Benita was born in England in an unmarried mothers home run by the Church of England – She was eventually adopted by a Parish Family when the adopted mother was in her early 40’s.

The family came to Australia when Benita was 11 and settled in Brisbane

She married when she was 17 and whilst the marriage lasted for a number of years, it didn’t workout. They had a banana plantation and when that failed, so too had the marriage by this time – Benita sold the cow and moved with her two children to Brisbane

Her parents were not that helpful and simply gave her £60 and told her they couldn’t stay as the parents didn’t have room in their flat – Her mum was also frightened the husband might come round. He mum by this time was in her late 60’s and just felt she couldn’t cope with these complications.

Benita came from Brisbane and moved to Saint Kilda and lived in rooming house with 2 kids.

“It was hard” she said “Often we would sit in the park all day because we had no money and nowhere to go“

Next was a stint in hospital and whilst there she was visited from the Sisters of the Holy Name who asked if she had anything for the children for Christmas

This led to an invitation to come round to the motherhouse and select some gifts for them.

She said to the nuns that she didn’t have any money so I can’t come

They insisted she come anyway and eventually selected gifts for the children.

Benita asked what she could do to repay this kindness. The nuns simply replied, ‘if you get the opportunity, simple do good for others.’ She said she gave them a promise that she would and that she has kept that promise.

The nuns kept in contact from then on and attended her daughter’s funeral after she committed suicide as a result of heroin addiction.

Benita eventually re-married and went on to adopt two other children. One as a result of being a foster carer.

Benita moved churches from where she was living as she found the people very judgemental with what had happened and found the worshipping community of Saint Albans the martyr (Melbourne).

She started to assist with their opportunity shop for a while, but many started to complain about a lack of volunteers and the cost of the shop in the main street was becoming too expensive.

She suggested to have it at church but was told it would never work

Eventually Anglicare came on the scene and opened a centre with emergency relief. This was on the basis of handing out vouchers for assistance.

Because these vouchers were only allowed every 3 months, there was clearly a need for something additional.

This system was no good for emergencies. People need assistance there and then

The parish was not doing anything really – Only vouchers – Then we went home and patted ourselves on back. We were only the middlemen and there was nothing sacrificial from parishioners. So with the encouragement of the parish priest, the Rev’d Faith Johnson, the parish decided on a step out in faith. If it was not God’s will, then it won’t work anyhow.

The congregation were encouraged to feel they were a part of this and asked when they did their shopping each week, to add one extra thing for the emergency bank. As Benita says - not everyone has the capacity to manage his or her money. They have friends when they do and none when they don’t So they started with small things – No sweets or non essentials, only Basic foods

The idea was to give enough food for 3 days. They did not try to be another Safeway – It was just to help them through the tight periods

Then an offer for day old bread became available Things were very tight in supplies and she says she often prayed to let there be enough for next week. “I really can’t think like this” she thought, “I must trust my faith

Then a man came out with car full of groceries from St Georges Malvern. Then Brighton did likewise from a harvest festival Another church sent a $500 cheque and we were off and running.

Now we had an account to work from – I would check the supermarket specials to stock shelves. We also had an appeal for blankets in winter as many sleep rough. We were able to obtain a small Freezer & Fridge. Nothing goes off now because we only use long life milk.

A number who came for assistance waited for the punch line. There had to be strings attached. Then they found we didn’t want anything in return and whilst some took this for granted, others were amazed” When asked were would she like this mission outreach to go she truly lit up. “ I would like to create a drop in centre. Soup and sandwiches on Mondays because the hall empty. To put in a TV and a couple of couches. Then a few toys for the children to play with. Parishioners could look after the kids for short time while Mum had time out with a cuppa and chat.

Many of the people who come here only just live in a room. I know what that is about as I did this with two children. I care about the poor – I have been there – There were none of the facilities for help like there is now.

In all of this, the one thing that is unchanging in my life and that is God.”

No doubt there are other Benita’s out there in the real world, and maybe this story will touch another life and continue the important task of showing the Christian faith in action.