By Tan Chew Suan

At the end of a student camp, all groups were given prizes, consisting mainly of tidbits. In my group, I distributed the goodies to the students and as there was excess, I distributed to the assistant leaders too. I didn’t take a share.

One of the girls from another group came to me and asked what tidbits I had gotten. I told her I didn’t take any. She then got a packet and gave it to me. I told her to keep it for herself. But she said it was extra and other group leaders also had their share. Initially, I still didn’t want to accept it, but seeing that she seemed a bit awkward, I asked a final time, “You really want to give to me?” She said yes. I took it and thanked her.

In principle, I generally don’t like to “gain” or “profit” from people whom I am ministering to. So instinctively, I tend to reject their offers of treats or gifts. When I was a SYFC volunteer during my university days, a Christian student I was ministering to started part-time work in KFC after her “O” levels. Once, she wanted to pay for my KFC meal. I was insistent in my refusal. I can still recall her look of disappointment. If it happens now, I will accept her treat graciously. Not that I have changed my principle, but in gratitude, I would give greater consideration to her feelings, celebrate her sense of independence in earning an income and affirm her desire.