By Jao Resari, CLM in Taiwan
Last December, I received a message from Mark (not his real name), a foreign worker who arrived in Taiwan just a few months earlier. He was inquiring about where and how to take an HIV-antibody test. I arranged a time for us to go to the hospital so I could accompany him through the process and assist with translation. The test itself took only a few minutes. When he came out of the consultation room, he told me he had tested positive for HIV. It was a shocking and frightening moment for him, but the kind assistance of the medical staff helped eased his anxiety. I also reassured him that he will not be fired or deported because of his HIV status, that he could stay, receive treatment, and continue working in Taiwan. Mark was able to immediately enrol in the support program for foreigners living with HIV, launched by the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in 2024. Through this program, he receives free antiretroviral treatment. Today, he is doing well, working hard, staying healthy, and remaining hopeful about the future.
Since that day, we have gotten to know each other better. I continued accompanying Mark for his regular check-ups. One day, out of curiosity, I asked how he had found out about my office, considering he was still new to Taiwan at the time. His answer was unexpected and took me by surprise. He shared that during those early days, when fear of possibly being exposed to HIV overwhelmed him, he felt incredibly vulnerable and had no idea where to turn. Then, while scrolling through his phone, a Facebook post from a friend caught his attention. Some friends had posted selfies wearing the AIDS red ribbon, which made him curious. I realized that they were parishioners participating in our “Selfie Challenge” to raise awareness during the AIDS Candlelight Memorial, where individuals shared photos and invited others to join our online community prayer. The Agape Center, where I serve as Director, was tagged in the post, which gave Mark a way to reach me.
The Agape Center for HIV Education and Outreach Ministry of the Hsinchu Catholic Diocese facilitates an education campaign for migrant communities in the diocese for HIV prevention and to lessen HIV-related stigma. The center provides HIV-related services such as HIV tests, referrals, counseling, and assists people living with HIV.
What I find remarkable in Mark’s sharing was how God works through such seemingly random circumstances and unplanned moments. To think that his friends were completely unaware that their simple action would later become a lifeline for someone in crisis. For Mark, seeing their Facebook post became a turning point at a critical time in his life, when he had been praying to God for guidance. He shared that he saw it as a sign from God, one that gave him the courage to seek help.
This is a good reminder to be mindful of our presence and actions, whether in person or online, because even the smallest, most ordinary acts—a prayer, a smile, conversation, a hug, or even a post on Facebook—can become signs of hope for others. Though we may never see how our gestures of faith, service, or solidarity take root in the lives of those around us, may we continue to sow seeds of compassion and kindness, trusting that God will cause them to bear fruit.
“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches” (Matthew 13:31–32).
Image above: Jao Resari (standing) facilitated a seminar on HIV and AIDS prevention for Vietnamese parishioners.
