Who is Tabitha?
Tabitha, lived in Joppa, a bustling port city in Judea (Modern day Israel) around 35-40 AD. As a disciple, she followed Jesus’s teachings, like His call to wash one another’s feet (John 13:12-20), by using her skills to make tunics and garments for the needy, widows, orphans, and the poor (Acts 9:39).
Her work was practical yet profound, offering dignity and warmth to those society overlooked. When Tabitha died, the scene that greeted Peter was one of profound grief and gratitude. The widows, gathered around her lifeless body, wept openly, their tears a testament to the deep bond she had forged with them. These women, often the most vulnerable in Joppa’s society, widowed, impoverished, and without means, had found in Tabitha not just a benefactor but a sister in faith. Their sorrow was raw, a reflection of the countless times she had lifted them from despair with her skillful hands, sewing tunics and garments that offered warmth, dignity, and a sense of worth (Acts 9:39). As they showed Peter the clothing she had crafted, simple yet meticulously made pieces, these garments became symbols of her unwavering love, each stitch a silent sermon of compassion that had clothed both their bodies and their spirits.
This poignant display of her impact moved Peter to act. He knelt, prayed, and, by God’s power, called Tabitha back to life (Acts 9:40-41), a miracle that stunned the onlookers. Her restoration was more than a personal revival; it was a divine affirmation of her life’s work, illuminating the value of serving the marginalized. The news of her return spread swiftly through Joppa, igniting a wave of faith among its diverse inhabitants, Jews, Gentiles, and early Christians alike. Many who witnessed or heard of this miracle turned to believe in Jesus, seeing in Tabitha’s story a living testament to the Gospel’s power to heal and restore. This spark of faith transformed Joppa, much as Tabitha's Torch Ministry seeks to transform lives today in El Paso, Texas, by carrying her torch of compassion to the homeless, offering practical aid and hope where it is most needed.
Her story resonates with Tabitha's Torch Ministry, where we carry her torch of compassion. Guided by the Holy Spirit’s fire (Acts 2:3-4), we travel throughout El Paso to meet people in need, providing clothing, hygiene essentials, and sustenance. Tabitha’s example of humble service inspires us to light the way for the homeless, reflecting her enduring legacy of love.
We aspire for our ministry to reflect her name and love, even in the humblest way, recognizing that her legacy stands as a rare and unmatched example.