The Gospel Restaurant of NCKU Having Been Hidden in the Alleys for 50 Years, Inviting Students to Taste the Home Atmosphere and the Love of Christ
[Special Correspondent Yang Yu-Mei / Tainan Interview Report] A pot of braised pork in soy sauce, a dish of garlic-fried vegetables, a bowl of savory or sweet soup, and a plate of fresh and juicy fruit… These home-cooked dishes with the taste of home fill the air with their aroma every day at mealtimes in an alley near National Cheng Kung University (NCKU).
Along with the overflowing aroma, there is also beautiful guitar playing and singing. This is a happy music restaurant hidden in an alley on Daxue Road in Tainan City, tailor-made for NCKU students—the NCKU Gospel Restaurant of the Student Center of the Church in Tainan. It cooks Christ’s love into various delicious dishes, allowing NCKU students who are away from home to experience the love and warmth of home-cooked meals.
A Restaurant Like Home: Abundant and Unlimited Food
“Every day at lunchtime and dinnertime, when you push open the door of the NCKU Gospel Restaurant, you will always smell the inviting aroma of food and hear the joyful sounds of hymns and prayers,” said Brother Zou Qilong, an elder of the Church in Tainan, who has served college students for many years and loves them like his own children. “The NCKU Gospel Restaurant is like a home. Students care for each other and chat while they eat, talking about their studies, exams, friends, family, future plans, and even their frustrations and emotional stories. During meals, we bring the students’ lives and even their worries before the Lord through prayer, interceding for them and singing hymns with them to lift their spirits. Everyone who comes to eat is not only full in their stomachs but also warmed in their hearts. This is our unique family atmosphere.”
The NCKU Gospel Restaurant serves meals from Monday to Friday, 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Each meal provides two main dishes, two vegetable dishes, a soup, and a fruit. In the last half hour of the mealtime, all the food is open for unlimited refills for students at the affordable price of NT$60. This price is hard to find both on the NCKU campus and in outside restaurants.
The restaurant can accommodate over 100 people and adopts a reservation invitation system, mainly targeting NCKU brothers and sisters and their gospel friends. Brother Wang Shengxin, who serves college students full-time in the Church in Tainan, said, “This fee only covers the cost of ingredients. Other expenses such as air conditioning, water, electricity, and service personnel are all offered in love by the Church in Tainan and are not charged.” Additionally, the restaurant offers regular discounts where first-time diners eat for free, courtesy of the Church in Tainan.
Started from a Couple’s “Food Group”
The NCKU Gospel Restaurant has been around for over 50 years since 1971. Day after day, it has never stopped providing meals. In 2019, although the student center was demolished and rebuilt, the restaurant continued to operate at the meeting hall of the Church in Tainan until the reconstruction was completed in 2022. Moreover, during the pandemic, they still did their best to maintain the operation of the Gospel Restaurant, ensuring that Christ’s love would continue to be passed on.
“During the peak of the pandemic, we had to suspend operations for a month due to legal requirements, but the brothers responsible for the meals continued to cook, allowing students to take their food back to their dorms to avoid gatherings. As the pandemic restrictions eased, the restaurant’s dining mode changed from table service to self-service. Fresh and delicious four dishes, one soup, and fruits are still offered with unlimited refills,” said Brother Zou Qilong.
The restaurant was originally called the “Food Group” and started serving meals when the Brothers’ House of the Church in Tainan was established. This name with a touch of old-fashioned flavor is still fondly used by NCKU brothers and sisters today. Brother Zou Qilong further explained, “For students, eating is a big issue. Every day at noon, it was a headache to think about where to eat. In the early days, a couple who lived in the Brothers’ House opened a room behind their residence for students to eat, which was called ‘bao huo’ (meal plan). Later, as more and more people came to eat, the brothers in charge of the church invited Sister Xiao, who loved the Lord, to cook for the students. The students also took turns helping with washing and cutting vegetables before meals, which marked the beginning of Sister Xiao’s 10 years of service.”
He said, “Following Mama Xiao, there were Brother Chen Shufan, Sister Xu Xie Qiujing, Sister Hong Yunu, Brother Wang Fayi, Brother Xu Zhaoqing, and now it’s Brother Cai Yucang and Brother Bai Kezhu. Every brother and sister who has enjoyed their service can testify that they treat students like their own children, caring for them with the empathy of Jesus and feeding them with the rich divinity of Christ.”
Brothers and Sisters Serve in Love, Tempering Character and Experiencing the Lord’s Grace
From purchasing and cleaning ingredients, cooking, preparing tableware, to creating a positive atmosphere for students during meals, everything is done by a group of brothers and sisters from the Church in Tainan who volunteer their time and effort out of their love for the Lord. In this process, the students also unknowingly receive perfection and shepherding from the Lord’s love.
Brother Cai Yucang, the current head chef of the Gospel Restaurant, has been serving meals at the NCKU Gospel Restaurant since 2005, collaborating with many brothers and sisters. He said in an interview, “I’m learning to teach these students who have never been in a kitchen how to use knives, cut vegetables, and prepare ingredients. At the same time, I also provide them with spiritual food and share the Lord’s word with them. I am very grateful to the Lord for giving me this opportunity to serve, allowing me to be filled by Him in my service.”
When asked about the most memorable experience in his service, he said, “Over the years, I have come into contact with many students and have often admired their dedication and efforts for the Lord. I remember one time, a sister student cried and told me before a meal that she was feeling a lot of pressure in life, and the burden of her studies and some service responsibilities made her feel overwhelmed. However, when two gospel friends entered the Gospel Restaurant, this sister wiped away her tears and put on a joyful face to interact with the guests.” Brother Cai Yucang said, “Here, I see that although we are all earthen vessels, we will feel sad, we will grieve, and we will feel overwhelmed by pressure, but the Lord is within us as our strength, enabling us to supply life to others when they are in need.”
It may sound simple to supply the life of Christ through meal service, but it is actually quite difficult to do. “In the hot and stuffy environment of the kitchen, using large spatulas to stir-fry dishes, using knives to prepare ingredients, etc., are all trials for the students’ character. The cleaning work after meals involves not only washing pots, bowls, and utensils but also various tasks to maintain cleanliness, even cleaning the grease trap… Many students rarely have the opportunity to cook at home, so by participating in the Gospel Restaurant, they can learn about these tasks, put aside their pride, and serve as servants,” said Brother Cai Yucang.
Breaking Perceptions about the Church: A Place of Home-Cooked Food and Spiritual Nourishment
Sister Wang Xiangmian from NCKU, who was saved in March of last year after being invited to the Gospel Restaurant by brothers and sisters for a meal, also joined the meal service team after her salvation. She shared, “I started coming to the Gospel Restaurant frequently after I came into contact with it in my junior year. I really enjoyed the different hymns and Bible verses that were sung and read each time. The sisters would share the background of the hymns and the meaning of the verses, which helped me understand the truth better. After I moved into the Sisters’ House in my senior year, I enjoyed the time before each meal when we would prepare together. Brother Cai would share the content of the Bible verses for that week and would also ask questions to help me delve deeper into the message.”
“In addition to the spiritual supply, I have also learned a lot in terms of practical skills. I would cook at home, but here I learned how to cook large pots of food, as well as different cooking methods and seasoning techniques. The Gospel Restaurant is also a great place to invite classmates. Many young people are afraid of the word ‘church’ and worry that they will be ‘preached to’ if they come. However, the Gospel Restaurant provides a comfortable dining environment, allowing people to listen to hymns and testimonies without pressure, and naturally talk about the gospel during meals.”
The NCKU Gospel Restaurant not only shares the eternal life of the Lord as the gospel but also allows brothers and sisters to grow and be perfected in their lives. It is a place where people can eat their fill and a home filled with love and warmth. The scene of family members eating together is like what is described in Acts 2:46-47:
“And day by day, continuing with one accord… they were taking their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding together day by day those who were being saved.” (Recovery Version Bible) “I hope that through this practice, we can spread the divine love and become a shining testimony on this campus!” Brother Zou Qilong said with a heavy burden.
For over 50 years, the NCKU Gospel Restaurant has remained steadfast, even during the challenging times of the pandemic. Their tireless dedication aims to infuse the divine life into every delicious dish, nourishing people both physically and spiritually, and allowing Christ’s love to flow among NCKU students through the loving service of brothers and sisters.
成大福音餐厅隐身巷弄50年 邀学生品尝家的味道和基督的爱
【特约记者杨育玫/台南采访报导】一锅酱油卤肉、一道蒜炒青菜、一碗咸汤或甜汤，还有一盘鲜甜多汁的水果⋯⋯这些有家的味道的家常菜，每天只要到了用餐时间，便在成大附近的巷弄里开始飘香。
随着香味四溢的，还有美妙动听的吉他演奏和歌声，这是一家隐身于台南市大学路巷弄中，专为成大学生量身订做的幸福音乐餐厅──台南市召会学生中心成大福音餐厅；它将基督的爱烹饪成各色各样美味佳肴，让在成大的莘莘学子，即使为求学离家在外，也能品尝到家中那份满带爱和温暖的幸福美味。
像家一样的餐厅 丰盛且无限享用
「每天中午和晚上用餐时间，推开成大福音餐厅的门，总会闻到诱人的菜香，也会听见唱诗、祷告的喜乐声音。」在台南市召会服事大专生多年，爱这些大专生如同自己孩子般的台南市召会长老邹奇龙弟兄受访时表示：「成大福音餐厅就像家一样，学生们在用餐时彼此关心话家常，聊聊学校课业、考试、朋友、家庭、未来规划，甚至是生活上的挫折以及心情故事。在用餐时我们借着祷告将学生们的生活点滴甚至是烦恼，带到主的面前，为他们代祷，并和他们一起唱诗歌，使他们心情舒畅；每个前来用餐的人，不仅饱在肚里，也暖在心里。这是我们独特的家风。」
成大福音餐厅的供餐时间为每周一到周五中午12点到1点、晚上6点到7点，每餐提供两道主菜、两道青菜，还有一道汤和一道水果，用餐时间最后半小时，还会开放所有食物，让同学们无限取用，只要学生铜板价60元；这价格无论是在成大校园 ，或是在外面餐厅都很难看的到。
餐厅座位可容纳超过100人，采预约邀请制，主要对象为成大的弟兄姊妹及其福音朋友。在台南市召会全时间服事大专生的王圣新弟兄说：「这个费用只收取食材成本，其他冷气、水电、服事人力都是台南市召会在爱中奉献，不收取费用。」此外，餐厅还有定期特惠，凡第一次到福音餐厅用餐的学生都免费，由台南市召会爱筵请客。
从一对爱主夫妇组成「伙食团」开始
成大福音餐厅，从1971年开始到现在已超过50年。日复一日，从未断炊。2019年，虽遇到学生中心拆掉重建，但到2022年改建完成，期间依然在台南市召会的会所实行。此外，疫情期间，仍尽力维持福音餐厅的运作，为让基督的爱一直传承下去。「疫情最严峻的时候，因为法令要求不得不暂停一个月，但负责饭食的弟兄们仍继续开伙，改让学生外带到寝室内用餐，避免群聚。随着防疫政策松绑，餐厅供食模式也从桌菜改为自助取菜；新鲜美味的四菜一汤加上水果，无限享用」，邹奇龙弟兄说。
餐厅最早名为「伙食团」，从台南市召会的弟兄之家成立时就开始供餐，这个带点古早味的名字，也是现在成大弟兄姊妹喜欢挂在嘴边的称呼。邹奇龙弟兄进一步谈到，「对学生来说，吃是个大问题，每次中午想着到哪里吃饭，就很伤脑筋。早期住在弟兄之家的一对夫妇，就在他们住处后面开了一个房间，让学生来吃饭，就是所谓的『包伙』。到后来吃的人越来越多，召会负责的弟兄们请了爱主的萧妈妈来做菜给学生吃，学生们也一同轮流配搭饭前的洗菜、切菜，从此开启了萧姊妹10年的服事。」
他说：「继萧妈妈之后，依序是陈树范弟兄、徐谢秋菊姊妹、洪玉女姊妹、王发业弟兄、徐昭清弟兄，现在是蔡雨苍、白渴主弟兄。每位享受过他们服事的弟兄姊妹都能见证，他们将学生当成自己的孩子，以耶稣体贴的人性顾惜他们，也以基督丰富的神性喂养他们。」
弟兄姊妹爱中配搭 操练性格经历主恩
餐厅从食材的采购、清洗、烹饪，到餐具的预备，以及学生们用餐时气氛的经营等，都是台南市召会一群爱主的弟兄姊妹自愿奉献己力配搭的。学生们在当中也不知不觉得到了成全和主爱的牧养。
目前担任福音餐厅主厨的蔡雨苍弟兄，从2005年开始，在成大福音餐厅服事饭食到现在，期间与许多的弟兄姊妹一起配搭。他受访时说：「一面学着教这些没进过厨房的学生们拿刀、切菜、料理食材，一面也供应他们属灵食物、分享主的话给他们。很感谢主让我有这样的服事机会，使我在服事中被主充满。」
谈到服事中印象最深刻的事，他说：「这么多年来接触学生，常常珍赏他们为主摆上跟竭力操练。记得有一次，一个学生姊妹在饭前哭着跟我说生活很有压力，学业的重担跟一些服事，让她觉得喘不过气来。但是当两位福音朋友进入福音餐厅，这位姊妹眼泪一抹，又挂上喜乐的面容跟客人接触。蔡雨苍弟兄表示，在这里看见，虽然我们都是瓦器，会难过、会悲伤、会觉得压力过大，但主在我们里面成为我们的力量，使我们能在别人有需要的时候供应生命给人。」
透过饭食服事供应基督的生命，说来简单但其实做起来十分不易。「在厨房的闷热环境中，拿大锅铲炒菜，拿菜刀料理食材等，对学生的性格都是一种磨练。厨房用餐后的清洁工作，除了刷洗锅碗瓢盆外，还有各种整洁的服事，甚至清理油水分离槽等⋯⋯许多学生在家很少有机会下厨，所以借着在福音餐厅里的配搭，让学生们对这些工作有学习，放下身段，作奴仆服事」，蔡雨苍弟兄说。
打破对教会观感 有家的味道里外得饱足
一位因为弟兄姊妹传福音，而来到成大福音餐厅用餐，并于去年3月得救的成大王湘棉姊妹，得救后也跟着进入福音餐厅作饭食服事配搭。她分享：「大三接触后，就常来福音餐厅；我很喜欢每次所唱的不同诗歌跟祷读经节。姊妹们都会分享诗歌的背景跟经文的意义，使我更认识真理。大四入住姊妹之家后，很享受每次配搭饭前的时间。蔡弟兄会分享当周圣经经文的内容，也会借着问答的方式，让我更进入当周的信息。」
「除了属灵上的供应，在做事上也让我学习很多。我在家里就会自己煮菜，在这里做饭学习到如何煮大锅菜，还学到不同的料理作法跟调味方式。福音餐厅也是邀约同学很好的场所。很多年轻人听到『教会』就怕来了会被『传教』。但福音餐厅提供舒服的用餐环境，使人没有压力地听诗歌跟见证分享，在用餐时也能自然地谈到福音的内容。」
成大福音餐厅不仅将主永远的生命当作福音传给人，更让弟兄姊妹的生命得以长大受成全。这是一个可以吃饱饭的地方，也是一个充满爱和温暖的家。家人们一起用餐的画面，如同使徒行传二章46至47节所描绘的：
「他们天天同心合意……存着欢跃单纯的心用饭，主将得救的人，天天和他们加在一起。」（恢复本圣经）「盼望借着这样的实行，能够流通神圣的爱，成为这个校园发光的见证！」邹奇龙弟兄最后充满负担地说。
50多年来，即使走过艰困疫情却始终如一的成大福音餐厅，他们不计辛劳的职人精神，为要将神圣的生命融入每一道美味的菜肴中，供应给人，使人身心灵内外都得饱足，并让基督的爱借着弟兄姊妹爱心的服事，在成大的学生们中间流淌。
