by Xin Yage

In anticipation of the celebrations for the New Year, Christian organizations and associations are working to bring comfort to the needy. 30 thousand free meals distributed, Taipei holds a banquet for 2700 people with 200 tables. Among the most active in aid, the evangelical Christian Cao Ching, which together with the Church of Taiwan offers support and welcome to the sick, elderly and homeless.

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. "

 

 

• taiwan
• new
• year
• of
• the
• snake
• christians
• aid
• poor
• poverty