Respect life, show gratitude
Because Ah Kun has been very concerned about the hardships of the common people for so long, Wang Pao-chu, who lives in Toufen and follows along in assisting the poor, has strongly encouraged Wen to run for rural township mayor. "He would truly be a mayor who could bring good fortune to the residents, because he has a compassionate heart. If you take into account his reputation among the ordinary people, he would definitely be elected." Also, lately some have proposed nominating him for the "Good People, Good Deeds" awards list. But he always refuses.
"The local political factional infighting is troublesome. And there's nothing good about becoming well-known. I simply want to do those things I feel are worth doing." What could be more revealing of Ah Kun's unsullied character?
After a typhoon made the mountain roads slippery, a motorcycle and a compact car got into an accident; Ah Kun, who was driving a group of elderly ladies to the doctor, stopped to help settle the dispute. Recently, he has extended his compassion to animals as well. Indigenous people who live in the mountains still hunt. When he has nothing else to do, Wen goes running in the mountains, releasing animals he finds in traps. "The sense of pain is universal in all life." he attests.
Yang Li-tsao, chairman of Chinpaoshan Enterprises in Taipei, heard about Wen Jung-kun. She made a special trip into the mountains to visit him and followed him on his rounds to destitute homes; she was not able to bear what she saw.
Wen simply gives people from the prosperous city a gentle smile: "All of you who don't know how well off you are, let me take you on a trip."
[Picture Caption]
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Ah Kun's notebook has clear listings for dates and items that have been distributed, everything from toothbrushes and soap powder to rice and noodles.
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(right) Most of Wen Jung-kun's life has been very hard, giving him a deep understanding of the pain of the poverty-stricken and inspiring his generosity. The awards on the wall are for his orchid cultivation.
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Kao Shih-jung: Though Kao has a son in his twenties, no one knows where the son is now. The only ones left at home are his mentally retarded wife, in her 50s, and a bright and lively little daughter, Kao Huei-chu. Little Huei-chu likes going to school, where she is the class discipline leader. "When I grow up I won't be like my older brother," she says, hanging by her mother's side. When "Father Wen" comes, mother and daughter are delighted, and follow him around making funny faces. The elderly lady next door, Peng Huang Lin-mei, often makes a respectful bow to the person who brings the rice, wishing him longevity.
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This rundown old brick structure used to be for animals; it is now where Kao Shih-jung and his family take refuge from the elements.
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Liao Luo Yue-wei: Now 82, she has taken shelter with four of her grandchildren in a small temple. The day Uncle Ah Kun delivered her rice, her daughter had not come around for four weeks. The grandmother had less than NT$70 (US$3) left in her pocket. The rural township government has agreed to let her stay in the temple; in return she must sweep it out daily. Grandma lights incense and makes offerings of cups of tea, while the grandchildren burn "ghost money." Watching her innocent little charges, Grandmother says that her only wish now is to live a little longer to prevent her daughter from selling the children.
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The room is filled with the detritus of life--a broken TV, a useless karaoke machine. This is where the grandmother and her grandchildren sleep.
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Huang ChangChiu-mei: Abandoned by her husband, and with her son already deceased, 81-year-old Huang has lived alone in this old brick house for more than 20 years. Because legally speaking she is still married, she is ineligible for public assistance. This day she is picking bugs out of her rice barrel; the rancid water in the jug next to the barrel has cockroaches floating in it. On a winter day two years ago, she was raped by a man who came through her window while she slept. As a result, Ah Kun helped her nail some wood up over the window.
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How many marginal people on the fringes of our prosperous society are concealed in these forested hills?
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The shining plaque for respect for the elderly is the brightest object in the room; it is given the loftiest position.
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Mu Kuo-min: Already suffering from poor vision due to meningitis, two years ago Mu was struck by a car while scavenging; he required 80 stiches in his head and now gets dizzy in the sunlight. Four years ago, when he declared his intention to marry a woman who was left slightly retarded by a childhood fever, his family strongly opposed the idea. But Mu insisted: "I want to be married. I want to have my own descendants." Today his wife is nearly to term, and his monthly income is less than US$100. How will they get by after the baby is born? "Take things one step at a time," says Mu with resignation.
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The yard in front of the house is filled with scrap metal that the husband and wife have scavenged. Though their lives are difficult, these people still have hope.
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There are many poor households on Ah Kun's List along the Nanchuang mountain road; he knows their stories and circumstances like the back of his hand.
Mu Kuo-min: Already suffering from poor vision due to meningitis, two years ago Mu was struck by a car while scavenging; he required 80 stiches in his head and now gets dizzy in the sunlight. Four years ago, when he declared his intention to marry a woman who was left slightly retarded by a childhood fever, his family strongly opposed the idea. But Mu insisted: "I want to be married. I want to have my own descendants." Today his wife is nearly to term, and his monthly income is less than US$100. How will they get by after the baby is born? "Take things one step at a time," says Mu with resignation.
The yard in front of the house is filled with scrap metal that the husband and wife have scavenged. Though their lives are difficult, these people still have hope.
There are many poor households on Ah Kun's List along the Nanchuang mountain road; he knows their stories and circumstances like the back of his hand.