After his national service and a short contract with the Singapore Navy, Don Tan took a good look at a work that had captured his heart for some time – outreach to youth-at-risk. So, he joined the Youth Guidance (YG) Ministry for a project serve stint and in November 2021, became a staff.

What does your work in YG involve?

I connect with youth-at-risk, imparting biblical values and sharing the gospel with them.

What led you to be a full-time staff member in SYFC?

I used to be a youth-at-risk. By the mercy of God, I came to know Him personally and was saved. When I read the Two Great Commandments in Mark 12:30-31 which says to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself, I asked, ‘Who is my “neighbor?” I was reminded of my teenage self and was motivated to reach youth-at-risk with the gospel.

What difficulty do you have as you work with others? How are you overcoming it?

It is in my communication. I’m learning to think through what I want to say before I say it. Hence, I need to work at being fast to think and slow to speak.

Describe briefly your encounter with your first youth-at-risk.

In October 2021, while in Project Serve, I had a good encounter with a primary six boy. We were able to share and be comfortable with each other. Thank God I could convey and share the gospel with him. Now, I keep up with him, walking with him in his life.

How have you grown since you joined us?

I find I have grown closer to God since I started doing the work of the gospel because I learn to rely on Him more.

What are you looking forward to in 2022?

I desire to reach deeper into the hearts of at-risk young people and to be aligned with God in all areas of my life, relying on Him instead of on myself in my day-to-day work.

Don, 26, is a youth leader in Bartley Christian Church. In the Singapore Navy, he was a sea combat operator. He holds a Diploma in Sports, Leisure and Management and while in polytechnic, he was exposed to Singapore Youth For Christ as a volunteer in our Poly Ministry.