I looked at him and instinctively moved forward towards him. I also opened my arms and hugged him. We had a quick chat and went back to our friends. I had just resigned from the Junior Chamber of Commerce (JC) then. When I was the President, he was one of our Board Directors.

After sitting down, one of our colleagues who was graduated from overseas asked, "Who is he? How come both of you hugging each other in public."
She was curious. I was more surprised with her question. I thought that she studied overseas, it should be more open overseas than in Singapore. Besides, hugging is a way of greetings too. There was no hatred, enmity and a friendly form of expression.

That was the first time I hugged a Chinese friend in public.
When we were with JC, we used to meet each other but we did not hug each other at all.
That was the first time we met after I left JC. I thought I might give him a very good impression when we were with JC. That was the reason it was joyful to meet me again.

I had a lunch appointment with a youth more than three years ago. After having a cup of tea, we went to the train station. I would take the MRT home and he would go home by LRT. After entering the station, I supposed to move to the underground station and he would have to move up to the aboveground station. He held my left arm for some times. I had to stop there. I told him that I would pray for him and I asked him for his Chinese name. He told me in detailed. I felt that he did not release his hand on my arm. Then I put my right arm across his shoulder and hugged him.

Praise the Lord. At the very short moment, I felt that he needed love very much. I did not say anything. I just hugged him with strength. I just let him feel that I accepted him and he owned an elderly friend who loved him.

Ten days later, I read a posting on his Facebook. It was a frank and honest posting. I was glad that there was a change in his life.

I have witnessed the improvement in his character and life for the last four years. God is great.

I have been counselling to a few young people for my past 54 years' voluntary life. Other than a person who was ungrateful, turned against me and showed no mercy, I have witnessed the others who turned over to a new life. Thank you God!