In the heart of Shah Alam, a genuinely remarkable act of service and kindness is taking place quietly through The Assembly Soup Kitchen (TASK). Initiated by former pastor Soo Mun Keong and his wife, Wong Suet Beng, during the pandemic period, TASK began as a simple act of love: cooking an extra meal for a destitute family. From there, it grew into a powerful testimony of Christian service in action – serving Orang Asli, refugees, the homeless, and B40 communities. For Soo and Wong, food is not merely about filling bellies – it‘s an in-road into deeper relationships, a way of demonstrating Christ‘s love to those so often forgotten. As Jesus broke bread and fed the hungry, TASK mirrors the Gospel in that it ministers to the total person – body, mind, and spirit.
Volunteers form the backbone of TASK, just like the early Church of Acts, where believers shared what they possessed and served in unity. Over 1,000 volunteers have given their time, not only to prepare and package food, but more importantly, to build richly into relationships with the less advantaged. The title of the kitchen, “Assembly,” is a reference to this unity – different people coming together in one heart and intention, a call to action similar to Jesus‘ commandment to love thy neighbour and serve “the least of these“ as serving Him Himself (Matthew 25:40). This spirit of co-responsibility and gracious service reflects how Jesus has called the Church as the body of Christ to work: many individual members, each sharing their talents for the common good.
Beyond the meals, TASK has extended its ministry into education and health care, and it has opened up a learning center for refugee children and medical aid to those in need. This integrated approach goes into the very heart of the Gospel – that God looks not only at our spiritual, but also, at our daily needs. Mun Keong humbly accepts that charity might not be able to solve every issue, but he believes that it plants seeds of hope and change. In a world all too often divided by class and history, TASK is a beautiful reminder to the Church that it is called to be light, carrying palpable expressions of the love of God to the dark.
We recently had a meaningful conversation with Mun Keong and Suet Beng. Below is the full transcription, with Soo and Wong’s heartfelt and deeply thoughtful insights preserved in their original words. (Focus of discussion indicated in brackets. The “you” pronoun in the questions are plural.)
On The Assembly Soup Kitchen
TASK began in the midst of the pandemic in August 2020 when both of you were cooking extra meals for a family in need. What role did your faith(s) in Christ play when you first decided to cook for that one family during the pandemic? (Personal & Foundational Motivation)
We strongly believed that preparing meals is a way to care for others, mirroring Christ’s teachings about loving one another and serving those around you. The act of providing meals would be physical nourishment, but it is also in a sense, offering something that meets both spiritual and emotional needs, much like Christ’s own acts of feeding and healing.
At the same time preparing and serving the meals is our personal expression of gratitude for the blessings that we have received and the expression of humility.
The vision for TASK is about more than filling stomachs, but a missional calling to bless the less fortunate in our community. How has the life and teachings of Jesus influenced the way you approach serving the poor and marginalised through TASK? (Personal & Foundational Motivation)
The passage of scripture that defines our motivation comes from Luke 14:12-14:
12 Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. 13 But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14 and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
We believe that many have chosen to live in a “social bubble” and would therefore rarely engage with others outside of said bubble. The teachings of Jesus remind us of those in God’s heart and the church needs to step in faith to engage the poor and marginalized.
How was the ministry born? Was it a direct calling from God or a step of obedience to His calling to serve ‘the least among us’? Can you share the background story with us? (Personal & Foundational Motivation)
Ultimately it was simple and small steps of obedience leading to the ministry today.
It all started during the pandemic, whereby there were many concerns about the lack of support for those marginalized, especially the refugee community. At the time when we started, we had no plans to expand or to provide as many meals as we do today. It was just small steps of faith, preparing meals with what we had in our kitchen for a small community of refugees. As we did so, we came to discover there were many more families that needed help. We then decided to ask our church and family members to participate in preparing more meals or to donate food items. To our surprise the response was overwhelmingly positive, and God added to the numbers of volunteers. In a few months, we were able to organize over 150 homes cooking and preparing meals weekly, contributing over 5,000-7,000 meals a week.
As the pandemic was coming to an end, we then decided to formalize and consolidate our efforts in a central kitchen so that we would be able to prepare meals efficiently with the resources we have.
TASK is possibly the largest food aid cook for the elderly and heart broken in Kuala Lumpur, serving up to 700 free meals daily.
Why do you believe it’s important for Christians to step out of their comfort zones and care for communities like the homeless, refugees, and B40? (Personal & Foundational Motivation)
I think stepping out of comfort zones to care for communities like the homeless or refugees is central to living out the teachings of Christ. In the Gospels, Jesus repeatedly shows that love and compassion are not limited to those who are easy to love, those who are in our circles, or those who can reciprocate. He went out of His way to engage with people on the margins of society – the poor, the sick, the outcast – and He made it clear that loving and serving others, especially those in need, is a cornerstone of the Christian faith.
For example, in Matthew 25:35-40, Jesus speaks about caring for the “least of these” – the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the sick, and the imprisoned. He says that when we do this for others, we’re doing it for Him. This is powerful because it highlights that serving others isn’t just an act of charity; it’s a way of reflecting Christ’s love and being His hands and feet in the world.
In what ways do you see Christ’s love being shown through a simple meal or a kind word at TASK? (Christ in the Everyday Work)
Christ’s love can be powerfully shown through a simple meal in so many beautiful, profound ways. It might seem like a small act, but when you think about it, sharing a meal with someone – especially in a time of need – can embody Christ’s love in the most tangible ways.
One of the clearest ways Christ showed His love was by breaking down barriers and welcoming people who were marginalized or outcast. In the Gospels, Jesus shared meals with tax collectors, sinners, and others who were looked down upon by society. In the same way, offering a meal to someone who may not have one, or inviting someone to your table when they feel lonely or forgotten, reflects Christ’s inclusivity and care. It’s a way of saying, “You matter,” just as Christ said to everyone He encountered.
How do you and the volunteers keep Christ at the center of what can sometimes become a very busy, logistical operation? (Christ in the Everyday Work)
Quite often we have to remind our volunteers to keep missions over mechanics. Ultimately as the founders we encourage humility and grace in all roles, big or small. Not everyone is a chef and quite often we make mistakes. However, if we learn to lean towards the mission rather than the work, we allow the grace of God to work. Leading by serving one another with Christlike love – shapes the culture of the team.
Do you see any biblical stories or teachings that reflect what’s happening on the ground through TASK? Could you share one that inspires you? (Christ in the Everyday Work)
As the work on the ground requires a lot of logistics and moving parts, we need to be reminded that there are no small roles in the kitchen. Just as the body of Christ is, there is a need for a sense of a shared mission, rather than trying to achieve individual goals.
One of the inspiring stories on a collective effort comes from the biblical story of Nehemiah, whereby a collective effort is required for the rebuilding of the city walls.
You mentioned that food is a ‘bridge into people’s lives.’ How does your understanding of Jesus’ relational ministry shape this view? (Relational Focus)
Jesus describes it best with the parable of the good Samaritan from Luke 10:25-37. When questioned about what it meant to love your neighbor as yourself, Jesus illustrates that it is more than the formalities of discipleship or teachings; to show love requires us to show mercy and grace. We believe that providing something simple like a meal consistently enables us to connect to others on a much more personal level, giving us the opportunity to share about Jesus in their lives.
How does the idea of Christ as our Shepherd or Servant King shape how you care for individuals like ‘Songla’ (a jobless single mother struggling to feed her family as highlighted in a recent FMT article)? (Relational Focus)
We personally believe that Christ redefines greatness through humility and service. His kingship is not marked by power and domination, but by love and sacrifice. As His followers we want to follow that example by serving the marginalized community.
When things get overwhelming, how does your relationship with Christ sustain you and your team? (Challenges and Sustaining the Mission)
To be honest, there were many times when we truly struggled with keeping up with the demands, be it food resources, time or money. One of the reminders that sustains us is that ultimately God is our provider, and we cannot adopt a savior mentality. Learning to commit each day for His providence is key.
Have there been moments in TASK where you clearly saw God’s hand or presence at work in someone’s life or your own? (Challenges and Sustaining the Mission)
There were many moments whereby we had a need for the kitchen, and it was miraculously provided for. It was evident that it was God working, there were some needs we didn’t share with others, but God heard our hearts, and it was provided for. And more often than not, the provision comes abundantly and exceeds our expectations.
On the Assembly Learning Center (TALC)
Besides the Soup Kitchen, you also shepherd the Assembly Learning Center for refugee children. How does your faith shape the way you see and serve the refugee children at The Assembly Learning Center?
The Bible emphasizes caring for the vulnerable, including refugees, foreigners, and children. Zechariah 7:9–10 writes “This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor.’” Refugee children often fall into three of these categories.
So if we are to follow God’s heart, serving the marginalized refugees no longer becomes an option, it becomes a mandate.
In what ways does Jesus’ heart for children influence the culture and goals of the Learning Center?
From scripture we can read that Jesus shows special concern for children and affirms their value. Likewise, we too see the potential and value of these children. They show so much potential, however because of their circumstances they are unable to reach it. The Learning Center is more than a place for education; it is a place that we can bring hope and guidance to their purposes and calling.
How do you ensure that the love of Christ is reflected in the way students are taught and treated at the school?
The teachers at the learning center are our primary reflection of the love of Christ. It is difficult to teach about the love and grace of God, however as we walk as He walked and lived as He lived, we become an extension of his hands to the children.
Can you share a story where Christ’s presence became evident in the life of a child or teacher at the Learning Center?
I can’t share any single one in particular, however some of the children that we have made the border crossing recently and still carry the trauma of the journey with them. Over time we have made progress in offering comfort and protection to assure them of a physical and mental safe space. Through counselors and positive community support, we are able to bring children from the brink of giving up hope to a place of confidence and courage.
Jesus often welcomed the outsider – how does that influence the way your team approaches education for children who are often forgotten or excluded?
Jesus demonstrated a radical love that broke down societal barriers and welcomed those whom others might have overlooked or judged. This kind of inclusivity and compassion has important implications for how we approach education, especially for children who are often forgotten or excluded.
We recognize the importance of creating safe spaces, breaking down barriers and stereotypes, building empathy and to emphasize holistic development considering that we have children from various backgrounds and education exposure.
Unified Mission: Assembly Soup Kitchen and Learning Center, Grounded in Christ
How do you see both the soup kitchen and the learning center as part of a holistic Christ-centered mission?
Both ministries form an ecosystem whereby physical and spiritual needs can be taken care of. The soup kitchen addresses the immediate physical needs of the community by offering nutritious meals to individuals experiencing food insecurity, homelessness, or financial hardship. The learning center focuses on the development of academic skills, critical thinking, and personal growth in students. We find both work hand in hand.
In a world of overwhelming need, how do you stay rooted in the belief that even a small act, done in Christ’s name, can change a life?
Ultimately, we have to understand that it is our obedience that God seeks, and not the results. Just as a small act done in obedience is more impactful than large acts done with selfish intent. We have seen this in biblical stories, with a widow’s two copper coins or a boy with five loaves and two fishes or Elijah and the widow of Zarephath.
What does it mean to you to be “the Church beyond Sunday” – bringing Christ’s presence into kitchens, classrooms, and city streets?
“The Church Beyond Sunday” is a powerful phrase that calls attention to the idea that the Church is not limited to a building, a service, or a single day of the week. It challenges believers to live out their faith daily and to see the Church as a living, active body of Christ in the world – not just a place or a program.
We are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. I would challenge and encourage Christians to consider the need to bring the light of God to the darkest places in Malaysia.
Vision & Legacy
What is your prayer or vision for The Assembly Soup Kitchen and Learning Center moving forward, in terms of being a witness for Christ in Shah Alam and beyond?
The verse ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.’” – Matthew 9:37 comes to mind. Our prayer and vision for TASK and TALC is that many will be inspired to offer their resources and time to those around them. As we continue to provide food security and education – we hope to create awareness of the marginalized communities in Malaysia in hope to inspire the Malaysian church to step up and represent Christ. As mentioned, small acts when done in obedience can bring a profound change in the lives of the community around them.
How can the Malaysian Church grow in reflecting Christ through practical community services like The Assembly Soup Kitchen and Learning Center?
Community services such as TASK and TALC are set up to provide collaboration, support, awareness and guidance to churches in practical ways to serve the community.
However, in order for the Malaysian Church to truly grow in reflecting Christ, the church needs to be intentional, humble and willing. There needs to be a redefinition of the value of “success” of a church – perhaps even a reevaluation of their vision.
Our organisation can only do so much, but the Malaysian Churches needs a self-examination on inclusivity, biasness, awareness and begin to train our congregations for engagement. I feel that if the Malaysian Church can recover the sense of urgency, revival will come.
Mun Keong and Suet Beng shared that they have many stories to tell from their years serving in TASK and TALC (the genesis of their ministry in TALC is itself a poignant story), too many to include here due to space constraints. Christianity Malaysia plans to include these in a future article.
About The Assembly Soup Kitchen
Established in August 2020, The Assembly Soup Kitchen (TASK) serves the less fortunate in Sunway, Subang, Puchong and beyond by providing around 3,500 healthy meals weekly to refugee students, the B40 community, and the homeless. Operating Monday to Saturday from The Assembly Ground Event Space in Hicom Glenmarie, TASK also distributes groceries to 100 struggling B40 families, including Orang Asli communities.
About The Assembly Learning Center
The Assembly Learning Center (TALC) aims to provide refugee children in Malaysia with access to education, empowering them to rebuild their lives while awaiting relocation. Open to all regardless of background, the center offers a safe, nurturing environment where children can gain formal education, life skills, and character development. In response to the educational gap faced by refugee children – most of whom cannot attend local or private schools – this center is part of a parallel learning system committed to giving them a hopeful and dignified future.
Both TASK and TALC welcome individuals who are interested in contributing their talents and efforts and making a meaningful impact in the lives of the communities they serve. You can reach out to them through their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/theassemblysoupkitchen
Christianity Malaysia extends its thanks to Mun Keong and Suet Beng for their openness and generosity in sharing their story as well as their hospitality and help throughout the production of this article. May it encourage and inspire many. All photos and the video were kindly contributed by Mun Keong and Suet Beng.
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