By Stacey Mattison

The SALT Kitchen events, powered by compassionate volunteers, have proven to be more than just a meal service. It is a testament to the power of genuine care and the transformative impact of a kind gesture. As volunteers reflect on their experiences, they have witnessed the innate goodness in the hearts of the homeless, the resilience in the face of adversity, and the power of faith to uplift even in the most challenging circumstances. Our volunteers continue to embody the spirit of love, compassion, and hope, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of the homeless and fostering a sense of community that transcends societal barriers. Together, they stand as a shining example of how small acts of kindness can ignite a ripple effect of positive change in the world.

Read on for the reflections of the members of LITE House Taipei who embarked on a meaningful journey with the SALT Kitchen in June 2023. LITE House Taipei is a mandarin speaking church based in Taipei 101, and is a community partner of SALT Collectiv. As active Christians, their participation in this community service project is driven by a deep sense of faith and compassion. In this article, we delve into their heartfelt reasons for joining the SALT Kitchen initiative and why they passionately encourage others to join hands in serving the marginalized. Through their stories, we witness the transformative power of faith in action and the profound impact of reaching out to those in need.

“I witnessed the kindness of the homeless. Before distributing the lunch boxes, I couldn’t help but imagine a scene of the homeless rushing to grab the food. However, it didn’t happen as I had expected. Perhaps it was because there were people on the ground coordinating the distribution. Everyone lined up and when they received the lunch boxes, it was quite common for them to hear “God loves you” from us. As we walked along, shaking our baskets and delivering the lunch boxes, whenever they saw more food in front of them, the homeless would tell us, “No need, I already have a meal.” Even some who didn’t have food in front of them would also say they were full and didn’t need the lunch boxes when we approached them. As a real estate agent and an online shop owner, I often see human greed and conflicts of interest. From this experience, I have learned a lot.” – Kevin.

 

“I remember one touching incident that day. At the end of distributing the lunch boxes, I saw our teammate Yating interacting with an elderly lady. When Yating learned that her hand was injured, she immediately prayed for her. After hearing the elderly lady describe her experiences of being bullied, Yating led her to make a decision to believe in Jesus and encouraged her, saying, “Jesus will protect you and everything you have.” Finally, I heard the elderly lady say with her own mouth, “I believe Jesus will protect me! I believe in Him!” Harvesting a soul that doesn’t know Him is the greatest reward.” – Jamson

 

“Every soul longs to be saved. The first time I made and distributed the lunch boxes, I felt an extra sweetness in putting all my efforts into it. When I handed the lunch boxes to the homeless, I would smile and say, “God bless you!” Some of the homeless responded to me with the same blessing, saying, “God bless you too!” In my heart, I felt a sense of emotion because I didn’t know their life stories. But in the end, one grandma who was half lying on the ground waved goodbye to me. I gathered the courage to ask her, “Can I pray for you?” She agreed, and after listening to her story, we began to pray for her. After we finished, the grandma said she believed God would protect her, and she said it with a smile. I believe hope is already in her heart, and God will lead such a life back to His sanctuary. I also thank God for using us as a channel for the Gospel. All glory belongs to the Lord Jesus.” – Yating

 

As we conclude these reflections, we extend a warm invitation to everyone, regardless of religious affiliation, to join us in the cause of serving others through the various ministries of SALT Collectiv. While faith is at the heart of our mission, we embrace and welcome individuals from all walks of life to contribute their time, energy, and love to making a positive difference in the community. Together, let’s embody the spirit of compassion and solidarity as we come together to uplift and support those who need it most. Join us today and be part of a movement that is spreading hope and love.

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1.) Where can I volunteer in Taiwan?

 

SALT Collectiv is a nonprofit headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan that hosts volunteer opportunities to serve the marginalized. Volunteer opportunities include serving the homeless through our SALT soup kitchen, orphanage visitations, elderly care, biannual beach cleanups, and our annual Christmas Giving Tree that gives over 1,000 gifts each year to the marginalized all over Taiwan. We also have fundraiser events such as trivia nights, bake sales, F45 workouts, carwashes, and many more. Our FUNdraiser events bring the fun into building our community. Come checkout our community and join the movement.  

 

2.) Can foreigners volunteer in Taiwan?

 

Yes! SALT Collectiv is a diverse international community of volunteers uniting for the purpose of making a lasting imprint for the vulnerable and marginalized. There are no prerequisites required to sign up for events and we welcome expats and locals alike to join our community. We ask only that you come with a heart to serve. When individuals come together, dedicating their time and talent to serve the marginalized, lives are touched and communities are transformed. In volunteering, you engage in causes bigger than yourself, cultivate meaningful relationships and positively impact your community.

 

3.) Is it possible to volunteer with children in Taiwan?

 

Yes! SALT Collectiv welcomes and encourages children of all ages to participate in our volunteer events. However, parents will be solely responsible for the actions, behavior, and whereabouts of their children.