TABITHA PHIRI HONOURED FOR SERVING NEWCOMERS

Tabitha with her son Crux Phiri.

CHURCH NEWS

Tabitha Phiri serves as an elder at the College Heights Church, where she also leads the Prayer Ministry Team. Recently I had the privilege of attending an awards ceremony at which Tabitha was honoured for serving others. Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medals are awarded to Albertans in recognition of significant contributions to the province. The medal was created to mark the 70th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s accession to the throne.

Tabitha works at Central Alberta Immigrant Women’s Association, CAIWA, helping new immigrants get settled. At the award ceremony held at the Wolf Creek Golf Resort near Ponoka, eighteen Central Albertans were recognized for their contributions. As Tabitha went forward to receive her medal from Lacombe-Ponoka MLA, Ron Orr, Minister of Culture, the following write up was read…

Tabitha’s passion for the community goes back 24 years ago when she migrated to Canada with her two sons. Civil war forced her to leave her country and everything she owned. She studied at Canadian University College, which is now known as Burman University. Life in Canada was not easy, but it was through those struggles that Tabitha’s passion for social justice was born.

Today she helps newcomers to Alberta in many different aspects. Many who arrive to Canada are affected by domestic violence, face immigration hurdles, are unemployed, have housing issues, and need legal assistance. Tabitha is there to assist with all these needs. She helps to make Alberta feel like home where they can live in peace and freedom.

In Tabitha’s words, “I do what I do not just because it’s a job, but to give women, girls and children hope, and to help them achieve their dreams by putting a smile on the faces of struggling women and children.”

Thank you, Tabitha, for making the transition to Canada a little easier for these families.

I’m so proud of this godly woman! Tabitha lives her life to bless others. It was wonderful to see her honoured by the Government of Alberta!

By Jeff Potts, Lead Pastor, College Heights Adventist Church