading “Free Bibles”, he began giving away Bibles and other Christian books, including The Great Controversy.
He admits he wasn’t sure what to expect. “You can easily read any translation online these days,” he said, “but people have been really happy to receive physical copies.”
At first, Miles handed out inexpensive mission Bibles, but when he realised the text was too small for many readers, he contacted the Resource Centre at the Australian Union Conference and was recommended the Easy Reading Family Bible, also known as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Ministries (ATSIM) Bible.
“When I received the first ATSIM Bible, I was impressed with the quality,” he shared. “The Bible looks expensive, the text size is great and the pages are beautiful with thumb index and lovely pictures. People are ecstatic when they receive them. They expect a cheap paperback, so it feels good to give them something special, knowing they’ll keep it and not throw it out.”
For the past few months, Miles has been running his roadside bookstall a few hours each week. After his first order, he quickly ordered another 48 ATSIM Bibles to distribute. He also visits local op shops to find children’s books and other Christian items to offer.
“We get a variety of people coming through,” Miles said. “From pastors of other denominations to young people and older people too. Everyone is really nice, people drive past beeping all the time. There are plenty of Christians out there, and I’ve had people stop just to say thank you. The ATSIM Bibles really help make that connection.”
Miles hopes his simple act of faith will inspire others. “I believe this is a great way Seventh-day Adventists can connect with people and stand out so others know who we are,” he said. “I’d love for Seventh-day Adventists all around Australia to get out on the road and do exactly what I’m doing. It’s simple and easy, and we can encourage each other and share stories.”
Miles plans to expand to more roadside spots, continuing to sow the seed—one Bible at a time.
Lorraine Atchia is the marketing and promotions coordinator for Mamarapha College and administrative assistant to the director of ATSIM.
