Year of the Snake, Taiwanese Christians help the poor and sick
Taipei (AsiaNews) - To ring in the New
Year of the Snake, various associations and Christian organizations that work
to help the needy this week have set up free meals for the poor and
marginalized, being able to reach and feed 30 thousand people throughout
Taiwan. The organization is responsible for the Genesis Social Welfare Foundation (Gswf, 创世 社会 福利 基金会), which for
years has tirelessly and commendably aided the poorest and most disadvantaged
sections of the population.
Father Matthew (徐 森 义 神父), a Taiwanese priest ordained two years ago, creative,
generous and tireless, is also on the board of the foundation. Interviewed by AsiaNews, the priest said that Cao Ching (曹庆), founder of
Gswf, 24 years ago, "had the idea to join forces of the people of good
will knocking on their doors throughout Taiwan." The first objective
was to address the "people in a vegetative state" who come from
families already in difficulty, thus increasing problems for their survival and
that of the family.
"The slogan of Cao Chiing
- said Fr. Matthew - was: 'if we can take care of the sick person in a
vegetative state, a family can survive.' Thanks to his perseverance and the immense
support he received, the association then focused on two objectives: to
encourage the inhabitants of each district to assist neighbors in need, and open
14 homes help people in a vegetative
state. " Over time, the Gswf focused on three main services: care of
people in a vegetative state, the elderly and the homeless.
Cao Ching, an evangelical Christian, has always been encouraged and supported
in part by Catholic parishes, which is why he wanted members of the Church also
among board members, because " Jesus' message of sharing with the poor is
essential in any business and activities that it has succeeded in Taiwan. "
The banquet was held this year in 14 different areas of the island. In Taipei, the event was
held on February 5 in Liberty
Square, in front of the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial
Hall (中正 纪念堂 自由 广场), there were 2,700 people, spread over 200 tables. Each person
was offered lunch and an envelope (红包) with 500 Taiwanese dollars (U.S. 16.93).
The participants were from poor families, homeless, young single mothers
without means. "It's incredible - said Father. Mathew - to see how we can mobilize large numbers of
people, to assist those in need. If you talk to Cao Ching you realize that he is
a simple person, 25 years ago he was selling tickets near the station, he was
not the CEO of a large industrial company. But he realized that with a simple
idea, he could give strength to the purpose of doing good that was already
present in the hearts of many Taiwanese. "
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02/01/2023 13:29
22/02/2018 13:29
